Month: June 2024

Categories
Laser Hair Removal

Unveiling the Misconceptions about Laser Hair Removal

Did you know that 48% of of people are still wasting thier time shaving, with there being so much information thrown about, it is easy to be one of them and just not really knowing enough to take the plunge.

You hear so many different things about laser hair removal, it can be hard to get the answers you need, so we are going to clarify a few common misconceptions for you ……..

No shaving is needed before laser treatment? FALSE……

Truth – For laser treatment to be effective, the hair must attract the light energy and transport it to the hair follicle. If there’s hair left on the surface, this energy will evaporate on the skin without reaching the root, rendering the treatment ineffective. Therefore, all patients are asked to shave the night before their treatment for optimal results.

Laser hair removal is only for women? FALSE……

Truth – Both men and women seek laser hair removal. It works particularly well on coarse, dark hair, making it a great option for men to achieve smooth faces and bodies, while preventing shaving rashes, irritation, and ingrown hairs.

Laser hair removal is expensive? FALSE……

Truth: When compared to the cost of waxing over a lifetime, laser hair removal is more affordable than many prospective clients think. Additionally, there is no downtime between sessions waiting for hair to grow back, unlike waxing. You can shave and remain hair-free while waiting for your next session.

Laser is safe for everyone? FALSE……

Truth – Although laser hair removal is generally safe and effective, it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain medications or conditions may make you more sensitive to the laser. A full consultation is conducted to assess whether laser treatment is appropriate for you before proceeding.

Laser works on blonde hair? FALSE……

Truth – Laser hair removal is effective only on hair with pigmentation. Blonde and white hairs will not be reduced or removed by the laser.

I can go straight to the gym after my session? FALSE……

Truth: It’s best to skip the gym for 12-24 hours after treatment to avoid skin irritation. Your hair follicles will be extremely sensitive post-treatment, and sweating or increasing your body temperature can cause inflammation. Body sweat also contains bacteria that could lead to a rash or infection.

Lasers cause cancer? FALSE……

Truth: Laser light does not contain wavelengths that trigger cancer.

The laser will burn me? FALSE……

Truth – When performed by a trained professional and with proper pre- and aftercare, laser burns are very rare. In the unlikely event of a burn, it is usually superficial and won’t cause lasting damage to the skin.

We hope this clears up some misconceptions about laser hair removal.

Please get in touch or book in with one of our Experts here, or if you want to have a quick chat, please do give us a call on 01932 731762.

Categories
Skin Care

Busting the Myths of SPF

Higher is not always better… This week, we wanted to share this fantastic BLOG from our friends at Alumier. We are incredibly happy that we have Alumier products at Surrey Laser Clinic

There are so many sunscreens available now – and they’re all labelled with lots of confusing information – so it’s easy to just reach for the one that looks like it has the highest protection. SPF 50 is higher than 30 and 40, so that’s better, right? Not always. Sorry to disrupt your brainwaves, BUT if SPF is the only thing you think about when it comes to defending your skin against the damaging impact of the sun and environment, we’re here to tell you “think wider…”

The negative effects of the sun’s rays (the degradation of skin health, advanced signs of ageing to name a few and lest we forget skin cancer) come from a multitude of rays, not just burning UVB rays. What about environmental damage? What about the full spectrum of light that comes from the sun including UVA, blue light and infrared? There’s also free radicals and pollution to consider, too.

SPF is important, but not the only thing that you need to be looking for in a sunscreen, it turns out choosing a high SPF isn’t a shortcut to total skin protection. So, let’s find out what is.
 

WHAT DOES “SPF” MEAN?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and in short, it’s a measure of the length of time your skin can last without burning. For example, if you have very fair skin and you burn within one minute of standing in the sun, put on SPF 10 and you’ll be able to stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning. SPF 30 = 30 minutes and so on. The difference between them is actually quite minimal… let us explain. SPF 30 blocks out 96.7% of UVB radiation, SPF 40 blocks out 97.5% of UVB radiation and SPF 50 blocks 98%.

SPF IS important because UVB rays can damage skin health, but they can be blocked by clouds. They’re only around on very sunny days, making up 5% of the UV rays that reach the earth’s surface.

We refer to UVA rays as ‘stealth ray’. They travel through clouds and glass, and they’re present 365 days a year. These long light waves can penetrate through to the deep layers of skin where they can cause collagen and elastin degradation. Lines, wrinkles, discolouration… the works. FYI – A sunscreen’s SPF doesn’t measure its ability to protect against UVA, so if you’re only looking at SPF, you need to zoom out… way out.
 

PROTECTING AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENT

There are two main filters used in SPF products – chemical and physical.

With AlumierMD, they chose to formulate with physical sunscreens only, specifically, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because they protect against both long UVA and short UVB rays. They work, in the main, by sitting on top of the skin reflecting the light away, so it doesn’t degrade by doing its job. Therefore, once you put it on you are protected until you take it off.

Each of the sunscreens offers high-performance daily protection by going beyond the science of skin defence. Think power antioxidants, vitamin C and super hydrators sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid.
 

Formulating sunscreens that you WANT to wear

White coats at the ready!

Let’s all imagine we’re chemists formulating with the sunscreen filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, there’s a lot to think about. Photostability? Frequency of application? Spectrum of protection? Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide aces them all. Plus, they are the only two sunscreen filters generally recognised as safe and effective (GRAS) certified by the FDA.

They are both thick white minerals, meaning chemists will have a job to get a high SPF that feels nice to wear, without chemicals. You’ll often see that high SPFs have a blend of physical and chemical filters. We have pushed our SPFs to SPF 40 or SPF 42 which is as high as we could get them without leaving a white cast or adding chemical filters. And we’ve done it! They feel so lightweight and comfortable, 90% of people* said their skin was more hydrated when using one of our sunscreens.


You might notice a change

Recently the European Commission announced they will only recognise SPF 30 or SPF 50 and not any SPFs in between. So that means our SPF 40 and 42 sunscreens must now say SPF 30 on the bottle, even though the percentage of protection remains the same and they will continue to be labelled SPF 40 and SPF 42 in the North Americas.

Why didn’t we upgrade to an SPF50? Because it would only offer 0.5% more protection, would be unpleasant to use if we didn’t add chemical filters and SPF only speaks to one portion of environmental protection required to protect the longevity of skin health.

So, between a basic formula with high SPF, and a hard-working hybrid sunscreen, with robust filters, that protects against all six environmental aggressors (UVB, UVA, pollution, free radicals, infrared and blue light) PLUS tippling up as your hydrating serum and foundation or tinted moisturiser…

Your pro can help you find your perfect match with personalised sunscreen recommendations for your individual skin needs and as ever, please get in touch or book in with one of our Experts here, if you want to have a quick chat, please do give us a call on 01932 731762.

Categories
Skin Care Skin Pigmentation

Understanding the Differences Between Moles and Freckles

Understanding the differences between moles and freckles can help in distinguishing between these two types of skin blemishes. In our BLOG this week, we will explore some of the most notable characteristics of moles and freckles.

Differentiating Between Moles and Freckles by Appearance

Various characteristics can help differentiate moles and freckles based on their appearance. Here are some key distinctions:

Moles:

  • Shape and Texture – Moles typically have an oval or round form. Their texture can be smooth or slightly bumpy, and they can be raised or flat.
  • Colour – Moles can range in colour from pink to black or dark brown, typically maintaining a consistent color throughout.
  • Size – Moles can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. It’s important to monitor any significant changes in size over time.
  • Borders – Moles usually have well-defined borders that are distinguishable from the surrounding skin, even if slightly uneven.
  • Hair Growth – Some moles, especially those that are raised, may develop hair.

Freckles:

  • Shape and Texture – Freckles typically have a flat texture and are smaller than moles.
  • Colour – Freckles are usually light brown or tan. Their colour may vary and can appear lighter during the winter months.
  • Size – Freckles are generally smaller than moles, ranging in size from a few millimeters to about a centimeter.
  • Borders – Freckles often have indistinct borders that blend into the surrounding skin, making their edges less defined than those of moles.
  • Distribution – Freckles are more common on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, arms, and shoulders.

It’s important to remember that self-examination is useful for tracking changes in moles and freckles. If you have any concerns or uncertainties about skin marks, you should seek professional advice from a dermatologist. Regular skin check-ups and sun protection are essential for maintaining skin health.

Genetic and Environmental Factors Influencing Skin Marks

Both genetic and environmental factors influence the formation and nature of skin marks such as moles and freckles. Here’s a summary of how these factors contribute:

Genetic Factors:

  • Moles – The tendency to develop moles can be inherited. People with multiple moles in their family are more likely to have multiple moles themselves. Some moles are linked to specific genetic mutations. Congenital moles, or birthmarks, can be caused by genetic factors.
  • Freckles – Genetics also play a role in the likelihood of developing freckles. People with fair skin, light hair, and a family history of freckling are more prone to freckles. Variations in the MC1R gene are associated with red hair, fair skin, and a higher susceptibility to freckling.

Environmental Factors:

  • Moles – The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and other environmental factors significantly impact the development of moles. Sunburns, especially in childhood, can increase the number of moles. People who live in sun-exposed areas are more likely to develop moles.
  • Freckles – Sun exposure is closely related to the development of freckles. UV radiation stimulates melanin production, leading to freckle formation, which may darken in the sun. People in regions with higher sunlight levels are more likely to develop freckles.

The interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors, particularly sun exposure, has a substantial impact on the development of moles and freckles. While some factors are beyond one’s control, sun protection and regular skin monitoring are crucial for maintaining skin health and reducing the risk of skin-related issues.

Monitoring Changes in Moles and Freckles

Monitoring changes in moles and freckles is essential for maintaining skin health and detecting potential problems early. Regular self-examinations, along with professional checks by a dermatologist, can help ensure that any changes are promptly addressed. Here’s how to keep track of changes in moles and freckles:

  • Establish a Routine: Perform self-examinations regularly, ideally once a month. Make it a habit by doing it on the same day each month.
  • Use a Mirror: Use a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror to examine areas that are hard to see, such as the back, scalp, and buttocks.

ABCDE Rule for Moles:

  • Asymmetry – Check if one half of the mole is different from the other.
  • Border – Look for irregular, blurred, or jagged edges.
  • Colour – Watch for changes in color or multiple colours within the mole.
  • Diameter – Keep an eye on any increase in mole size, especially if it exceeds 6 millimeters.
  • Evolution – Note any changes over time, such as itching, tenderness, or shape changes.

EFG Rule for Freckles:

  • Expansion – See if the freckle is growing in size.
  • Fading – Observe if the freckle fades with less sun exposure.
  • Generation – Look out for new freckles, especially in sun-exposed areas.

Make Use of a Skin Map: Create a map of your moles and freckles to better track their locations and changes.

As ever, please get in touch or book in with one of our Experts here, if you want to have a quick chat, please do give us a call on 01932 731762

Categories
Skin Care

The Importance of Regular Facials

When it comes to skin health, regular facials are a must to support skin’s natural renewal process and reveal a healthy looking, fresh appearance.

The skin cycle

Did you know that your skin is constantly renewing itself?

Every month dead skin cells travel from the innermost layer of the epidermis to the surface of the skin in a process called keratinisation.

These dead skin cells or corneocytes, still have a vital function in forming the skin barrier, which protects skin from aggressors such as pollution, germs and other irritants. As the cycle continues, they are naturally exfoliated by the skin over time. This prevents the build-up of too many dead cells (which would clog up the skin’s surface) and in turn stimulates new cells to grow.

What happens to our skin when we get older?

As we grow older, this skin renewal process slows down. Rather than a month, keratinisation can take up to 45 days or more, depending on the individual biological activity.

This means that dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin, resulting in changes to the skin quality including roughness, enlarged pores, congestion, irritation, and a dull, greyish looking appearance.

What’s an advanced facial?

To help and support a healthy skin renewal process, we strongly advise regular ‘advanced’ facials with your experienced skincare professional, every 4-6 weeks. More than a simple “pampering” facial with relaxing massage techniques, advanced treatments include Hydrafacial, laser or chemical peels, along with products containing biologically active ingredients to support the health of your skin cells and address your individual skin concerns.

Please get in touch or book in with one of our Experts here, if you want to have a quick chat, please do give us a call on 01932 731762