Melasma

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a form of facial pigmentation that effects both men and women. It occurs when cells become hyperactive and produce too much pigment in certain areas of the skin resulting in large discoloured patches. These discoloured patches are typically darker brown, tan and grey patches on the skins surface. It is commonly seen on the cheeks, bridges of the nose, chin, forehead, and above the upper lip. Larger portions of the body such as the neck and arms, can also be affected by melasma. Melasma affects women much more frequently than men. Individuals with Fitzpatrick IV, V and VI are more likely to develop melasma due to the skin having much more active pigment producing cells.

Causes?

It is suspected that the interaction of genetics, UV exposure, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, contraceptive pills, darker Fitzpatrick skin types, all play a significant role in the cause of this condition. Melasma can be worsened by not only the UV rays but also heat and visible light. It is important that people adhere to preventative measures in order to stop the severity of their condition.

Melasma Treatment & Prevenetive Measures

The first step when treating melasma is that it is diagnosed properly by a dermatologist, from there your dermatologist will be able to confirm that it is melasma and to help determine what is causing it. Treating melasma is unlikely to be effective if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

As mentioned melasma is triggered by hormonal factors such as pregnancy or birth control pills, if a woman were to stop taking birth control pills or deliver her baby she may potentially see an improvement, the discoloured patches may fade over time. However, in many cases people have melasma for years or even their entire life and have a hard time trying to improve it.

Topical Treatments

When considering treatment overall, topical treatment has proven to be very successful. Topical hydroquinone is often used as the first line of treatment by dermatologists. Once applied will slowly overtime lighten the discoloured areas. It works by decreasing the production of pigment in the skin. Your doctor may recommend combining it with tretinoin, corticosteroids or antioxidants. Some other commonly used options are azelaic acid or kojic acid which works to lighten the areas effected. Furthermore, topical retinol and retinoid treatments once applied will help speed up the body’s natural cell turnover process, this may help dark patches clear more quickly than they would on their own.

Laser Treatments

The Q-switch laser is a treatment option available to people trying to improve their melasma. The laser works by using very short nanosecond pulses that help to shatter the melasma pigmentation. The short pulses deliver minimal heat energy to the skin and therefore have more of a mechanical effect on the pigmentation rather than a heating effect. This effect allows the breakdown of pigmentation without heating the skin and worsening of the pigmentation. The laser energy breaks apart the abnormal pigment into smaller particles and then effectively removes it using the body’s lymphatic drainage system.

It is a quick procedure that most people find very comfortable. You will hear a slight snapping sound when the laser is fired and may feel a slight tingling or warmth. All skin tones, from light to dark, can be safely treated with this laser. Women who are pregnant or nursing cannot be treated and those who have received accutane or any oral Vitamin A acne therapy cannot be treated for 6 months after their last dose. An effective treatment regimen is 8 sessions spaced 1 to 4 weeks apart. The downtime is minimal usually only mild redness for a day. Generally, most people go back to work the day after treatment.

There have been various research studies conducted using platelet rich plasma as a way of treating melasma. Although the research is limited the studies that have been done have deemed it to be a useful and new therapeutic option.The results demonstrate that plasma rich platelets can partially improve melasma lesions. Platelet rich plasma uses the healing power of your own platelets. The growth factors from the plasma cause the release of stem cells that already exist in the skin. They then trick the skin into thinking it needs to heal itself resulting in new tissue, collagen and new blood vessels. Further research will have to be carried out in this area but it is another positive step towards effectively treating melasma.

When finding a treatment that best suits you it is important that people are careful when seeking out the different options. When a treatment is not tailored to a specific skin type or the treatment is carried out by someone inexperienced, new skin problems can easily occur such as rebound melasma or hyperpigmentation. These conditions can potentially worsen the pigmentation because the initial treatment irritates the melanocytes. People should do their research and consult with someone experienced in this area in order to receive the best care and results.

Preventative Measures

Australia as a continent has very strong UV radiation levels, protecting your skin from the sun is absolutely essential especially in prevention of further development of melasma. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and using sunscreen with a sun SPF of 50 or higher is encouraged. Using a sunscreen that has broad spectrum coverage, containing physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide to block out the sun’s rays. These are necessary steps individuals should take in order to decrease the severity of this condition.

The Effects?

While melasma doesn’t present any health risks and isn’t painful it can lead to significant emotional distress. A lot of women and men experience a decrease in self-confidence and self-esteem, it has the ability to increase self-consciousness because of the noticeability of the melasma. It is important that awareness is brought surrounding this condition and for people to be aware that there are measures they can take to lessen the severity.

Conclusion

Managing melasma is a marathon and not a sprint. It is an extremely complex condition and has proven to be very hard to treat. There is no overnight fix so it is important for people to be patient. Melasma will be quick to return if you’re not careful about sun protection. So, long-term maintenance requires an ongoing commitment to protecting your skin. With an accurate history and examination, following the right treatments and preventative measures this condition can be safely improved.

Thread Veins

Thread Veins: Cases, Symptoms and Treatment

Thread veins are also known as spider veins, and broken veins are medically known as telangiectasia. They are made of small blood vessels that are close to the surface of the skin. Thread veins tend to look like thin, squiggly lines and are sometimes blue, red or purple in colour. They tend to be more visible on the face and legs.

Causes

There are still no clear causes known for thread veins, but it’s clear that they appear more often as people age because skin loses its elasticity. Women tend to be more prone to thread veins because of hormones released during pregnancy and menopause, but men can also get them. Some people inherit a tendency to get thread veins. Other known causes are: exposure to extreme climates, too much tanning, radiotherapy, medicines that contain steroids, sedentary lifestyle, and being overweight. People who work in jobs that require long periods of standing may find that their thread veins get worse, but these jobs do not actually cause the problem. Using birth control pills or a history of conditions that put a lot of pressure on the stomach, such as using girdles, constipation, and tumours, can also cause thread veins to appear.

Though thread veins are not a dangerous health condition, the number of veins increases with age and it’s far easier to treat them when patients are younger. The condition is most common in the legs because the veins there work harder to get blood to the heart. Legs also have to carry most of the bodies weight and as such, are under the most pressure.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of thread veins are:

  • Restless legs
  • Cramping
  • Pain that gets worse after standing for long time periods
  • Swelling
  • A rash that causes irritation and/or itching

Thread veins may also cause or increase the risk of other more serious health problems, such as:

  • Deep vein thrombosis: A blood clot in the vein. This causes a feeling of pulling on the calf, redness, swelling, excess warmth, and pain.
  • Bleeding: When veins get too big the skin around them may become thinner. If there is an injury in that area blood loss will be more significant.
  • Skin ulcers or sores: Long-term blood back-up turns into sores and skin sores that are hard to heal. At times reparation of the vein is required to ensure the problem is reversed.
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis: A clot of blood forms under the skin. This may cause swelling and pain, redness in the skin, tenderness, and warmness.

Treatments Available

Advanced Dermatology has several treatment options and advice available for patients who want to deal with their thread veins. These include:

  • Elevate your legs: It helps to lift your legs as you sit so that thread veins are prevented. However, this is only a small prevention mechanism.
  • Compression therapy: compression stockings are available that help apply pressure around areas affected by thread veins. These help people with minor problems deal with thread veins deal with the problem and use lifestyle changes to their advantage.
  • Laser treatment: this is especially helpful if you don’t get desired results even when you lift your legs or use compression therapy. A qualified physician performs laser treatment by using a handheld device that emits a laser to close up the unhealthy veins. This will cause blood to flow via healthier veins. Generally patients require 2-3 treatments to get desired results and they must keep up with lifestyle changes that will prevent thread veins from forming in the healthier veins. Advanced Dermatology uses Syneron’s system to safely treat thread veins that cause lesions.

Jawline Acne

All You Need to Know about Jawline Acne

If you are suffering from jawline acne, there are ways to prevent and treat it if you have the desire to do so. Acne affects one out of every three people at some stage in their life, most commonly during teenage years but unfortunately can last well into adulthood. Pimples, blemishes, everything accumulating and causing acne is always embarrassing and very tricky to understand where it is coming from. Many factors can cause acne such as hormones, clogged pores, dirt, overproduced sebum and other reasons so it is tricky to find the perfect cure for acne.

How Jawline Acne Affects You

Maybe you are finding that you are breaking out in one certain area every time. Some people get acne in their T-zone, some get texture issues in their cheeks and a lot of people are affected by jawline acne. Big red bumps lining the chin and jaw can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and affect your self-esteem. Jawline acne is often worse than pimples in other areas because it can ruin the contour of your face. It draws the attention from your best feature such as your eyes and directs it straight to your chin and jaw area where the acne is.

Quick Fixes for Jawline Acne

Acne is never easy to get rid of, but there are some quick and simple steps you can take to treat jawline acne.

  • If you wear a helmet or any type of hat with a chin strap, be sure to take it off occasionally to allow the skin to breathe. Wash the area after every use.
  • Use a mirror to visually check the area around the jaw, under the chin and neckline to make sure it remains clean and acne-free. Often time acne can appear because that area is easily neglected.
  • If you wear any dental appliance, daily or nightly, be sure it is properly applied and not rubbing on the jawline area causing stress to the skin and clogging pores.

Smoking and Acne

Many studies have shown that smoking can also cause jawline acne. The smoke around the mouth area clogs pores and causes blackheads and whiteheads to appear, leading to visibly noticeable acne.

How to Treat Jawline Acne

A powerful acne skin care product is needed in order to treat jawline acne after it has already appeared. The most powerful treatment for acne provided at Advanced Dermatology is the Elos Acne Treatment. No matter your skin type, it is an effective acne treatment that can help clear up your skin and bring the focus back to your face and away from the embarrassing acne. You can also try Advanced Dermatology’s at-home acne treatment “Without Surgery – Anti-Acne” if you have tried everything and need something that will work! At this point, it is very important to find a powerful and effective skincare line to begin healing the acne and clearing your skin.

Extra Step!

It is also important to take extra care cleaning the jawline, chin and neck because those areas are easily missed while washing your face. Wash with an acne-fighting cleanser and be mindful when you wash your face and shower so as to not miss these pertinent areas if you want to prevent and treat jawline acne. Don’t rub chin straps against your skin without cleansing afterward, make sure any dental work is properly fitted so as to not cause stress on the jaw, and don’t doze off at school or during a meeting with your chin in your hands, clogging up your pores and leading to breakouts!

What is aggravating your rosacea?

Your Guide to managing your Rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that results in redness in the form of flare-ups. Remission of rosacea is a wonderful time with beautiful skin but maintaining this decrease of this common condition can be difficult. Skin specialists still aren’t sure about the cause of rosacea but one of the most important tools for anyone suffering from rosacea is an ability to identify and understand your own personal triggers.

Below is a list of the most commonly recognised triggers from rosacea research experts and surveys from rosacea sufferers:

Sun exposure and warmer weather:

Rosacea and summer weather is a bad combination. Sun exposure is most commonly reported for activating symptoms of rosacea. Almost all people seeing a dermatologist for rosacea report a flare-up after spending time outside in the sun. It’s important to limit time in the sun, dress for the hot weather and use plenty of sunscreen. One survey saw more than 80% of patients diagnosed with rosacea reporting this as a common trigger.

Dairy Foods:

Of course, every person with rosacea reports different foods that increase the onset of the condition. Food journals often help pinpoint what is causing skin change but even that can be difficult to maintain. However, dermatologists have seen dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream regularly reported with an outbreak.

Spicy food and hot soups:

It seems like it could be a rule of thumb that rosacea doesn’t like heat. Many people reported that eating these “hot” foods created a flare up in the form of intense face flushing. There have been reports of letting food cool to decrease the chance of a flare up.

Alcohol:

As little as one alcoholic beverage has been conveyed as causing a rosacea flare up. Generally speaking, a high percentage of people consider alcohol as an activator and more specifically, red wine can trigger an outbreak.

Stress:

Stress isn’t good for anyone’s skin but high levels of stress also increase the chance of an occurrence for rosacea patients. What’s more difficult is stress can cause rosacea flare-ups and then the flare-up causes more stress. It’s important to find stress-relieving activities and calming techniques to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak. One of our clients recommend a “yoga” breathing technique for when she flares up due to stress or public speaking.

Overheating:

Exercise is great but exercise also increases your body temperature, causes sweat and can increase the chance of an outbreak. It’s important to be aware of your body temperature while exercising and if you are outside, go during the cooler times of day (usually morning and evening) and in places that have shade if you’re outside.

Saunas and Hot tubs:

We’re back to the problem with heat. Saunas and hot tubs increase body temperature and the likelihood of an outbreak occurrence of rosacea.

Beauty Products and Hair Spray:

There is high variability of the contents and ingredients in beauty products and hair sprays and people will a variety of conditions can find them irritating. If you believe a beauty product, cleansing cream or hair product has triggered a flare up, it’s important to try a different product and possibly consult a dermatologist about the best choice of product for you.

If you have been diagnosed with rosacea, at least some of these triggers probably resonated with you. Keeping food diaries and documenting days with increased flare-ups can help you identify your own triggers. Once you’ve created your list of possible activators, share the list with your skin specialist to make a comprehensive skin care plan to decrease and avoid flare-ups of your rosacea.

Rosacea vs Acne

Rosacea v. Acne: Why differences DO matter

Mankind has shown a need to label everything in life and whereas pigeon-holing may be counterproductive in some areas, in the medical world, a proper diagnosis is all-important. Determining what type of disease is affecting a patient is vital to providing appropriate healthcare. For health specialists, an early diagnosis can determine success and swiftness of treatment. Furthermore, proving the right medication, if any, can be basic to improving the patient’s lifestyle. Similarly, due to repeatedly erroneous diagnosis, it is often for patients to be victims or permanent experimentation; or even worse, to invasive medication for long periods. In fact, the failure to address a condition has led to excessive use of antibiotics, for example.

Defining the Conditions

To begin with, let’s begin by explaining why two different conditions can have been confused in the first place. Some years ago, it was common to hear the term “acne rosacea” which is the way subtype 2 (papulopustular) rosacea was named. The name stems from some of the symptoms that appear with this condition, bumps and pimples, that resemble those found in acne-affected skin.The name has somehow remained and this is why many people confuse one with the other. However, determining the true nature of the symptoms (however similar) will define the course of action for both physicians and patients.

Major Differences

Skin specialists are able to explain how acne and rosacea are not only chemically, but also clinically different. By analysing a simple version of both definitions, we will be better able to understand the main differences between each. By definition, rosacea is an inherited vascular disorder, not a dermatological one, although some of the symptoms seem to be strictly skin-related. People who suffer from this condition find that their blood vessels become swollen after being exposed to certain factors, such as extreme temperature, alcohol or spicy food. At one point, rosacea might resemble a simple blushing. However, as the condition evolves, skin begins to form pimples that look like acne. Even so, there are many differences that set rosacea apart from Acne Vulgaris. These are the most relevant:

  • Face Location: Rosacea occurs mostly in the central part of a person’s face, unlike acne that can be visible in other areas such as, hairline, nose, the forehead, back and chest.
  • Duration: Even in the worst cases, acne is typically temporary (traditionally during teenage years) and eventually disappears. Rosacea on the other hand, is a chronic disease that usually appears later in life.
  • Symptoms: redness, flushing and blushing, pimples (pustules) and bumps (papules). These symptoms can involve the entire nose and the eyes, as well. In the case of the common acne, pimples are usually the result of the pores getting clogged and other symptoms are frequent: blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes and temporary breakouts.

Where it all comes from

So far, the descriptive aspect has been addressed, involving symptoms and qualitative differences. Nonetheless, the major differences between acne and rosacea can be understood in their causes. Acne is the result of numerous factors that involve bacteria, hormonal changes, hair follicles or oil gland cells. This is why antibiotics are sometimes the most sensible treatment. According to recent research, Rosacea, seems to be associated to the body’s immune system, as it appears to be the result of a dysfunction of the patient’s natural defence system. Consequently, the type of treatment is completely different and does not involve the use of antibiotics. Finally, the only people who are able to tell the difference between both conditions are physicians. Therefore, visiting a health specialist is the best choice in all cases. The certainty of getting proper treatment is well worth a visit to a fully-certified skin specialist.

Liver Spots

All you should know about Liver Spots

Contrary to what most people think, wrinkles are not the only sign that time has gone by. One of the telltale signs of ageing is skin spots, otherwise known as liver spots or solar lentigines. On the other hand, it is not a generalised symptom and not everybody shows skin spots. Let’s take a deeper look into this matter: what are these spots and why do we get them?

By definition, solar lentigines or liver spots are dark skin spots (usually either brownish or black). Although they vary in size and shape, they are typically present in individuals aged 50 or older. Nonetheless, younger people have been known to present these spots, too. This is particularly so if these young people spend much time under the sun.

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What are the Causes of Liver Spots?

The different layers of our skin tissue absorb sunrays throughout all of our lives. It is a well-known fact that some of these rays are harmful to our skin. So much so, that they cause certain type of damage. One of the ways our skin tissue is altered by the effects of sunrays is through hyper keratoses. This means that healthy skin becomes rougher and thicker –this is a natural response that occurs when the skin wants to protect itself from unwanted effects. Another common reaction is hyper pigmentation or extra colouring. This is visible through darkened spots and is one of the main reasons healthy skin forms liver spots.

Although certain skin types are more prone to developing these unwanted colours, the truth is that most skin types will develop a form of hyper pigmentation when exposed to sunlight and the longer you remain under the sun, the higher the chances of developing these spots.

Even when using protection, some people should avoid staying under the sun altogether. If you are light-skinned and fair-eyed, for instance; or if your skin becomes red when exposed to sunlight, you should take extra measures.

Cosmetic technology has provided us with different alternatives that can help to treat liver spots. However, the wisest tip would be to avoid getting them. So far, the best way to protect our skin from the harmful effects of sunrays is using the appropriate sunscreen or sun block. This advice however, is useful as long as we use the products the right way. Reapplying often and using the exact SPF is vital to preventing any unwanted colouring in our skin.

Are Liver Spots Dangerous?

Even if they look ominous, the truth is that liver spots do not mean any significant threat to your health. Some people may mistakenly confuse them with cancerous growths. They are not, however and will not require medical treatment.

Even so, consulting with a physician is always a good call; especially because many people may confuse these benign spots with other types of more harmful skin conditions. Here are useful tips on how to identify them:

Location: Liver spots usually appear on hands, face (particularly forehead, nose or hairline) shoulders or back.

Symptoms: none. They do not itch, sting or hurt in any way.

Cosmetic Treatment for Skin Spots

Despite being innocuous, liver spots are the cause of medical consultation mainly because of cosmetic reasons. Hundreds of patients wonder whether these spots can be concealed or taken care of. Skin doctors generally agree on one point concerning these spots: they cannot be removed. Nevertheless, patients are advised on several skin treatments that help to improve skin appearance.

Cosmetic treatments offered to treat lentigines focus on one aspect: reducing their colour or lightening them so that they are less noticeable. There are several treatments available on the market and some have been proved to be highly effective in reducing spots both in size and colour.

At Advanced Dermatology our recommend treatment for liver spots and other skin spots is our revolutionary Clariskin® PhotoRejuvenation treatment.

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is a common problem for many woman, and often presents itself at the same time every month. Many females see it as a never ending skin condition. For many individuals, this will be the first couple of days before menstruation starts, during ovulation, and at the start of a woman’s period. Many woman experience hormonal acne due to the increased oil production in the oil glands located under the skin. Too much oil is produced, which can in turn lead to inflammation. This can cause the skin to become more irritated, which will make the area red and could cause pain. To top this off, there are many different aggravators of hormonal acne. These include stress, which will decrease the production of healthy hormones, such as estrogen, and increase the acne causing hormones. Heat can aggravate the skin by producing sweat, which can help to clog the pores. An individual’s sleep can help produce hormonal acne, as those that are not sleeping well are not able to have the skin heal itself. Dairy products have progesterone in them, which can inflame the skin.

What does hormonal acne look like?

Hormonal acne will occur during the same time frame each month. The skin will appear to have cysts on it that are often inflamed and quite painful. The cysts will be red and pus filled. For mild forms of hormonal acne, whiteheads may appear. Mild hormonal acne can appear as a rash like acne. Often times, hormonal acne will occur around the mouth, below the nose, on the chin, below the nose, and on the jawline. However, in a severe case of hormonal acne, it can be on the cheeks and the forehead. The back, shoulders and buttocks can also be effected by hormonal acne.

Hormonal acne tends to be sensitive to the touch. It is often deep and cystic. Gentle pressure applied to the acne will often lead to pain. Hormonal acne can often lead to scarring of the skin if the pimples on the skin are popped or squeezed.

How can hormonal acne be treated?

Hormonal acne often times does not respond to the typical over the counter acne products that are on the market nor will hormonal acne be cleared with topical creams as the hormones are responsible for creating this acne, not something under the surface of the skin. Hormonal acne can be treated using the ELOS acne clearing treatment. This effective treatment safely treats the skin, helping to clear up bacteria and oil that are blocking the pores. ELOS is the first technology that combines energies to effectively treat acne at the source of the problem. ELOS acne clearing treatment can be used on most skin types. Treatment cost will vary depending on how bad the hormonal acne is and how many treatments are needed. ELOS acne clearing treatment requires no downtime, and an individual may return to regular activities after the procedure is performed. The treatment does not require any topical anesthetics, but cooling of the skin during treatment will ensure safety during the procedure. Short term redness is a mild side effect, with this typically being the only side effect seen.

Before ELOS acne clearing treatment for hormonal acne is performed, the skin will be cleansed. A thin layer of water will be applied to the treatment area, and then a gentle pulse of light and radio frequency energy will be given. There will be a slight heating sensation felt on the skin. Many individuals compare the feeling to being snapped with a rubber band. Generally, a treatment session lasts about fifteen minutes to half an hour. Three to five treatments are typically needed, with each session being performed every four to six weeks.

How To Get Rid of Eye Bags

Solutions on how to get rid of Eye Bags

Eye bags, also known as puffy eyes, are caused by a fluid buildup around the eyes. The area is often puffy looking directly under the eyes. Many individuals want to know how to get rid of eye bags because they can make an individual look tired, fatigued, or older than they are. Eye bags can be seen in any age of individuals.

What causes eye bags?

In order to understand how to get rid of eye bags, an individual first should understand what causes eye bags. Eye bags may be caused by having an excessive amount of salt in the diet, having too little or not enough sleep, fluid retention, tobacco and alcohol use, mononucleosis, crying, normal ageing, allergies, skin disorders, and other causes. Hereditary may also be a cause of eye bags.

What treatments can an individual use when wanting to know how to get rid of eye bags?

When deciding on how to get rid of eye bags, there are many different solutions an individual can choose from. One of the best treatments for treating eye bags is Refirme NXT. This treatment is safe and very effective. There is no down time associated with the procedure, and individuals can return to daily activities immediately after a session. A session can take as little as 20 minutes to perform. This top of the line treatment allows an individual to have a non-invasive procedure done, utilising Elos technology. The experience offers a pain free treatment with no unwanted side effects. The skin will be lifted, tightened, and revitalised. Before treatment, the individual is asked to avoid sun exposure for a few days, and wear sunscreen if sun exposure is a must. After the treatment, there may be some minor swelling and redness to the skin, but a cold compress may be applied to the area. Sunlight should be avoided the first week after treatment, and a high quality sunscreen should be worn when exposed to the sun. Remember to use non-abrasive cleansers on this area as the skin can become irritated.

Dermal fillers are another option for an individual that wants to know how to get rid of eye bags. Dermal fillers can be injected into the skin under the eyes, with the results being instantly seen. The dermal filler will be injected deep into the orbital bone, injecting small amounts many times. The filler will be built up slowly, with the procedure only taking about ten minutes. The results of dermal fillers typically lasts about 12 to 18 months. Pain that is felt during the procedure is minimal. Side effects include bruising, redness, tenderness and swelling, but typically only last for a few days.

To know how to get rid of eye bags at home, an individual can invest in a high quality skin care lineup. Advanced Dermatology provides a skincare range that includes six steps. Step one includes the Daily Renew Cleanser, which will deep clean the skin without stripping it of oil. Step two is the Super Youth Serum, which hydrates the skin while being lightweight. This formula will erase signs of ageing, while repairing, firming and plumping up the skin. The next step is the Complete Age Defense Day Cream that helps to combat the signs of ageing. It will leave the skin feeling hydrated while refining it. At night, step four, the Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream should be applied. This night cream boosts cell renewal while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Step five is the Deep Cellular Regeneration Cream which works to strengthen the skin while firming it. The final step is the Youthful Boost Eye Cream, which will erase dark circles, wrinkles, and eye bags instantly.

Sallow Skin

Causes and Treatment for Sallow Skin

Sallow skin often makes an individual look older than they are, often times making a person look sickly. Sallow skin is characterised by yellowing or pale tinted skin. The individual that is suffering from sallow skin will often have skin that is tired looking, and may look haggard. They will generally not look like they are in the best of health. The main causes of sallow skin include smoking, a vitamin deficiency, and anemia. Sallow skin may also be caused by dehydration.

Sallow skin may be accompanied by a pale tongue, the inability to sleep, a poor memory, inability to concentrate, dizziness, and an erratic pulse. Many times sallow skin will be a result of another medical condition, such as an ulcer, kidney problems, low iron, and other serious health issues.

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Consultations are subject to our standard terms & conditions which you can read here.

How does an individual treat sallow skin?

Photorejuvenation is a non-invasive procedure that can be used to treat sallow skin. This skin treatment delivers energies to both the dermis and the epidermis. Photorejuvenation offers no down time, and takes about 45 minutes to complete. A warm snapping sensation can be felt during the procedure. Prior to treatment, a cooling gel maybe be applied to the skin. Goggles will need to be worn to protect the eyes. A hand held device will be glided over the skin while bright pulses of light are delivered to the skin. After treatment, the skin will feel slightly warm and can be cooled down by an ice pack. This will help recover the skin. Aloe Vera gel may also be applied to cool the skin.

Side effects of photorejuvenation include short term redness after the procedure. However, this generally goes away within an hour or so after the treatment. Rarely other side effects will be seen, such as scabbing of the skin or blisters. Individuals that are pregnant or breast feeding should refrain from using photorejuvenation to treat sallow skin. Individuals that have tanned skin will not be able to use photorejuvenation to treat the sallow skin either.

Generally speaking, five treatments of photorejuvenation are normally needed for an individual that suffers from sallow skin. These will be scheduled about 3 weeks apart from each other. However, all skin is unique and each skin specialist will have different expectations to follow. Results can typically last for several years, if not longer. Single maintenance treatments can be offered to keep the skin in tip top shape. Maintenance treatments are typically done about 4 months after the last treatment.

After having a series of photorejuvenation treatments, the skin will look refreshed. The tone and texture will have improved, and there will be a reduction in any irregular pigmentation of the skin.

How can an individual prevent sallow skin?

One way to prevent sallow skin includes keeping the body hydrated. This will keep the skin looking and feeling its best. Inadequate water supplies to the skin will create dull skin that is lifeless. A good test to see if an individual is dehydrated is to pinch the back of the hands. If the skin does not spring back immediately, an individual is not getting enough water in the diet and should increase the water to include at least 2 liters a day.

Should you smoke cigarettes, stop smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes deprives the skin of the much needed oxygen. This in turn will not only cause wrinkles, but help sallow skin form.

If diet is to blame for sallow skin, make sure that the diet is rich in iron. Having a loss of iron in the body can cause anemia, which is one of the main culprits of sallow skin. Folic acid and vitamin B12 should also be a part of the diet to ward off sallow skin.

Marionette Lines

What are Marionette Lines?

Marionette lines are lines that run down from the corners of the mouth that often make an individual look unhappy or mad. They are called marionette lines as they resemble the lines that run on the face of a marionette. They are often a sign of natural ageing in the skin and are quite common. Symptoms of marionette lines include not only the long lines running downward from the corners of the mouth, but dry skin that can be dull looking and a loss of skin elasticity and firmness.

What are the causes of Marionette lines?

Factors that help form marionette lines include those that have the habit of pursing the lips together. Doing this motion can help to contribute to wrinkles that have formed around the mouth. Other causes include the skin losing moisture due to the natural ageing process, which happens when the skin loses the firmness and elasticity that it once had. Smoking and excessive sun exposure can also cause marionette lines. Genetics can play a part in an individual having marionette lines. Stress and anxiety have been known to make marionette lines more pronounced.

How can Marionette lines be treated?

There are a number of treatments that can be used to treat marionette lines. These include:

  • ReFirme NXT® – This anti-ageing treatment is a fast treatment that will help with wrinkled skin. It is virtually pain free. This procedure helps give the individual rejuvenated skin with a youthful glow. It does not require any downtime for the patient. This FDA approved treatment is safe and effective for any skin type and works beautifully on sensitive skin. ReFirme NXT uses elos technology, which will heat the skin tissue to shrink collagen fibers that have aged while stimulating new collagen to be formed. After just one treatment, the skin will be smoother and more supple with a radiant glow.
  • The Sixty Minute Facelift – This FDA approved skin treatment is a non-surgical treatment that will tighten and renew collagen in all three layers of the skin (the dermis, the epidermis, and the subcutaneous layer) . It has long lasting effects without involving any needles. This procedure works on all skin types and colours, and requires no anesthetics. After the first treatment, skin will be not only tighter and smoother, but will be more elastic as well. After a series of treatments, results will continue to form for 6 months.
  • Injectable dermal fillers – Injectable dermal fillers add volume around the marionette lines, which essentially make the marionette lines disappear. An individual’s skin specialist will be able to suggest the best type of dermal filler to be used, as there are many on the market. The dermal filler will be injected around the marionette lines, which will create a fleshing out effect of the wrinkles. Injectable dermal fillers will last for several months, and the individual may choose to have repeated injections. Allergy testing may be required for certain types of fillers used.

The best treatment for marionette lines will vary from individual to individual. It is best to consult a skin specialist so he or she can examine the marionette lines to determine which treatment will be most effective.

How can Marionette lines be prevented?

Use a high quality sunscreen daily. The most effective sunscreens will be the ones that are labeled as broad spectrum, as they offer both UVA and UVB ray protection. Limit exposure in the sun, avoiding the sun’s rays from 10 am to 4 pm. Wear sun glasses with a broad rimmed hat if being out in the sun is must during the peak hours.