Welcome to Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic, where we're dedicated to helping you achieve your body goals with cutting-edge treatments. Today, let's explore the transformative world of Emerald Laser fat removal, unveiling its wonders and answering your top 10 questions about this innovative treatment.
Emerald Laser fat reduction is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that utilises advanced laser technology to target and eliminate stubborn fat cells. This revolutionary procedure offers a safe and effective solution for sculpting various areas of the body, helping you achieve a slimmer, more contoured physique without surgery or downtime.
During the Emerald Laser fat reduction treatment, low-level laser energy is emitted through specialised paddles or panels placed on the skin's surface. This energy penetrates the skin, targeting underlying fat cells without causing harm to surrounding tissues. The laser energy disrupts the structure of the fat cells, causing them to release their contents, which are then metabolised and eliminated by the body naturally over time. As a result, treated areas experience a reduction in fat volume, leading to a more sculpted appearance.
The results of Emerald Laser fat reduction can vary depending on individual factors such as lifestyle, metabolism, and treatment adherence. However, with proper maintenance, results can be long-lasting.
Yes, Emerald Laser fat reduction is clinically proven to be effective in reducing fat volume and contouring the body. Many individuals experience noticeable improvements in body shape and appearance after undergoing treatment.
Fat reduction treatments, including Emerald Laser therapy, have shown to be effective for many individuals seeking to address localised areas of stubborn fat. However, results may vary, and it's essential to maintain realistic expectations and adhere to recommended treatment protocols.
Emerald Laser fat reduction is generally well-tolerated by most individuals and is not considered painful. Some may experience mild discomfort or a warming sensation during treatment, but this is typically temporary and subsides quickly.
Emerald Laser fat reduction can target various areas of the body, including the abdomen, flanks (love handles), thighs, arms, back, and chin. This versatility allows for comprehensive body contouring tailored to your specific needs.
The number of sessions required for optimal results can vary depending on individual factors such as the treatment area, desired outcome, and initial fat volume. Typically, a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart is recommended to achieve desired results.
One of the significant advantages of Emerald Laser fat reduction is that it requires minimal to no downtime. Most individuals can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment without restrictions.
While Emerald Laser fat reduction can effectively reduce fat volume in treated areas, maintaining results requires a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Adopting healthy habits can help prolong and optimise the longevity of your results.
Ideal candidates for Emerald Laser fat reduction are individuals who are close to their target weight but have localised areas of stubborn fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. A consultation with a qualified practitioner can determine candidacy based on individual needs and goals.
During treatment, you can expect to feel a mild warming sensation as the laser energy targets fat cells beneath the skin. Afterward, you may experience temporary redness or slight swelling in treated areas, which typically resolves within a few hours to days.
Ready to sculpt your body and say goodbye to stubborn fat? Discover the transformative power of Emerald Laser fat reduction at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic. We are an Aesthetics and Body Sculpting Clinic based in Elgin, Moray, Scotland.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward achieving your body goals with confidence and ease.
Hello from Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic! If you're wondering why you should choose us, let's have a chat about what makes us stand out and why our clients trust us for their aesthetic and skincare needs.
Dr. Nichola Maasdorp brings in over 26 years of hands-on clinical experience. Starting with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1995, she has evolved into an experienced dentist with a keen interest in aesthetic medicine. Notably, she holds a Level 7 Injectables Qualification for Aesthetic Medicine from the renowned Harley Academy.
Being registered with the General Dental Council reflects our commitment to ethical standards and ongoing professional development (CPD). As a member of various professional associations such as the British Dental Association (BDA), Consulting Rooms, International Medical Conference Association of Surgeons (IMCAS), and the Aesthetic Multispeciality Society (AMS), we stay abreast of the latest developments in our field.
Nichola's pursuit of excellence extends globally. Trained and certified by the Allergan Medical Institute and the Laser Core of Knowledge, she holds a distinguished position as one of three practitioners achieving expert status from the Allergan Medical Institution. This means not only regular training but also assessments by experts to maintain the highest standards.
In addition to dental qualifications, Nichola is certified in Aptos Thread lifting and holds a Certificate in Implant Dentistry from the University of Warwick (2015). Her focus on understanding the ageing process is underscored by her Level 7 Aesthetic Medicine qualification, ensuring tailored advice and treatments for enduring appeal.
Born in London, raised in Johannesburg, and now serving the Scottish community since 2000, Nichola's international journey has shaped her commitment to providing exceptional care.
Our priority at No4 Clinic is understanding your goals and customising treatments accordingly. Nichola's success is evident in the enduring relationships with her patients, some spanning over two decades. Patient testimonials echo the trust and satisfaction our clients experience.
Our reputation spans borders, with patients travelling from diverse locations to experience the quality of our services. It's not just about returning; it's about our patients recommending their friends and family—an acknowledgement of the trust in the care provided at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic.
Beyond Dr. Nichola Maasdorp's expertise, our team comprises dedicated professionals who contribute to the exceptional care we provide. Let's introduce you to two key members:
Some of you may already know Su from Nichola’s dental practice, a testament to her skills and nature. Su joined the RAF in 1986, qualifying as a dental assistant. Inspired by her colleagues, she pursued further education and became a hygienist in 1994, earning the title of the Best Academic Student of the Year. Su's work as a hygienist has taken her across the country and even to the Falklands before settling in the Elgin area with her family.
Su's passion for patient care is evident in her meticulous approach. Beyond her dental expertise, Su is a trained Hydrafacial therapist (Consulting Rooms Group, 2017) and holds certification in PRX Biorevitalisation (Medical Aesthetic Group, 2017). Her extensive training ensures that patients benefit from her in-depth knowledge of skin anatomy and physiology. Apart from specialising in Hydrafacial treatments, Su is an expert in offering skincare advice, performing and interpreting skin scans, and administering the innovative PRX bio-revitalisation treatment.
Originally from Edinburgh, Gael Innes has made her home in the North of Scotland for many years. Formerly a bank manager, she now takes charge of all things No4 as our Clinic Co-Ordinator. Gael's love for travel and music complements her keen interest in aesthetics. She attends the international FACE conference yearly, staying informed about the latest treatments and techniques in the field.
Gael is trained to deliver expert skincare advice, conduct skin scans, and administer Dermalux LED light treatments. Her role as Clinic Co-Ordinator ensures the seamless functioning of No4 Clinic, contributing to the overall positive experience for our valued clients.
Choosing Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic means choosing experience, expertise, and a commitment to your well-being. Join us on the journey to discover the right treatments and future plans for you. Your satisfaction and confidence in our services are paramount.
Contact us today and experience the personalised, professional care at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic, where expertise meets your enduring beauty and health.
Hi, welcome to No 4 Clinic, where I, Nicci, am dedicated to helping you unleash the radiance and vitality of your skin. I'm thrilled to present Nicci's 12-Month Skin Plan, a personalised subscription-based program designed to deliver healthy, youthful-looking skin and boost your confidence from within.
At No 4 Clinic, I firmly believe that taking care of your skin is the first step towards ageing gracefully. My 12-Month Skin Plan focuses on collagen-boosting and line-reducing treatments tailored to your unique needs. By investing in the health of your skin, you'll experience a smoother, firmer, and more resilient complexion with visible improvements in those pesky lines and wrinkles.
Nicci's 12-Month Skin Plan is so much more than a collection of treatments. It's a transformative journey that will unlock your skin's true potential. Together, we'll customise the plan to fit your preferences perfectly. By combining treatments, we ensure exceptional and long-lasting results, maximising the value you receive. My goal is not only to help you achieve great skin but also to help you maintain it over time.
With Nicci's 12-Month Skin Plan at No 4 Clinic, you have access to a diverse range of treatments that can be combined to suit your specific preferences and needs. My personalised approach ensures that you get a customised combination of treatments to achieve optimal results.
Discover the power of Hydrafacial combos, where we amplify the benefits of a Hydrafacial with additional treatments. Our Hydratite treatment combines a Hydrafacial with Endymed 3D DEEP Skin Tightening, leaving you with firmer and more youthful-looking skin. Alternatively, Hydralite combines a Hydrafacial with Formatk Intense Pulsed Light, giving your skin improved clarity and tone.
If Hydrafacial is what you're looking for, we've got you covered with Personalised Booster Treatments. These treatments are designed to target your specific skin concerns, providing tailored solutions for optimal outcomes, whilst delivering all the other benefits of Hydrafacial to you at the same time.
Experience the rejuvenating effects of our Xcellaris Pro Skin Microneedling treatment. By stimulating collagen production, this procedure helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines, restoring a youthful appearance to your skin.
Smooth and firm the delicate skin around your eyes with our specialised Endybleph Eye Bag Tightening treatment. Say goodbye to signs of ageing in the eye area and hello to a refreshed and youthful look.
Enhance your skin's texture and tone while minimising the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and imperfections with our advanced Endybleph Skin Resurfacing treatment. Achieve smoother, more radiant skin with this transformative procedure.
At No 4 Clinic, I'm committed to helping you not only achieve remarkable results but also sustain them over time. I provide regular skin scans and photographs to track your progress, ensuring that you maintain healthy, beautiful skin for years to come. My dedicated team is here to offer ongoing support and guidance, helping you stay on the path to radiant and youthful-looking skin.
Unleash your skin's radiance and vitality with Nicci's 12-Month Skin Plan at No 4 Clinic. Take the first step towards positive ageing and embark on a transformative journey to healthier, more youthful-looking skin. My personalised treatments, tailored specifically to your unique needs, will help you achieve remarkable results. With a focus on long-term maintenance, I'm committed to helping you sustain the benefits over time. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our treatment options, and let Nicci's 12-Month Skin Plan at No 4 Clinic be your guide to radiant, confident, and age-defying skin.
In the pursuit of flawless and radiant skin, sometimes a single treatment may not be enough to achieve the desired results. That's where the magic of combination treatments comes into play. At Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic in Elgin, Moray, Nicci and Su understand the transformative potential of combining various aesthetic treatments to enhance the health and beauty of your skin. So let’s explore Nicci and Su’s concept of combination treatments and how they can deliver outstanding outcomes for your skin, amplifying the effects of individual treatments and providing a comprehensive approach to skincare.
Combination treatments at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic are designed to harness the synergistic benefits of different procedures. By combining treatments, Nicci and Su target multiple skin concerns simultaneously, working at various levels to maximise the overall effectiveness. Let's take a closer look at some popular combination treatments offered at our clinic:
The combination of Hydrafacial and Radio Frequency Endymed 3D DEEP is a powerful duo that offers both deep cleansing and skin tightening benefits. Hydrafacial is a non-invasive treatment that exfoliates, hydrates, and nourishes the skin, while Radio Frequency Endymed 3D DEEP stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin. Together, they provide a comprehensive solution for rejuvenating and revitalising your complexion. Add a treatment of Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments and voila, you will look and feel like you again.
To address pigmentation irregularities, sun damage, and signs of ageing, we combine Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Skin Rejuvenation with Hydrafacial and Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments (WRT). IPL targets specific skin concerns, such as age spots and redness, while Hydrafacial deeply cleanses and hydrates the skin. The addition of Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
For those seeking significant skin rejuvenation and collagen stimulation, the combination of Microneedling and Hydrafacial with Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments is an excellent choice. Microneedling creates microchannels in the skin, promoting collagen production and enhancing product absorption, while Hydrafacial replenishes moisture and nutrients. Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments complement the effects by reducing the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles.
Combining treatments at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic offers numerous advantages. Firstly, the different treatments target various skin concerns, working together to provide a comprehensive solution. By addressing multiple concerns simultaneously, you can achieve faster and more dramatic results. Secondly, the combination treatments synergistically enhance the effectiveness of each individual procedure, amplifying their benefits. This approach ensures that you experience the full potential of each treatment, leaving you with healthier, more radiant skin.
For those looking to take their skincare regimen to the next level, Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic offers the All Skin Med Collagen Activation Plan. This comprehensive plan combines the aforementioned combination treatments with specialised collagen activation procedures. Collagen activation plays a vital role in maintaining skin elasticity and youthfulness, and this plan provides the ultimate solution for collagen enhancement, ensuring optimal results and long-lasting benefits.
At Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic, in Elgin, Moray the art of combination treatments unlocks a new realm of possibilities for your skin. By combining treatments tailored to your unique needs, we provide a holistic approach to skincare that delivers exceptional results. Through the strategic combination of treatments like Hydrafacial, Radio Frequency Endymed 3D DEEP, IPL Skin Rejuvenation, Microneedling, Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments, and the All Skin Med Collagen Activation Plan, we ensure that your skin receives the maximum benefits at different levels.
Our team of skilled professionals at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic is dedicated to crafting personalised skin plans or courses of treatments that harness the power of combination therapies. By understanding your specific concerns and goals, we curate a tailored treatment plan that addresses multiple aspects of your skin's health.
If you're ready to experience the transformative effects of combination treatments, we invite you to explore the possibilities at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic. Our commitment to excellence and passion for skincare will guide you on a journey towards radiant, rejuvenated, and beautiful skin.
Contact us today to book a consultation and discover the remarkable results that can be achieved through the art of combining treatments. Unveil your skin's true potential at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic in Elgin, Moray.
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.
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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The world of medical grade skincare products can be an intimidating place. There are so many brands that claim all kinds of results, with wildly different prices and promises about their efficacy. That’s before even knowing what’s right for your skin, as everyone is so different.
Unfortunately, this confusion can lead you to waste your hard-earned cash on products that do nothing for you or worse, actually have a negative impact on your skin. To cut through some of this confusion, I thought I’d clear up a few myths for you…
I’m going to take you through four common skincare myths to make sure you don’t fall for them!
Myth 1 - ‘Medical grade’, ‘professional’ and ‘clinical’ are regulated terms
Nope! These words are up for grabs, which I think can be a really confusing thing for consumers. They carry the implication that these products are superior and scientifically proven to work, but that’s not necessarily true. Don’t let this kind of wording trick you into thinking you’ve found something that’s guaranteed to work.
Myth 2 - Medical grade skincare ingredients are a higher quality
It’s easy to believe that expensive products, using the aforementioned unregulated words and phrases, must be using fabulous ingredients. Another myth! There’s no guarantee that they contain any higher quality ingredients or more actives than high street brands.
Myth 3 - Medical grade brands are required to test their efficacy
You might think that medical grade skincare products need to be tested to show that they actually work but this isn’t true either. There’s no requirement for regulated ingredients such as salicylic acid to prove their efficacy. The only rule is that the manufacturer details the strength of the active, not whether or not it works!
Myth 4 - Medical grade brands are rigorously lab tested for safety
Ok, for me, this is where things get a bit scary. All of these skincare products do need to go through three rounds of checks; microbiological, stability and challenge testing. The issue is that the last two of these aren’t necessarily done in a lab. They can be done in-house by any suitably qualified employee. This means that the results may not be unbiased!
Sorry if I’ve scared you a bit with all of those myths, but I think that it’s important for you to be well informed. I also want everyone to be comfortable in their own skin, without spending too much or having to try hundreds of products until you find what’s right for you. So, here’s how I choose the products that I use and recommend.
Compare - A lot of medical grade skincare products are very similar to each other, despite what their marketing may have you believe. This means that it is incredibly important to judge each on its own merit, NOT by the brand.
Research - I don’t accept product claims as facts until I’ve got some evidence. I want to know the clinical trials they have been through and then I critically evaluate these before accepting anything.
Check the cost - I’m not going to choose products that I don’t believe are priced reasonably. This is because once you’ve got your routine sorted, you’re likely to keep it pretty much the same. I don’t see the point in finding the ideal fit for someone if it’ll only be affordable for a month.
Get a bit cheeky - Once I’ve gone through the above I like to get a bit cheeky and ask for some freebies. I want to be able to test the product myself before I endorse it!
Doing all the above takes a lot of time and effort, it’s easier if you have experience and are knowledgeable about skincare products in general but I know that isn’t the boat everyone’s in. I appreciate that most people will not be able to do this but don’t worry, that’s why I’m here!
I’ve curated a collection of products that I truly believe in and I have them all in one place for you to browse…
To get your hands on high quality, reasonably priced and effective products just head over to my online store! After any of our treatments, we’ll always give you advice on what skincare products to choose to maintain your results. Of course, if you have any questions, you can always pop back into the clinic or give us a call on 07595221484.
There’s no easy way to find the best moisturiser for your skin type. You only have to go online and start searching to see the sheer number of products for sale and the multitude of opinions that people give. ‘Easily the best moisturiser I’ve used’ says one review. ‘Helped control my breakouts’ says another. It’s important to know that what might be right for one individual’s skin might work very differently on another.
I’d like to present you with some facts to help you to make an informed decision as to which moisturiser to opt for, while hopefully helping you to save some money along the way.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to assess a product on its basic ingredients and tell whether it’s right for your skin type.
To help to choose the best moisturiser for you, you first need to know that different moisturisers work in different ways: Some trap water in the skin, some help skin to retain water, some improve the integrity of the skin barrier, some help the skin to attract water, and others boost the functional capabilities of the skin.
Oil, petroleum and lanolin products act by trapping water in, and are called occlusives. Occlusives can leave a greasy sheen on the skin and may cause breakout acne or blocked pores, called milia. So, if you already have acne, an occlusive-based option might not be the best moisturiser for you. Also, occlusives are known to cause allergies and inflammation in the skin, and may even cause long-term harm to the skin, although they can help people with very dry complexions by locking in moisture.
Emollients, in contrast, fill the gaps between the cells, helping the skin to retain water. Most emollients soften the skin and would be the best moisturiser if you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Humectants, on the other hand, are different to occlusives and emollients. Once applied to your skin, they attract water. If there’s lots of water in the air in your environment, then a humectant-based option might be the ideal option for you. However, in low-humidity environments this means they can draw water from the dermis and actually dry the skin out.
This sets up a wet-dry cycle and an example of a humectant is hyaluronic acid. Once applied, the skin is dampened and it soon feels hydrated. However, as time passes, if the air is dry, the product will attract water from the dermis and sap your skin of moisture. This can make your face feel dry, so you apply more, and the cycle repeats. This means that in a humid environment, a hyaluronic acid-based product would not be the best moisturiser for you.
Other problematic humectants are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). If overused, this range can cause your skin to become thinner, making it more prone to sun damage if used without appropriate sun protection. Furthermore, some acid humectants may strip the skin of its natural lipid barrier, allowing bacteria and toxins from the environment past the skin barrier, causing inflammation and redness.
Occlusives, emollients and humectant moisturisers, (or combinations of them), make our skin feel supple and smooth for a time, but they don’t treat the underlying cause of skin dehydration, which is reduced cell function. Once you’ve worked out which moisturiser is perfect for you, (one that has the right active ingredients), your skin may not dry out, though to keep it healthy and glowing, you may want to consider a treatment to boost how the skin cells work.
At No4 Clinic, my team believes that the best skincare/skin treatment restores cell function to optimal levels, to the stage before they were affected by age-related degeneration. Using a treatment in combination with the best moisturiser for you will mean your skin can be kept looking youthful and radiant.
If the bottom layer of the epidermis is healthy, the cells will renew every 3-4 weeks or so. This means you will most likely have a healthy skin barrier, because when mature epidermal cells die, they release skin protecting lipids. If other cells in the skin are functioning well, (especially our fibroblasts), then this means lots of collagen production is going on, which maintains skin suppleness. Simultaneously, lots of hyaluronic acid production will be happening too and this signals hydrated skin, which will leave it looking plump and glowing!
Even with the best moisturiser, getting your skin to the best it can be is an art and this largely depends how your skin looks and behaves. To really know what product or treatment will improve your skin function, I recommend getting a professional consultation from our resident expert skin therapist, Su Jones. She can look at ways to get your skin in tip-top condition, in conjunction with the best moisturiser for you. Then follow up with myself, Nichola Maasdorp, to see how I can support you with treatments for your skin!
Get in touch today to book a consultation. You can simply fill in a form on the website, call my team on 07595221484 or email [email protected].
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See you soon!
