Everyone wants to look and feel youthful as they age, but the natural aging process can take a toll on our skin. Wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging can be difficult to prevent or reverse, even with a diligent skincare routine. Fortunately, there's a treatment that can help you achieve a more youthful appearance without surgery or downtime - micro-needling!
Micro-needling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device with tiny needles to create microscopic punctures or channels in the skin. These channels allow for better absorption of products such as serums and creams that can help boost collagen production, which is essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support to our skin, and it naturally declines as we age. By stimulating collagen production, micro-needling can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and other signs of aging.
During a micro-needling treatment, a device with tiny needles is used to create microscopic punctures or channels in the skin. These punctures are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye, but they are enough to stimulate the body's natural healing process. As the skin heals, collagen production is increased, which can improve the texture and appearance of the skin. The micro-needles also create channels in the skin, which allows for better absorption of products such as serums and creams that can help boost collagen production.
The X Celaris Pro Twist is a revolutionary electrical micro-needling device that is changing the game when it comes to aesthetic micro-needling treatments. It features a patented spring seal for guaranteed safety and hygiene, a movable needle plate for precision treatment tailored to your skin surface, 50-150 insertions per second –making it faster than most means on the market– adjustable penetration depth from 0.25mm up to 2.5mm, and active needle retrieval technology. This is minimal invasiveness at its finest with optimum results in no time! It's one of the most efficient tools available for treating various skin conditions such as acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, sun damage, and more. Plus, it's safe and non-invasive, so there's no need for surgery or recovery time.
At Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic, we specialize in providing treatments using state-of-the-art technology such as the X Celaris Pro Twist device. With over 28 years' experience in aesthetic medicine, we offer personalized treatments tailored to each individual client's needs ensuring they get optimal results from their treatments. Our team of experienced practitioners can help you achieve beautiful, youthful skin with micro-needling and other advanced treatments. We understand that every client is unique, so we take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a customized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
Micro-needling is suitable for all skin types and can be used on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, chest, and hands. Results may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the skin condition being treated, but most clients see improvement in their skin's texture and appearance after just one treatment.
In conclusion, micro-needling with the X Celaris Pro Twist is a safe and effective way to achieve beautiful, youthful skin. It stimulates collagen production, improves skin texture and tone, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimizes the appearance of scars. At Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic, we specialize in providing personalized treatments using state-of-the-art technology like the X Celaris Pro Twist. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve beautiful, youthful skin with micro-needling and other advanced treatments.
I’ve just attended some training with a psychiatrist, who is an expert in mental health in the aesthetics industry. I’m blown away to hear the fact that of those of us who have aesthetic treatments, 50% suffer from some form of diagnosable psychiatric disorder.
Now before you make any judgement, remember that we live in strange times and that our modern-day lifestyles mean it’s not too surprising to hear this.
I might recognise that you are unsuitable for treatment if you show signs of:
What I learnt was that for some disorders, like body dysmorphia, I am most likely to be the health professional to realise there may be a problem.
If you’re reading this blog, then you’re probably a patient or thinking about being one, so you have some aspect about your face that bothers you enough to seek treatment. The difference is that it’s NOT significantly impacting your life so as to cause significant distress and stop you from going about your normal life.
If you recognise that you show some of the behaviours mentioned above, don’t be alarmed, there are treatments to help you. It also doesn’t mean that you are excluded from having aesthetic treatments. What I learn from the training is, that the most important thing is that both you and I realise and acknowledge the problem, so we can have an open and honest discussion on what’s best for you, to help you manage your care. What’s clear from the research is that, if the condition goes unrecognised, and treatment continues without consideration of the problem, then almost certainly, your condition will become worse.
If you’ve ever experienced any of these, then you’ll know that the skin and brain talk to each other. I have previously written about the gut-skin connection, similarly, there is a brain-skin axis. You only have to think about when you’ve felt stressed and felt the sweat running down your back, to know the impact our feelings can have on our skin.
All of the above are temporary responses to stress or emotions, but what if feelings like being sad, overwhelmed and being out of control, take over your daily life?
The pituitary gland is about the size of a pea and rests in the anterior chamber of your skull. It acts like a switchboard for your stress hormones, the primary signal coming from the hypothalamus gland, just above it. When it’s activated, like when you’re stressed, it sends a signal to another gland just above your kidney, called the adrenal gland.
When your adrenal gland receives its message, it releases a powerful hormone called Cortisol, and other stress hormones called Catecholamines. Both of these hormone types are beneficial and vital in maintaining a healthy body. However, if you’re high for too long, they can turn against you. High levels of cortisol and catecholamines can weaken our immunity, damage organs (including the skin), and increase blood sugar levels.
This is why chronic stress has been linked to a host of conditions like diabetes, food allergies, weight gain, increased susceptibility to colds and flu-like illnesses, cancer, heart disease and many more…..
As noted previously, high levels of stress hormones weaken your immunity, which means that it can’t keep itself in tip-top condition, which means it’s more susceptible to bacteria, virus’s and fungi; sun damage and pollution.
This can worsen chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis. Apart from this, the reduced ability of the skin to repair itself, means that you will experience more lines and wrinkles as elastic tissue depletes, loss of plumpness as collagen levels dive and your skin could become dry as the skin loses its ability to produce the lipid layer that seals moisture in.
While reducing stress levels should theoretically help to alleviate damaging effects on the skin, there’s only limited data regarding the effectiveness of stress-reducing interventions. There is some evidence that meditation may lower stress hormone levels in people who do it regularly. Research shows these techniques to be helpful in controlling psoriasis, however, more proof is needed to show the benefit of these techniques in other skin conditions. Healthy lifestyle habits, including a well-balanced diet and exercise, may also help to regulate stress hormones in the body, which should in turn have positive effects on skin and hair.
If you are experiencing a skin condition related to stress, see a dermatologist for your condition, and try some stress-reducing techniques at home. In addition, No4 can offer advice and treatments aimed at reducing adult acne, rosacea and ageing skin.
For more information contact us here.
The excitement of Christmas has faded away, replaced by a new year! We often see this as a new start and a chance to reset, as we abstain from bad foods, alcohol and an unhealthy lifestyle. We start a diet instead or take up running. However, you want to be careful with this ‘new year new me’ philosophy!
There’s one big problem with this mindset – it doesn’t work! Studies show that 23% of people give up on their New Year’s Resolutions after one week, while 43% expect to give up before the end of January. In fact, less than 10% of people successfully continue with their new lifestyle!
‘New year new me’ won’t motivate you for very long, especially after a slip-up. You need a plan for a long-term goal because you can rarely make lasting changes based on an impulse. As a dentist, I believe in making small changes, which culminate in significant improvements.
Take alcohol for example. From a skin perspective, we’re in favour of reducing your intake. Too much alcohol dehydrates the skin and reduces elasticity, leading to fine lines, creases and a dull, dry complexion. It can also give rise to conditions like psoriasis and rosacea, to say nothing of the increased risk of skin infections. On the other hand, going cold turkey can be a mistake. It doesn’t allow any flexibility for what can be a big lifestyle change (depending on how much you’re used to drinking). Similarly, you might be invited to a social event and feel like you’re unable to enjoy a drink, leading to regret, resentment and an eventual return to bad habits.
Instead of being stern with yourself, follow a little-by-little approach. Try giving up alcohol during the week and allowing yourself 3-4 units at the weekend or at a party. It may feel like a little change, but imagine the impact after one, two or three months! You’ll be in a much healthier state, without the inevitable disappointment caused by the ‘new year new me’ attitude.
There’s more to January than giving up bad habits. Many of you contact me in the winter, asking me to restore your faces after the festive period. You might be searching for a quick fix, hoping that I’ll turn around and present you with a miracle cure. We have some excellent treatments at No. 4, including luxurious Hydrafacials and healing light therapy, but they’re not magic. I can’t solve all your problems with the wave of a wand or give you an undetectable treatment with no downtime.
We’re not here to transform you into your ‘new year new me’ ideal. We’re here to walk alongside you as you seek to renew your skin and age well. Ageing well takes commitment, much like a New Year’s Resolution, which is why we encourage you to stop and think about the best ways to achieve your goals.
We’re partners, you and me. You trust me to listen to you, identify your main concerns and then come up with a plan. I might direct you to Su’s Skin Program, ideal for investing in your future complexion. Alternatively, I might point you to my own skincare plan, perfect for combating signs of ageing and menopause. Through 12 in-depth sessions, I’ll boost your collagen production, reduce fine lines and soften wrinkles, helping you achieve a healthy, glowing appearance.
Are you ready to take the first step? Then contact us to book a consultation! It’s the best opportunity to find the right treatment.
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Is your skin looking dull, blotchy or dehydrated? Do you wish your mirror came with a filter just like your phone? Not to worry! My five tips for healthy, glowing skin will have you feeling like your best self in no time!
Your skin cells are practically self-cleaning, so they don't need harsh ingredients or double-cleansing. This is because every 21 days or so, your cells renew themselves, which means cleaning your skin within an inch of its life won’t do it any favours! Cleansing too frequently will disrupt the renewal process and break the skin’s natural defences, allowing moisture to escape and pollutants and bacteria to get in, which isn’t exactly healthy and won’t result in glowing skin!
When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is good for you if you're experiencing a ONE-OFF stress event, like being chased by a lion! However, persistent, chronic stress and the resultant high cortisol levels can wreak havoc on ALL the organs of your body… the biggest being the skin.
We can’t eliminate stress in our lives, but we can learn strategies to deal with it. I find that practising good sleep hygiene, cutting back on my alcohol consumption, meditating and doing some restorative exercises like Hatha Yoga works for me and leads to glowing skin. I also encourage myself to be kind - to myself and others, even if that might mean saying ‘no’ to someone. You might not feel good doing this, but your stress levels will benefit from it and so will your skin. I am always available for a chat and to point you in the right direction to help manage your stress. If you’re in for your regular treatment or a consultation, please ask for help!
The skin is a complex organ and so are the processes that keep the cells working well. I won’t go into biochemistry and bore you with science, but without the right nutrients, your skin cells simply won’t be able to do their job properly.
Avoiding processed foods and eating your leafy greens will go a long way. However, our modern lifestyles don’t make this easy. The food we eat may not contain the nutrients we need or our bodies might not be able to absorb them efficiently. This is why Su, our skin expert, can give diet and nutrition advice to help you achieve healthier, glowing skin, either by adding foods to your diet or recommending an appropriate supplement. You can book a full skin consultation with Su to learn how to manage your diet to boost skin health. What’s even better is that her consultations come with a skin scan and a sample treatment of our lovely Hydrafacial!
Avoid overusing products or using inappropriate ones on your face. Overuse is more common than you think, especially products that are heavy and don’t allow your skin to breathe. This can cause acne, perioral dermatitis and clogged pores - which results in small white bumps called milia.
Using inappropriate impulse buys can also be harmful to your skin. These products may contain chemicals and essential oils of unknown origin. Essential oils are known allergens and not, in my opinion, to be included in skincare! If you want to know what products are best for you, why not come in and speak to Gael for advice? Or if you are looking for a major overhaul to your skincare regime, why not book in with Su for her famous glowing skin consultation? Don’t forget, I’ve put together a collection of my favourite products in our online store too!
UV rays can inflame and damage the skin, causing uneven tone, texture, and sunspots. Furthermore, we live in a sea of chemical pollutants, all of which can settle on your skin and damage it. Our skincare range has been sourced with this in mind and it has special patented formulas to protect your complexion from both the sun and pollution. Want to know more about these products? Contact Gael and she will talk you through them from start to finish.
If you follow these five tips and tricks, I’m sure that you will notice improvements! However, a lot of us need a little extra help on our journey to glowing skin, if this is the case, simply contact us online!
We hope that this has helped! Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and tricks, as well as to learn more about the clinic, keep up with our news and get exclusive offers!
