‘Facial aesthetic treatments’ is a broad term that includes all the non-surgical treatments of the face, from topical medical-grade skincare products to injectables and thread lifts. They are designed to reduce the signs of aging and treat problem skin areas and conditions without the need for any invasive surgical treatments.
But how do you know when is the right time and stage in your life to start having these treatments? Which ones should you be getting to treat your specific skin concern? Especially when there appear to be so many options available…
Dr S’lindile Ndwalane a leading dermatologist from The Specialist Laser and Cosmetic Institute (SCIN), a world-class medical aesthetic and cosmetic institute with branches in Johannesburg and Cape Town, has provided some guidance on the main concerns that patients come to her with, and what is generally recommended for treating them. Dr Sli also advises on some at-home treatments that can help.
Common skin problems and how to treat them:
Wrinkles, volume loss and glycation
“Many South Africans have accelerated skin ageing due to UV exposure. Other factors that contribute include stress – something we all suffer from – and high levels of glucose in our diets.”
“At home treatments to avoid and slow this accelerated ageing include using a good SPF every day, as well as applying topical antioxidants, a retinol serum, and moisturiser,” advises Dr Sli. “You can also take supplements such carnosine, alpha lipoic acid, collagen type 1, and vitamin C.”
“SCIN’s treatment recommendations for this issue involves Collagen Induction Therapy. This refers to treatments such as Laser Genesis, Exilis or Dermapen which stimulates your body to create healthier and stronger collagen and elastin – which in turn assists with the rejuvenation of your skin.”
Dermal Sensitivity and Detoxification
Dr Sli explains that dermal sensitivity refers to sensitivity within the deeper layers of your skin, detoxification is the elimination of toxins and pollutants from your body. “These conditions create skin sensitivity and reactivity as well as acne and call for serious strengthening of the deeper layers of the skin and assistance with the regulation of any inflammation.”
“Topical applications that can be used for this skin problem include applying vitamin B3, tocopherols (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), resveratrol, hyaluronic acid and hesperidin. Supplements that can help include carnosine, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C and resveratrol,” advises Dr Sli.
“When it comes to treatment recommendation, Mandelic and Lactic Acid Peels are the most anti-inflammatory of all peels and are therefore the safest for more sensitive skin types. Laser Genesis and Exilis will assist in strengthening the skin and reducing redness.”
Inflammation of the skin
“This refers to increased skin sensitivity and chronic low-grade inflammation which impacts the ageing process of your skin. This process goes hand in hand with conditions such as skin reactivity, rosacea, eczema and even maskne,” says Dr Sli, who advises that topical applications which can assist include hydrating agents with soothing ingredients and anti-inflammatory masks. “Supplements to take include omega 3, curcumin, alpha lipoic acid, resveratrol, and ginger.”
“My treatment recommendation for anyone suffering from any of these conditions would be to go for Dermapen treatments, as well as chemical peels and laser genesis.”
DNA protection and repair
According to Dr Sli, this refers to your body’s inability to protect itself from exposure to external irritants that lead to oxidative stress and ageing.
“Important topical applications for this problem include applying lipids, antioxidants, retinol, and peptides to the skin, whilst also supplementing with omega 3, carotenoids, resveratrol, and selenium. Treatments offered at SCIN for this condition include retinol and glycolic peels, laser genesis, and Platelet Rich Plasma treatment (vampire facial).”
Pigmentation and sun sensitivity
All types of pigmentation are hard to treat, and there are many causes of pigmentation. Amongst these are hormonal pigmentation, inflammatory pigmentation, hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.
When it comes to hormonal pigmentation Dr Sli says that it is important to take control of your hormones. “It is a good idea to make an appointment with an endocrinologist if you are suffering from hormonal skin problems. Treatment options for hormonal skin problems include a chemical peel from Skin Ceuticals.
Inflammatory pigmentation develops after any form of trauma to your skin and these marks can be left on the skin months after the skin has healed. Dr Sli advises that the good news with this type of pigmentation is that it generally heals on its own, and this heeling can be assisted by speeding up the process with treatments such as a chemical peel from Lamelle.
“Hypopigmentation is where there is a lack of pigmentation in a specific area due to a disease or trauma. This can occur in spots or over your whole body. Though there is no treatment that can correct this concern, we can assist in brightening the overall skin to make it appear less visible to the naked eye,” says Dr Sli. “My treatment recommendation is a chemical peel from Neostrata, called a Mandelic acid peel.”
According to Dr Sli, Hyperpigmentation refers to any discoloration on the skin, whether it is from ageing, incorrect product use, or simply just the sun. This is generally what is referred to as age spots, liver spots or even freckles.
“The recommended treatment is a Neostrata chemical peel. Of course, there are many other deeper chemical peels and treatments that treat these specific concerns, but they are generally riskier and can only be recommended after your therapist has analysed your skin thoroughly.”
“SCINmed has a unique approach to skincare. We believe that knowledge and educating our patients is power. The more information we can extract from your skin, the more we are able to tailor your treatments and skin-care regime to achieve the best possible results,” says Dr Sli. “We have many tools to assist us in doing so, for example DNA testing allows us to look at your specific genetic markers and assists us in predicting what needs to be addressed long term. This, in combination with looking at the deeper layers of your skin in problem areas, will allow us to detect root causes of issues and address it in the most effective manner.”
“It is so important to note that each person has their own unique skin concerns, and more often, you will have to rely on and trust in your aesthetic therapist’s ability to pick the best possible treatment for your concern. Consultations with your skincare therapist is vital to ensure that you both are clear on what you are working towards,” concludes Dr Sli.
For more information contact the Hyde Park Specialist Laser and Cosmetic Institute (SCIN) on 010 350 0800, or email [email protected] or contact SCIN Wembley Square in Cape Town on 021 465 6557 or email [email protected]. visit www.scinmed.com.
ALSO SEE THE ULTIMATE LIST OF ANTI-AGING NECK PRODUCTS
