Summer is just around the corner (at last!) and these are my top clinic tips to get your skin radiant and glowy in time for the beach, rose, al fresco entertaining, whatever takes your fancy.
So much of our important skincare is done at home-so we always start with that-but clinic treatments are regenerative options when we want that collagen boosting effect, an extra glow before an event…or just because!
Sunscreen
Non negotiable! All year round application is important, even in the UK in Winter.
There are two types of UV rays to be aware of in skincare: UVA and UVB.
UVB are the BURNING rays, also associated with increased skin cancer risk. The “SPF” number on sunscreens correlates to the protection against UVB rays. I always recommend SpF 50, but remember, nothing is 100% effective so it’s still important to reapply regularly, using the correct amount (2 finger breadths for your face and neck), avoid the midday sun between 1200-1500 and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
UVA are the AGEING rays, associated with pigmentation, collagen loss and fine lines and wrinkles. In the UK, UVA protection is marked by a “UVA” word within a circle, noting that the UK/EU standard of protection has been reached, or a collection of stars/PA + symbols-look for a minimum of 4-the higher the number, the greater protection.
LaRoche Posay, Ultrasun, Heliocare and Avene have some great broad spectrum, UVA and UVB SPF 50 options.
Actives
It can take between 6 and 52 weeks for active skincare ingredients to have their maximal effect, depending on the ingredient, so starting as soon as possible will reap the rewards when it comes to skin boosting.
- Retinoids: these gold standard vitamin A derivatives are important to increase cell turnover, reverse the signs of photo-ageing, improve collagen and dermal thickness and reduce uneven tone and pigmentation. Start at a low dose and build up as tolerated. The most robust evidence supports the use of Tretinoin, a prescription strength retinoid, greater than 0.05%.
- Vitamin C: this powerful antioxidant helps to protect skin from ageing and oxidative stress/free radicals and improves firmness, tone, texture and skin brightness. The formulation with the most robust evidence is SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic.
- Peptides: peptides can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst improving skin texture and radiance. SkinCeuticals P-Tiox and Nip and Fab Peptide Fix Finishing Oil are great options.
- Azelaic Acid: in a strength of 10% has been shown to have a brightening and antioxidant effect on the skin-adding radiance, glow and protecting the skin from harmful toxins. Anua 10% or The Inkey List 10% are favourites.
babyGLOWⓇ treatment with Redensity 1 by Teoxane
Designed to enhance your skin’s natural light from the very first session, babyGLOW by Teoxane improves elasticity, hydration and radiance of the skin. WIth Hyaluronic Cid, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, this minimal-downtime, comfortable skin-boosting procedure is a course of 2-3 treatments, 1 month apart. Perfect for an additional boost and to improve longevity in skinhealth.
SkinPenⓇ Microneedling
The ultimate in natural collagen stimulation, SkinPen was the first FDA-registered microneedling device and still recognised as the market leader for results, safety and efficacy. Usually given as a course of at least 3, 1 month apart, we use controlled microtrauma into the skin to create millions of channels which stimulate our body’s natural repair mechanisms, starting the collagen-producing cascade. Perfect as an introduction to aesthetics, for those that don’t want deeper injections or as part of a skincare regime for those who value truly natural, regenerative skincare treatments.
PCA Chemical Peels
“You don’t need to peel to have a peel”
PCA in-clinic peels are superficial depth with minimal downtime-usually mild redness or flaking at most for a couple of days. But don’t be fooled by the lack of outward skin reaction-true magic is happening underneath. PCA has a bespoke cocktail of Chemical peels available that we can tailor to your specific needs including pigmentation, congestion, sensitivity or just for general skin brightness and radiance. Improved cell turnover and increased absorption of active ingredients are just some of the benefits.
Polynucelotides
These have taken the aesthetic world by storm in the last few years and with good reason. Known by their other term, the “salmon sperm facial”, these tiny fragments derived from the DNA within the gonads of Salmon or Trout, work at the cellular level, repairing and regenerating in a unique way to improve skin healing, collagen, inflammation and luminosity. Suitable for anywhere on the body, they are particularly suited for eyelids and face/neck areas needing some repair.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to clinic skin health and longevity treatments. That’s why a consultation to discuss your personal goals, medical history, timelines and budget is essential. Le’ts make a plan together, and book your consultation at www.drfionasteedman.co.uk and make this your skin’s best summer yet!
