By: Wendy Lewis
Created on 12th January 2010
Aesthetic consultant Wendy Lewis gives us the lowdown on all the latest treatments and procedures hot in from the US
Peel to Reveal Gorgeous Skin
If you are keen to skip lasers and light-based devices, the old standby of chemical peels may not seem as sexy or new, but they still work really well and are usually less expensive.
One of the newest peels is the Rejuvenize Peel from SkinMedica, a superficial peel that penetrates into the deeper layers of the epidermis and exfoliates. The peel formula includes a proprietary blend of alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, resorcinol and retinoic acid.
The non-invasive treatment takes about 20 minutes in your doctor's office or a medispa, and there is minimal downtime. You can expect some redness and peeling for about three to five days depending on your skin type. For best results, you can repeat the Rejuvenize Peel every four to six weeks, although you will see a noticeable improvement after just one procedure. After three to six treatments, you can see a dramatic improvement in skin tone, texture, and a reduction in fine lines, discoloration and acne. As this is a medical grade peel, it should be performed by a doctor, nurse or medical aesthetician.
Another peeling system that gets very high marks is by NeoStrata. NeoStrata Citriate SRS Antioxidant Peel Booster contains a high concentration of the antioxidant citric acid, an alpha and beta hydroxy acid that has clinically proven anti-ageing properties to improve fine lines and sun damage.
Citriate SRS Clarifying Peel Booster helps to improve oily, blemish-prone skin as well as mild acne scarring. The active ingredient is mandelic combined with citric acid.
Stem Cells Come Of Age
Stem cells are considered the body's master cells capable of reproducing organs and improving the healthy functioning of other bodily systems. Adult stem cells found in human fat are said to be one thousand times more potent than those found in bone marrow.
Research is ongoing in this fascinating and evolving area of regenerative medicine to determine the best methods to harvest stem cells and how and where to use them most effectively. Fat grafting has been traditionally used to restore facial volume, plump lips, wrinkles and creases, and to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.
Cosmetic surgeons have noted an improvement in skin quality after fat transplantation that may be linked to stem cell activity. Some of the most compelling research work is now being done in breast reconstruction where fat cells are used to replace volume, and stem cells that are derived from the patient's own fatty tissue have shown promise in rejuvenating tissues of the breast area and the face.
One company, started by a plastic surgeon in California, Cytori Therapeutics, has developed a world class innovative system called the Celution® 800/CRS Device that allows a surgeon to more precisely control the process of extracting and preparing as well as the concentration of adipose-derived stem cells or fatty tissue to be injected in a single procedure. Other areas on the horizon for stem cells include wrinkles, acne scars, hair regrowth, gum disease, as well as heart disease. www.cytoritx.com
In Deep
Clarisonic is the classic home skin cleansing device and it has become a favourite of celebs, dermatologists, women, teens and men alike. Clarisonic was developed with sonic technology to gently yet effectively loosen dirt and oil, purge clogged pores, and remove all residue from make-up.
The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Brush uses a sonic frequency of over 300 movements per second to cleanse and smooth your skin. It takes about a minute to use and has been proven to be much more effective than manual cleansing techniques, especially for city-dwellers who are subject to the added grime of urban life every day.
For oily skin, you can use the Clarisonic daily or every other day. If your skin is sensitive or fine, use it three times a week to reap the benefits. The Clarisonic Plus is also designed to slough and smooth the skin of the body. The much anticipated Clarisonic Opal will be available in January 2010 in the USA and will combine sonic technology with Clarisonic Anti-Ageing Sea Serum. In theory the device will be able to drive the serum deeply into the delicate skin around the eyes for an immediate reduction in the appearance of fine lines that lasts for hours, and cumulative results can build up with continued use.
Available at SpaceNK.
The New Botox®
In 2009, American doctors and patients in search of wrinkle relaxation welcomed Dysport as the second botulinum toxin to receive FDA approval. Did you know that there are now three botulinum toxins available in the UK?
The original is marketed by Allergan called BOTOX or Vistabel. Another variation is from Galderma, formerly called Dysport, and now marketed under the brand name Azzalure. In the USA, Dysport is picking up steam as a slightly faster acting botulinum toxin. Last but not least, Merz introduced their own signature neurotoxin Xeomin which was launched in the UK in 2008.
CS&AM
Wendy Lewis, also called The Knife Coach, is President of Wendy Lewis & Co Ltd, Global Aesthetics Consultancy in New York and London, and the author of ten books including Plastic Makes Perfect (Orion). She is also Founder of www.beautyinthebag.com
