**Removal of Unwanted Pigmentation**

Skin Deep – May 2014

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘Removal of Unwanted Pigmentation and Age Spots’.

Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month – ‘Staying safe in the sun, which SPF is right for you’.

Unwanted pigmentation and age spots are some of the most visibly ageing signs on the skin. In particular, the neck, decollate and hands can give away our age, no matter how much care and attention has been spent on our face. Most people forget to apply SPFs to these three areas so how can we reverse the damage caused.

To achieve the best results, typically a clinic treatment should be accompanied by pre- and post-care home use products as this will speed up the response and maximise the results. The pigmentation is caused by a combination of melanin forming cells ‘behaving badly’ and an inflammation in the skin via a compromised skin barrier. If we actively target the inflammation and repair the neglected skin barrier, then the effects of the damage can be reversed.

A combination of treatments can be tailored to the individual’s needs and typically tend to incorporate light with a specific peel system. The latter will maximise cell turnover with minimal irritation and peeling, thus providing long term results with virtually no downtime. Hyperpigmentation is the main sign of ageing on the decollate, whilst the neck tends to require additional tightening, toning and firming as well as wrinkle reduction.

By using clinically proven inhibitors that stop tyrosinase (an enzyme responsible for melanin/pigment production) from reaching the required pathways that lead to the formation in irregular pigment, the effects can truly be undone. Botanically based products that don’t contain hydroquinone (which has to be prescribed in the UK) are the most effective and are none irritating.

Most professional brands come in a range of strengths that can be used on a vast array of skin types. A combination of intensive nourishment, barrier repair and light diffusing particles to give an overall rejuvenation effect is the most common. There is a skin condition called poikiloderma of civatte, which can also be caused by sun damage in earlier years. It tends to look like red/brown pigment spots in exposed areas, this can also be successfully treated with simple light treatments and products.

Some experts have suggested that the skin on the neck can age up to 7 times faster than that on our face, so it requires a different treatment regime with more focus on elastin and collagen. Hence always highlight to your practitioner which areas are your primary concerns and exactly what goals you would like to achieve.

***Client's beware of laser scam - please read and share***

It has been brought to my attention today that there are several 'laser clinic groups' posting other people's blogs (mine being one of them) and posting them as their own. This is a scam and people who have given card details (as a secure deposit to reserve a slot) to these 'supposedly large high street chains' are being charged for absolutely nothing at all. Please, would all of you who read this, share it. I have spoken to one company in Hertfordshire and one in London today, both using my details. Absolutely unbelievable. Do not trust these guys, ask questions. The flashy websites with an 0800 number aren't necessarily 'honest'. x

Dr Angie Winnington-Sharp
angie@cheshireskinclinic.com
01925 263660
07967 481594

**Double Article** 'Body Sculpting'

Skin Deep – April 2014

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘Non-Invasive Treatments for Body Sculpting’. Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month – ‘Reducing excess pigment in the skin’.

There are many new ‘techniques’ available currently to reduce fat and cellulite but a large number are invasive and actually quite destructive to the surrounding skin tissue (hence they can cause thread veins and other superficial damage).

Non-invasive radio-frequency (RF) has recently been publicised in the medical journal ‘Lasers Surgical Medical’ (Feb’2014) as offering an equivalent alternative to surgery, without involving the necessity for a medical procedure. One truly amazing fact is that, after puberty, we do not generate fat cells (although excessive weight gain and procedures such as liposuction can augment this) so each fat cell just gets bigger. Hence, if you reduce the percentage of body fat, any lost fat cells, can’t come back, fantastic!

So, the positive point is, if you remove the fat, it won’t come back if you are diligent enough to keep it off. One great way of doing this is to have a non-invasive RF treatment, which naturally breaks down excess lipids beneath the skin and smoothes the appearance by reducing the number of superficial fat (adipose) cells. This leaves you with a sleek, toned exterior (and a bag full of extra confidence).

We all know the best way to lose weight is eat less and exercise more, but if you need a little extra help, RF is the perfect answer to help you trim your weight in a much shorter period of time, without the use of chemicals, medicine or surgery. 

This month we’re focussing on body sculpting, to complete our eyes, face and body – season in time for the summer. Even if it’s not our fashion of choice, the option to wear a summer skirt, shorts and swimwear is made more enjoyable by knowing that we’ll look our best and not have to worry about any little ‘problem areas’ that we feel desperate to cover-up. The most common areas of concern on the legs and bikini are thread veins, unwanted/in-growing hair and cellulite/dimply skin. The other common ‘problem area’ tends to be the abdomen, where the focus is generally on stretch marks and uneven skin tone. All of these things can make us feel self-conscious about swapping from our spring to summer wardrobes, but needn’t be an issue. Clearly we know all about getting enough exercise and a good diet, both of which are essential, but often they are not enough for that last confidence boost. Even when we successfully lose weight, some skin can remain a little ‘slack’ and hence can benefit from some additional tining and tightening to give a ‘sculpted’ appearance.

Laser and pulsed light are ideal for redness, collagen boosting (to plump up fine lines and dimples) and of course, hair removal. Radio-frequency and light combined can diminish cellulite and smooth out stretch marks. A wide variety of different strength peels can then be used to really complete a treatment, leaving a smooth/sleek and super toned appearance.

**Skin Toning** - all you need to know

Check out our latest article online at http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=3a38be36-0b4e-4e25-b9f0-9dd97713dd8b p5 as always - plus it's a great read 'South Warrington News' x

**Tone and Tighten your Skin**

Skin Deep – March 2014

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘How to Tone and Tighten your Skin’.

Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month – ‘Non-Invasive Treatments for Body Sculpting’.

Last month we focussed on how to look after our eyes and make them a feature, what could be better than pairing this with flawless, beautifully toned and taught skin on our face, neck and decollate. By carefully combining natural botanical extracts, emollients (that soften and soothe the skin) and humectants (that help retain moisture) it is possible to strengthen the skin’s barrier from the stratum corneum (top layer) down through the dermis. By further blending antioxidants, which are powerful anti-ageing molecules, the result is increased elasticity, firmness and a lifted appearance.

This type of firming and protective product was initially formulated for post-treatment care following laser or peel treatments, but the high demand has ensured that home-use products are now available from specialist skin clinics to maximise the effectiveness of any treatments and minimise the number required. This means that commonly, even after just a couple of treatments with a specialist, you can now continue to improve the appearance of your skin in the comfort of your own home. Many work most intensively if left on over-night and then simply rinsed off in the morning.

Ingredients like white willow bark act as an antimicrobial, shea butter can calm inflamed skin and avocado will naturally soothe. If a treatment has been performed that penetrates below the reticular layer (deep dermis) then a formulated barrier cream may also be advised to fortify any vulnerable areas. Key areas to remember are to select a product that stimulates the skin’s function, strengthens the natural barrier, increases elasticity and firmness and reduces inflammation.

Next month we will be looking at body sculpting, so we will have covered eyes, face and body – fantastic! Bring on the summer.

Skin Deep - **Beautiful Eyes, let them do the talking**

Wow, my daffodils are coming out as there are actually sunny spots in the garden :) perfect weather to make your eyes twinkle, look fantabulous and find out how on p5 http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=3a38be36-0b4e-4e25-b9f0-9dd97713dd8b (note the new link). The clinic is closed 6th-10th March, so why not book in before? :) x

**Let your Eyes do the Talking**

Skin Deep – February 2014

South Warrington News

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘How to make your Eyes your Best Feature’.

Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month – ‘How to Tone and Tighten your Skin’.

The skin around the eyes is delicate and thinner than other areas of the face, hence it needs specific care to look and feel great. Healthy skin with no dark circles or fine lines can highlight the eyes and make them really shine, and even twinkle! Because the skin is thinner in this area though, it tends to make dark circles, fine lines and blood vessels more apparent and this can really age a person’s face. Some creams can irritate the eyes, making them water and redden. This can also give a premature ageing effect.

The best clinical treatments for this delicate area use radio-frequency (RF) as this can be applied close to the orbital bone (unlike pulsed light treatments) and can really lift and tighten the area above and below the eye. Post-treatment products which are designed to strengthen and fortify the skin’s barrier can prolong the effects of RF and maximise the visible results. The best products absorb into the area giving a smoothing and lifting sensation, which is great under make-up and prevents it ‘sitting in the creases’ of the skin which can draw someone’s eye to the area and make even the most expensive make-up, look powdery and unskilfully applied. The best products on the market have been dermatologically proven to reduce the appearance of periocular (eye area) wrinkles by up to 50%. The products tend to contain botanical extracts that protect the keratin in the skin, clean pores and inhibit inflammation. They will nourish the skin with natural emollients and have a decreased essential oil content to prevent irritation. These fantastic new products simultaneously reduce any visible ‘puffiness’, so what are you waiting for, wake up and look fabulous tomorrow.