Skin Care

Microneedling: Does It Improve Your Skin?

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As a cosmetic procedure, microneedling has gained popularity in recent times. This procedure is effective in resolving various dermal problems and helping the skin rejuvenate. It works by boosting the collagen production, which is the protein that holds the structure of our body together. Collagen improves the skin and helps to deliver a youthful look. Various leading cosmetic clinics now offer microneedling treatment, thanks to its popularity. 

Let us see if microneedling improves your skin.

Microneedling: What is it and how does it work?

Microneedling involves using tiny sterile needles to puncture the skin. The needles cause trauma to the skin, thereby promoting the production of collagen, elastin, and other healing factors to repair the damage. These healing factors help to rebuild the derma, a deeper layer of the skin. Also known by the name of collagen induction therapy, this procedure delivers a smooth, firm, and youthful look for the skin. 

Here is a quick overview of how microneedling works: 

  • At first, the doctor would apply numbing cream over the area that would undergo the procedure. This would prevent the skin from feeling the pricks and make the process painless. 
  • Then, he or she would roll a microneedling device over the area. These are typically pen-shaped devices or rolling tools with tiny needles on them.
  • Once the puncturing process is complete, the doctor might apply a cream or serum over the skin. 

A microneedling session usually takes between ten and twenty minutes. You might want to note that it does not act as a quick fix, as the process involves the natural healing of the skin. It might take up to six months to receive the full results. Most individuals need four to six treatments for the procedure to be fully effective. 

Benefits of microneedling

It isn’t always possible to enjoy natural looking results after a cosmetic procedure, but microneedling is an exception. Once the skin heals and rejuvenates, there is no way to know that it underwent a cosmetic treatment. Microneedling is effective at resolving a variety of dermal problems, such as:

  • Lost elasticity
  • Wrinkled skin
  • Enlarged pores
  • Uneven tones of the skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Scars
  • Alopecia
  • Rosacea

Thus, this cosmetic procedure can effectively treat some of the most common problems for which individuals need to visit cosmetic clinics. In addition to the stimulated production of collagen, professionals often inject medications through microneedling. 

Is microneedling safe?

It is pretty natural to feel concerned about how safe it is to puncture your skin with needles. However, the punctures are relatively minor. Studies have found microneedling to be a safe way to get rid of wrinkles and scars and rejuvenate the skin. Chances of bleeding as a result of this procedure are quite low. 

However, if you suffer from bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications, microneedling may cause the skin to bleed. Microneedling may also result in side effects for individuals who have a history of poor wound healing or skin diseases. If these conditions exist, it is crucial for you to disclose the information to the professional before undergoing the procedure. 

Can you perform microneedling at home?

It is possible to perform microneedling at home. In fact, special home microneedling devices are available too. However, there are stark differences between undergoing a microneedling procedure at a medical spa and doing it at home. The latter is better in every way, from effectiveness to safety. 

  • The home microneedling devices are quite different from those that a medical spa professional would use. The latter is far more expensive and delivers better results. This is because professional microneedling devices penetrate the skin better. The ones that we use at home have blunt and short needles. 
  • Since the whole process of microneedling relies on causing injuries to the skin, it is crucial to sterilize the needles properly. Now, you may not have the same provisions at home as a med spa, which means that you may not be able to clean the device properly. Home microneedling devices are also harder to clean. This results in a risk of infections if you perform microneedling at home. 
  • During any cosmetic procedure, expertise and specialization are important factors to consider. A physician-led medical spa would have experienced professionals who can take care of the procedure efficiently. However, an individual without adequate experience in microneedling may not be able to do it effectively and safely. 

Conclusion

Hence, it is evidently a wiser choice to visit a reputable medical spa, than buy a home microneedling device. As long as you get the procedure done by a reliable professional and disclose all the information about existing conditions that could lead to side effects, you shouldn’t face any major problems. 

While most individuals undergo microneedling for their faces, this procedure is also applicable for other body parts. For instance, microneedling can help to improve aging skin around the stomach, hands, or thighs. If in doubt, you may always consult a professional to see if microneedling is suitable for you.  

Defined Skin & Laser Clinic

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How does Laser Hair Removal work?

Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin, the pigment in hair. To damage the hair permanently and stop it from growing back, the melanin in the hair shaft needs to absorb sufficient heat to penetrate the root of the hair. Most lasers work by heating the melanin, however the effectiveness of the laser and therefore hair removal results can vary greatly based on the strength of the laser’s wave lengths.

Many lasers only singe or burn the hair which provides only temporary clearance. Lasers which target more energy to the root of the hair and away from the surface are much safer and more effective in hair removal.

People often confuse Intense Pulse Light (IPL) machines with lasers. Many clinics use IPL devices because they are generally cheaper than laser machines, however the results achieved are often found to be inferior.

At Defined Skin & Laser Clinic, we use a medical grade laser with elos technology. The laser device combines diode (810nm) laser energy with bi-polar radio frequency and intense pulsed light energy to precisely target the melanin in hair follicles. As a result, each hair follicle is permanently destroyed and the body sheds the destroyed hair much like dead skin. This multi-faceted approach safely and effectively treats a wide range of skin types and hair colours.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Although the ideal candidate is a person with pale skin and dark hair,the elos laser system can be used on most skin types. The exception would be very dark to black skin, due to the level of melanin in these skin types. Very light hair can also be difficult to treat, but due to our laser’s elos technology, we have been successful in doing so.

How long will it take to see results?

Laser hair removal only works on hair in the ‘anagen’, or active growing stage, which is why multiple treatments are required. Hair growth will be diminished after each treatment, and full results can usually be achieved in 5-8 sessions. It may take slightly less or more, depending on your skin and hair type. Lighter hair generally takes the longest.

Will there be any downtime?

Immediately following a laser hair removal treatment, the area treated may be slightly red, or tender, but that is all. You can resume normal activities immediately following treatment, but should avoid any sun exposure for at least 3 days.

Are there any side effects with Laser Hair Removal?

Although side effects are extremely rare, they may include redness and/or swelling. There may also be crusting or minor blistering, which is temporary. In extreme cases, changes in skin pigmentation or even scarring can occur. For this reason, we perform a skin test on every client. Our laser also has numerous safety settings which ensure that if the skin heats too much, the machine automatically shuts off. This is not the case with all laser machines – we recommend for your own health and safety that you research any potential service providers and the lasers they use thoroughly.

Does Laser Hair Removal treatment hurt?

Most clients feel a minor level of discomfort during a laser hair removal treatment, with many likening the feeling to rubber band snaps or tiny pinpricks. The good news is that any discomfort is only for a few seconds as the laser glides over each area.

Who should do this treatment?

Laser hair removal should be avoided if you fall into one of the following categories: pregnant women or nursing mothers; people with active tans (21 days or less) or who have waxed, tweezed, sugared, or threaded in the area in the last 30 days; people with cancer, in particular skin cancer; people with impaired immune systems or epilepsy; people with tattoos or permanent make-up in the treatment area; and people with a history of keloid scarring. If you’re unsure whether laser hair removal is suitable for you, please contact Defined Skin & Laser Clinic.

How much does Laser Hair Removal treatment cost?

The cost of laser hair removal varies based on the number of treatments, and their duration. Call us for a personalised quote.

IPL Treatments – Skin Rejuvenation, Tightening and Wrinkle Reduction

What conditions can effectively be treated by Laser and/or IPL and how does it work?

Using our laser’s elos technology, we are able to offer our clients dramatic improvements in

• The appearance of rosacea, redness, age spots and sun damaged skin (skin rejuvenation)

• Sagging or loose skin around the jaw or neck (Skin tightening)

• Fine lines around the eyes or nose in addition to deeper creases in the forhead (wrinkle reduction)

Our laser has three independent treatment modalities to target the specific skin care issue you have.

Skin Rejuvenation

The combination of bi-polar radio frequency and light energy can precisely target and eliminate pigmented lesions such as sun and age spots. At a different parameter, treatment can affect vascular lesions including spider veins and redness (including rosacea).

Skin Tightening

A combination of bi-polar radio frequency and laser energy heats the connective tissues, stimulating collagen production, firming up loose skin, and smoothing out mild wrinkles.

As a result, your skin is smoother and more elastic.

Wrinkle Reduction

A combination of bi-polar radio frequency and infra-red light creates deep dermal heating that will both shrink existing and stimulate new collagen. The result is mild to moderate wrinkles are reduced leading to your skin becoming smoother and more elastic.

How do I know if I am a good candidite for the above treatments?

Skin rejuvenation treatments can be undertaken on most skin types. The exception is dark to black skin where it is difficult to see the lesions requiring treatment. Both skin tightening and wrinkle reduction treatments are suitable for all skin types.

How long before I see results?

Skin Rejuvenation

Results are gradual and can typically be achieved in 3-5 treatments, depending on your skin type and the severity of the lesions being treated.

Skin Tightening

While you may see results after the first treatment, most improvements take place in 3-5 sessions. As results are cumulative, you will continue to see improvements for up to 6 months.

Wrinkle Reduction

While you may see results after the first treatment, most improvements take place in 3-5 sessions. As results are cumulative, you will continue to see improvements for up to 6 months .

Will there be any downtime?

With skin rejuvenation, there can be mild downtime due to freckles, etc. becoming darker and more obvious after treatment. This is temporary, occurring as the pigmentation comes up and out, and will disappear after approx. 1.5-2 weeks.

There is no downtime for any of our other treatments and clients can resume normal activities (including applying cosmetics) immediately after their appointment. With skin rejuvenation, the area treated may darken before disappearing, which may be noticeable for a period of time.

Are the treatments painful?

With a skin rejuvenation treatment, there can be a minor amount of discomfort, however most patients report that any discomfort experienced lessens after the first session. Clients undergoing skin tightening and wrinkle reduction treatments generally have no issues with discomfort. In all treatments, the skin is cooled using cooling gels and fans to ensure clients are comfortable

Are there any side effects?

Although side effects are extremely rare, they may include redness and/or swelling, which usually dissipate after a few hours. There may also be crusting or minor blistering, which is temporary. In extreme cases, changes in skin pigmentation or even scarring can occur. For this reason, we perform a skin test on every client prior to treatment.

Who should do this treatment?

Pregnant women or nursing mothers, people with current or history of skin cancer, people with impaired immune systems or epilepsy, people with tattoos or permanent make-up in the treatment area, and people with excessive suntans. If you’re not sure if skin rejuvenation, skin tightening or wrinkle reduction treatments are suitable for you, please contact us to discuss at Defined Skin & Laser Clinic.

How much do Skin Rejuvenation, Skin Tightening and Wrinkle Reduction treatments cost?

The cost varies based on the type of treatment, whether you are undergoing treatments in conjunction with one another, and the number of treatments required. Call us for a personalised quote.

Simple Methods To Choose The Best Moisturizer For Your Skin Type

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Using moisturizers in fighting acne or hair bumps can’t be underestimated. One contributing cause of acne, ingrown hair and razor bumps is dry skin cells which commonly block shaved hair from growing out of the skin surface. As a result the hair will curl back below the surface area and turn out to be contaminated causing a painful bump on the surface area of your skin.

Moisturizing your skin really helps to sustain skin’s normal moisture. Moisturizers also function as a defensive sealant against the harsh elements present in the environment as well as everyday damage.

Skin Types and choosing the right moisturizers

Oily skin commonly appears shiny with flat colour under the shine. Additionally it is characterized by the existence of significant pores, blackheads and zits in different sizes. People with oily skin are especially prone to acne and hair bumps since the excess oils can clog pores in the skin. Moisturizers formulated with all-natural, plant based oils including olive, grape seed, avocado oils and shea butter are all best for oily skin types simply because they are nearest in structure to the skin’s natural moisturizer, sebum.

These moisturizers are entirely absorbed by the skin and will not clog pores or bring about further greasiness. Some of these natural based moisturizers also include ingredients like jojoba which also assist to stabilize sebum generation.

Dry Skin is usually dull and tight. Other traits consist of fine pores, flakiness, fine lines or wrinkles and roughness and itchiness. Dry skin is a consequence of inadequate sebum within the lower ranges of skin and lack of moisture inside upper levels. If your skin is dry utilize moisturizing creams that are rich in restoring agents that contains ceramides. The aim should be to decrease the pace of the evaporation of water inside skin. Apply moisturizers no less than twice daily and stay away from cleansers and toners that may strip away layers of moisture on the skin.

Combination skin has both oily and dry patches and is a very common skin type. Attributes contain medium pores, a smooth and even texture and tone, good circulation plus a wholesome color. Dryness often occur in the cheek region and the t-zone, (forehead, nose and chin), is normally oily. Gel based cleansers, toners and moisturizers are best for combination skin type. The consistency of gel based moisturizers is lighter than others and so they are able to penetrate the skin’s exterior to supply moisture only where you will need it.

Sensitive skin is normally thin and fine in texture and become easily inflamed or irritated. Moisturizers which are scent free and is made up of Vitamin-A,C and E are excellent possibilities for moisturizing delicate skin.

The majority of moisturizers that you can uncover at beauty counters include labels indicating the skin type that it is manufactured for. Pay attention to these but additionally study the labels and make an educated choice.

Lastly several of the most effective but frequently ignored methods for moisturizing skin from the inside is to consume lots of water daily, take Omega-3 fish and remember to consume a well-balanced meal abundant in vitamins and anti-oxidants for a naturally wholesome glow.