Overview
Dermatologists are doctors who specifically specialise in the skin, so who better to help you look after one of your most valuable assets, your skin. Skin care and antiageing treatments are some of the most talked about subjects in our modern society.
Today, both men and women are wanting to remain in their careers for a longer period of time so each has an increasing interest in skin rejuvenation and slowing the effects of the ageing process. The following treatments are all options that can be customised to your needs.
Treatment Options
There are many different types of chemical peels performed at the enRich Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Centre, depending on each patient’s primary concern. Peels can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns including acne, Rosacea, fine wrinkling, blotchy pigmentation (brown spots), ingrown hairs, sallow complexion and dry skin. Chemical peels are most often performed on the face but may also be beneficial on the neck, chest, back, hands, arms and legs.
Glycolic Acid (AHA) Peels or Fruit Acid Peels are very mild. There is usually little or no peeling, which enables patients to continue their lifestyle with no inconvenience to their daily lives. The skin’s appearance is improved by a gentle exfoliation whilst rehydrating the skin below its surface. Collagen production is also stimulated to improve the skin over a longer period of time.
Pigment (PCA) Peels contain bleaching agents and are more suited to patients with pigmentation problems such as melasma (hormonal pigmentation), sun damage and hyper-pigmentation as a result of acne scarring or excessive sun damage. PCA peels stimulate the exfoliation process of the skin so patients usually experience redness, flaking or peeling.
Jessner Peels are a mixture of Resorcinol, salicylic acid and lactic acid. They are primarily used on patients suffering mild acne, acne scarring and photo (sun) damage. This peel produces more peeling than AHA and is therefore beneficial for patients who require a deeper treatment.
Retin A Peels are aimed at skin rejuvenation. Suitable for any patient wanting minimum ‘downtime’ and a progressive improvement in both their skins texture and clarity over time.
TCA Peels are the strongest of the peel regime and are used to induce a more profound resurfacing effect on the skin. This is often used when both PCA and AHA peels have been insufficient to remove a more severe pigmentation or sun damaged skin problem. Moderately wrinkled skin also responds well to this type of treatment with fewer complications than the older type of peels once used such as Phenol.
Moisturisers
There are many manufactured moisturisers on the market today which can hold moisture in; however, they do not all add moisture to the skin. Hydration is essential in maintaining healthy skin. Skin hydration can be effected by diet, water intake, weather, ageing and daily skincare. Different skin types must also be considered when choosing a moisturiser as some are prone to acne when a cream is used. A moisturiser for healthy skin is different to those moisturisers commonly used for a person with a skin disorder. Moisturisers that are high in water content typically offer less hydration than those with a higher oil base, however oil based moisturisers are not suitable for those with acne tendencies.
Antioxidants
Today, there is a wide variety of lightweight antioxidant creams and serums that can penetrate under the skin’s surface. In recent years, manufacturers have found that vitamins containing antioxidants (specifically vitamins C and E) are more easily absorbed when combined with other ingredients.
The goal of these creams and serums is to diffuse free radicals and strengthen the fibroblasts (a cell responsible for new collagen growth), which are bridges that support skin. Strengthening fibroblasts helps defend you from sagging, dull, roughtextured, and ageing skin. Dermatologists also found that such vitamins may stimulate collagen production, which naturally depletes during the ageing process.
Vitamin C
Most people know that Vitamin C bolsters the immune system against colds and flu. But did you know that Vitamin C is a natural skin booster? It helps produce collagen, an essential skin protein? It’s also an effective antioxidant, which helps combat the effects of ageing and can help defend the skin from harmful sun rays.
Retin-A
Initially a treatment for acne, Retin A is now widely used for general skin quality improvement. It is also used as a preparation for various other skin procedures. Retin A is a topical skin medication that can come in a gel or cream based and in numerous concentration levels, each designed for a specific skin type. The primary purpose of Retin A is to provide a light chemical peel that speeds the natural exfoliation process and improves collagen production.
Chemical peels and creams can go a long way in helping the skin stay healthy, unfortunately they do not improve sags, bulges and more severe wrinkles which may require other forms of cosmetic procedures to improve the skin. A consultation can help you determine the most appropriate type of treatment for your individual case.
