Category: Skin problems and treatments

TIPS TO MINIMISE MASKNE

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What is maskne?

Mask + Acne = Maskne. Maskne occurs whens acne breaks outs result of wearing a mask. Maskne can develop in as quickly as one day of wearing a mask, or after several weeks of mask wearing. Due to COVID-19 it has become an everyday lifestyle to wear a mask to protect ourselves and everyone around us. However, one of the unwanted side effects of wearing masks is that it can cause acne, rashes, redness and breakouts to appear.

Premier laser & Skin has put together top 5 tips to help educate and inform our clients to minimise breakouts.

What causes maskne?

Wearing a mask creates a humid environment that can cause blockage due to mask causing a barrier between the skin and fresh air. Wearing a mask causes sweat, oil and bacteria to build up and this can clog our pores. The weather can influence maskne too. During warmer climates, maskne is most likely to be caused by clogged pores, whereas colder climates maskne is created by friction on dry, sensitive skin.

 

Top 5 tips to minimise maskne:

  1. Gentle Cleanse:

Stick to unscented or fragrance-free cleansers, gentle cleansers removes excessive sebum (oil) from the skin and, swear and bacteria. Using scented and fragranced cleansers can be irritating to the skin and make it harder for the skin to heal when we breakout. 

2. Moisturise

Moisture your skin after cleansing and before wearing your mask especially during winter climates to keep the skin hydrated, this will prevent water loss and improve the barrier function of the skin.

This will act as a protective barrier between your skin and your mask and also prevent rubbing which causes irritation, which can lead to skin abrasions and breakouts.

3. Avoid wearing heavy make-up

Avoid wearing heavy make-up or foundation underneath the mask as it may have the potential to lead to spots/acne. Wearing heavy make-up or foundation underneath the mask as it may have the potential to lead to spots/acne due to blockage of pores. You can use a light BB or CC cream as a less harsh alternative. 

4. Keep Hydrated

As much as we can take care of the outside, we need to take care of our inner health. Keeping hydrated throughout the day is essential to keeping skin as hydrated as possible to flush out all toxins and help improve skin’s barrier function. You can also use water face sprays to refresh your skin in-between the day to refresh your skin,

 

5. Choose the right mask

Choosing the right mask material and fit is essential to not only keeping yourself and other safe throughout covid-19, but also to reduce damage to your skin.

To avoid skin breakouts, choose the right mask by making sure:

  • fits correctly, but not too tight
  • has 2 or more layers of fabric
  • is made of natural, soft fabric (like cotton)

Avoid masks made of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or rayon. These materials can cause further damage to the skin and cause irritation.

To book a free virtual E-consultation with our senior skin consultant to discuss your skin concerns and book your future treatments with us visit: http://premier-laser.monografix.co.uk/book-econsultation/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Best winter skin treatments

Sunshine leaves us earlier…
Roads get frosty early in the morning…
And now you can see your breath outside….

Say hello to winter.

During the colder months, our bodies go through many changes to adapt to the weather and to help us survive this season easier. Our metabolism works faster to keep us warm. Less water is stored in our bodies as there is less heating on the body less sweating. Also, we loose some of the natural moisture we have on our skin due to the cold and dry weather.

Winter skincare, by nature, should be different than your summer skincare. As the needs of your skin will change, the routines should chance too. And what about the clinical level of your skincare?

We’ve listed you the best 3 most popular skin treatments for the winter.

Dermapen Microneedling for winter

Dermapen Microneedling is an amazing treatment to help you to get rid of your skin imperfections. It creates controlled wounds on your skin and promotes its own healing process. Because the wounds on your skin are not actual wounds, your skin overcorrects the area and you end up erasing the last few year’s effects from your skin.

One of the most important parts during your dermapen treatment is after you had the treatment you need to stay away from the sun exposure for 1-2 weeks. During this time your skin healing process will be working actively and if you would get any suntan during this time, it may cause unwanted pigmentation and skin marks.

Dermapen microneedling treatment is performed in different settings. If it is your first time having the treatment, your practitioner will use the lower settings. This means the tiny needles will penetrate your skin 0.5-1mm. If you are having dermapen microneedling treatment regularly, then your practitioner can increase the level up to 2-2.5. The severity of your treatment will also be depending on your skin type and condition. If your skin thin and your skin condition is not too severe, your practitioner will prefer lower settings. The higher settings you get your treatment will give you bigger skin shedding after. If you are having a high setting treatment, sunshine will have more effect on your skin. So if you are suffering from some serious acne, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles or pigmentation; winter is the best time to have your course of dermapen treatment.

Dermapen microneedling is one of our invasive skin treatments as, during your treatment, tiny needles will punctuate your skin to create micro-tears. Because of this, after your treatment, you can feel hot, tingling and a mild burning sensation on your skin. Most of our clients prefer having their dermapen microneedling treatments during the winter times as the colder weather is making the time after the process easier.

 

Hydrafacial for winter

Hydrafacial is one of our most popular treatments. It is non-invasive. Cleans and clears your skin, hydrates and gives you the immediate red carpet glow right after your treatment.
As we’ve mentioned during the winter times, your skin doesn’t store as much water as summer times. This way your body spends less energy to warm you up, as there isn’t an antra litre of water stored that it needs to heat up. Also, as cold air is less humid, your skin gets dried from outside as well as inside.
Hdyrafacial treatment provides your skin with the hydration it needs. Even though you change your skincare during the winter and you start using more oil-based moisturisers for a stronger effect, no skincare cream can reach the benefit of Hydrafacial.
With the winter season, we also experience higher pollution in the air. This pollution gathers on your skin and fills up your pores. This can then cause acne, blackheads or other skincare problems. With its cleaning and extracting formula, Hydrafacial will help you to get rid of the effects of winter pollution.
Winter times are also when we experience the most undereye puffiness. As days are shorter, we do use more artificial lights and it tires our eyes. This is one of the reasons for black under eyes or undereye puffiness. With the lymphatic drainage, which is the first step of Hydrafacial treatments, you can get rid of your undereye puffiness and can have a more refreshed look.

 

Skin peels for winter

We all have different skin needs but one thing is for sure, during the winter we need to take better care of our skin to make sure it doesn’t dry up. Otherwise, it can get patchy in a short time. And can get more fine lines and wrinkles in the long term.
At Premier Laser & Skin we offer many skin peels that would be suitable for your skin and it will provide what your unique skin type and condition would require.
With the correct skin peel to your skin type and condition, you can get rid of your acne problems, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase hydration, and give your skin its regular care.
If you don’t know which skin peel is the most suitable for you, you can speak to our skin experts. Our highly experienced practitioners offer free skin consultation to understand your skin type and complaints. They will offer you the correct bespoke skin peel for your unique results, and help you to achieve your skin goals.

How To Get Rid Of Love Handles

Love handles, muffin tops, baby fat, potbelly… No matter which name you use, the excess fat on flanks doesn’t sound nice.

Our bodies store the extra fat for energy. Where it is stored depends on genetics and lifestyle. When some people gain weight, the fat is stored in an equal manner to the whole body. Abdomen, arms, hips, flanks, and even face.

But for some people, excess fat is stored in some particular areas of the body. For example, many women store the extra pounds either on their abdomen or on their hips.

lovehandles

There are many genetic and hormonal reasons behind why we are storing our fats in these areas. For example, women having wider hips than men and storing fat around the hips actually helps while carrying a baby.

And we also know the testosterone hormone is causing fat bulges on the arms. That’s why men usually have wider arms comparing to women. And by the time women age, with the increase of the testosterone hormone on their body, they also start storing fat on their arms as well.

But with love handles, it is not entirely genetic or hormonal.

Of course, if you are genetically more prone to store fat on your belly and flanks, you are most likely to have wider love handles. But it is also directly connected to your lifestyle.

 

lovehandles

Why do we have love handles?

90s fashion introduced us to low waist trousers. Which, by the most classic fashion designers, is considered as bringing the end of the hourglass figure for women.

Our bodies can be shaped very easily. Using low waisted clothes for years also started to shape our bodies as well. This new fashion creating pressure just under our abdomen and flanks made a visible cut on our waist area. Just like a toothpaste tube, when most of us gain weight, we keep the belt-line just under our tummies. And the excess fat stores on the top of it.

This extra fat on the flanks is called love handles or if it joined forces with the tummy fat, you have a proper muffin top.

So when we are dieting and exercising to get rid of the excess fat, we might lose significant weigh. But because the fat bulges on these areas actually belonged to a bigger area, and with the fashion or other lifestyle choices they have gathered in a more specific smaller area, we see a smaller change here, or we get stuck with some stubborn fat pockets.

lovehandles

How to get rid of love handles?

Coolsculpting is a highly effective fat reduction treatment. It is not a weight-loss method. But it is to fight with specific problem areas and the fat bulges. It freezes the excess fat cells and breaks them. Then the dead fat cells leave the body in natural ways.

Coolsculpting is applied to the body with applicators. It can be performed in different areas of the body. And to reach many areas, it is designed with different size applicators.

Coolsculpting on love handles are usually applied with 2 regular size applicators, one on each side of the body. The coolsculpting applicators can be applied on both sides of the body at the same time. This way your treatment time will be reduced by half and you can get back to your daily life right after your treatment.

During your coolsculpting treatment love handles, the machines are secured with a special band and we also use body pillows for extra comfort.

The coolsculpting treatment takes as little as 35 minutes on love handles. During your coolsculpting treatment, your clinician will offer you drinks and you can spend your time on your phone, catch up with your series or listen to music.

After your coolsculpting on love handles, your clinician will make an intense massage to both areas. This will help the fat cells to break easier and will help increase the fat loss percentage.

To increase the effects of your coolsculpting treatment on love handles, you can also make this message to yourself on the following days! Right after your treatment, you can go back to your daily life.

lovehandles

While coming to your coolsculpting appointment for love handles area, we would recommend wearing some loose clothing. If the weather allows, you might want to prefer a loose dress to help you with comfort. If not, prefer to wear loose waisted trousers rather than tight ones.

And make sure your underwear is not tight and uncomfortable.

After the coolsculpting treatment, your love handles can get swollen and can feel some discomfort. This is absolutely normal. It will go away in a week.

After having coolsculpting on your love handles, you can start seeing the results in 1 month. Our clients usually realise the most significant change around the 3rd month. And the fat loss usually continues up to 6 months.

lovehandles

We will invite you again to our clinics to record your results and follow up. We will make the measurements and take the after photos for your love handles coolsculpting results. The average fat loss on love handles after 1 coolsculpting session is between 25-30%

If you would like to have more information about coolsculpting on love handles or other parts of your body, you can book a free consultation now!

NHS and key workers giveaway

In the past few months, we’ve all been through a lot. 

We couldn’t leave our houses, had our struggles with video meetings, tried to cut our own hair, and had many changes in our normal lives. 

But while we were safe at home, we had our heroes out there who made it possible for life to continue. Our life-saving, package delivering, street protecting, fire extinguishing, children teaching heroes… 

At Premier Laser & Skin, we appreciate everything they’ve done for us. And as a humble thank you, we are giving away 10 Dermapen Treatments to NHS and key workers. 

To enter, you need to visit our Instagram account to the following post, and;

1) Follow us on Instagram

2) Like this post

3) Tag 3 friends

nhs dermapen give away

The winner will be announced on the 4th of August 2020 midday on our stories and DMs. Closing date/time for the entry is 4th of August 2020 10 am. 

Update (03.08.2020);

After Fridays government announcement regarding facial treatments we’ve extended our fantastic key worker Dermapen giveaway until we are able to perform them – You can tag more accounts on comments to increase your chance to win! 

 

The choice of clinic for the treatment is subject to availability. 

The dermapen treatment prize cannot be transferred to others. 

You can redeem your prize within 6 months of the announcement. You can reschedule your appointment up to 2 times with 48hrs notice. 

The prize draw is available for;

all NHS and social care staff, including:

  • doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff.
  • Essential public services staff, including:
    • charities and workers delivering critical frontline services
    • those responsible for the management of the deceased
    • police and support staff
    • fire and rescue service employees (including support staff)
    • Transport workers, including:
    • those who keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the coronavirus response
    • postal services and delivery
    • waste disposal sectors 

Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

We wish you the best of luck!

Which facial treatment to choose? Hydrafacial Vs. Chemical Peels

Why do we need a facial?

We all want to have glamorous skin. But what determines a great skin? An even skin tone, the regular skin texture, well-hydrated complexion, no noticeable pores, no marks, no spots…

Did you know our skin constantly renews itself.

skin anatomyhydrafacial or chemical peel

The new skin cells are made on the lower layers of the epidermis. Within 4 weeks, these new skin cells move to the surface of the skin. And old skin constantly sheds itself to leave the top layer to the fresh new skin cells.

However, by the time we age, the skin renewal gets slower. Our diet and daily habits also affect the skin renewal process. For example smoking, alcohol, nutrition-poor diet, and not getting enough sleep slow down the metabolism and the cell turnover.

Facial treatments clean, exfoliate, tone, nourish and hydrate the skin. And they provide the extra help that your skin needs to renew, glow and remain healthy.

There are many facials treatment options, but not every facial is for everyone. Some facials are very harsh on the skin and not suitable for some skin types; such as some chemical peels or some dermabrasion treatments. But there are also other facial treatments which are suitable for all skin types such as Hydrafacial.

Hydrafacial is a world recognised skin treatment which clears, exfoliates and hydrates your skin without the downtime and side effects.

On this article, we will compare the Hydrafacial treatment with other chemical facial treatments. If you are looking to have a facial but don’t know what is the best option for you, this guide may help you.

What is a facial?

A facial is the basic skin treatment which helps skin to clear and regenerate by cleaning, exfoliating and hydrating. The main effect of a facial is the peeling. This is when the top layer of the skin is exfoliated by (mostly) chemical ingredients. It creates controlled damage on the skin and promotes the body’s natural healing response.

When we say facial, we use it as an umbrella term for skincare treatments that rejuvenates, renews, and helps with many skin conditions. And chemical peels are the most common form of the facial.

hydrafacial or chemical peel

Hydrafacial vs regular facial

In the olden days, doctors used to look at one’s skin and determine their health condition.

Today we also know we can use our skin like a map to our health. From the touch of your skin, you can understand if your body is hydrated or not. From where acne occurs on your face, you can determine some health conditions.  But today with the help of modern science and dermatology, we have a better health system to care ourselves and secret weapons to perfect our skin.

As living organisms, our bodies regenerate every day. As a daily work. Then why don’t we always look like in our 20s if our bodies keep renewing itself? Because the regeneration always starts from the most needed area.

The full renewal of your skin takes years. And during this time we get exposed to many internal and external elements which are affecting our skin negatively. Such as stress, bad eating habits, drinking and smoking etc.

Have you ever wondered how do you keep the same wrinkles for years around your eyes or mouth, but when you cut your skin by mistake, it fixes itself perfectly in a week or two?

It is because the body always gives priority and its primary attention to the wounds. Which is the survival instinct.

Most of the facial treatments, create small wounds to the skin to promote the renewal process. These wounds are usually so small to see or for any negative effect. But your body feels the need to work on the wound and regenerates the skin on the area. It treats the controlled damage on your skin as a wound. And wakes up the healing organisms on the area. Once the skin is renewed, it looks much younger and smoother than before.

How do chemical peels work?

Chemical peels strip off the top layer of the skin. While your body is already working on the skin renewal, now it starts doing the cell turnover much faster to make sure the skin can continue its duty of protection. The chemical peels leave your skin thinner than before. So your skin is encouraged to generate more fresh skin cells within the natural process.

There are 3 types of chemical peels, which are separated by their power and intensity.

  • Superficial peels; only work on the very top layer of the skin. They are applied and left only for a few minutes. Regular application is needed. There is usually little to no downtime. Very mild results.
  • Medium peels are stronger than superficial peels. They penetrate the top and mid-layer of the skin. The treatment needs to be repeated in every couple of months (depending on the skin type and condition). The downtime is usually a few days as the controlled damage is higher than superficial peels and it takes longer time to heal.
  • Deep peels are the strongest peels. As they affect the deep layer of the skin, a topical anaesthetic cream is usually required. Mostly preferred for severe skin conditions or pigmentation. Swelling and redness can last up to a couple of weeks. It has long-lasting effects so usually not need to be repeated.

Is Hydrafacial different than a regular facial?

Hydrafacial is much more than just a facial. It still gives your skin the peeling effect as it exfoliates your skin and promotes the cell turnover, but it also clears the pores, hydrates and much more.

If we were to compare hydrafacial with chemical peels in terms of its peeling effect; we could place it between superficial and medium peels. 

As HydraFacial clears the skin and pores, it is much deeper than any artificial and some medium peels. But unlike chemical peels, it doesn’t have any downtime. As there is no deep damage applied to the skin. It only clears up the dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin – like a superficial peel. And also clears the pores off – which is actually deeper than more medium chemical peel- but without the damaging effect.

Is hydrafacial a chemical peel?

At the process, Hydrafacial treatment uses some chemical ingredients. Which can cause for it to be confused as a chemical peel. But, Hydrafacial is not a chemical peel.

Firstly, unlike chemical peels, Hydrafacial is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment. Hydrafacial and chemical peels both exfoliate your skin but unlike chemical peels, Hydrafacial doesn’t cause any skin damage. Plus it gives Hydrating benefit which cannot be gained from chemical peels.

Is hydrafacial better than regular facial?

Which facial treatment you may need depends on your skin type, skin conditions and skin goals. Hydrafacial is great for subtle changes on your skin.

Hydrafacial is one of our most popular treatments which is suitable for all skin types and most skin conditions. 

Our clients prefer Hydrafacial for a deep cleanse, refreshed and youthful look. The treatment is highly effective on

and much more.

If you are looking for a regular skin purifying without any downtime and side effects, then Hydrafacial may be the best option for you. It doesn’t only clears your skin but also hydrates, balances and calms it. And most importantly -unlike most other facials- with the led therapy at the end of the 6 step procedure, Hydrafacial leaves your skin more defending to acne and blemishes.

However, if you are suffering from severe pigmentation or acne scars, we would recommend a stronger facial, which should always be decided after your consultation with skin experts.

What chemicals used in hydrafacial vs chemical peels

On Hydrafacial exfoliation, acids such as glycolic and salicylic are used.

Glycolic acid is a mild ingredient used in many skin care products. It is found in some sugar crops and is water-soluble – which helps your skin to benefit from the Hydrafacial treatment. It removes the very outer layer of dead skin without causing any damage. Leaves you with refreshed and brighter skin.

Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid, with antibacterial properties. It is widely used on many skincare products. Salicylic acid dissolves the debris and fragments collected in the skin pores (Which mainly causes the acne other skin imperfections). Once the dirt on the skin is dissolved by the salicylic acid, the hydra vacuum can then clean inside the pores.

The main ingredients of the chemical peels differ. Some chemical peels use fruit acids like citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid and tartaric acid. And some chemical peels use alpha-hydroxy acids.

The main difference between the Hydrafacial and chemical peels is usually; while chemical peels use acids to work on and peel off the top layer of the skin with strong ingredients, Hydrafacial uses specific acids that will work on the dirt, sebum and the dead skin cells with rather milder elements.

hydrafacial or chemical peel

hydrafacial vs chemical peel for acne

Acne forms from the bacteria accumulation on the pores. The bacteria mixes with the dirt, dust and the pollution as well as the excess sebum oil on the skin and clogs the pores on the skin. There are different types of acne formation such as blackheads, whiteheads, pustules etc. the main difference between the acne types is the form of the pus created by the bacteria, dirt and sebum.

Some acne types can be easily cleared off by hydrafacial. Such as blackheads and whiteheads. The hydra suction clears off the pores while exfoliating the top layer of your skin and leaves you with a clean and refreshed look.

hydrafacial or chemical peel

On the other hand, some acne formations such as nodules, cannot be treated with Hydrafacial. These acne types are formed on the middle layer of the skin and usually don’t open to the surface with the pores. Hence, Hydrafacial cannot reach them.

Some chemical peels are great at clearing skin and stripping off. And they can be used to treat many acne formations. However many of them would be insufficient to clear some forms of acne as well; such as nodules and cysts.

If you are unsure of which skin treatment is the most suitable for your acne condition, you can further read our guide. 

how long does hydrafacial vs chemical peel last

The glowing and hydrating effects of Hydrafacial usually last 5-7 days and depending on your skin type; often longer. We usually recommend the repeat treatment in every 4-6 weeks to give your skin a deep cleansing and glow. However, this depends on your skin type, condition and lifestyle.

With chemical peels, the results depend on the type of the peel. The peeling time and the optimum results usually depend on the strength of the chemical peel.

  • Superficial peels; It is usually little to no downtime. You can repeat the treatment every 4-6 weeks.
  • Medium peels; may take a few days to fully peel and they are usually recommended to have in every 6 months.
  • Deep peels; on the other hand, may take 1-2 weeks to peel completely. But depending on your skin condition, the repeat of the treatment is not usually necessary.

hydrafacial or chemical peel

how much hydrafacial vs chemical peel cost

The price of Hydrafacial treatment depends on the steps and what it includes. At some London clinics, you can have Hydrafacial treatments for cheaper but they will be the shorter treatments which don’t include all steps. At Premier Laser and Skin clinics we offer 6 steps HydraFacial which is the optimum HydraFacial treatment with prices starting from 126. We also have special offers on skincare treatments you can benefit from.

Prices of chemical peels depending on the treatment. They differ from 80 to 950.

Combining skin treatments

Every skin has different needs and a different threshold. Hence there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to skincare. Your skin can benefit from combining different skin care treatments. But you should always speak to a skin professional before taking any steps.

Stretch Marks And Pregnancy

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How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks After Pregnancy.

As you hold your tiny newly delivered bundle of joy tightly in your arms for the first time, your heart melts as they lovingly gaze up at you with those big baby eyes.

Words haven’t yet been invented to describe how you feel.

You have just gone through months of carrying around a huge weight, constantly feeling tired, sick and having to rush to the toilet every five minutes. Not mentioning the sleepless nights and your body stretching until you thought you might go ‘pop’!.

After the euphoria dies down and your friends and relatives fade away into the background – eventually your thoughts turn to getting back into shape.

You look at yourself in the mirror to see how much you have changed and what needs to be done to get back into shape. You then notice stretch marks that seemed to have appeared like a squatters in an empty building overnight and you are sure they weren’t there before or that bad and your thoughts turn to evicting them!. So what can be done?.

pregnant womenWhat Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks or striae are small tears in your skin. They occur due to your body changing size in a short space of time due to the rapid expansion of your uterus alongside the sudden weight gain during pregnancy.

Don’t worry about 90% of women are affected by stretch marks during pregnancy.

They can usually be found around the

  • stomach
  • breasts
  • thighs
  • buttocks

If you have stretch marks after your pregnancy don’t be too upset as the majority will fade over time.

Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

If you got through to your second trimester and were stretch mark free and were beginning to feel optimistic you could avoid them altogether and were regularly massaging oils and lotions into your skin, it is surprising to learn that stretch marks during pregnancy usually form during the last trimester and usually on the belly. These types of pregnancy stretch marks are known as striae gravidarum.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis, this is the tough middle tissue layer that lets the skin keep its shape.

Immediately after pregnancy you may not like the look of your stretch marks, especially if you have never had them before, they may be quite visible and quite red or very dark depending on your skin tone or ethnicity.

Within the next year they will look vastly different and their colour will become more consistent with the rest of your skin tone.  If you are looking for a cosmetic solution to reduce their appearance there are several options available on the market.

Do Creams Work For Stretch Marks?

Unfortunately, cosmetics such as oils and creams will not be able to heal the marks, entirely they can provide the skin with moisture that can help make the skin feel softer and smoother. Oils like

  • olive oil
  • coconut oil
  • aragan oil
  • bio oil
  • almond oil

are popular but require you to really spend time massaging the oils and creams in.

Vitamin C usually have the best effect of stretch marks as does hyaluronic serum which is available without prescription.

This may give you greater body confidence and ensure that if you are constantly touching the marks they will be less identifiable.

Concealer can be used to mask the stretch marks themselves on any skin that is visible although this is a short term response, as hot weather in summer could lead to increased sweating and may lead to rashes or acne forming on the marks as it clogs the skin and therefore this is not recommended.

It also should be removed daily and can cause a mess it you get it on your clothes or bedsheets!

Can Exercise Improve Stretch Marks?

Some people think a more vigorous exercise routine can rid themselves of stretch marks. Exercise, solely cannot remove stretch marks but it can help to tone the area, which will make them less visible. The same rule applies for employing healthier diet following birth, as it’s been proven that this can give you a better mindset and a more positive outlook regarding your stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Treatment

Alternatively, whilst stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of, people do seek out solutions to them and therefore there are many cosmetic treatments that can help remove the marks, and Premier Laser offers such below:

Dermapen Micro Skin Needling

This is a two-part procedure which combines 12 microscopic needles and an electric handpiece. The needles oscillate at an incredibly high frequency and make small punctures in the tissue. The microneedling creates a minor trauma which encourages the immune system to respond and create new and healthy collagen. The new collagen then works with third-party topical nutrients to prevent dermal tearing. Dermapen has grown in popularity over the years and is a popular treatment of stretch marks and many people have reported excellent results from.

Radio-Frequency Skin Resurfacing

This is a non-laser approach to repairing the skin tissue affected by stretching. The device stimulates collagen growth before the top layer of skin and therefore attacks the damaged tissue ‘inside out’.  It sends radio frequency into the skin and is a non invasive procedure and can be performed quickly with no downtime.

Infini 3D Skin Tightening

The technique is also non-surgical and instead harnesses the power of light energy, ultrasound and radiofrequency to allow individuals to get younger and firmer looking skin, removing the visibility of stretch marks. This three pronged approach really attacks the stretch marks and good results have been reported from the infini 3D skin tightening.

Next Steps

So the good news is that something can be done about your stretch marks.

Today treatment has moved on from recommending creams and oils.

Our understanding and knowledge of skin has grown and the new technology available means treatments have advanced. Many people are now experiencing great results from the new technology and prices are now affordable to most.

The best way to approach your stretch marks is not to panic, try to accept that they are part of you and a reminder that they are a small price to pay for the delightful bundle that has come into your life!

Before you pick up the phone and book an appointment at your local clinic firstly focus on your diet, stay hydrated and moisturised and look to slowly get back to exercising gently, when your GP recommends its safe to do so.

You can then look into exploring your options with a clinic and arrange a consultation to speak to an experienced practitioner who will understand what you are going through and can advise the best course of action.

When you are ready and If you would like to discuss your stretch marks with an expert practitioner why not book a free consultation and speak to us about your skin goals and how we can help you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Stretch Mark Removal For Men

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Stretch Mark Removal For Men

Men do you want to get rid of your stretch marks?.

The good news is something can be done, the bad news is – don’t expect miracles.

Treating stretch marks has come a long way recently. The old advice recommended you to apply natural oils like almond, olive or coconut.

Today stretch marks on men can be treated using the latest laser, radio frequency, sonar and light technology.  This new technology can greatly reduce their appearance so you are not so self conscious of them.

Gym, Bodybuilding & Lifting Stretch Marks 

Have you have worked hard adding lean muscle mass, hitting the gym regularly and sweating buckets doing your boring cardio?.

Then watching everything that passes your lips as you know abs are made in the kitchen not gym. You have avoided sweet treats like deserts, cakes and biscuits and religious stuck to your strict clean diet – day in and day out, week after week?.

As much as you like the ‘new you’ looking back at you in the mirror all this has come at a cost.

Stretch marks!…

…and in the back of your mind those annoying stretch marks seem to be taunting you trying to take the shine of your hard won achievements!.

Dieting or weight gain

Alternatively, maybe instead of stacking on the muscle you decided to do something about your weight.

Not recognising the person staring back at you in the mirror every morning you took the bull by the horns. You started to watch what you eat. Tried a new diet. And after months of cast iron discipline you transformed yourself. Revealing the person you know was hiding underneath the layers of fat many months ago.

The only problem once again – stretch marks!.

So what is the answer ?

Is there an answer ?

Will laser, creams, argan or bio oil remove your stretch marks ?

Whatever the cause it is reassuring to know that today something can be done to remove unsightly stretch marks.  Technology, as mentioned earlier, has come a long way, and it is technology we turn to for the answer.  Not creams , oils or butters.

But first a bit of background about stretch marks.

What Exactly Are Stretch Marks ?

The medical term for stretch marks is striae distensae, but most people call them stretch marks. They are red or darker, jagged marks. They can sometimes be a source of irritation. Stretch marks are considered a form of skin scarring – which sounds scary !

They can occur when someones skin gets stretched or shrinks rapidly.  This affects the collagen and elastin in the skin that has become damaged and stretch marks can appear due to self healing process of the skin.

If you notice new stretch marks your stretch marks may be purple or red jagged lines or darker brown lines depending on your ethnicity and skin tone. The skin may feel raised or bumpy.

Gradually stretch marks will fade and enter a second stage. At this second stage stretch marks usually have no colour to them as the red or darker pigment has faded and they may feel lower than the surrounding skin.

Stretch Marks Prevention In Men 

As you know it is not only women that get stretch marks!.

This may be because stretch marks are normally talked about and associated with women during pregnancy where their bodies undergo a massive change (and stretch) in a very short time. Men are no less self conscious about stretch marks then women and the impact can be equally devastating and harmful to a healthy body image.

What Common Causes Stretch Marks in men? 

There is no one exact cause for stretch marks. The medical profession think stretch marks are a combination of many factors including :

  1. Genetics
  2. Hormones
  3. Changes to skin cells
  4. Puberty
  5. Weight gain

Many men shoot up in height when they hit puberty and can add several inches in height in a few months. They can also shed baby fat. These sudden and dramatic changes can leave stretch marks behind.

Sadly stretch marks can also be genetic, making it even harder to avoid. If someone in your family has stretch marks, you are more prone to also have them.

Reasons For Stretch Marks In Men Include:

Also If you use corticosteroid creams for a long time such as prescription-strength hydrocortisone for eczema, you may be more likely to see stretch marks as an unwelcome side effect.

Common Areas For Stretch Marks When Training Or Losing Weight

Stretch marks can occur anywhere. If they are because of training they may appear around your shoulders and pecs or at the top of your arms due to your biceps increasing in size and or forearms.

Other common areas are inner thighs where you may have packed on some muscle deadlifting or squatting or the back of your arms on your lats or traps where you may have added muscle on your back.

If your stretch marks are due to losing weight then common areas for them to appear would be upper arms, thighs, belly and chest area.  Loose skin can also occur if the weight loss was dramatic and fast.

Can guys Prevent Stretch Marks Using Oils ?

Like the snake oil salesmen of the wild west hundreds of years ago, there are many products on the market. All claim to magically make your stretch marks disappear or prevent them in the first place.

They promise to reduce or prevent stretch marks in both men and women. Most are highly moisturizing oils that you apply on top of your skin. Ingredients usually include oils such as :

  • Cocoa butter
  • Almond
  • Olive oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Aragan oil
  • Bio oil

Although claims state the appearance of stretch marks will be reduced the evidence is patchy and research and studies show they were not effective in reducing stretch mark appearances.

This doesn’t stop many people claiming the effectiveness of oils and creams. If you decide to try a lotion to maybe reduce the itchiness of fresh stretch marks the American Association of Dermatology suggest the following:

  • Try using products when you first see stretch marks or are itching. Topical products tend not to work well on old stretch marks.
  • Massage the products in as this seems to allow products to work more effectively and use the product consistently over the course of several weeks to months.

stretch mark removal for menHow To Hide Stretch Marks

While lotions and creams may not treat stretch marks, they can reduce some of the itching that occurs when they develop. You can also hide them using self-tanner or a concealer matching your skin tone but this is a temporary solution.

Tanning can make stretch marks appear more obvious, so be careful.  Also make sure that the concealer is a close match to your skin tone as it may look odd if not!.

Concealer can also get quite messy as you may forget it is on and will end up on your clothes or bedsheets!.

What Medical Treatments Are Available For Stretch Marks? 

To reduce the appearance of stretch marks a Dermatologist can prescribe hyaluronic acid or vitamin A, which have been known to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The NHS recommend three treatments for stretch marks which they suggest

“may help make stretch marks look better, but they will not get rid of them”

They include:

  • Retinoid (often called tretinoin) creams or hyaluronic acid as mentioned above – These might help on newly formed stretch marks.
  • Light or laser treatments we offer a number at Premier Laser clinic including Ultracel, Dermapen or HIFU and recently mesotherapy which has been used to tackle stretch marks but it still very much in the experimental phase.
  • Finally the NHS recommend microdermabrasion, which removes a thin layer of skin and is just like exfoliating the skin which we believe not be very effective in the long run.

 

These treatments are not available on the NHS as stretch marks generally are not a life or death matter, so you would need to find a clinic.

If you are interested in speaking to someone about your stretch marks and find out what options are available to you, you can book a free consultation with one of our experienced practitioners who will listen to your concerns and give you advice and recommendations.

Does Laser Stretch Mark Removal Work ?

There are many treatments on the market today which can be used to attack your stretch marks.  People have used laser or radio frequency and have been impressed with the results and the reduction in appearance of stretch marks.

The three most popular treatments on the market today are listed below. It can be confusing to know the difference between treatments so we will briefly describe each one so you will have a better understanding :

  • Dermapen

Dermapen skin needling creates micro-injuries to the skin which trigger your body to produce the growth of fibroblast cells which stimulate the production of collagen improving the skin. Dermapen skin needling lets the skin repair itself after it has gone through damage like stretch marks, cuts, scars or any other physical damage.

So by damaging your skin in a safe and controlled way your skin will destroy the old, damaged tissue that causes stretch marks and will replace it with freshly produced collagen.

Dermapen skin needling treats can treat many parts of the body including the abdomen, legs, arms, and hands. It can safely treat all forms of scars like acne or surgery scars, abdominal scars, stretch marks, burn contracture scars and also loose body skin.

  • Radiofrequency Using Ultracel

Using radio frequency as part of a treatment plan ULTRAcel offers three treatments in one. Firstly it uses a high intensity focused ultrasound which targets the SMAS skin layer creating a micro injury like the Dermapen which creates a healing process that involves tightening and lifting the skin.

The second part uses Grid Fractional Radio Frequency, or GFR. This stage applies heat to the dermis and epidermis, which smooths and creates new collagen.

The third part is Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling. This uses both microneedling and radiofrequency to help generate collagen production that your body really needs to heal stretch marks.

For older stubborn stretch marks microneedling is an effective way to deal with them. Using a series of tiny needles which makes it sound far more painful then it actually is!, the skin is penetrated, which leads to the added collagen your skin needs to repair those stretch marks. Treatment time is quick makes it an ideal option as there is little downtime too.

  • Ultrasound

Ultrasound technology made popular in the aesthetics world by Ultraformer HIFU is a high intensity focused ultrasound tool that is non-invasive quick and simple to perform. It is simply placed on the area where the stretch marks are like biceps, inner thighs, or pectoral muscles.

The energy targets and penetrate through to the lowest layers of the dermis and heat is generated. This pushes the collagen production rejuvenating the problem areas. After a single treatment you will start to notice results.

Male model on green backgroundCan You Prevent Stretch Marks? 

As the saying goes prevention is better then cure.  But if your stretch marks are the side effects of puberty, weight loss or the results of months of blood, sweat and gut busting in the gym then this isn’t reassuring to hear.

There is no magic pill, the best advice to prevent more stretch marks in the future is to maintain a healthy weight avoiding rapid weight gain or loss as this will reduce the skin stretching, leading to stretch marks.

If you’re concerned about the appearance of stretch marks, talk to your GP who can refer you to a dermatologist who can recommend treatment options and prevention measures discussed above or you can visit a private clinic like Premier Laser for a free consultation to talk over your skin concerns.

Best Cure For Stretch Marks ?

So as you can see there is a lot to know about the humble stretch mark. If you already have them, hopefully you will have learnt how to prevent them and discovered ways to manage them.

It is  unfair that stretch marks appear like an unwelcome and uninvited guest, gate crashing a party, especially if it is on the back of your hard work in the gym or diet or if you just inherited genes making you prone to them.

Cost of treating stretch marks

The cost of treating stretch marks will depend on which treatment you choose to go for and how many session you need. Stretch marks removal well to a course of treatments so expect to pay for more then one session. Buying a course of treatments works out better value then buying individual sessions.

  • Prices for microneedling start at £183
  • Prices for Rf microneedling £270
  • HIFU Ultrafomer also starts from £270

Next steps

You can start your fight back today. New technology and treatments on the market can make a difference so are worth exploring.  If you go for a consultation at a clinic make sure you discuss your expectations with your practitioner so you will have a realistic expectation of the outcome.

If you would like to discuss your stretch marks with an experienced practitioner at Premier Laser and you live in London we have 9 clinics across the capital. Please get in touch for your free consultation, we look forward to seeing you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

6 Tips To Protect Your Skin This Winter

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]6 TIPS ON WINTER SKIN CARE 

As winter rapidly approaches it’s the right time to make sure you are looking after your skin.  Having a skincare routine isn’t just about looking after you skin in the summer months when the suns out or when your are on holiday.  A good skincare routine takes place all year round and should change according to the season. Our 6 tips for keeping your skin in tip top condition over the coming winter months are listed below.

 

1.HYDRATE 

Hydrate! Dry skin is key indicator of dehydration, so the best way to get your H2O on before you crave it.

 

2.EXFOLIATE LESS

If you’re skin is very very dry (which happens during winter season) certainly exfoliate less because of the dryness and cold air. Which would cause redness and injury to the skin.

 

3.WEAR SPF 

Sunscreen is as important in winter as it is in summer! The UV rays reflected from the sun is a strong as it in the winter time as it is in summer. So make sure you are protected with a good quality SPF cream.

 

4.UPGRADE YOUR MOISTURISER 

Due to dry and tight skin causes in winter time it’s best to upgrade your moisturiser to a thicker one to help maintain moisture.  This also offers protection against the winter elements.

 

5.AVOID HOT BATHS 

Taking really hot showers and baths can cause the skin to crack due to the cold and causing our skin to tighten and dry. Make sure it’s not as hot to avoid dehydration

 

6.USE GENTLE PRODUCTS 

Make sure you don’t use any harsh chemicals for the face or body which may lead to stripping of the skin.

 

Skin Treatments for Winter

 

HydraFacial

At Premier Laser & Skin clinic our 6 step HydraFacial treatment helps restore hydration, deep exfoliation and detox the skin leaving your skin feeling hydrated during the winter times. 

 

Peels –

We specialise in many gentle peels to give your skin a gentle boost during the winter times when the skin becomes naturally sensitive and needs a quick pick-me-up. 

 

Mesotheraphy – 

A mixture of vitamin cocktail made up to boost your skin with nutrients loss especially during the winter time. 

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7 Things You Should Never Do To Your Skin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]How many of the following are you guilty of? Read through our blog to see how many of the 7 apply to you and find out what your score is. Give yourself a point for everyone you do and be honest!.

  1. Pick or touch your skin

Picking and touching your skin increases the risk of developing bacteria, scarring and infection. According to Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it’s very important to keep your hands away from your face throughout the day to avoid spreading oil, dirt and bacteria from your hands which can trigger skin conditions such as acne, blackheads, clogged pores and breakouts.

Also try to keep your nails clean as they are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria too!. Sometimes it is hard to not touch your face so make sure your hands are kept clean, carry anti bacterial gel if you feel this will help.

  1. Expose your skin to sun without SPF

Whether it’s sunny, raining or even snowing, it’s important to wear SPF sunscreen. It will protect your skin from UV lights as 80% of the sun rays can pass through clouds. This means even during the winter months when most people would not think of using it make sure you are protected.

Legally companies are not allowed to advertise their cream as being over a factor 50.  Make sure you wearing the highest factor SPF that is right for your skin type. Wearing sunscreen daily helps to keep the skin protected from UV rays which is one of the most common reason clients get hyperpigmentaion, Melasma, sun spots, uneven skin tone, dark spots and dark lines on their face and also body.

Exposing your skin to sun without SPF also promotes ageing of the skin.  Sun damage from UV rays causes photo ageing of the skin which leads to discolouration and fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. The best thing you can do to protect your skin from being wrinkled later on in life is to apply the SPF so get your suncream on!.

  1. Smoking & Drinking

Smoking and drinking can be one of the biggest threats to your skin as it promotes a fast acceleration of your skins natural ageing process. Smoking causes thinning of blood vessels throughout the body which limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your skin which maintain a healthy and fresh looking skin.

Drinking dehydrates the skin. Over time, the skin slowly damages and results in a loss of collagen and elastin which results in wrinkles, dull skin tone, dark patches and smoker lines caused by smoking around the mouth area. If it is a big step to give up then reducing the amount you smoke and drink will definitely benefit your skin.

  1. Eat processed foods

Excessive sugar, additives, preservatives, oil and salt are found in processed foods. When we consume processed foods which are packed with excessive ingredients in our diets it promotes degradation of collagen in the skin which can cause your skin to develop conditions such as acne which aggressiveness leads to breakouts and oily skin.

Take a look at your diet and try to replace processed foods with natural ingredients where possible. We know that sometimes eating processed food is unavoidable but try planning ahead, like taking a packed lunch to work or go for healthier fresher options when you are eating out.

  1. Stress

Stress is not avoidable, but can be managed to control and lower the amount of stress we face day to day. This includes meditating, exercising and getting enough sleep. When stress is not managed it can lead to many negative factors including psychically such as loss of hair, breaking nails, skin conditions and appearances.

Stress can lead to under-eye bags, not getting enough sleep due to stress which can darken and puff the underage area. Stress also can cause skin issues to flare up or make underlying skin conditions worse such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.  Also increased blood pressure can result in being under constant stress as can hormonal imbalances caused by too much stress which in turn will affect the skin amongst other things.

  1. Forget to exfoliate

Exfoliating at least once a week is a must to ensure you get rid of any dead skin cells, clogged pores, and deep underlying dirt inside the skin. Forgetting to exfoliate results in many skin problems. This includes blackheads caused by oil and dirt gathered in your skin and wrinkles which develops by not exfoliating the dead skin cells which does not allow the skin to renew and develop skin cell turnover.

Acne is another cause that may happen to your skin when you forget to exfoliate, one of the main reasons why we suffer from acne is dead skin and bacteria. By exfoliating we encourage our skin to renew and replenish and promote a new skin for a healthy and clean looking skin.

Make exfoliating as part of your weekly skin care routine. There are great products available online or on the high street that will do a good job with prices starting from only £5. Its money well spent!. If you want to really deep cleanse your face and leave feeling a million dollars then you can always look into having a hydrafacial or other clinic led treatments.

  1. Sleep with makeup

Dermatologists worse nightmare ! – sleeping with makeup on. Sleep is one of the most important times for the skin to restore itself,  if we have layers of make up on blocking up oil glands and blocked pores it could lead to long term skin faults. Nighttime is a crucial time for the skin to renew and shed the build up of makeup.  Holding back skin renewal can cause acne, blogged pores, blackheads and inflammatory acne. Removing make up and cleansing the skin from the days smoke, grime and pollution, especially if you live in a city is essentially if you want to keep your skin in top condition.

  • Final score

How did you score?. One or less – give yourself a pat on the back. Two to three – not bad but there is room for improvement. Over four and we really need to sit down and have a talk!.

We are all guilty of committing a few of the above, it’s good to be reminded from time to time, so we can stick to our good habits more often then not!.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Everything you need to know about “skin stripping”

Skin stripping is a common expression used to describe unintentionally harming and damaging your skin by using the wrong beauty or health products. If you use the wrong product (or too much of it!), you could strip away all the natural oils that protect your skin and keep it healthy.

For many years plenty of us have wrongly believed that oily skin is something to be avoided at all costs and can lead to things like acne and blemishes. However, it is these natural oils that actually keep the safe in good condition and protect the all-important skin cells beneath. It is one of the reasons that medical professionals always advise against new parents from using anything other than water to wash their new-borns skin. Removing the natural oils could permanently damage their baby’s skin in the long term. Whilst we all get older and our skin is exposed to more elements, the advice remains the same.

How do I recognise skin stripping?

If you’ve just used a product and feel like that your skin is tight, the chances are that you’ve stripped your face entirely of all those precious oils. Whilst you might mistake the tightness for suppleness, this is likely to be caused by simply drying your skin entirely.

What caused skin stripping?

In most cases, skin stripping is caused by either using wrong products for your skin or over-use of the right products. Items such as face wipes, cleansing products and skincare foam washes not only remove the natural oils found on your skin, but also potentially do some damage to the skin below. Whilst the short-term effect may be exactly what you wanted (dryer, smoother and the appearance of cleaner skin), the long term effects could be a lot worse.

Make-up wet wipes are by far the worst example of skin stripping. Harsher chemicals may be added to help remove all of the make-up content from your face. So, whilst you may be happy with the results of a strong make-up remover, it could also be removing important elements of your skin. However, sleeping in make-up can also be damaging to your skin as it can block the pore that help produce that much needed natural oils.

Another potential cause of skin stripping could be by showering too much! Assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA, Dr. Carolyn Goh, has said that “staying in [the shower] too long washes the oils away from your skin”. So next time you have an acne breakout, you might want to think twice about doing to many face washes!

What are the effects of skin stripping?

Above all else, skin stripping removes your natural oils. These oils form a protective barrier against bacteria and other harmful elements that could not only damage your skin, but harm other body parts.

Removal of these essential oils can also cause dryness and potentially redness of the skin. If your skin isn’t properly hydrated, this can lead to cell degradation and even potentially peeling if the skin area and cells are dying. Dry, flaky and dead skin rarely feature in your beauty regime! However, it’s not just the appearance that can be harmed. Every time you lose those skin cells, you’re also losing valuable protection against the sun. Your skin acts as a natural barrier for the rest of your body and helps reduce the amount of UV rays that are absorbed.

What are the alternatives?

Something like IPL Skin Rejuvenation can be a better option than using the wrong or too much skincare product. IPL uses “Intense Pulsed Light” to target damaged skin areas and helps regenerate collagen, tighten and firm the skin and diffuses redness. It can also be used for dispelling broken veins, reducing fine lines, improving Rosacea and reducing the impact of sun/age spots and birthmarks.

You’re always welcome to speak to our team, either in one of our London clinics or over the phone, to find out more about how it works and whether it would be suitable for you.