While you probably already know that dermal fillers are extremely safe and relatively painless, there are a few secrets of which you might not be aware. In this article,  we’re going to fill you in on the reasons we age, the effects ageing has on the skin, and the very effective treatments available today to turn back time and love the skin you’re in!

What causes facial ageing?

Before we talk about the solution, let’s discuss how the problem begins in the first place.

Ageing gracefully is a beautiful thing (or so they say), but, let’s face it,  there are changes that occur with age that most of us would prefer to erase or decrease dramatically. There is a great deal of wisdom, experience, and accomplishments that come with getting older. And though we might feel like we’re living our best lives on the inside, there are transformations that occur on the outside that can make you feel less confident, withdrawn, or even sad.

How Age Affects Our Skin

As the years add up, dozens of changes occur, some widely known, and some not so well-known. 

13 Sign of Ageing, Both Known and Lesser-Known

1. Red Facial Veins
2. Sagging Brows
3. Volume Loss in Temples and Cheeks
4. Uneven Texture
5. Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation
6. Expression Lines and Static Wrinkles
7. Jowls, Marionette, and Nasolabial Folds
8. Bone Loss or Thinning
9. Receding Hairline
10. Uneven Fat Distribution
11. Hyperextended Ears
12. Droopy Nose
13. Perioral Lines

Typically, as we get up there in years, the face loses volume, skin begins to sag, dark spots and hyperpigmentation develop, and lines and wrinkles begin to appear.

Aside from these obvious changes, however, there is also a structural metamorphosis happening behind the scenes. The forehead expands as the hairline  retreats; ears get longer because the cartilage in them grows, and the nose may droop due to a weakening in the connective tissue supporting nasal cartilage.

Uneven Fat Distribution

Fat distribution also shifts. The fat in the face that was evenly distributed in our youth, begins to lose volume, clump, and shift downward, so features that were formerly round may sink, and skin that was smooth and tight gets loose and saggy. To make matters worse, other parts of the face gain fat, particularly the lower half, resulting in the dreaded double chin and jowls.

Expression Lines and Wrinkles

And, of course, there are the expression lines. Those deep wrinkles in the forehead and between the eyebrows (11 lines), a result of facial muscles continually being tugged, and eventually creasing. Other folds may get deeper because of the way fat decreases and moves around. Fine wrinkles due to sun damage, smoking, and natural degeneration of elements of the skin that keep it thick and supple also greet the above 40 set.

As the same crease forms over and over from repeated facial expressions, the lines get even deeper. Over the years, these areas of skin wear down from all that movement. If you fold a piece of paper, for example, the areas along the folds lose structural integrity and get worse the more you fold the paper. Eventually, the paper becomes covered in folds and creases and the folded areas become so worn and thin to the point that it seems like it could tear apart.

While your skin won’t actually tear, the lines do become more and more pronounced. These lines are known as  static wrinkles, the lines that last even when the face is at rest. 

Changes in Bone Structure and Volume

Bone structure changes a lot with age, and menopause-related changes can speed this up. While bone thinning happens to everyone at some point, facial bone tissue tends to degrade much faster in women than men. The entire face is affected by bone thinning. The eye sockets become longer and wider; the bones at the tip of the nose recede; cheekbones project less;  and the lower jaw shrinks in  height and length. 

As facial bones lose volume, it affects how muscle and skin sits on the bones. These changes cause an aged look, making the face appear hollow, causing skin to sag. As the bones around the eye socket change, it can cause crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles to form as well. These changes start to become most obvious after age 40 and become even more prominent after 50. 

An easy way to observe these changes is to take a look at a photo of your grandmother in her 70s or 80s compared to what she looked like on her wedding day. Not only does her skin appear wrinkled, but the structure of her face itself has likely changed. Sunken cheekbones and temples, drooping brows and nose, elongated ears, and the loss of a contoured jawline are all apparent.

Gravity also plays a role.  Aside from bedtime, most of our lives are spent upright, with gravity pulling downward. This pull drags down the skin causing age-related changes.

What You Can Do About It

Now that we’ve discussed the many problems that come with ageing, let’s discuss the solutions. And, thankfully, there are many! 

Even if you have great genes and look much younger than you are, age-related changes in our facial appearance are unavoidable. Those changes reflect our joys and challenges in life. One approach is to simply celebrate our age and appearance for what they are.

Not everyone is comfortable with that, and some might like to postpone embracing those changes. The age-defying facelift, which surgically removes excess tissue and lifts sagging skin in the lower part of the face, is one way to try to stem the tides of time. Facelifts have improved, so the results tend to look more natural. But the surgery is expensive, and other procedures may be needed to achieve the desired results. The facelift procedure is just one of the more popular cosmetic procedures; there are plenty of alternatives for altering the ageing face.

Skin tightening procedures such as face lifts can help, but it won’t change the underlying bone structure. The best non-invasive approach is to restore volume with facial fillers. Injectable fillers plump the areas that have deflated due to bone loss, tricking the eye into seeing a more youthful face.

While the underlying bone structure has changed permanently, it’s unlikely you will look like your 20 year old self again. However, dermal fillers can make a dramatic improvement to help you look years younger.

Dermal Fillers 

Dermal fillers go beyond just the cheeks. They can restore fat pad volume in many areas of the face for a more attractive, youthful appearance.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally produced by the body. HA fillers can add volume to the lips and enhance their shape and structure by not only plumping the lips but also by trapping water within the lips for a more naturalistic, full pout.

There are muscle-relaxant injections that stop dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers are designed to address volume loss and sagging skin. The takeaway is that wrinkles often accompany facial volume loss. If you can’t pinpoint exactly why your face looks tyred and old, it is likely a combination of volume loss and sagging skin. Wrinkles are obvious. But the subtle changes seen with facial volume loss are harder to pinpoint.

Here’s a good way to determine if you can benefit from anti-ageing injectables like dermal fillers. Take a look at an old photograph of yourself. Do you notice how as you smiled in the photo, there were few (if any) lines under your eyes? See how the tear trough area, lips, cheeks and skin look plump and full compared to what you see in the mirror today? That’s volume loss. Dermal fillers can help correct that.

Dermal fillers are designed to treat patients between the ages of 30 to 50 years old and beyond with mild to moderate volume loss in the face and sagging skin. Using facial fillers not only improves facial volume, but it can also give the skin a smoother appearance and even reduce wrinkles in the injected area.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, a physician-led cosmetic clinic specialising in non-surgical, anti-ageing aesthetic procedures, including the latest laser techniques, dermal therapies, anti-wrinkle injections, and body contouring, we offer expert-level dermal filler injections, performed by our elite team of trained expert pros. 

By relying on cutting-edge treatments and years of training, we safely administer fillers, injectables, and dermal treatments with the utmost precision and care in a relaxed, upscale setting. Stemming from our expertise, personalised guidance, and passion for skincare, we offer the latest treatments, technology, and skincare products.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we believe in transparency and education, first and foremost, providing every client with information, explanations, and treatment options before performing any procedure. 

Offering a thorough consultation prior to treatment, we’ll discuss the areas of concern and the range of treatment options suggested to produce optimal results. The amount and type of product, as well as our pricing structure, will also be discussed during the consultation process so there are no surprises other than the plump, luscious lips you’ll see when you look in the mirror!

If you’re ready to start the year off with a bang after the fireworks have become a memory, call Specialist Skin Solutions @(02) 4934 1700 today to book an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping each one of our clients feel their best by bringing out their natural beauty and loving the skin they’re in. We look forward to speaking with you!

The post Injecting Beauty into the New Year: 13 Reasons Why Your Faces Ages and What You Can Do About It appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

With a new eyebrow trend seemingly cropping up on social media every week, it’s easy to forget that we’ve been tampering with our brows for years. In ancient Egypt, both men and women darkened their brows with powdered minerals, achieving a strong look that offset their heavily-lined eyes.

The transition from plucking the life out of our brows to letting them grow as full as humanly possible has been interesting, with ebbs and flows changing with the times.  Whether plucked and pencil-thin, bold and bushy, arched and dramatic,  or au naturel, there’s a distinctive brow for every decade.

Brows Through the Years

1920s Hollywood Glam

As the film industry was beginning to flourish in Hollywood, the 1920s was an era of sophisticated thin, yet rounded brows that emoted a whimsical and childlike awe to the face. Harnessing  a look that would come to define the decade, Clara Bow, the original “it girl,” with her cupid’s bow lips, dark eye makeup, and thin, downward-arching brows, was the quintessential flapper, brows and all.

1930s Decade of the Arch

As makeup became more affordable, the pencilled-on look remained in vogue, as women were shaving and plucking their natural brows into near or total extinction—then drawing them back on again. Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich reportedly shaved off her eyebrows and drew them back on – in a perfectly rounded arch.

1940s Natural Beauty

Fuller and more natural brows reigned during this wartime era with thin brows being a thing of the past. Joan Crawford,  one of the stars who sported the original power brow, left thin and over-plucked brows in the past, opting for a big, bold, and more dramatic look.

1950s Bombshell Brows

Marilyn’s red lips and blonde curls weren’t the only things that helped to create the star’s iconic bombshell style, as her dramatic brows typified 50s femininity. Perfectly groomed with a high arch, the squared-out shape of Marilyn’s eyebrows added to her sultry look. Darker eyebrows were the look of the era, with women pencilling over their natural brows. With Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe all leading the way with full, strong, dramatic brows, women everywhere started experimenting with makeup using eyeshadow on their brows to achieve full, striking brows like their Hollywood idols.

1960s​ Taking a Backseat

A decade later, during the mod ’60s,  it was all about bold eye makeup, and neat and understated brows took a backseat. Twiggy’s rounded arches worked to offset (and not compete with) her graphic eye makeup. With the focus being more on bold eyes, thick eyeliner, and spiky lashes, the eyebrows were seen as a frame to the face instead of the focal point.

When it came to her brows, actress Sophia Loren forged her own path. As one of the most in-demand stars of the decade, her look was distinctly different from the Twiggy mod. Her unique approach to brow grooming involved shaving them off completely and drawing them back on. She would apply short, thread-thin strokes to make her eyebrows appear more natural. (Think brow pens of today — the woman was ahead of her time!)

1970s Hippies vs. Disco

When it came to brows in the 70s, there were two camps; ultra-thin or naturally full. The former came with the birth of disco fever; preened and plucked into a high arch. Donna Summer’s groomed brows matched the spirit of the disco decade.  

At the same time, however, the rise of the hippie movement led some women to forego brow grooming altogether. The sub-culture tended towards a freer aesthetic, so there were just as many women putting down their tweezers as there were fans of disco taking theirs up a notch.

1980s Brooke Brows

By the 80s, everything had gotten bigger and bolder, with hairstyles and shoulder pads being just the start. With her full, natural-looking caterpillar  brows, actress Brooke Shields became the brow icon of the decade. This decade saw women step away from the tweezers and overplucking, opting for a more natural look. 

While Brooke’s brows were “endlessly loved,” Whitney Houston and Madonna each rocked bushy ‘brushed up’ brows of their own. The less-preened-is-more trend of the 80s sent the au natural look into the stratosphere.

1990s Thin Was Back In

And just like that, the bushy brow trend was over. In the 90s, thin, low-arched eyebrows graced the pages of Vogue once again, as Kate Moss made waves across magazine covers. This led to a generation of women plucking their brows with abandon once again.

2000’s Return of the Skinny

Just when we thought the 90s brows were the thinnest we could go, brows in the aught era got even thinner! With Y2K, we saw women plucking their brows down to almost nothing with women drawing a line for their brows to create looks like music icons Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefan.

Brows stayed ultra-thin well into the first decade of the 21st century, though the arch had raised to become almost angular in shape. Towards the end of the decade, however, a more natural shape began surfacing once again, as brows started filling out—a sign of things to come.

2010 Bold Reemergence  

As Cara Delevingne’s modelling career took off around 2012, so too did the bold brow trend. Showcasing her ample, though groomed, arches, Delevingne inspired women and girls everywhere  to let their brows grow back (or learn how to use brow pencils, powders, and pomades on YouTube with precision.) 

With megastars like Kim Kardashian and Natalie Portman sporting full bold brows, women now have the opportunity to create perfect brows just like their favourite celebrities at home. With endless online tutorials being all the rage, women of all ages are becoming eyebrow stylist experts in their own right, learning to create definition and shape at home.

2020s Moed-Revolution

We’ve come quite a long way since the Sophia Loren shaving-it-off and drawing-it-back-on method. Any scroll through Insta or Tik Tok will show a growing group of influencers and models embracing a wide-eyed, surprised look.

Supermodels like Bella Hadid, sporting heightened, exaggerated brows, are setting the stage for this new brow-raising aesthetic.

Today, face shape plays an integral part when deciding the shape of the brow. And whether it’s salon-based techniques like threading, waxing, or laminating, using brow-specific products at home, or turning to revolutionary cosmetic procedures, today’s women have thousands of options, and the one that’s gaining the greatest traction has nothing to do with makeup at all.

Whereas the makeup counter and salon were once the only venues for creative beauty products and techniques, today’s women are turning to the medical profession to reimagine their looks, turn back the years, and inject beauty into their lives on a regular basis. The latest trend of brow injectables is here— and it’s certainly raising quite a few eyebrows.

Brow Lift Techniques

As with everything in aesthetic medicine, there is no such thing as one size fits all. In the case of brow lifts, there are several techniques for patients to consider depending on their needs and desired results. The three most common techniques are muscle relaxant injections, thread lifts, and surgical lifts. 

Muscle Relaxant injections

The latest trend in cosmetic injectables is raising more than a few eyebrows.  Brow lifts are used to tighten the skin of your forehead, removing  “frown lines” and wrinkles, and restoring vibrancy to the face. Natural-looking results can virtually reverse the unwanted effects of ageing. 

Muscle relaxants injected into the muscles that pull the tail of the eyebrow down are a simple, safe, and highly effective way to add lift to the brow.  Neurotoxin injections work best for a patient who experiences brow drooping and crow’s feet around the eyes when they smile. 

Like most muscle relaxant treatments, the results take about five to seven days to kick in and last three to four months. Though they do require maintenance,  injections are the most budget-friendly brow lift option available today. And the best news is—they can be performed in an office setting during a patient’s lunch hour.

Thread Brow Lifts 

Given the recent rise of minimally invasive thread lifts for the face, it should come as no surprise that the technique is being considered for eyebrows, too.  A dissolvable thread is used to elevate the tail of the brow to achieve an exaggerated brow look. 

While the procedure delivers a more pronounced lift than can be achieved with muscle relaxant injections alone, threading does not last very long and can yield an unnatural result.  The results last  about a month. 

Because the tissue in the area is quite thin, threads are very thin and can be painful.  The price of a thread lift depends on the provider, but can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Surgical Brow Lifts 

For those seeking longer-lasting results, a surgical brow lift represents the most permanent option. 

Pretrichial Brow Lift 

A pretrichial brow lift is a surgical procedure to correct the loss of soft tissue elasticity in the upper third of the face. The pretrichial brow lift is performed by a plastic surgeon. Excess sagging skin around the forehead causing drooping of the brows and wrinkling of the forehead is removed. Underlying muscle and tissue are repositioned, creating a more refreshed, youthful appearance in the upper third of the face. A pretrichial brow lift can also be combined with a facelift.

The Procedure

• Performed under general anaesthesia 
• The incision follows 2 mm behind the hairline, helping induce hair growth through the incision.
• The entire flap is advanced toward the back of the head and the excess is trimmed to close without tension.
• The incision in the scalp skin is closed with sutures and staples 
• A light pressure dressing is applied.

Risk Factors of Pretrichial Brow Lift Surgery 

• Blood clot (haematoma) formation
• Swelling
• Infection
• Facial nerve impairment
• Sensory nerve impairment
• Numbness 
• Loss of hair  
• Inability to close the eyelids completely
• Scarring
• Contour irregularities

Another surgical option is the temporal brow lift, which involves making an incision hidden in the hairline and raising the underlying tissues to restore a more youthful appearance.

Though surgical solutions are much longer lasting and can be less risky than repeated thread lifts, which can cause infection, pain, and scar tissue buildup, they involve sufficient downtime, are painful, and can be extremely costly, with the average cost of a surgical brow lift ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Confused? It goes without saying that beauty trends come and go. Even the great Kate Moss, who has graced the covers of hundreds of magazines, including 46 (and counting) on Vogue, has changed her eyebrow looks over the years.  Exaggerated arches that are ‘in’ today can be ‘out’ tomorrow. And just like the trends have changed and will continue to change with every passing year (or day, these days) it might be hard to decide which solution is best for you.  If you’re considering going “high brow,” the best place to start is a consultation with one of our friendly, knowledgable, and experienced professionals. 

Unlike surgical eyebrow lifts that require going under the knife or threading that doesn’t last very long and can yield less-than-desirable results, brow injections can achieve similar results with just a few strategic jabs of the needle.

It’s becoming an increasingly popular approach, one that works to lift and lengthen the skin above the brow and forehead for a more open and feline-esque eye area and defined brow bone. The difference is subtle but significant – and not as painful (on both your face and your wallet) as the alternatives.

If you’re longing for a look that is sure to raise a few eyebrows, without going under the knife, then muscle relaxant brow injections just might be the answer. Our lovely team of experts is immensely knowledgeable and trained on the latest techniques, highly experienced, and incredibly dedicated to providing the best results possible. And they’re here to meet with you. Just book a consultation today!

At Specialist Skin Solutions, a physician-led cosmetic clinic specialising in non-surgical, anti-ageing aesthetic procedures, including the latest laser techniques, dermal therapies, anti-wrinkle injections, and body contouring, we offer expert-level brow-lifting injections, performed by our elite team of trained expert pros. 

By relying on cutting-edge treatments and years of training, we safely administer injectables with the utmost precision and care in a relaxed, upscale setting. Stemming from our expertise, personalised guidance, and passion for skincare, we offer the latest treatments, technology, and skincare products in Australia.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we believe in transparency and education, first and foremost, providing every client with information, explanations, and treatment options before performing any procedure. 

Offering a thorough consultation prior to treatment, we’ll discuss the areas of concern and the range of treatment options suggested to produce optimal results. The amount and type of product, as well as our pricing structure, will also be discussed during the consultation process so there are no surprises other than eye-opening results.
If you’re ready to raise a few eyebrows at your next interview, meeting, or class reunion, look no more!  Book online now. We’re dedicated to helping each one of our clients love the skin they’re in.

For more information on injectables for the face, neck, and body, see these related blog posts, and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so you never miss another article!

The post Latest Trend in Injectables That’s Raising A Few Eyebrows appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Extrinsic Ageing

Due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the appearance of the hands changes with time. 

Extrinsic ageing, which affects the epidermal and dermal layers, is a result of factors including exposure to the sun, chemicals, and smoking. 

Ways extrinsic ageing manifests on the hands

Actinic keratosis: Rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure

Solar lentigines: Harmless patches of darkened skin, AKA dark spots or  age spots, common in people over the age of 40, solar lentigines results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causing local proliferation of melanocytes and accumulation of melanin within the skin cells (keratinocytes).  

A solar lentigo is a flat, well-circumscribed patch that can be round, oval or irregular in shape, with colour varying in skin colour, size, and number. Though they occur in light and dark skin, they tend to be more numerous in fair-skinned individuals.

Hypopigmentation-punctate palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome: A rare, genetic, epidermal disease characterized by punctate keratoderma on palms and soles associated with irregularly shaped hypopigmented macules, typically localized on the extremities.

Solar purpura: A condition, most often affected on areas exposed to the sun, often occurring on the hands, forearms, and legs, causes one or more flat, purple bruises.

Intrinsic Ageing

In contrast, intrinsic ageing alters the deeper soft tissue planes, decreasing skin elasticity, soft tissue volume,  and dermal vascularity. Signs of intrinsic ageing include wrinkles, translucent and thinner skin, and prominent veins, joints, and tendons. 

Many patients notice that their ageing  hands sharply contrast with their newly rejuvenated faces, and request hand rejuvenation procedures. However, despite great advances in facial cosmetic procedures, hand rejuvenation has been slower to catch up. 

Hand rejuvenation refers to a whole suite of aesthetic techniques that improve the appearance and feel of your hands.  Hand rejuvenation procedures result in softer, plumper, brighter, and smoother hands.

Types of hand rejuvenation

Just like several types of rejuvenation for the face exist, there are several treatment options to restore the youthful appearance of the hands. Most hand rejuvenation treatments focus on extrinsic ageing by unifying pigmentation and skin resurfacing. 

These treatments, including topical acids like tretinoin and vitamin C, topical 5-fluorouracil, bleaching agents, microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser treatments, have been shown to be the most effective and safe. At Specialist Skin Solutions, we offer a whole suite of rejuvenation techniques that will have your hands looking radiant and youthful again in no time. 

• Dermal Fillers
• Laser Genesis 
• Chemical Peels
• Age spot removal

Dermal Fillers

Just like those that take years off your facial age, dermal fillers are effective for contouring the hands, subtly filling in wrinkles and adding volume to plump bony hands and sagging skin. 

Dermal Filler is a medical injectable gel made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance already found in your body that attracts and binds with water, hydrating and plumping ageing skin anywhere on the body, including the extremities. When injected into the hands, dermal fillers restore volume, soften and fill lines, contour, and rejuvenate.

The ideal complement to laser treatments, which work wonders to resurface the appearance of hands, dermal  fillers complete the process by adding volume to eliminate that bony, veiny look. That’s not to say that bones, tendons and veins don’t have important functions— but dermal filler just makes them less noticeable by plumping the surrounding tissue. 

Though dermal fillers are not permanent, results can last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the area treated and the product used.

At Specialist Skin  Solutions, we believe in educating our clients, which is why a thorough consultation takes place prior to every treatment to discuss the areas of your concern,  treatment options, the amount and type of product to be used, as well as associated costs.

Laser Genesis

Laser Genesis is the latest in technological innovations, a medical procedure effective for softening wrinkles and reducing dark spots on the hands.

Restoring and rejuvenating the skin of the hands from beneath the surface, Laser Genesis uses a heat-based laser to target deep layers of the skin. Triggering the skin’s natural healing process to stimulate collagen production, Laser Genesis leaves hands resilient, radiant, and healthy-looking.

Laser Genesis does not wound the skin. Instead, it works by penetrating the top layer of skin and delivering thousands of micro-pulses of light to the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. The warming action shrinks blood vessels, breaks down scar tissue, and stimulates collagen production, leaving skin free of broken blood vessels, and dark areas.The state-of-the-art laser hand treatment diminishes sun spots, age spots and other hyperpigmentation imperfections, as well as lines and wrinkles. Laser treatments are an ideal complement to dermal fillers. While laser treatments work wonders to resurface the skin on the hands, dermal fillers complete the process by adding volume to eliminate that bony, veiny look.

Chemical Peels

Not just for the face, chemical peels can be beneficial for the hands as well. By exfoliating the outer layer of skin, which can become dry, tough, and aged from our many tasks and activities throughout the day, a chemical peel can not only improve the texture of the skin, but it can also help fade dark marks and tighten some of the laxity that can develop in this area over time.

Is hand rejuvenation right for you?

In general, anyone who is unhappy with the way time has changed the appearance of their hands are good candidates for hand rejuvenation. More specifically, you should consider hand rejuvenation if any of these conditions apply to your hands:

• Veiny appearance
• Wrinkled and crepey
• Thin skin
• Age spots or sunspots
• Very dry skin

It’s never too late to turn back the hands of time.

The post Turn Back the <em>Hands of Time:</em> Effective In-Office Treatments for Younger Looking Hands appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Curious about whether HydraFacials live up to all the hype?  In this week’s blog, we’ll explain all about how HydraFacials work, potential results you can expect, and how they compare to and complement other treatments.

According to Allure magazine, a HydraFacial is performed every 15 seconds in the world, which amounts to essentially 2 million treatments given globally in just one year. That’s more than twice the total number of muscle relaxant injections.

Taking the aesthetic world by storm because of its versatility, safety and the results, hydrafacials use a medical-grade hydradermabrasion.Rather than blasting the skin with grit, like traditional dermabrasion,  hydradermabrasion takes a gentler approach. Instead of using crystals to blast the top layer of your skin off, it uses water (hence the name) for a gentler experience.  Using an all-in-one handpiece that holds patented spiralized treatment tips equipped with vortex technology, a whirling force simultaneously gives, adding potent serums that moisturize the skin and takes away, removing dirt from the pores to brighten, plump, and protect the skin. From teen and adult acne to wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, HydraFacials work to address a wide variety of concerns. Beyond the standard three steps, there are also  targeted add-ons that take aim at unique skin concerns like brown spots or fine lines.

HydraFacials Step-by-Step

Step One: Cleanse, Peel, Exfoliate

The first step is manually cleansing the  skin. This ensures the facial begins on a clean and smooth slate. Next, the Vortex machine delivers a stream of water to break up the top layer of dead skin cells. The same nozzle will lift those cells and any debris away from the skin.

A chemical peel solution is then delivered. This exfoliates on a deeper level without the stinging and redness usually associated with a chemical peel. Once your skin is clean and exfoliated and the chemical peel has been delivered,  your pores are clean and your skin is already softer.

Step Two: Extract & Hydrate

Everyone loves the feeling of ridding our pores of all the gook and dirt that builds up over time, but noone likes the pain that is associated with the process. The good news is,  extractions made with the Vortex-Extraction tool are painless and made easier by a debris-loosening formula delivered during the process. 

Now that your pores are clean and softened, the Vortex technology infuses your skin with intense moisturizer delivered deep into the epidermis.

Step Three: Fuse & Protect

This is the really nourishing step. After removing all the dirt, sucking out the debris, and exfoliating the dead skin cells, your skin will be bombarded with antioxidants and peptides that heal, soothe and protect it. 

An infusion of hyaluronic acid, a sugar your body naturally produces to keep the skin hydrated, attracts and retains moisture. The infusion during this step works to keep your results lasting for a good  long time.

Benefits of a HydraFacial 

There are a lot of reasons to give your skin the gift of a HydraFacial. It’s The most versatile facial available, hydrafacials are perfect for early twenty-somethings, and premenopausal, perimenopausal, and post-menopausals.

The key benefits of HydraFacial are:

• Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
• Gently peels to reveal brighter skin without damage
• Hydrates
• Gently extracts pores
• Infuses nourishing serums to soothe and protect skin
• Addresses specific concerns, including:
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven tone and texture
  • Dull complexion
  • Brown spots
  • Oily and acne-prone skin
  • Enlarged pores and blackheads
  • Mild skin laxity

More Reasons to Try a HydraFacial Today!

Lasting results

How long you enjoy your results depends on how well you take care of your skin after the treatment. You will immediately notice a brighter and clearer complexion. Other results, like firmer skin and a softening of fine lines, will appear gradually, with most people reaping the rewards for close to a month. 

We recommended getting a HydraFacial every six to eight weeks to keep your results seamless, but our team of skin care specialists will recommend the best schedule for you.

Consistent and reliable

Whether you get Hydra-ed at a fancy NYC plastic surgeon’s office or at suburban strip-mall medspa, the experience and results are super-consistent. 

Not as technician-dependent as other kinds of facials, HydraFacials can be relied upon to deliver consistent results time and time again.  

Side-effect free

Have you ever asked the facialist to skip the extractions for fear of next-day eruptions or pain?  HydraFacials are much gentler than traditional facials, another reason for their popularity.  Combining the best of both worlds, from highly effective power treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels with a relaxing, feel-good experience, hydrafacials are never painful and highly effective. By combining vortex pressure with a clog-purging solution of salicylic acid, willow bark extract, and anti-inflammatory Tasmanian pepper, the device suctions soot and gook from the pores  (no squeezing required).  

Instant gratification with zero downtime

HydraFacials are more than a basic  facial, but less than a laser treatment, with little to no-downtime, the payoff is immediately apparent. Hydrafacials improve texture and tone and help conditions like acne, without any residual irritation or peeling. Even better is the tool’s unparalleled radiance-imparting properties that produce a healthy glow, which is what makes it so highly requested before red-carpet events and weddings.

Plays Well With Others

Another bonus to this treatment is  how personalized you can make it. There are add-ons available, each one coming with its own set of  benefits. If you’d like to know more about combining treatments, contact Specialist Skin Solutions today for a consultation.

Muscle Relaxing Injections

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of expression lines or dynamic wrinkles, Muscle Relaxing Injections are  the number one cosmetic treatment in the world because they work! Made from a purified protein, muscle relaxing injections are neuromodulators, meaning they work by blocking the signal from a nerve from reaching a muscle.

See our blog post, Muscle Relaxant Injections for Excessive Sweating in the Armpits, Palms, and Feet for detailed information about this treatment.

Dermal Therapy

Dermal Therapy is a branch of health services that focuses on the aesthetic improvement of skin concerns and conditions such as ageing, rosacea, melasma, sun damage, open pores, scarring, hormonal or adult acne and barrier impairment. A group of injectables that give instant volume to areas of the face, including lips, Dermal Fillers can address concerns from fine lines to deep wrinkles. Extremely versatile, dermal fillers can address: 

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Chin wrinkles
• Vertical lines around lips
• Areas of lost volume
• Thinning lips
• Crow’s feet
• Asymmetry in nose and chin
• Jowls

If you’re struggling with a dull complexion and are ready to see brighter, clearer and more youthful skin when you look in the mirror, don’t hesitate any longer. Call Specialist Skin Solutions to book an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping each of our clients feel their best by bringing out  your natural beauty and love the skin you’re in. We look forward to speaking with you!

If you have specific questions, call us 02-4934-1700. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Experience the Magic of the HydraFacial Wand: Non-invasive Professional Treatment that Deep-cleans, Exfoliates, and Hydrates appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

In addition to reducing the cosmetic appearance of wrinkles, muscle relaxant injections are also used to treat a multitude of medical disorders, including strabismus (cross eyes), blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking), muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, migraine headaches, and movement disorders such as cervical dystonia, torticollis. Muscle relaxant injections use a toxin called onobotulinumtoxinA, which temporarily prevents a muscle from moving. This toxin is produced by the microbe that causes botulism, a type of food poisoning. When used correctly by a trained medical professional,  muscle relaxant injections are completely safe.

Muscle relaxant injections are commonly used as a cosmetic treatment to smooth facial wrinkles by paralyzing muscles, but the TGA has also approved muscle relaxant injections as an effective treatment for excessive sweating in the axilla, the space below the shoulder through which vessels and nerves enter and leave the upper arm; commonly known as the armpit.

This muscle relaxant treatment works by blocking the nerves that cause excessive sweating under the arms. This form of treatment can last anywhere from 4 months to a year, with most patients seeing results for about nine months.

For individuals that have tried antiperspirants with little or no success, muscle relaxant injections just might be the answer for you! Muscle relaxant injections may also be used “off-label” to reduce sweating in other areas, such as the hands, feet, and face.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating caused by overactive sweat glands.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. 

Primary focal hyperhidrosis

Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is excessive sweating not caused by another medical condition or a side effect of medication. 

A person with PFH typically experiences symmetrical sweating on specific areas of the body. For example, they may experience excessive sweating on both hands or both feet. 

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis (SGH) is when a medical condition or side effect of medication causes excessive sweating. People with SGH tend to sweat across large sections of the body. They may also experience night sweats (sweating while sleeping.)  A person with SGH symptoms should consult a doctor to determine the cause.

When to see a doctor about excessive sweating

In some cases, it may be possible to control sweating with a strong antiperspirant. A person can ask a pharmacist for advice on the best products to use.

Because many over-the-counter treatments may not be effective, individuals with the following conditions are encouraged to seek medical advice:  

• Symptoms of SGH
• Excessive sweating around the groin or feet 
• Excessive sweating that causes avoidance of regular activities and daily life interactions

Pros and Cons of muscle relaxant injections for excessive sweating 

Pros

• Less invasive than surgical treatment
• Minimal pain when used in the armpit area
• Safe
• Effective 
• TGA-approved
• Decrease in sweat production after two weeks 

Cons 

• May be more costly than other treatments
• Painful when injected in hands and feet 
• Follow-up injections are needed every 7 to 16 months
• Only FDA-approved to treat armpits
• Side effects are possible  

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved muscle relaxant injections as a treatment for excessive sweating in the armpit area. The treatment works by blocking a chemical in the body that activates the sweat glands. According to a recent study, underarm muscle relaxant injections can reduce underarm sweating by 82–87%, and the effects can last 4–12 months.

People who receive underarm muscle relaxant injections tend to see results just 2–4 days after treatment, with full effects noticeable within the first two weeks.

While muscle relaxant injections are not a permanent solution for excessive underarm sweating, a single treatment can last up to a year, making this a highly effective solution for excessive sweating that interferes with one’s daily life. To date, the FDA has approved muscle relaxant injections for underarm use only, however, a doctor may prescribe the treatment for excessive sweating on other parts of the body, including hands and feet.

How do muscle relaxant injections work?

Muscle relaxant injections alter the function of certain neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in the body that instruct the body to react in a certain way. Muscle relaxant injections block the neurotransmitter that tells the sweat glands to activate to control sweating in the injection area. 

Procedure

A dermatologist, or a medical professional certified in the use of muscle relaxant injection toxins, can perform the injections in their office. Experienced medical professionals can inject both underarms in 10 minutes or less.

For the procedure, a medical professional injects very small amounts of muscle relaxant injections beneath the skin. They usually inject it in a grid-like pattern, with injection sites approximately 1–2 centimeters apart. 

Though generally painless, before injecting the skin, a doctor may use a numbing agent such as ice or a local anesthetic to help ease any discomfort.

Preparation and aftercare

Below are some tips to follow before and after treatment.

Before the procedure

DO  tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and the medications you currently take to reduce the risk of side effects and complications.

DO NOT shave your underarms for 3–4 days prior to the treatment. 

After the treatment

DO go home immediately after the procedure. 

DO NOT exercise on the day of the procedure.

DO NOT take hot baths or showers for the rest of the day. 

Most healthcare providers recommend a follow-up appointment 1–2 weeks after the procedure. This is to touch up any missed areas and check for side effects.

Side effects

Muscle relaxant injections are generally safe. Serious side effects are rare but possible. They include:

• Severe muscle weakness or asymmetry
• Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction
• Toxicity
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking
• Skin rash or hives
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Dizziness
• Loss of bladder control

A person who has any of the side effects above after muscle relaxant injections should seek immediate medical attention.

Less severe side effects may include:

• dry mouth
• headache
• fatigue
• Minor discomfort or pain in the  injection sites

Other muscle relaxant injections uses

Other potential uses for muscle relaxant injections include:

• Muscle disorders: muscle relaxant injections can help relax clenched muscles and control overactive muscle movements, such as muscle twitches.
• Chronic migraine: muscle relaxant injections can help prevent chronic migraines in some people.
• Facial wrinkles: Drmatologists commonly provide muscle relaxant injections to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face.

[H2] Take Away

Muscle relaxant injections are an effective way to control excessive sweating. The FDA has approved this treatment for underarm use only, but a doctor may prescribe the injections to control excessive sweating in other areas of the body.

Though muscle relaxant injections are relatively costly compared with other treatments for excessive sweating, because each treatment lasts 4–12 months, the cost can be comparable.  Some health insurance providers can cover the expense when other treatments are not successful. Please check with your healthcare insurance provider. 

Because excessive sweating can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition or a side effect from a medication, a person should see a doctor if they have concerns about excessive sweating.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we offer muscle relaxant injections to treat excessive sweating in the armpits, hands, and feet,  as well as other areas of the body.  You will experience a highly professional and advanced level of care when you visit our clinic. Our team of highly skilled professionals is here to answer your questions.

The post Muscle Relaxant Injections for Excessive Sweating in the Armpits, Palms, and Feet appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to avoid premature signs of aging. And while sunscreen has long been known to be an effective preventative measure,  the good news is, it might have restorative benefits as well.

A study conducted by Johnson & Johnson’s Skin Research Center found that not only does wearing a daily SPF fend off wrinkle-causing UV damage, but it can also actually help erase signs of aging.

A team of researchers asked a group of 32 subjects to apply a moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to their faces every day for a year, then checked in every few weeks to assess issues like skin texture, clarity, and pigmentation problems. After 52 weeks, they found that most of the participants noticed a significant improvement in their skin.

Subjects showed improvements in many signs of aging caused by the sun, including texture, overall tone, pigmentation, and fine lines. With just a daily application of moisturizer with SPF 30, 52% of participants saw a reduction in dark spots, 40% noticed an improvement in skin texture, and 41% felt their skin had improved clarity after a year of use.

Why is this such a big deal, you ask? The participants did not use any other anti-aging products. They simply applied a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 and that’s it! Dermatologists participating in the study explained that the reason this simple and straightforward solution is so effective has to do with the skin’s ability to constantly regenerate. Skin cell turnover, the process of producing new skin cells to replace existing skin cells, is vital to keeping your skin smooth and healthy. But just like many biological processes, skin turnover slows down with age.  Because the average person’s skin turns over every 28 days, using a hydrating sunscreen can halt the cumulative effects of sun exposure on the top layers of the skin. By preventing the repeated accumulation of damage from overexposure to the sun, the skin has a chance to heal naturally. A moisturizer with an SPF30 or more essentially screens your skin from the sun, hence the name.

Health Benefits of Sunlight

Aside from being extremely enjoyable and quite beautiful, the sun provides a multitude of physical and mental health benefits.

Improves your sleep. Your body creates a hormone called melatonin, a natural sleep aid.  Research indicates that getting even just one hour of natural light in the morning will help you sleep better at night.  

Reduces stress. A natural anxiety reducer, melatonin also lowers stress reactivity in the brain.  

Maintains strong bones. The sun is the best natural source of Vitamin D, which is responsible for maintaining optimal calcium levels in the blood and preventing brittle bones. 

Strengthens your immune system. Vitamin D is also critical for an effective immune system, essential for staving off illness, infections, certain cancers, and of course, the dreaded Covid-19 virus.  

Fights depression. Sunshine boosts your body’s level of serotonin, a chemical responsible for improving mood. Increased exposure to natural light may also help ease the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, a change in mood that typically occurs in the fall and winter months when there are fewer hours of daylight.

UVA and UVB, What’s the Difference?

Sunscreen lets you reap all of the rewards that sunshine offers while shielding your skin from the damaging UVA and UVB rays that cause premature wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, triggering a breakdown of collagen. Collagen is the key skin-firming and structural protein in the skin. This breakdown triggers the formation of wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and an overall lack of firmness. These rays are present all year round and can penetrate through clouds, so it doesn’t have to be a bright sunny day for UVA rays to cause damage to the skin.

UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn and the deadliest skin cancer, melanoma. While UVB rays also penetrate the skin’s layers, they only penetrate the uppermost layers where melanocytes (cells responsible for skin pigmentation) are found, unlike UVA rays which reach the deepest layers of the skin. UVB rays are responsible for dark spots, and uneven tone, and can trigger hyperpigmentation.

There are 500 times more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB rays, so if you think you’re safe from the damaging effects of the sun simply because you’re not getting a burn, it’s time to see the light. Daily sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays (known as broad-spectrum sun protection) with an SPF of at least 30 is essential to prevent or slow down premature skin aging.

But if you only wear sunscreen on days spent lounging by the pool or basking at the beach, you’re not protecting your skin from the damaging rays that cause premature wrinkles. If you want to prevent premature wrinkles from developing, remember, sunscreen is not just for a day at the beach. The trick is to apply sunscreen every day.

We’ve all known that it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen when we’re spending a day out in the hot summer sun. As babies, parents apply gentle sunscreen to protect delicate skin, then chase after toddlers with spray sunscreen.

But as children begin to spend summers on their own, many take this newfound freedom as an opportunity to reject the rules and stop applying sunscreen altogether.

It’s those burns that happen during the teenage years and early adulthood that can cause some pretty significant damage. Year after year, we spend more days in the sun, intentionally working on getting a great tan. But as great as that healthy glow may look in the moment, this exposure to the sun’s harmful rays is slowly but surely damaging the skin. As hard as it is to fathom, a tan is actually nature’s way of indicating skin damage. And like a scalding from a flame, repeated tans (a nicer way to say burns)  will eventually lead to scars in the form of wrinkles and unattractive dark spots.

By the time we reach our late 20s and early 30s, the effects of this overindulgence begin to become apparent, as fine lines and premature wrinkles begin to develop. As we reach our 40s and 50s,  the damage that began in our teens accumulates, resulting in deeper lines, increasingly uneven skin tone, dulling skin, and the formation of dark spots.

What are age spots?

Age spots, solar lentigines, dark spots, or liver spots, (whatever you want to call them) these unsightly marks that can appear as early as your late 20s are caused by overexposure to the sun.

When skin is exposed to the sun, the resulting darkening of the skin, known commonly as a suntan, is the result of the production of melanin, the browning pigment in the skin. Though every person produces melanin, the way it is produced and the amount it produces is different for every person.  Those of us that are fortunate enough to tan evenly don’t normally have any issues related to melanin irregularly.

But those that tan unevenly can develop dark spots as a result of spotty areas where too much melanin is deposited.  Wearing sunscreen is a preventative measure to keep age spots from forming in the first place, but this is one sun-related skin concern that won’t go away on its own.

And age spots are just one of the effects of overexposure to the sun. If you are like most people, you probably have more than one skin concern: fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, or a combination of issues are common sun-related skin concerns that can leave skin looking listless and old before its time.

Here are 5 effective and simple preventive measures to keep the sun from coming down on you.

1. Stop intentionally tanning.
2. Always wear sunscreen. 
3. Choose a sunscreen product with an SPF 30 or greater.  
4. Wear a hat and/or protective clothing.
5. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

Even if you follow all of this advice, stay out of the sun, and wear protection, unfortunately,  some skin concerns can’t be prevented completely. Some wrinkling is hereditary, and some, if not most, is part of the natural aging process.Other factors like pollution, genetics, and the passage of time will cause skin changes no matter how hard you try. But the good news is, Specialist Skin Solutions offers several effective treatment options to help reverse the signs of aging caused  by overexposure to the sun.

Treatment options include:

• Anti-wrinkle injections
• Dermal Therapy 
• Deep Sea Peel 
• Chemical Peels 
• Medical-grade skincare products

While we can’t go back and apply sunscreen to our 13-year-old skin, we can stop the damage from getting worse and reverse the damage that already exists with effective treatment plans like those offered at Specialist Skin Solutions.

A physician-led cosmetic clinic, specializing in non-surgical aesthetic procedures, laser treatments,  and skin therapies, the team at Specialist Skin Solutions provides expert advice with individualized treatments that address specific skin concerns.

With a commitment to providing friendly, easy-to-understand professional advice and setting realistic expectations,  the team at Specialist Skin Solutions combines research, knowledge, and experience with evidence-based treatments and products.

Specialist Skin Solutions knows no two faces are alike, which is why we tailor our treatment plans to each client’s needs, budget, and preferences.

The post Wearing Many Hats: Why Sun Exposure Causes Premature Aging and How to Avoid It (While Still Enjoying It) appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Wrinkles are, however, the one result of growing older that no one wants to face. 

Fine lines and wrinkles are caused by the thinning of the dermis, the thick middle layer of the skin that is composed of blood capillaries, collagen fibers, and elastin which help keep the skin looking supple and youthful. Over time, the deterioration of this later causes the skin to become looser with a reduced ability to rejuvenate structures back into their healthy state. The result is fine lines and wrinkles.

Studies have shown that there are two different types of wrinkles; dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles, which are only visible during facial movements, can begin to become visible in the late twenties to early thirties. These are the fine lines that pop up around the eyes when we squint or the cheek creases that appear when we smile.

Static wrinkles, which develop later in life, stick around even when your face is at rest. These wrinkles begin in the early to mid-thirties, but these wrinkles can develop earlier due to certain environmental, genetic,  and behavioral factors.

Though it’s a natural sign of aging, developing fine lines and wrinkles is disheartening no matter what your age. The good news is that there are several proactive measures that can be taken to help smooth out the situation and prevent the development of premature wrinkles.

Prevention

There are external factors beyond our control that cause early-onset lines and wrinkles to appear like genetics and illness, but there is a multitude of preventable factors as well,  including: 

• Sun overexposure
• Dehydration
• Pollution
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Smoking
• Diet
• Lack of Sleep
• Sleep Positions

Blame it on the Sunshine 

We all know to apply sunscreen when we’re spending a day poolside or heading out for some family time in the sun. Doctors have recently discovered that sunscreen with SPF 30 or more also protects skin from the rays that we’re exposed to every day, even when we’re not basking at the beach.

The rays that are damaging to the skin are the UV (Ultraviolet) rays. The UVB rays are the ones that are responsible for sunburn and the deadliest skin cancer, melanoma. UVA rays, on the other hand, penetrate the skin more deeply and are the ones that are the primary cause of premature wrinkles. There are 500 times more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB rays, so if you think you’re safe from skin damage because you’re not getting a sunburn, it’s time to see the light. If you only wear sunscreen on days spent by the pool or at the beach, you’re not protecting your skin from the damaging rays that cause premature wrinkles. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even when not directly exposed to the sun, helps prevent premature wrinkles, so it’s also important to remember, sunscreen is not just for a day at the beach.

Water Shortage

Water isn’t just important for keeping plants healthy. Studies have shown a direct correlation between dehydration and wrinkles.

On the outside, water cleans us, calms us, and refreshes us. On the inside, water sustains us. An adequate amount of water prevents the skin from becoming dehydrated. Without a sufficient daily dose, the skin is unable to fulfill its functions as a natural barrier. It appears duller, and wrinkles and pores become more prominent. The lines and wrinkles we see are evidence that the body is lacking this life-sustaining element.

Studies have shown that drinking between 8 and 10 glasses of water every day increases blood flow to the skin. Proper hydration levels help the skin to appear plumper and have more elasticity, making it less likely to crack.

Clear the Air

Pollution caused by cars, smoke, and other environmental factors could be messing with your skin. Free radicals, unstable electrons that seek out other unstable electrons in the body, cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA. When this happens, it causes damage to the skin and that damage creates the perfect storm for wrinkles to form.

When You Booze, You Lose

This goes back to the hydration issue. First and foremost, alcohol dehydrates by acting as a diuretic. Paradoxically,  it also causes fluid retention in the delicate eye area which leads to puffy eyes.

Dehydration of the skin caused by alcohol consumption leads to dull and listless skin and can also interfere with the skin’s natural antioxidant defenses, which allows free radicals to easily affect the epidermis. It is recommended to limit alcohol consumption and uses an antioxidant serum to combat the effects when it is consumed.

Stress a Little Less

Stress is detrimental to our mental and spiritual well-being, but it’s equally damaging to the body. Stress is a widely known cause of many serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, but it has also been found to be a leading cause of premature wrinkles. High-stress levels and lack of sleep are a lethal combination causing poor skin health and early wrinkles. This is due to high cortisol levels, which take a huge toll on your skin’s connective tissues. To get things under control, regular exercise and taking more time for yourself are great ways to combat stress.

Break the Habit

Next to sun exposure, smoking is one of the greatest sources of voluntary exposure to free radicals which can lead to wrinkles under the eyes before age 20. The same thing applies to smokers as it does to those exposed to pollution. Free radicals attach to the body, breaking down DNA and RNA, leading to inflammation and skin damage.

The best thing to do is to never start smoking, but the next best thing is to get into the habit of avoiding any exposure to smoke, including secondhand, as soon as possible.

So, we advise that it’s best to break the habit as soon as possible before  your youthful looks go up in smoke!

Sleep on It

In a perfect world, everyone would go to bed at 10 pm and sleep soundly until  6 am.  But most people admit spending eight hours every night in dreamland is more like a pipe dream than a reality.

While it is often difficult to take time for ourselves with hectic work schedules and family obligations, it is crucial for our overall well-being, and especially for the well-being of our skin to get a good night’s sleep every night.

Though we can’t always be sleeping beauties, it’s important to try our best to maintain a regular sleep schedule that includes at least 7 hours a night. Skin is the largest organ in the body and needs time to rejuvenate itself. So, try your best to sleep on it and get as much rest as you can to avoid premature aging.

Sleep position

In addition to the amount of time you sleep, experts have also discovered that the way you sleep might also be a contributing factor in the early aging process. Stomach sleeping has been found to be a cause of wrinkles in the late twenties and early thirties.

This is because of the long amount of time your face is pressed into a pillow.  Because of this simple-to-solve solution, experts suggest sleeping on your back might be where it’s at. So, next time you’re about to drift off to dreamland, turn over a new leaf and sleep on your back.

Diet

It’s perfectly normal to indulge in some sweets from time to time, but if your taste for sugary treats gets out of control, your skin might not be reaping the sweet rewards. While it might have been fun to enjoy ice cream and candy when you were a child, overindulging in sugary snacks once you reach adulthood could lead to premature wrinkles.

A diet high in sugar leads to poor skin nutrition and premature aging. This is because of a process called glycation which occurs in the skin when blood sugar levels are high. During this process, sugar molecules in your bloodstream attach to collagen causing it to break down over time.

It’s that breakdown in collagen that can lead to premature fine lines around the eyes and mouth and deeper wrinkles on the forehead. Eating healthy might not always be a piece of cake but doing your best to keep sugar intake at a minimum.

Never Too Late 

The good news is, in addition to the many preventative methods previously discussed, there are ways to erase the damage that’s already done.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we offer a full range of treatments from skin lasers, skin needling, medical-grade skin peels, and microdermabrasion to erase fine lines and wrinkles and leave your skin glowing.

Anti-wrinkle injections

Anti-wrinkle injections work to relax and weaken the muscles in the face that are responsible for fine lines and deep wrinkles.

A safe and effective way to reverse the signs of aging, anti-wrinkle treatments usually take full effect within 1 to 2 weeks. It is a non-permanent treatment and results generally last between 3 to 4 months.

Dermal Fillers

In addition to anti-wrinkle injections, derma fillers work to restore volume, soften and fill lines, contour cheeks, and rejuvenate the complexion.  Dermal Filler is a medical injectable gel made from hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance already found in your body that attracts and binds water, helping the skin stay plump and hydrated.

Like anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers are not permanent but results can last longer, from 6 to 18 months, depending on the area treated and the product used. Dermal fillers are used on a wide range of lines, creases, and hollows in the skin including lip lines (sometimes called smokers’ lines) and marionette lines (the lines from the sides of the mouth down to the bottom of the jaw.)  

There’s a lot of information to digest, which is why we suggest that you contact us to learn more about the safe and effective options we offer at  Specialist Skin Solutions. We believe in educating our clients which is why a thorough consultation takes place prior to treatment. At this time we will discuss which areas of your skin you’re concerned with and which product works best.

It’s never too late to turn back the hands of time and put early onset lines and wrinkles in the rearview window.

The post Never Too Late to Erase Early Onset Wrinkles: 10 Tips for Keeping Fine Lines and Wrinkles at Bay appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

As oestrogen levels drop around this time, maintaining proper skin hydration can become one of the biggest challenges. These hormonal changes worsen and cause wrinkles as well as uneven texture. However, despite being unable to completely control these changes, with the right tools and knowledge, you can still retain a youthful complexion as you age.

A solid foundation of excellent skin care will help you maintain a glowing, youthful complexion into your 40s. Skin sagging, dryness and irregular pigmentation may still appear. These problems are often primarily due to the body producing less collagen, which can form lines and wrinkles.

Addressing your unique skin care issues in your 40s can be a complex and challenging journey. And you will need a combination of some well-chosen at-home regimens alongside professional treatments at a reputable skin care clinic.

Undoubtedly you will need to reassess your old skin care routine. What you used previously will probably not be enough for you now.

How to up the ante for healthy, youthful skin in your 40s:

Vitamin A

Products containing vitamin A focus on skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, balance natural skin oils, and act as an anti-inflammatory. In addition, retinoid or retinol creams are crucial in your 40s to increase collagen synthesis, improve skin elasticity and decrease fine lines.

Your hand creams should contain ingredients like retinol and antioxidants that plump the thinning skin and help prevent further damage. 

Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide is the ultimate all-rounder for your complexion. Niacinamide balances oil flow, minimises pores, addresses pigmentation, and reduces skin inflammation. 

Vitamin C

This powerful antioxidant brightens and promotes collagen production. So make sure you shop for the high-quality vitamin C your skin care specialist recommends.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts water, locking hydration into the upper layer of the skin, which plumps and firms the complexion. As a result, hyaluronic acid is excellent for achieving brighter skin and a more hydrated complexion.

Dry, dull skin that is common in your 40s can be addressed with better skin hydration using a hyaluronic acid serum. On top of this, regular exfoliation will remove dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin. This helps brighten dull skin, even skin tone and plumps and tones the complexion. In addition, exfoliation aids in better penetration of other products. As well as at-home treatments, regular chemical peels with a skin care professional may be helpful.

Sun protection

Use broad-spectrum sun protection with a high SPF every day. Remember to apply to your neck, chest, and back of your hands, as well as any other exposed skin.

To help with worsening wrinkles around the eyes, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen explicitly made for the face. And if you use retinol as part of your skincare regime, it’s essential to know that they increase the potential for sunburn, so ensure you are diligent with sun protection. 

In-clinic treatments:

We’ve discussed how changing your skincare routine at home is vital now as loss of collagen production, environmental factors, and hormones affect our skin in our 40s. But if you haven’t already, now is an excellent time to incorporate some specialist treatments into your routine.

There are plenty of options to address and prevent ageing. Small but consistent treatments in this decade result in more natural-looking skin and minimise the need for more invasive procedures later.

Facial expressions and the loss in skin elasticity are reasons forehead wrinkles worsen in your 40s. At this age, cosmetic injections are often the go-to treatments for forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. 

Professional treatments, like injectables, will undoubtedly improve those deeper lines. In addition, injectables are an excellent solution for problem areas such as the forehead and around the eyes. Cosmetic injections are a popular treatment and are very successful at doing their job. 

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we may recommend various treatments as alternatives to injectables or treatments that work with them.

Maintaining your skin with in-clinic treatments to support and stimulate collagen and help slow down the signs of ageing is a great way to manage visible ageing.

SkinPen

SkinPen helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This technology uses a series of fine needles to repeatedly penetrate the layers of the skin to induce the body’s wound healing mechanisms; the result is the creation of thousands of controlled micro-injuries/ microchannels in the layers of the skin to manage the following concerns: pigmentation, open pores, lost of elasticity, scars and all over skin texture.

Laser Genesis

Genesis works by heating the dermis directly under the skin; this stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Laser Genesis can also constrict blood vessels which helps fight redness and rosacea. 

LED Light

The LED light uses various wavelengths to help a variety of skin concerns. For example, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles and encourages wound healing and scar reduction. It also increases collagen production, reduces symptoms of psoriasis and eczema, and helps with cell regeneration and renewal. 

Conclusion

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we don’t believe losing skin radiance in your 40s is inevitable.

We can recommend exceptional hydrating products rich in antioxidants that help reduce signs of ageing. And regular consultations with our clinicians can help you throughout your 40s and beyond with some time and investment.

The skin is the body’s largest organ. So we need to take care of it. And it’s worth the investment.

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It’s essential to know that the age at which you start developing wrinkles is not wholly dependent on genetics. A good skin care regimen if implemented early and adequately maintained is the first important step.

In conjunction with a solid skin care regime, there are other ways to prevent premature ageing. Sun exposure, dehydration and environmental factors are a few examples of easily solvable issues. This is particularly true in Australia, where the sun can be even more damaging.

As well as making sensible lifestyle choices for yourself, Specialist Skin Solutions offers a range of medical-grade treatments to help prevent and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

So here is our list of some of the most effective preventative premature ageing measures. As well as tips on delaying the natural signs of ageing.

Sun safety

Being sun safe is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent damage, premature ageing, and some cancers. Staying out of the sun, layering and reapplying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing is the most effective way to invest in your skin health. 

And don’t forget, when it comes to protective clothing, this includes hats and sunglasses; your eyes and the top of your head are just as susceptible to the sun, and damage.

If you prefer the look of sun-kissed skin, get it from a bottle, not a tanning bed or by lying on the beach.

At-home skincare

It goes without saying that if you want your skin to look healthy and maintain a youthful glow, a solid skin care routine is vital. Cleansing and moisturising morning and night are necessary, but how and what you use is unique to everyone and a personal choice. But talking to a skincare professional about what can work for you is a great idea if you want to get the best out of your routine.

Regular facials and chemical peels can be a great addition to your skin care regimen. Professional peel treatments destroy dry, dead skin cells and allow new glowing skin to replace them. Medical grade facials will provide a deep clean and clarify your complexion.

Diet

A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, grains, and protein is an excellent place to start for great skin. High nutritional foods benefit the skin, including supplements that help keep the skin hydrated and wrinkle-free.

Things such as alcohol and junk foods can dramatically affect our skin health and such be eliminated or only consumed in moderation.

Smoking

Though not as much of an issue in society as it once was, it’s still worth mentioning that smoking is a severe health concern, including for our skin. It can significantly accelerate wrinkles particularly around the mouth and eyes and make the skin generally dull. 

Regular exercise

Regular exercise helps nourish skin cells by encouraging blood flow, which carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells and removes waste products away from working cells. 

Vitamin C

This phenomenal vitamin can not be made in the body and must be consumed through healthy foods or applied directly onto the skin. In particular vitamin C is essential in protecting skin health and creating more collagen in the body.  Vitamin C is synonymous with fresh, glowing skin.

Certain ingredients in foods, such as vitamin C in tomatoes, may keep your skin healthy and help prevent wrinkles.

Synergie Skin Suprema C+ is a triple acid serum that delivers a high dose of vitamin C to this skin. This antioxidant protection provides proven anti-aging benefits. 

Vitamin A

Utilise retinol-based skincare products, a common ingredient in skincare products. In addition, an antioxidant derived from vitamin A is commonly used to boost collagen levels in the skin.

Synergie Ultimate A promotes healthy skin renewal and addresses visible lines and wrinkles. It is important to use products with proven clinical grade ingredients such as retinol, antioxidants and peptides.

Specialist Skin Solutions offers a range of medical-grade treatments to help prevent and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

It helps increase collagen production. However, the type of vitamin A you use might depend on your age, so it’s good to talk to a skincare professional first. 

Consider medical-grade products that are more effective than those sold at supermarkets.

Collagen

With ageing, the body produces less collagen—this lack of collagen results in the loss of volume which causes sagging and the appearance of wrinkles and lines. When you apply moisturiser, it traps the water in your skin, keeping skin hydrated and plumped. This can make your wrinkles less visible.

Hyaluronic acid is essential to collagen in the skin and an ingredient in many serums and creams. In addition, foods abundant in amino acids ( such as beans and root vegetables) can also provide a dose of hyaluronic acid. 

Skin Pen, or collagen induction therapy, utilises fine needles to penetrate the skin. This results in the creation of thousands of controlled micro-injuries. In response, the body begins to heal itself.

Laser Genesis works by heating the dermis, stimulating collagen production. This plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Conclusion

Wrinkles are inevitable. But preventative treatments don’t have to break the bank, and there are ways to take care of your skin without excessive spending. 

It’s also a good idea to utilise resources such as your skin care specialist. When it comes to skin health, always talk to people specialising in this area.

We are committed to giving our clients the latest products and technologies they need to get the best out of their skin. That is why Specialist Skin Solutions offer an array of treatments and therapies.

For the complete list of treatments and therapies, visit our website or call our clinic directly.

The most effective wrinkle routines can be minimal. Many of us are more likely to stick to a regimen that uses as few products as possible. This is why creams, serums and cleansers you purchase should be the best and most effective products suggested by your skincare specialist. Downsizing and fine-tuning your skin care will be better for your skin and your finances in the long run.

Professional assessments help our team identify the best skincare products for you. And these preventative measures can delay or even avert the need for invasive, painful and more expensive solutions down the line.

The post Tips and Tricks to keep those wrinkles at bay? appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

First, let’s look at the different types of wrinkles, what causes them and the easiest ways to slow the ageing process down. Then we’ll dig into the latest anti-ageing technologies and therapies available.

The static and dynamic of it all

As we age, our skin sags and becomes more fragile. On top of this, a decrease in oil production dries out the skin, making it appear more wrinkled. The fat in the face also diminishes, causing loose skin and more noticeable lines.

We can separate wrinkles into two different categories, dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles form because of repetitive facial movements, like frowning or laughing. Dynamic wrinkles become static as we age, causing lasting expression lines. Static wrinkles are there regardless of facial movements. They develop and worsen due to things like genetics and poor skin care.

Premature ageing

Too much sun, smoking, dehydrated skin and age are the biggest causes of wrinkles. The result is premature epidermal thinning, loss of elasticity, and skin fragility. 

Managing our UV exposure and not smoking can significantly reduce the ageing process. These two things break down collagen and elastin fibres in the deeper layers of the skin. As a result, they cause the skin to sag and wrinkle.

Wrinkles you are likely concerned with

Wrinkles can appear anywhere on our bodies. But the most common areas are on the face, neck and decolletage. This is because there are 42 individual muscles to maintain on the face alone and that’s also where we have the most sun exposure.

Crow’s feet

Thanks to sun damage and the skin around our eyes being so thin as well as lacking in collagen and elastin, this is one of the first places on the face to wrinkle.   

More than any other wrinkles, though, crow’s feet around the eyes are expressive. We connect these lines with joy, making them an important feature and tolerable for many. But, on the other hand, we associate other lines like those between the brows with negative emotions.

Laugh lines are another example of dynamic wrinkles. But they aren’t caused by laughter alone. And they often become even more pronounced because of sagging skin and a loss of subcutaneous fat as we age.

Glabellar Lines

The vertical lines between the eyebrows, also known as the “11’s”, are generally caused by brows furrowing and this can be caused by a myriad of emotions. They are an example of dynamic wrinkles that worsen as we age. When deepened with age and lifestyle choices they tend to make us look angry and irritable

Forehead Lines

Raising your eyebrows can cause horizontal lines across your forehead. They can be more pronounced depending on genetics and lack of sun protection. Forehead lines are the most popular treatment area in modern skin care. It’s one of the most accessible areas to treat and one of the most responsive to treatment.

Nasalis Lines

“Bunny lines” are those that extend from either side of the nose. They are caused by repetitive facial movements such as wrinkling of the nose and laughing. The lines themselves vary between horizontal and vertical and affect people individually. For example, if you are a nose wrinkler or naturally have a big smile or laugh you are more likely to notice these lines forming earlier.

Every day anti-aging products

It’s possible to delay or improve the appearance of wrinkles by using good skincare products.

Retinoids or retinol

Vitamin A derivatives stimulate cell turnover and boost collagen production. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Retinoids include retinol, which you can find over-the-counter. Or the more powerful Retin-A is available with a prescription.

Retinoids soften skin, even out texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You may also find them helpful for diminishing sun spots. However, retinoids vary in potency, and some can cause irritation. To avoid redness and skin flaking, use a retinol twice a week and follow with moisturiser. Then, slowly increase application to three days per week.

It’s also important to note that retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. So it’s essential to use only at night and apply proper sun protection during the day.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants such as niacinamide, or resveratrol, work to neutralise free radicals. Free radicals damage skin cells and cause wrinkles. Balancing them can boost collagen production. Cleanse and apply an antioxidant-packed serum immediately to make the product effective. Apply sunscreen after five minutes, so you cannot dilute the formula.

Sunscreen

Sun protection is your best defence against premature wrinkles. UV rays are one of the most significant causes of premature ageing, so use sunscreen every day  for a youthful complexion. Sun protection is the most important thing you can do to maintain healthy, youthful skin. It helps prevent wrinkles and slows down the worsening of pre-existing ones. It can also help prevent some skin cancers, saving your life.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHAs increase skin cell renewal and collagen production, such as citric acid. As a result, using AHAs reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. You can find AHAs in lower concentrations in cleansers and at-home peels. There is a higher concentration of AHAs in the form of chemical peels applied by your skincare specialist. Glycolic acid can penetrate the skin much easier. Because of this, there’s also a chance of irritation. Those with sensitive skin might opt for milder lactic or citric acid instead.

Wrinkle treatments and therapies

Here are some of the most popular treatments you should chat about with your skin care specialist.

Fillers

Fillers are any soft and gel-like substance that can be injected into or under the skin for plumpness. For smoothing deep under eye circles, lift cheekbones, volumize lips, and even-out nasolabial folds. Hyaluronic acid fillers can last up to two years, and are reversible. Fillers have become very popular in the last few years.

Some swelling for a couple of days is a common side effect of fillers and allergic reactions are rare. In addition, irregularities to the surface and firmness of the skin may occur, as well as the possibility of damage to the blood vessels.. Although these side effects are uncommon, it’s a reminder to always visit a qualified skin care practitioner.

Lasers

Lasers that heat deeper dermis layers without damage improve many signs of ageing at once. This targeted heat triggers a healing response in the skin. In turn, this stimulates collagen production, which firms the skin. Lasers can also improve the appearance of pores, dark spots, texture, and skin tone. Depending on the treatment, you may need some downtime and several days of healing.

Microneedling

Micro-needling is a relatively new treatment in the skincare world but already has a solid fan base. Fine needles that create tiny holes across the complexion. The healing process that follows regenerates the skin. There are at-home options, but a skin care clinic or spa offers a professional machine. There can be some easily solved discomfort, but its growing popularity speaks of how well it works.

Neurotoxins

Injections to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are safe when administered by a professional and are an extremely popular anti-aging treatment. These treatments relax the facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles. 

The neurotoxin can be injected across the forehead, along crow’s feet, and in the “elevens”. But are also used to smooth lines in other areas, like the neck and around the mouth. It takes up to a week to see the full effect. Generally, the results last up to four months in the forehead. 

Wrinkle reduction isn’t the only benefit of cosmetic injections. These anti-aging treatments improve the skin’s texture, giving a nice healthy glow. Yet, it’s important to note that there are some risks. For example, toxins can drift into the muscle that raises and lower the upper eyelid. This can cause eyelid droop for several weeks or longer, though it will wear off. There can also be some temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site. This is why it’s so important to find a specialist skin care practice.

The Bottom Line

A face entirely devoid of wrinkles expresses no emotions. So think about what treatments you want and how much of an effect you are looking for. Reducing the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles has never been more accessible, and there are many options. Remember, it’s a skincare journey. So be informed and try new things but make sure you work with only the best people and proven, most effective treatments available.

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