Maintaining Your Youthful Glow — Which Beauty Treatment is Right for You?
There’s no getting around it, winter spells bad news for your skin. The cold weather loves nothing more but to suck out all your skin’s vital moisture. Luckily there’s loads you can do to protect your skin from the onslaught of the cold weather. In conjunction with a great at-home skincare routine, treatments are a great way to give your skin an added boost during the cooler months. Not sure which treatment is best for your skin? We’ve rounded up the best beauty treatments to help you maintain your youthful glow this winter.
Because the loss of moisture content is a natural part of the ageing process, the texture of your skin is a dead give away when it comes to showing your age. Which is why it’s important to make sure that you keep your skin looking plump and smooth all year round. Skin that is sagging and dry looks dull and wrinkles and lines appear more prominent. When your skin is thirsty, the reality is that your face looks tired and old — even if you aren’t. Specialist in-salon treatments will help give your skin a much-needed boost during the cooler months, keeping you looking radiant and healthy. There are a range of things you can you try – ranging from 30 minute lunch-time interventions, to high-tech indulgent treatments — you just need to find the right one for you. Here’s a quick overview of the different treatments and what they can do for you:
1. Chemical Peel
This superficial glycolic peel, also known as a ‘lunchtime treatment’ is great for dry and dehydrated skin and can result in up to 25% increase in skin thickness, improved quality of elastic fibres and increased density of collagen. It involves the application of a chemical peeling agent such as glycolic acid, which effectively removes the outer layer of the epidermis exposing skin that is smoother and more hydrated. Most people will need 3 – 5 sessions for long-lasting benefits, but the improvement following each session is immediate.
Are you a candidate? Chemical peels are great for people with dry or oily skin, acne, acne scarring, lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, sun damage or dull or lifeless skin.
2. Microdermabrasion (MDA)
A rejuvenation technique that involves mechanical exfoliation of the skin. Contrary to popular belief, the treatment causes very little or no discomfort while it gently removes the outer layer of the skin. It helps to promote skin regeneration, and the synthesis of new collagen and elastin. Clients can expect thickening of the epidermis (which will result in better hydration levels and a long term anti-ageing effect) after a course of 5 – 10 treatments.
Are you a candidate? You may be a good candidate for Microdermabrasion if you have sun damaged skin, age spots, dark pigmentation, small scars, surface acne or enlarged pores.
3. FotoFacial RF™
This treatment combines the gentle light of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and electrical energies to treat the likes of facial veins and broken capillaries, as well as resolve stubborn pigmentation and improve uneven and rough skin texture. The treatment is often preceded with an MDA treatment, to give the client better results with smoother skin, a brighter complexion and visibly reduced fine lines and pores. Clients can expect a significant increase in the thickness of the epidermis after 3 – 6 treatments.
Are you a candidate? FotoFacials are great for people who experience problems with Rosacea, flushing, redness, broken capillaries and spider veins of the face, sun spots, age spots, hyper-pigmentation or wrinkles.
4. Dermal needling
Needling is an aesthetic procedure performed using a device called a dermal roller (a studded instrument with very fine needles made of surgical stainless steel). The treatment allows for more effective penetration of active ingredients into the skin, thereby promoting skin healing and collagen production. Dermal needling can work as a standalone treatment, or together with anti-ageing serums and cocktails.
Are you a candidate? Needling assists with the synthesis of collagen and elastin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also minimising pores, and reducing the appearance of acne scarring and stretch marks. The treatment is not suitable for those who have been on Roaccutane in the last 6 months, have active acne, open wounds, infections, psoriasis or dermatitis in the area to be treated.
5. Mesotherapy
This therapy helps to rejuvenate the skin via the injection of hyaluronic acid and collagen synthesis directly into the dermal layer. The needle stick injury itself initiates the wound healing process, encouraging collagen synthesis while the active ingredients of the injected ingredients help to promote hydration and plumping. Each session of Mesotherapy is specified according to individual needs.
Are you a candidate? Mesotherapy is a very safe treatment with little or no risks so pretty much anyone can benefit from the treatment.
In addition to these treatments there are also a few ‘simpler’ things you can try to keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant every day. First off, drink more water and less coffee. Use a good cleanser, toner and moisturiser during the day and at night. Always use an SPF and keep your face out of direct sunlight when possible. Exfoliate regularly and get enough sleep. It’s as simple as that!