Demystifying skin lasers, peels and microneedling
Gary is a VTCT Level 4 qualified Aesthetic and Skin Care Practitioner based in North London. He uses innovative techniques including laser therapy and high-quality products and a uniquely tailored approach for your skin.
SKIN TREATMENTS AND WHAT THEY TARGET
Microneedling
Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment uses small needles to create tiny punctures in the skin which initiate the skin’s natural wound healing response and renews skin cells. As well as witnessing an immediate plumping effect, the production of collagen and elastin will continue for up to three months, with the age-defying results lasting for up to five years. Microneedling can also tackle concerns such as large pores, fine lines, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Downtime: 5-7 days
How long until I see results: 3-9 sessions
Suitable for all skin types
Chemical Peels
Our skin is continually exfoliating, shedding dead cells and replacing them. However, it doesn’t always do so as fast as we’d like and sometimes it helps to give this natural process a boost. Periodic chemical peeling of the skin helps stimulate cellular activity and can be used for addressing a variety of issues such as acne, scarring, hyperpigmentation, dull complexion and more.
Downtime: 5-7 days
How long until I see results: 3-9 sessions
Suitable for all skin types
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is incredibly popular amongst celebrities for its ability to provide instant results whilst still targeting a range of concerns such as congestion, dullness and uneven texture. Using a surgical grade scalpel to gently scrape away dead skin cells, the treatment also removes fine peach fuzz hair, leaving you with a dewy, bright and beautiful complexion.
Downtime: none!
How long until I see results: immediately!
Suitable for all skin types
WHICH LASER IS RIGHT FOR MY CONCERN?
Acne
My preference is to try and get acne under control through skincare and lifestyle changes, then use lasers to tackle any scarring and/or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The reason being that we ideally need a solid routine in place to keep breakouts under control moving forward. With that said, Regenlite is an effective laser treatment that works by stimulating an immune response in the skin and reduces inflammation.
Scarring
Various types of lasers can be utilised in the treatment of scars, including CO2, Nd:YAG, Pulse Dye and Er:YAG. Lasers are chosen based on the severity of the scar and client skin type. It’s worth noting that clients will rarely achieve a “perfect” result. Scarring is often difficult to treat and the best results may be achieved from combining multiple treatments such as laser, microneedling, and subcision.
Fine lines / skin laxity / large pores
Many laser treatments are aimed at stimulating collagen. This is an essential part in reducing fine lines, pores, and tightening skin. CO2, Nd:YAG, Pulse Dye, Er:YAG and IPL are all viable options, though the latter is not safe for skin of colour and should be avoided. Clients with darker skin tones may want to opt for Nd:YAG treatments in the hands of an experienced therapist who is used to working with skin of colour.
Redness / thread veins
IPL is fantastic at reducing redness due to the high oxyhemoglobin absorption during treatment. Thread veins can also be treated and usually require 1-3 sessions, depending on the size and depth of the vein. IPL is only suitable for Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3.
Pigmentation
IPL, Alexandrite 755 and RevLite lasers can all be effective at treatment pigmentation from sun exposure. As the most gentle of the three, RevLite is safe for all skin types including skin of colour. Melasma is very risky to treat with lasers and should be avoided due to the risk of it getting worse.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASER, IPL AND LED?
Laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), and LED (Light Emitting Diode) treatments are all used in skincare, but they differ in how they work and the conditions they treat.
Laser
Laser treatments use a focused beam of light at a specific wavelength to target specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, scars, pigmentation issues, and hair removal. The light energy is absorbed by the target tissue, causing it to heat up and be destroyed or stimulated to regenerate. Laser treatments are precise and can penetrate deeper into the skin than IPL or LED treatments.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL treatments use broad-spectrum light pulses at multiple wavelengths to target various issues such as hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and redness. IPL devices emit a range of wavelengths, allowing them to target multiple skin concerns simultaneously. IPL is not suitable for skin of colour.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LED treatments use specific wavelengths of light, typically red, blue, or near-infrared, to target different skin concerns. Red light is commonly used for anti-aging purposes, as it can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Blue light is often used to treat acne, as it has antibacterial properties that can kill acne-causing bacteria. LED treatments are non-invasive, painless, and can be used regularly for maintenance but may require multiple sessions to see significant results. LED is also safe for at-home use.
In summary, while all three types of treatments use light energy for skincare purposes, they differ in their mechanisms of action, target conditions, depth of penetration, and effectiveness. It's essential to consult with a skincare professional to determine which treatment is best suited for your specific skin concerns.
I’M GETTING MARRIED - WHEN SHOULD I START MY SKIN PREP?
It’s definitely not advisable to try a new treatment too close to the big day in case you break out or have a bad reaction. Ideally, give yourself at least 6 months before to try a treatment or two, then keep a skin diary following each one and document when your skin is at its best. This way you can work backwards from your wedding date and schedule your final appointment accordingly.
If you’re considering treatments that require a course to see results (such as laser, microneedling or chemical peels), you need to consider that there will be around a 4-6 week gap between each treatment, and you may need at least 6 treatments to see results. With this in mind, it would be best to start at least 9 months before your wedding date.
Your therapist may also suggest some tweaks to your skincare routine. Sometimes it can take 3-6 months to start seeing results from these changes, so bear that in mind too.
Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget and want to do something for your skin, seek out a therapist who will offer you a bespoke treatment that focuses on nourishment and hydration. You don’t want anything too abrasive as it could risk a breakout. Also, a hyaluronic acid sheet mask is budget-friendly and can work wonders!
Gary is a VTCT Level 4 qualified Aesthetic and Skin Care Practitioner based in North London. He uses innovative techniques including laser therapy and high-quality products and a uniquely tailored approach for your skin.
@skingoalsuk
