First come those daily, dark under-eye circles that no amount of cooled cucumber slices or teabags can remove. Then come the crow’s feet and – oh my – is that what I think it is?! A double chin...
The pressure on women to maintain a youthful, wrinkle-free glow is immense, but thank goodness we live in an age when the measures to feel good in your skin are not as drastic as they used to be.
Clinical skincare company Vitaderm’s Ruan Winter runs us through the hottest treatments in salons across the country currently.
CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical peels are a cosmetic treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and impurities. The solution used in a chemical peel can vary in strength, depending on the desired result and the individual’s skin type.
The chemical solution typically contains one or more acids, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid, which work to break down the bonds between dead skin cells and promote the growth of new skin cells. The depth of the peel and the level of exfoliation depend on the strength of the solution and the length of time it is left on the skin.
Chemical peels can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including acne, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone and texture. They can also improve the overall appearance and health of the skin by stimulating collagen production and increasing circulation.
LASER THERAPY
Skin laser therapy is a medical treatment that uses lasers to treat a variety of skin conditions. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the targeted tissue in the skin, allowing for precise treatment with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
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There are several types of lasers used in skin laser therapy, each with their own specific wavelength and target tissue.
Some of the common skin conditions that can be treated with laser therapy include:
Acne: Laser therapy can help to reduce the appearance of acne by targeting the bacteria that cause it and reducing inflammation.
Pigmentation: Laser therapy can help to reduce the appearance of pigmentation by targeting the pigment in the skin and breaking it up.
Wrinkles and fine lines: Laser therapy can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by promoting collagen production and improving skin elasticity.
Hair removal: Laser therapy can be used to remove unwanted hair by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle, effectively destroying it and preventing hair growth.
Overall, skin laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a qualified professional.
MICRO-NEEDLING
Micro-needling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic treatment that involves using a device with small needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These punctures stimulate the body’s natural healing response, leading to the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that help to keep the skin firm and elastic.
During the procedure, a trained professional will use a device with small needles to make small punctures in the skin. The depth of the punctures can vary depending on the individual’s skin type and the desired outcome. The punctures cause tiny injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing process, which involves the production of new collagen and elastin. The result is smoother, more even-toned skin, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.
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Micro-needling can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, and sun damage. It can also be used to enhance the absorption of topical skincare products, as the punctures create micro-channels in the skin that allow products to penetrate deeper.
THREAD LIFT
Thread lifting, also known as a thread face-lift or a non-surgical face-lift, is a cosmetic treatment that involves using threads to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck. The threads used in a thread lift are typically made of a biocompatible material, such as polydioxanone (PDO), that is absorbed by the body over time.
During the procedure, a trained professional will insert the threads into the skin using a thin needle. Once inserted, the threads are gently pulled to lift and tighten the skin. The threads also stimulate collagen production, which helps to improve the overall texture and quality of the skin.
The threads used in a thread lift come in different lengths and thicknesses, allowing for customised treatment, depending on the individual’s skin type and the desired outcome. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to perform and is generally less invasive than traditional facelift surgery.
The procedure can be used to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck. It can also be used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as to enhance facial contours.
DERMAPLANING
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedurethat involves using a scalpel or surgical blade to gently scrape away the top layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair, also known as “peach fuzz,” from the face. The procedure is typically performed by a trained aesthetician or skincare professional.
During the procedure, the aesthetician will use a sterile scalpel or surgical blade to gently scrape the surface of the skin in small, upward motions. The blade is used at a specific angle to ensure that only the outermost layer of dead skin cells is removed, leaving behind smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin.
Dermaplaning can be used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, as well as to reduce the appearance of vellus hair on the face. It can also enhance the absorption of skincare products, as the removal of dead skin cells allows products to penetrate deeper into the skin.
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Dermaplaning is generally safe for most skin types, but may not be recommended for individuals with active acne, very sensitive skin, or certain skin conditions.
FACIAL NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (FNMES)
Facial neuromuscular electrical stimulation, also known as facial electrical stimulation or micro-current facial therapy, is a cosmetic treatment that involves using low-level electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles and improve the appearance of the skin.
During the procedure, a trained professional will use a small device to deliver gentle electrical currents to specific points on the face. The electrical currents stimulate the muscles and increase circulation, which can help to improve the tone and texture of the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.
Facial neuromuscular electrical stimulation is generally considered safe and non-invasive. It can be used on its own or in combination with other cosmetic treatments, such as facial massage or light therapy, to enhance the overall results.
WHAT ABOUT FAT-DISSOLVING INJECTIONS?
Influencer Sbahle Mpisane (pictured) recently shared her Cecarrelli fat lipolysis journey through the Skin Renewal You-Tube page. The medical aesthetic clinic says that these are“used in conjunction with other therapies to help smooth out cellulite and improve that ‘orange peel’ appearance.”
If you battle with the fupa and or wish you could reduce your arm fat, this could also be an effective non-invasive alternative to do that, says Ruan. “Fat lipolysis can be used to reduce localized fat deposits in areas such as the chin, jowls, abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. It is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for reducing small to moderate areas of fat, especially in areas where fat tends to be resistant to diet and exercise,” he assures Drum readers.
