The importance of healthy skin should never be underestimated. This particular industry has really taken off in the last few years but still many aesthetic injectable practitioners shy away from entering into that world. Why? The sheer vastness of skin! The wide scope of conditions and possible treatments options, each claiming to be better than the other, it is such a speciality, a speciality I myself have previously shied away from. It has come to my attention however, just how important it is as a medical professional to have an awareness of this subject and at the very least have basic knowledge on commonly seen skin conditions/types and treatment options. Whilst personally exploring skin and educating myself further, I have become quite passionate about the subject of skin health and management. It is also important to remember that skin types can only be balanced and managed whereas skin conditions we can cure.
Yvonne Senior published an article in the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing (2018) which quite rightly said “our profession does not start and end at the point of a needle”, she highlights the importance of treating a clients face with a holistic approach demonstrating an understanding of their skin first and foremost. There will be times when a client would benefit greater from skin rejuvenation before jumping into injectables! Too often clients are requesting anti-wrinkle injections and facial dermal filler on skin which is noticeably dehydrated, hyperpigmented, scarred and unbalanced! From reading this blog post I hope to shed some light on skin treatment options and how to improve the health of your skin. Dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injections achieve significantly improved results when administered on skin that is now much more balanced and healthier!
What is Microneedling? Microneedling in the most simplistic form is a treatment that uses tiny needles to penetrate the skin (dermis layer). The skin then reacts to being pierced and is stimulated to begin healing, renewing the skin cells in the process. During this healing process the skin triggers a production of collagen and elastin, giving an immediate plumping effect. There is an increased cell turnover, increased production of blood vessels and new connective tissue is formed so the skin ultimately becomes stronger and healthier. The needling is used in conjunction with cleansers, toners, serums, creams and gels to maximise results and adequately prepare and treat the skin. What does Microneedling treatment do for my skin?
Fine lines and wrinkles can be significantly improved with a course of microneedling treatment due to the encouraged production of collagen and elastin.
Facial scarring and aesthetically uneven textures can be improved and smoothed with microneedling (continue reading for further information)
Say goodbye to dull skin! The renewed cells help improve dull skin and fight against the initial signs of aging. The micro channels created by the needling allows for the most effective absorption rate of the serum applied on to the skin (see table below).
Hyperpigmentation/ sun damaged skin can benefit from microneedling, helping fade undesirable dark patches.
Rosacea can be helped and managed with microneedling, but not cured!
How many microneedling treatments will I need and when will I get the results? – This is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution and will be decided upon consultation, however, it is recommended to have a course of three treatments, each four weeks apart and then reassess. Acne scarring may benefit from a course of 6 treatments, all very individualised. Often clients just like to maintain the healthiest version of their skin, so may routinely have treatment once a month or maintenance every other month. – The initial plumping of the skin will take effect immediately, then the results come again after the healing process which is achieved at the three week mark. The optimum result will be at the end of your course of treatments and can last for up to two years! Of course this longevity will only be achieved alongside adequate UV SPF protection.
Skin Peels! What are they and how do they work?
First and foremost it is important to clarify that skin peels treat the epidermis (outer) layer of the skin unlike microneedling which treats the dermis layer.
Skin peels are a superficial treatment, non-invasive and with no “down time” recovery element. Skin peels involve applying non-toxic, naturally derived ingredients that dissolve in to the skin removing the top layer of dead skin cells, unclogging pores and improving dull complexions. They work wonders on fine lines, uneven skin tones, texture, pigmentation, acne, pore appearance, anti-aging and the regulation of oily or dry skin!
There are many different types of skin peels containing different acid forms and each have their own key ingredients. At Noble Aesthetics we offer the Glycolic acid (sugar based) peels (AHA) which come in 40% and 70%, only medical practitioners can offer the 70% peel! This particular peel specialises in exfoliation, cell renewal and skin revitalisation and is used to achieve all of the above listed results. It is recommended to have a course of 4 treatments which can be performed one week apart.
Let’s talk ACNE! Staggeringly, about 80% of teenagers aged 13-17 are affected by acne! But it can also affect people in their adult years (late-onset acne). For acne sufferers, their testerone levels stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce an increased oily solution (known as sebum). On top of that, the dead skin cells lining the openings of hair follicles do not shed properly, causing the follicles to become clogged. As a result of all of this, blackheads and whiteheads are formed due to oil clogged hair follicles! Whiteheads and blackheads are notoriously tempting to squeeze/pick/pop! This then will leave people with unwanted, displeasing scarring. Microneedling is amazing at targeting scarring, the needle breaks through to the dermis layer of the skin and upon healing, the scars contract and become noticeably smaller. Noble Aesthetics is now able to offer a serum called Genosys CTS, it is specifically designed to encourage wound healing and tissue remodelling, found to be particularly effective on acne pore management and acne scarring as well as stretch marks and burns. We place the serum all over the skin and perform microneedling, the penetration of the needle then allows the serum to be absorbed into the skin. However, for those with ‘active’ pustular acne, before beginning needling treatment it is considered more beneficial to have a skin peel to control the pustules (yellow head spots).
If interested in any of the above skin treatments it is important to always speak to a medical professional first for a full consultation. There are contraindications to both treatments so upon consultation your medical professional can advise whether you are safe to proceed with treatment whilst also assessing your skin ‘type’, ageing affects and overall health.
How do I achieve healthy skin?! As much as you can search online and find a suitable practitioner to deliver your skin treatments, the health of your skin can be greatly helped by adapting your day-to-day life and by following this advice:
Smoking?… Time to Stop! I could honestly create a whole blog post on the damaging effects of smoking on skin but for the purpose of not turning this blog post into a novel I will keep it blunt. Nicotine = narrowing blood supply= limited oxygen -rich blood flow = delayed wound healing (leading to scarring), dry, damaged skin, premature aging, depleting nutrients and as a result that ‘natural glow’ is no more.
Exercise and Sleep is vital, increasing new cell formation, as well as a great diet, rich in antioxidants, protein and omegas.
Topical cosmeceutical skin care and fundamentally a great SPF for sun protection!
Nurse prescriber, Natalie Haswell (owner of Haswell Aesthetics) has recently written an article in the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing (2018, volume 7), which highlights the importance of sun protection. Within the article she reports that “UV (ultraviolet) radiation is the biggest extrinsic factor contributing to skin ageing.” Not only that but it is important to remember that we are exposed to UV radiation even when it is cool and cloudy so wearing sun protection daily is essential. When choosing your sun cream, ensure it protects against both UVA and UVB! Two key ingredients to also look for in your sun protection are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, effective protection whilst also still allowing the skin to breath and function. Sun protection following any skin treatment is imperative and sunbeds are a no-go! Your skin is particularly vulnerable to UV exposure following microneedling and peels.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body so lets look after it.
P.s. Please stop removing your makeup with a baby wipe, your skin will thank you for it.
Thank you for reading! Information sources:
Advanced training/learning with Emma Coates Aesthetic training.
Journal of Aesthetic Nursing (2018)
Health.com (no date) https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20340112,00.html
Cathy A. Presnick, Licensed Aesthetician, A perfect complexion, LLC, Melbourne, FL.
Natalie Haswell ‘Journal of Aesthetic Nursing’, (2018) pp.374-376, volume 7.