Skin Care

Nutrition seems to play an enormous role in minimizing free radical damage. Studies show that after the age of 30, there is a sharp decrease in the number of ingested vitamins that are transported to the skin. This is when our skin most needs antioxidant protection. However, applying potent, stabilized vitamins to the skin via creams and lotions can significantly help reduce the effects of premature aging.

Our hectic, modern lifestyle taxes the body and depletes its natural supply of vitamins and minerals. Adding good vitamin and mineral supplements to your diet can boost your immune system and improve the way you look and feel.

Eating a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and using an antioxidant cream on a daily basis is a wise insurance policy for your skin. Watch for products that contain vitamin A (to act on wrinkles), vitamin C (for radiance and tone) and vitamin E (to improve texture).

THE BENEFITS OF TOPICALLY APPLIED VITAMINS

Vitamin A
• Improves skin elasticity
• Increases moisture content, making skin appear more supple
• Helps to reverse the signs of photo aging
• Scavenges free radicals

Vitamin C
• Plays a vital role in the production antioxident of pro collagen, the building blocks of collagen fibres
• Controls production of hyperpigmentation
• Scavenges free radicals
• Strengthens capillary walls; helps heal the skin
• Boosts skin’s immune system

Vitamin E
• Protects skin cells and membranes
• Controls production of collagen
• Appears to promote skin healing
• Relieves skin dryness
• Slows collagen degradation
• Anti-inflammatory

Pro-Vitamin B5
• Encourages cell regeneration
• Stimulates the healing process
• Prevents scarring
• Conditions the skin

Vitamin F
• Restores the skin’s natural barrier function
• Maintains optimum moisture levels

Topically applied vitamins are very fragile. When exposed to oxygen, light or pullution, they can decompose and lose many of their beneficial qualities. Look for sealed packages that are specifially designed to protect the potency of products, as opposed to vitamin-rich skincare products that are packaged in open containers such as jars or dropper bottles.

If skin is seriously overstretched, such as when the body grows faster than with the skin can handle (during pregnancy, sudden weight gain, quick muscle building), collagen fibres in the middle layer can rupture and deep scars can be seen through the epidermis. These are commonly known as stretch marks. While they do fade with time, there is little you can do to get rid of them altogether. Microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing and intense pulsed light treatments may help. Generally, the longer you’ve had them, the less chance there is of reducing them. Some people swear by vitamin E. It’s a good idea to apply vitamin E throughout a pregnancy or if you are trying to lose weight, as it helps keep the skin supple and may therefore help reduce the incidence of stretch marks. Fake tan can help disguise them.

If you have a tendency to develop leg veins, avoid standing for long preiods, wear support hose for varicose veins and exercise tones the calf muscles which help propel the blood back to the heart, thus avoiding pooling in the lower legs.

Straighten Up
No matter what your shape or size, standing up straight will make you look and feel better. In fact, you can look as though you’ve lost five pounds simply by standing and walking correctly.

Not only does a good posture help to make you look stronger, taller and more graceful, it is also very good for your health as it lessens the chances of back and neck problems, weak stomach muscles, tiredness and poor circulation.

To determine if your posture is good, stand as you usually do with your heels against a wall. Your calves, buttocks, shoulders and the back of your head should touch the wall and you should just be able to slip your hand between the small of your back and the wall.

If after doing this little test you decide that your posture is not what it should be, then here’s what you can do to improve it:

• When you’re sitting, pull your navel in towards your spine and stretch the torso so it’s upright.

• When standing for long periods of time, remember to check that your abdominal muscles are pulled in tight towards your spine, your hips are tilted slightly forward and your knees are relaxed.

• Exercise is a good way to improve your posture. Make sure you are doing exercises correctly, especially if it involves equipment at a gym.

• If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, find a chair that supports your lower back and keep your feet flat on the floor.

• To strengthen your back, squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Do this regularly throughout the day.

Bath Time
A relaxing bath can be a real treat for face and body, To get the most out of it, try these tips:

• The heat of a bath helps to open pores and relieve congestion. However, if you suffer from spider veins, broken capillaries or if you flush easily, avoid very hot baths and Jacuzzis.

• Add a few drops of essential oil to the water, You can choose the oil according to the effect you would like to create; relaxing, soothing or invigorating. Focus on the smell of the oil and enjoy it.

• Climb into the bath and take a few moments to unwind. Start by relaxing your neck muscles, then your shoulders, arms, chest, back, tummy, hips, thighs, knees and finally, your feet.

• As you relax, concentrate on your breathing, Inhale deeply through your nose to a count of four, letting the air fill your chest and work its way down into your abdomen. Hold for a count of eight and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat a few times.

• Once you’ve soaked (keep it to 15 minutes -more than that and your skin will become puffy), wash by rubbing with long, smooth strokes towards the heart.

• When you get out of the water, dry yourself and apply a generous dollop of moisturizing lotion. Alternatively, apply essential oils while the skin is still damp, this will help to seal in moisture.

Despite all warnings to the contrary, come summer the beaches are packed as we bare our bodies to get a tan. While a small amount of early-morning sun is good for you (15 minutes is sufficient to provide you with natural vitamin D, and occasional exposure is believed to improve psychological wellbeing), too much sun is dangerous. Besides the fact that sun dramatically ages your skin, it is also the cause of several kinds of skin cancer, including solar keratoses (wart-like growths) and malignant melanoma -and just one bout of harsh sunburn might be all it takes. Photo aging -which can make up to around 85% of the overall appearance of aging is a slow process and only becomes visible after a few decades. And then it’s too late do anything about it.

Unfortunately, although people are now waking up to the dangers of overexposure and the horrors of skin cancer, only about half of the world’s population takes adequate precautions to protect themselves from the sun. Sun safety should be a vital part of your life and one that you must instill in your children from early age.

The sun and your skin
Your best bet against premature aging is the daily use of a good sunscreen. The higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor), the oilier the cream generally is. So if you’re prone to breakouts stick to SPF 15 or lower or try a gel formula.

Photo aging, a result of sun exposure, is a slow process. It may take several decades before it becomes fully noticeable. In fact, 90% of sun damage occurs by the age of 20, yet only becoming visible in your early thirties and onwards. The degree of photo aging is mainly determined by your skin type and total lifetime sun exposure, and the degree of damage to different areas of the body is directly proportional to the amount of sunlight received (your hands and neckline for example, are more likely to have sun damage and age spots than your stomach). Seriously sun-damaged skin has a thickened outer layer, making it feel dry, rough and leathery. There are often darkly pigmented areas or whitish spots where levels of pigment are higher or lower than normal. Pores may be dilated and small blood vessels become more obvious, sometimes forming broken or spider-like veins, and the skin may be mottled red or inflamed. Within the dermis, the elastic fibres increase in quantity and thickness, manifesting as deep, fixed wrinkles and less pliable skin.

THE SCIENCE OF SUNBURN
The sun energy that reaches the Earth can be divided into three kinds of light: infrared and visible light, and ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR, in turn, consists of three different wavelengths: ultraviolet A, Band C.

• Ultraviolet C is the shortest wavelength and potentially the most damaging. DNA and proteins absorb UVC due to their molecular structure. Fortunately for us, UVC is mostly absorbed in the atmosphere by the ozone layer. However, the current ‘thinning’ of this layer has increased the amounts that reach our planet, especially in the Southern Hemisphere.

• UVB is the most potent wavelength as it can penetrate into the epidermis where it affects the DNA and can create lipid peroxides, precursors of free radicals. It is believed to generate most of the photo damage to skin. UVB is the wavelength responsible for sunburn, and is at its most dangerous in the middle of a summer day, when transmitted through a blue sky. Less UVB is transmitted in the early mornings and late evenings; when the sun is lowest in the sky.

• UVA is about 1 000 times less damaging to the skin than UVB, but it is far from harmless. UVA rays are longer than UVB rays, and 90% of the sunlight reaching the earth is made up of UVA rays. They are the ‘aging’ rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin (the dermis) and are responsible for the damage to your collagen and elastin, and causing freckles, blotchiness and pigmentation problems. While UVB peaks at high noon in summer, UVA is fairly constant throughout the day and year and can penetrate cloud cover, tinted glass and clothing relatively easily. UVA also causes immune suppression, resulting in increased susceptibility to skin infections and even skin cancer.

Overexposure to the sun at an early age will result in premature wrinkling between the ages of 25 and 40. The dangerous rays are not just from the sun’s light -they are also reflected off water and the earth.

SUNBURN VS SUNTAN
There is no such thing as a safe tan. A suntan is actually the body’s defence mechanism against too strong sunlight and the visible evidence of damage to the skin. Sunlight stimulates the skin to increase melanin production. As the melanin supply is activated, it moves up towards the surface of the skin where it helps prevent burning and reduces the penetration of the sun’s rays. The side effect is skin of that golden colour that sun worshippers crave. Although dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin and thus have a higher level of natural protection, they still need to use a sunscreen to avoid skin damage.

Sunburn, on the other hand, can be equated to ‘cooking’ your skin. If you don’t apply sunscreen, or accidentally fall asleep in the sun, the surface blood vessels dilate (hence the redness), and an inflammatory response is induced to fight the damage, often causing blisters in the process. The redness occurs two to eight hours after severe sun exposure and blistering can occur after 12 to 24 hours. A frightening fact is that our skin ‘remembers’ this burn, and the DNA may not repair perfectly. These ‘errors’ in DNA can lead to skin cancer years later. So when you make your way to the coast for your next summer holiday, remember that although a tan fades quickly, your skin carries a permanent memory of the damage.

PROTECTING YOUR SKIN
The time it takes for unprotected skin to turn red in the sun is known as the MED (minimal erythema dose). Your skin type determines your MED. Very fair skin, for example, will have a MED of about six minutes; olivetoned skin can tolerate about 10 to 12 minutes; and black skin usually has a MED of 18 to 20 minutes. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a standardized measure that indicates how much additional time above your MED you can spend in the sun without getting burned. For example, if you can usually spend 10 minutes in the sun before burning, an SPF15 sunscreen will multiply that time by fifteen (10 minutes x 15 = 150 minutes of ‘sun time’). Note that a person with fair skin can spend far less time in the sun than someone with darker skin, even if they both apply the same level of SPF. Once your time is up, you should ideally get out of the sun. Reapplying sunscreen only means that you will ‘cook’ more slowly, a bit like cooking your Sunday roast in the oven -once it’s done you’re simply crisping it! You should, however, always reapply sunscreen after swimming, perspiring and drying yourself off. The key is to use enough sunscreen (one to two ounces) for an even and full coverage. Double application is also important: apply the first layer 20 to 30 minutes before you go to the beach, and apply another layer as your ‘coat of armour’ when you get into the sun.

Sun worshipping is the single most destructive activity for your skin, with over 90% of all visible sings of ageing a result of sun exposure.

No tanning product can guarantee to tan your skin a certain colour depth of a tan is determined by the skin’s ability to produce melanin. The key to ‘safe’ tanning is to use a product that allows production of pigment to take place slowly by screening out most of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

The rule for choosing a sunscreen: use a moderate filter on your body and high protection for your face.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS
Sunscreen formulations rely on phys ical or chemical agents to provide protection. Physical sunscreens contain inert mineral particles that reflect or block UV rays. (Think of the white zinc dioxide layer that the cricketers use.) The molecules cannot break down or be absorbed by the skin and are therefore less likely to irritate the skin. This type of sunscreen is generally better for sensitive skin types. Physical sunscreens of the past tended to be thick, white and greasy, but modern preparations contain ultrafine titanium dioxide crystals that don’t leave that white residue and actually help to absorb oil. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain synthetic chemical substances that absorb UV radiation. Some of the ingredients can be absorbed through the skin, so these sunscreens may cause irritation. PABA (para aminobenzoic acid) is one of the most common sensitivity triggers in chemical sunscreens. When choosing a sunscreen, look for ingredients like titanium dioxide or Parsol 1789 (also known as avobenzone; the most effective ingredien for absorbing UVA) and do a patch test to check for sensitivity. Make sure any product you choose offers UVA and UVB protection. It’s also essential that your sunscreen contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, flavonoids and ascorbic acid to neutralize free radical damage and trigger the repair process. Always choose a product that suits your skin type. For example, gel is best for oily skin, and creams and lotions are most suitable for dry skin.

FAUX GLOWS
What we’re hearing from dermatologists is that the only safe tan is that comes in a tube. The good news is that this is the golden age bottled tans; the modern formulas can give a natural looking glow without the orange streaks and bad smells of past formulations. Self tans use DHA (dihydroxyacetone), colourless sugar that reacts with dead skin cells to create a tanned effect. The reaction is not immediate; it usually takes three to four hours for the colour to develop fully. As your skin constantly renews itself, fake tans only last five to seven days. It’s very important to remember that fake tans do not provide any sun protection, so you still need to wear a sunscreen.

Primary damage is done your skin while you’re in the sun. However, there is a secondery burst of free radical damage for another 24 hours after exposure. To counter this damage, you must get enough antioxidants and make repair part of your skincare routine.

WHAT ABOUT SUNBEDS?
If you are at all concerned about your skin, you should never lie on a sunbed. The ultraviolet light used by indoor tanning systems is as dangerous as that of the sun and although they usually filter out the burning UVB rays, they let the UVA rays in even deeper. Sunbeds are, in essence, automatic aging machines and increase your risk of melanoma.

If you do burn in the sun, you can partially alleviate the unpleasant sting by applying cool compresses or adding oatmeal to a lukewarm bath. Creams containing menthol can be very soothing too.

Should I wear a daily sunscreen?
Yes! Eighty percent of all sun exposure is incidental -in other words, walking, driving to work (the side of your face closest to the window will exhibit more signs of premature ageing), or taking a break outdoors. In fact, sitting outside at noon for your lunch hour is worse than being on the beach between 9-11 :00 or 14:00-17:00. For this reason, it is generally accepted that everyone should be using some sort of daily sun protection. This is especially important if you are at risk for skin cancer or are on antibiotics, antimalarials, Retin-A, Roaccutane, antidepressants, or some hormone replacement therapies, as they can all increase photosensitivity. So, even when it’s overcast, be sure to apply a sunscreen every morning. If you have sensitive skin, rather use a lower SPF and be careful to avoid the sun.

WHY VITAMIN A IS SO VITAL

Vitamin A supports the natural health of the skin. Melanocytes, keratino cytes, fibroblasts and Langerhans cells all depend on vitamin A, and a defiis ciency will also result in a depletion of vitamin C. Although vitamin A protects the skin from the sun, UVA destroys it. If you spend the weekend tanning next to the swimming pool, for example, the levels of vitamin A in your skin will be depleted and it will take about seven days to restore those levels. Ten minutes in the sun will cause the vitamin A level in the skin to drop to about 40%, while 30 minutes of sun exposure will take the level down to about 10%. To mainbecause tain a high enough level of vitamin A in the skin to protect it, it’s essential to apply vitamin A topically, and to supply the skin with antioxidants that protect your vitamin stores from attack by free radicals.

There’s no doubt that sunshine makes us feel good. It is essential, however, to learn how to enjoy it without putting your skin at risk.

AND NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS…

Although for many people the rate of damage is higher than the skin’s inherent ability to repair itself, there is a lot of potential for self-repair. The key is to start taking the proper precautions now, if you haven’t being doing so already. Always protect yourself from the sun. By simply applying a daily sunscreen, you are giving your skin a chance to ‘rest’ and conserve some of the energy it would otherwise expend on protection during the day. As these energy reserves grow, your skin has a better chance of carrying out the crucial roles of repairing and rebuilding itself; ensuring long term healthy functioning.

How do I know if I am at risk for skin cancer?

Every person runs some risk of developing skin cancer; a lighter skin tone and unprotected sun exposure increase that risk. It is crucial to protect young skin because a severe burn before the age of 18 almost doubles the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. After years of sun exposure basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer and often appear on exposed areas of the skin. Melanomas are the most widely known type of skin cancer and the deadliest. Remember the warning signs for changes in a mole, which may indicate melanoma: A is for asymmetry: has its shape changed? B is for border: have the edges increased or become irregular? C is for colour: has the mole darkened or is the colour not uniform? D is for diameter: has it become larger than 6mm (Y.in)? Speak to a dermatologist immediately if you answer yes to any of the above questions, or if you are concerned by any suddenly appearing skin lesion. Early detection can make all the differ ence between successful removal and long-term illness.

As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement. Despite the slew of products and advanced technology available today, there is only so much we can do to curb this. Dramatic results can be achieved with face-lifts and reshaping, but there are less-invasive rejuvenating techniques like freezing, filling and polishing. While one needs to accept the inevitable changes that come with age, there is no reason why one should not make use of the sophisticated cosmetic procedures and techniques available. There are so many options, however, that you will need to do some homework. All surgery carries some risk and even less-invasive techniques can have side-effects. Use reputable, certified professionals. Get recommendations or contact the dermatological or plastic surgeons association in your country. Know what can and can’t be improved and allow for recovery time. There are quick procedures such as ‘lunch-time peels’, while other treatments leave your skin red and inflamed for a few days and will require some time off.

Though surgery can have dramaticresults, remember that beauty really does start within. Look after what you have and celebrate your uniqueness.

Whatever method you choose to rejuvenate your face, you should aim to create natural-looking results. Always consult a registered dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and be realistic about what the procedures can and cannot achieve.

There are three types of wrinkles. Static wrinkles are with you all the time, even when your face is at rest. Dynamic wrinkles are created by your facial expressions, and folds are lines that develop when the skin loses its youthful elasticity and begins to sag. Examples of the latter include droopy eyebrows, bags below the eyes, jowls and nasolabial folds (between the corners of your mouth and the sides of the nose). Various non-invasive techniques can help to improve these and they can be used in conjunction with surgery.

FREEZERS
Botox has become the treatment of choice to get rid of expression lines those that form when your frown, smile or laugh. Botox is a neurotoxin produced from the botulinum bacteria. When injected into a muscle, it acts as a nerve impulse blocker, temporarily paralyzing the muscles and so keeping them from contracting. Because it ‘freezes’ the expression muscles, your ability to move the muscle temporarily disappears along with the wrinkles. Botox is most effective on frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet (on the outer corners of the eyes). The procedure is painless -just a needle prick, but a topical anaesthetic cream can be used if the client prefers or if multiple sites are planned. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and the effect takes four days to a week to kick in. It lasts from three to six months and must be repeated to maintain results. Injections can cause redness and swelling at the injection site and it’s advisable not to do anything too strenuous on the day of treatment; nonetheless you can go about your business almost immediately. In rare cases, Botox injections too close to the eyelid muscles can cause the eye area to droop temporarily.

FILLERS
Soft-fillers are injected into the skin to fill lines and wrinkles and build or plump up areas like the lips and cheeks. There are temporary and permanent fillers, as well as exogenous (foreign substances such as collagen) and autologous (one’s own tissue or fat) implants. The fat-injection procedure involves extracting fat cells from the patient’s abdomen, thighs, buttocks or elsewhere, and re-injecting them beneath the facial skin. This method is usually used to fill in cheeks and lips or to fill laugh lines between the nose and mouth or on the forehead. As the fat is taken from the person’s own body, there is no reaction because the immune system immediately recognizes the tissue.

The disadvantages of foreign collagen implants (extracted from cow skin or a human cadaver) are that they only last for two to six months, and that skin testing is required in order to avoid possible allergic reactions.

The more popular temporary filling method is with hyaluronic acid (such as Restylane, Hylaform, Perlane). Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin, so allergic reactions are rare. Injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very thin needle, the gel adds natural volume under the wrinkle. The product is biodegradable and so will gradually be absorbed. As the gel breaks down, water takes its place and when it is totally absorbed, the gel disappears unnoticed from the body. The procedure takes up to half an hour. After the treatment you could experience some swelling, tenderness and redness, but these symptoms will disappear in two to four days. How long the effect lasts depends on the individual, but it is generally effective for up to six months after lip augmentation, and up to 12 months after facial contouring.

Other filler materials being used include Fibril, a gelatin powder compound that’s mixed with the patient’s own blood and is injected to plump up the skin; GORE-TEX@, a threadlike material that is implanted beneath the skin to add soft-tissue support; and Zyderm (a bovine collagen) and Zyplast (a cross-linked form of collagen), which are used to improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars and to add volume to the lips. Injectable fillers are not permanent and the body will eventually process the injected material. How long it lasts differs from person to person.

Invasive rejuvenation treatments can tax the body. Regard them as you would minor surgery and allow your system enough time to recuperate.

Botox injections have become a popular lunch-time fix; other than the possibility of some redness and very slight swelling at the site, patients can immediately resume their activities.

MICRODERMABRASION
Often referred to as the ‘lunch-time peel’, microdermabrasion is a skin polishing technique that uses micropartic1es to abrade and rub off the top skin layer, removing the particles of dead skin to give it a smoother appearance. The operator uses a handheld device that blasts fine particles of sand-like crystals (aluminum oxide or table salt) against the skin and vacuums away the used crystals, dirt and dead surface skin. It takes only 20 to 30 minutes for a full-face treatment and can also be used on the neck and chest. There may be mild redness, which can be covered up with makeup and fades after a couple of hours. This procedure is not painful (there may be a slight tingling) and won’t lighten or darken black skin as some strong exfoliating treatments do. It’s recommended for smoothing away roughness, fine lines, sun-damaged or pigmented skin, age spots, scarring from acne, accidents or previous surgery, and even precancerous growths. Microdermabrasion exfoliates skin faster and more efficiently than any salon facial and penetrates the skin more deeply than a glycolic acid peel. It is not recommended as a treatment for crow’s feet because, if used too close to the eyes, the crystals can cause eye irritation and the delicate eyelid skin can be damaged by the machine’s suction.

All invasive skincare procedures carry some risk. It is vital to consult a registered skincare professional and ensure you are getting the right treatment for your particular concern.

INTENSE PULSED LIGHT THERAPY (IPL)
A fairly new, convenient and thus increasingly popular alternative to laser skin resurfacing and chemical peeling is the use of intense pulsed light. With this type of therapy, an Intensive light source is directed towards the surface of the skin. It spreads in all directions and there is no danger of burning or scarring as there is with regular laser.

This therapy is particularly effective for rejuvenating the skin, not just superficially but in the deeper levels, too. The light pulses are adjustable In wavelength and duration so that a variety of tasks can be performed and objectives achieved.

Intense pulsed light therapy helps to improve redness (it’s particularly effective in the treatment of rosacea); reduce broken capillaries, brown spots, UV damage, fine wrinkles and large pores. It can even out skin tone and firm the skin. One of its biggest advantages is that there is no down time. Each treatment takes approximately 20 minutes and patients can return to their daily activities immediately afterwards. There is also minimal discomfort -no anaesthesia or topical anaesthetic cream is needed. This, coupled with an absence of scars and ease of treatment, makes an attractive number of advantages over laser skin resurfacing, chemical peeling, or microdermabrasion. Aftercare is customized to each patient’s individual skin sensitivity. This rejuvenation technology is certainly cutting edge and very exciting. As with all of these procedures, it must only be administered by a skilled and qualified professional and a series of treatment is recommended to get the best possible results.

IPL is a fairly recent skin rejuvenation technique that is quick, painless and without any of the nasty side-effects that accompany the other, more invasive procedures.

Age, gravity, sun exposure, smoking and stress changes the way a face looks. Creases form and it begins to lose its youthful definition.

CHEMICAL SKIN PEELS
These peels use a chemical solution to smooth the texture of the skin by removing the damaged outer layers. There are various kinds available. Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic, lactic or fruit acids are usually the mildest of the formulas. They can be used to remove the top layer of skin to treat fine lines, even out skin tone and uneven pigmentation and smooth acne scars. They also stimulate cell metabolism, increasing the skin’s natural functions. The process takes about 10 minutes. The cons: it can irritate the skin, and you have to undergo a series of treatments to reap the benefits. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling to smooth out fine surface wrinkles, blemishes and uneven pigmentation problems. The treatment takes 10 to 15 minutes and can be used on the neck and body. Although healing is quicker than a phenol peel, the resu Its are usually less dramatic and not as long lasting. Repeated treatments may be needed to maintain results.

Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and is used mainly to treat patients with deep wrinkles, sun-damaged skin or precancerous growths on the face. It’s more suitable for fair skins as there is a high risk of loss of pigment. A full-face treatment may take an hour or more.

Recovery is slow, complete healing sometimes taking several months. Although the results are dramatic and can last for decades, your skin will never tan again and extreme caution must be taken in the sun.

LASER RESURFACING
Laser facial resurfacing (laser peeling) can be used to smooth skin at almost any age. The top layer of skin is peeled away while the collagen underneath is thickened and reformed. When your skin heals, it looks brighter and plumper. Laser works well on sun-damaged skin, brown spots, fine lines and veins. It doesn’t improve sagging and so is often recommended in conjunction with a face-lift. Laser resurfacing works by directing an intense beam of laser light back and forth over the area being treated. Each pass of the light vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin and causes the skin to contract. This results in tightening of the collagen and elastic fibres of the dermis, producing a new skin layer that is tighter, firmer and more youthful looking. There are many types of lasers: C02 and erbium are among the more popular ones. The C02 is the most aggressive (and effective) treatment for skin that is severely aged or scarred. It is essentially a powerful beam of light that vaporizes the top layers of the skin on contact, prompting it to rebuild itself from the bottom up. It can take from 10 minutes to more than an hour, and must always be performed by a qualified surgeon.

Recovery takes about 10 days, during which time the skin is very swollen, raw and oozing. Crusts form that will eventually falloff. There will be pain, similar to that of severe sunburn, for a few days. Because of the risk of hyperpigmentation, this type of laser treatment is not recommended for darker skin.

The erbium also vaporizes the outer layers of skin, but it resurfaces with less heat, so healing takes place in about a week, with most redness fading within 7-14 days. This type of laser is good for wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and irregular pigmentation, but not quite as effective as the C02. It is, however, much gentler, has fewer side effects, requires a shorter recovery period and can be used on dark skins.

IS SURGERY FOR YOU?
There is no doubt that a face-lift or Iiposculpture can make an enormous difference not only to a person’s face, but also to their self-esteem. If you choose plastic surgery, then follow this advice:

Be sure of your decision.

Go to a qualified and reputable surgeon with whom you feel comfortable.
Be realistic in your expectations. Resurfacing and Botox will improve the overall appearance
of your skin’s quality; surgery deals with skin quantity and can be used to elevate and reshape sagging contours.

• Get clear answers to all your questions,
• Be aware of the risks associated with surgery.
• Know the full cost and be aware of all the implications before you commit.

Look after your face and body prior to surgery and follow all post-operative instructions.