Skin Conditions
Acne
Acne is one of the skin conditions that usually begin in teenage years because of the profound hormonal influences that are taking place in our bodies during this period. A family history of acne is relevant. Also, acne is triggered by several other factors including stress, pregnancy, menopause, medications, medical treatments, lifestyle and diet. Therefore, acne sufferers require ongoing management of this unfortunate skin condition.
Acne treatments vary from individual to individual. Oily skin, blemishes, whiteheads and blackheads are easily treated. Individuals with more severe acne lesions such as papules, pustules or scarring require a more comprehensive treatment plan.
There are different ways to treat acne, including:
- LED light therapy
- Chemical Peels
- Laser Therapy
Aging
From the moment we are born this set of skin conditions begin… Welcome to aging!
Aging simply means we are living!
As we age, the systems in our body slow down. The circulatory system delivers less blood to the skin, causing dehydration. Fewer new skin cells are generated. The cells we create loose their ability to adhere to each other. Collagen and elastin production slows down and our skin becomes less elastic. Melanocytes produce melanin (pigmentation) and work less effectively. The skin may become blotchy as colour is added or lost. Fat pads start to slide down our face, bone structure is reabsorbed, hormones sadly decrease. This is just the natural aging process! Add in years of sun exposure that leave the skin dry, scaly, leathery and lined, along with age spots, visible broken capillaries, and increased skin sensitivity. Gravity is always in operation, naturally causing the corners of our mouth to turn down, eyelids and jowells to droop. Facial expressions that we adopt over the decades and lines formed when we sleep in certain positions become permanently etched in our skin. Aging… the result! Skin becomes tired looking, crepey, wrinkled, dull, dry, blotchy and irritated.
Effective treatments are available to counter aging, from anti-wrinkle injections to prescriptive peels and laser and LED light therapies.
Capillaries & Veins
Broken capillaries and veins appear primarily around the nose and cheeks. They are mainly a result of sun damage. Other causes such as alcohol consumption, harsh cleansers or mechanical abrasion contribute. Therefore, although they are not harmful, their appearance detracts from a smooth, clear complexion.
Broken capillaries and veins do not heal or recover on their own. As a result, many choose to have them treated. Laser light, available in different power levels and wavelengths, effectively treats this condition with little discomfort.
Rosacea & Facial Redness
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition, affecting approximately 1 in 20 people. It is mainly characterized by facial redness, around the nose, cheeks, chin and between the eyebrows. In addition to the red, flushed skin condition, broken capillaries are common. along with increased sensitivity to temperature variation and sunlight, obvious burning and tingling sensations and watery eyes. No exact cause of rosacea has been determined. Although it is known that certain foods, alcohol, stress and menopause aggravate the condition.
A tailored skin care regimen is vital for the monitoring of this condition. If not properly treated, rosacea can cause broken capillaries and weeping and thickening skin. Also, laser treatments reduce the inflammation and improve the appearance of rosacea.
Scarring
Scarring is simply the final result of the skin healing from damage or disease. Depending on the cause, there are several types of scarring. Some are significantly raised or indented. Often, there is associated irregular pigmentation and pores. Laser treatment is effective in smoothing the skin and improving the appearance of scars. A consultation is necessary to assess the degree of scarring and select the optimal treatment.
Sun Damage & Discoloration
Sun damage is caused primarily by the cumulative time of exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Other factors include hormone levels and the aging process. Typical damage includes fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation changes. Other damage includes melasma, dyschromia, hyper- and hypopigmentation. Several treatments help ameliorate sun damage and discoloration. Please consult with Katrina to assess any sun damage and prepare a treatment program.
Wrinkles & Fine Lines
Wrinkles and fine lines are the most visible sign of ageing. The amount of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases as we age. As a result, the skin loses strength and elasticity over time. Our genetic composition is the primary component. Other environmental and lifestyle factors such as the amount of stress, level of hydration, sun exposure and diet contribute to the rate of skin ageing and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. There are basic and advanced therapies for slowing down the skin ageing process and improving the skin texture. Please consult with Katrina to determine a treatment program that will achieve the best result.