Cheshire Cosmetic

Tips on Caring for Acne

April 20th, 2012

Acne starts when the pores of the skin get clogged with an oily substance called Sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. This condition is common during puberty when your hormones go into overdrive, causing skin to overproduce sebum. The T-zone (forehead, nose and chin area) is most prone to acne attacks because there are many oil-producing glands located here. Here are a few pointers on how to manage that awful acne outburst and get clear them up fast!

• Wash your face no more than twice a day with warm water and a mild soap suitable for those with acne. Use circular motions to gently massage your face. Don’t scrub. Over-washing and scrubbing can cause skin irritation. After cleansing, we recommend applying an over-the-counter lotion containing benzoyl peroxide to decrease oil and bacteria.
• Although it is tempting and very satisfying to pop pimples, here’s why you should refrain from it: Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. If you notice a pimple coming before a big event, like the prom, consult a dermatologist who can treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
• Avoid touching your face with your fingers or getting your face in contact with objects that collect sebum and skin residue such as your phone. Touching your face can spread the bacteria which cause pores to become inflamed and irritated.
• Always wash your hands before applying anything to your face, such as make-up or treatment creams, to ensure you keep bacteria at bay.
• Clean your spectacles or sunglasses, to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.
• Try not to wear tight clothes, if you get acne on your body. They don’t allow skin to breathe and may cause irritation. Scarves, headbands, and caps can collect dirt and oil, too.
• Always remove your makeup using appropriate methods before going to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” on the label. Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.
• Keep hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.
• Protect your skin from the sun. A tan may temporarily mask acne, but then again it’s just that – temporary. A tan may worsen your acne, not improve it. Tanning also causes damage to skin that will eventually lead to wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Talk to a good dermatologist who can suggest a range of treatments to help you better handle acne and acne related scars. Dermatologists can help you suggest treatments and skin care tips that are most suited for your skin types, paving for healthy and great looking skin.

 

Don’t go overboard with Cosmetic Treatments

April 16th, 2012

Non-surgical cosmetic treatments help bring back the youthfulness and freshness that you once thought were lost.

It is no surprise that millions of people have turned to cosmetic procedures to reverse the effects of ageing, restore their confidence and to take on life with a big smile. However, too much of a good thing may not be healthy in the long run. You too may have come across ample examples of people who have overtly indulged in cosmetic treatments and ended up looking horrible and causing excessive harm to their health. Here are a few pointers on getting the best out of your cosmetic procedure experience:

• Always listen to your cosmetic physician – Once you’ve found a physician whom you trust and are happy with, ensure that you listen to their advice. When he says enough is enough, pay attention!
• Rather than saying you “want more” of a particular treatment or a particular “look”, clearly identify what aspect of your appearance you want to improve and consult with your physician on the best way to proceed. He will advice you on the most suitable treatment that will bring out the best YOU.
• Don’t be tempted by special and “too good to be true” offers. In the world of cosmetic treatments, if the offer is too good to be true, it usually is (unless it’s from a reputed clinic). Social offers won’t be special if you end up looking bad!
• A 2-week cooling-off period between cosmetic treatments is essential, unless suggested otherwise by your physician.
• Always compare your current appearance with your earlier photographs to clearly identify areas you are not happy with. This will help manage your expectations and communicate clearly to the physician of same. This is applicable even for your second and third treatments.

“Moderation” is the key to having a great experience with cosmetic treatments and enjoying a great life. Over-indulge in cosmetic treatments and you just might end up looking weird and emotionless like a plastic doll, gasping for air!

Laser Hair Removal – Treatment and Benefits

March 8th, 2012

Laser hair removal is a long lasting solution to treat body hair that is considered excessive or unsightly by both men and women. It is a quick and effective way of removing unwanted hair and has gained popularity as a permanent hair reduction solution.

Why laser hair removal?

• Permanent reduction of unwanted hair- Studies show that 60 – 95% of targeted hair is gone permanently after following the course of treatments recommended by a qualified cosmetic physician
• Effective for the removal of ingrown hair – no more red bumps or irritating skin that are caused by ingrown hair
• Minimum down time after treatment – Laser hair removal treatments are much shorter than methods such as electrolysis and you will be able to carry on with your daily tasks right after treatment
• Minimal discomfort/pain
• No more shaving or waxing
• Suitable for a wide variety of skin and hair types

Which areas are treatable?

Although technological advancements have paved way for the treatment to be used to remove unwanted hair from just about anywhere, common areas are legs, armpits, chin, upper lip and the bikini line.

How does it work?

An intense, pulsating beam of light is passed through the skin, to an individual hair follicle. This laser damages or destroys the base of the hair follicle and hampers future hair growth. Following a treatment session, the hairs in the treated area will fall out.

What does a treatment session involve?

A regular session may last between 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. The number of sessions required will be dependent on your hair and skin types. An effective treatment course will be tailored for you with sessions scheduled 4-6 weeks apart.

There you have it –laser hair removal, in a nutshell. Although the treatment is simple and effective, ensure your physician is suitably qualified and experienced so that you experience only the upside of this popular treatment.

Getting rid of Blackheads

March 6th, 2012

Next time you look at yourself in the mirror pay close attention! You may small bumps, usually black or yellow in colour. These are known as blackheads and they occur as a result of excess oil production in your skin. This oil builds up in your pores, and several factors such as dust, perspiration and makeup tend to intensify the process.

Getting rid of Blackheads

The most common solution that people turn to is squeezing, which is temporary and can also irritate and damage the skin, causing infections.

Here is an efficient way to remove blackheads without worsening the condition.

1 – Wash your face with a facial cleanser. One with Benzoyl peroxide is preferred as it exfoliates the skin and washes away dirt and dead cells. Massage the cleanser onto your face gently for a few minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly and dry it with a towel using a gentle, patting motion.

2 – Steam your face as it softens the blackheads making it easier to extract them.

3 – Using a blackhead extractor (usually a metal stick with a hole at the end) that’s thoroughly cleansed and sterilized, remove the blackheads. Position the hole over the blackhead and subtly exert pressure till the blackhead comes out. Take care to use the extractor mildly to prevent damage to the skin. Once done, apply an antibacterial ointment to prevent infection.

An alternative to the extractor is a face mask. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Another quick solution, which is temporary, is using pores strips. These white sheets of paper come with a mixture at the bottom that helps peel off blackheads from your face.

4 – Cleanse your face regularly. Prevent blackheads from recurring by adapting a good skin care regime which involves a facial wash, toner and moisturizer.

Talk to your cosmetic dermatologist for further details on the best skin care programmes for your skin type/condition.

Stress and Skin Problems

July 19th, 2011

Studies conducted over the years have proven time and time again that how we feel on the inside has a direct correlation to how we look on the outside. Factors negatively affecting our emotional well-being, such as, stress, depression and anxiety are known to increase problems pertaining to skin, hair and even nails.

Our bodies, under stress, produce excess testosterone and cartisol, which in turn produce oil. This oil is the culprit, which results in many skin problems such as the formation of acne and other skin disorders. The production of such hormone also results in sleep disorders, hinders functioning of the lymphatic system and affects blood circulation. All this takes its toll on you by giving you dark circles under your eyes and cause puffiness too.

Another negative impact of stress is that it restricts the blood flow to the skin affecting other internal organs as well. This causes a hindrance in the renewal process of cells. Faster ageing and dull drab looking skin are by-products.

Stress related skin problems

• Lines and Wrinkles – Stress causes much strain and makes your skin age faster. Worry and anxiety affect the body system, which if not in proper order, affects the skin in many ways.

• Acne – Emotional problems and continuous stress tends to cause acne.
• Eczema – Cracking, dryness, red patches and crusting on the skin are sure fire signs of eczema.
• Dull and drab skin – Stress causes the skin to be starved of oxygen and blood. Imperfect digestion also affects the skin because the body does not absorb all the nutrients. Undigested foods get accumulated in the body much faster. All this causes malfunctioning of the body system and this reflects in the colour of your complexion. The skin ends up looking dull and drab.
• Psoriasis – Thickened, dry and raised skin is a sign of this problem. It affects the scalp, elbows and knees. It is common during a trauma, abrasions or repeated rubbing.
• Warts – A wart is a benign growth found on the skin and the mucous membrane and is more of a cosmetic problem.

Cosmetic Solutions

Solution is at hand.

• Skin rejuvenation procedures have proven to be very effective in significantly improving a person’s outward appearance. In addition, studies also suggest these types of cosmetic procedures can have very positive effects on how people feel about themselves, in terms of increased vigour and confidence. When you feel more attractive and confident in your appearance, you tend to naturally perform better in other aspects of you lives —work, family life, social life, and marriage or personal relationships.

• A (2008) study designed to measure the positive ripple effects of Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections on other aspects of patients’ lives, showed that many patients confirmed that they felt less anxious, more relaxed and more optimistic.
• Cosmetic solutions also greatly contribute toward the minimising of skin problems by significantly improving facial skin tone and fine winkling and as a result patients demonstrate a lot of satisfaction with their physical appearance and the quality of their interpersonal relationships.

Call us today on 01606 544 535 and set up a time for a free consultation with our very own, highly experienced Dr. Raj Acquilla or feel free to drop in at out clinic, Cheshire Cosmetic Ltd, located in, Kingsmead Medical Centre, Regency Way, Kingsmead, Cheshire, CW9 8UW to change your life for the best.