OILY & ACNE PRONE SKIN

Is characterised by over-active sebaceous glands that produce a visible oily or shiny film on the surface of the skin. This has an impact on the skin’s acid mantle or PH and slows down surface cell turnover which, in turn, leads to cell build up and congestion. The complexion tends to appear sallow and heavy. Oily skin can lead to various secondary skin conditions, the most common and distressing being acne.

Acne Vulgaris is a hormonal condition commonly affecting both male and female teenagers and becoming increasingly common at all ages due to both hormonal and environmental factors. The Male androgen or sex hormones (Dihydrotestosterone) effect sebaceous secretions. A raised level of hormones leads to increased sebaceous secretions that begin to clog the sebaceous gland. The sebum contains triglycerides that the P Acnes bacteria (present on the skin’s surface) breaks down into glycerol and free fatty acids.

Suitable Skincare products can be prescribed during the skin health consultation.

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MATURE & AGEING SKIN

One of the most common skin concerns for clients seeking skin rejuvenation treatments is Mature and Ageing Skin. The onset of lines, wrinkles and skin laxity can be due to the body’s natural ageing process or it could be brought on prematurely by extrinsic environmental and lifestyle factors.

The physical ageing process of skin begins around the age of 25 after which Elastin fibres stop being produced. Cell renewal and regeneration slows down causing skin lipidity and hydration levels to fall. This may also be accompanied with hormonal changes in females as hydration levels plummet with a drop-in oestrogen levels. Around the early 30’s and more excessively after menopause the level of oestrogen in the female body drops. This causes a loss of water and water retaining hyaluronic acid in the skin. The skin starts to show lines and wrinkles which deepen as the contours beneath the skin start to alter. The connectivity between the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin starts to degrade causing further slackening of the skin.

Suitable Skincare products can be prescribed during the skin health consultation.

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DRY SKIN – DEHYDRATED AND/OR LIPID DRY

A ‘dry’ skin condition and ‘dehydrated’ skin is commonly confused. Very simply put, ‘dry’ skin refers to the lack of oils in the skin and ‘dehydrated’ skin refers to the lack of ‘water’ in the skin.

DEHYDRATED SKIN

All skin types whether oily, dry or sensitive can become dehydrated. This can be due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. An insufficient water intake, the loss of water from the skin through transepidermal water loss, harsh weather conditions and being in central heating or air conditioning can all contribute.

Dehydrated skin appears dry and may show lines much like a shrivelled-up fruit. Typical signs include a dry texture with fine lines and associated dry, sore patches. There will also be a build-up of dead skin cells as desquamation or the shedding of the surface skin cells slows down.

DRY SKIN

A lipid dry skin condition, also known as Asteatosis is characterised by insufficient oil secretions to keep the skin supple. Several causes can affect oil secretions in the skin. It may be an inherited condition, hormonal irregularities may affect sebum production levels, the diet may be deficient in healthy fatty acids such as omega oils. Various skin conditions such as Ichthyosis, Psoriasis and Eczema can all affect sebum production.

The skin is visibly taut and dry, sometimes even flaky. It is thin and fine textured. Lipid dryness can also lead to increased sensitivity as irritants penetrate the skin more easily. Insufficient lipids also cause the skin to age prematurely and fine lines and wrinkles tend to appear in younger skins. Vascular conditions and broken capillaries can also appear. Another common dry skin condition is the formation of ‘Milia’ or small pearly bumps around the eye area.

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SENSITIVE SKIN

As the name suggests, sensitive skin can be highly reactive. Both external irritants and internal changes can initiate the inflammatory cascade in the skin causing vasodilation (expansion of the capillaries) and surface redness or flushing. Histamine release can cause uncomfortable sensations such as burning and itching. The sensitivity can be genetic or brought on by a number of factors such as prolonged exposure to chemicals and harsh skincare products.

Prolonged dehydration and dryness can also lead to skin sensitivity. The skin can react to products and treatments or environmental changes such as pollution, heat, cold and the use of cosmetics. Internal changes such as stress or hormonal imbalances can also cause skin sensitivity. Sensitive skin tends to have erythematic tendencies, it may show signs of Telangiectasia (broken capillaries) because of frequent vasodilation and it will appear fine textured and often be a dry skin type.

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Suitable Skincare products can be prescribed during the skin health consultation.

HYPERPIGMENTATION AND SUN DAMAGE

Pigmentation is the appearance of darkened areas of skin. These may appear in the form of freckles or larger and darker areas such as Melasma or Solar Lentigines. This is another very common skin concern that troubles most people because melanocytes (the colour producing cells in the skin) are extremely sensitive to changes.

Some common causes are sun damage, hormonal changes, medication that makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, skin treatments that sensitise the skin. Even the use of aerosol deodorants and perfume can cause darkened patches on the skin.

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