………………or are they a complete waste of time and or money?

In today’s instant gratification world – where having instantaneously beautiful and flawless skin has gone next level – people are going to unbelievable lengths to achieve beautiful glowing skin – but not only to achieve that – but to ensure they never age.

As a holistic beauty therapist – I am not a believer that this can be done by only treating the skin on the outside. Taking care of what you eat, how much you exercise and sleep – will all show as glowing skin, or unhealthy dull or prematurely aged skin.

Beauty therapists and cosmetic surgeons are also pushing clients to step deeper into more invasive treatments to help their clients leave their clinics knowing that within 48 hours they will have the skin exactly as they want – and more often than not – they will!  

So what is wrong with that you ask? 

But like a drastic diet – where you lose masses amounts of weight rapidly – the results will not last – so you have to go back again for another expensive fix – and your cosmetic surgeon, injectables nurse, or therapist are delighted! Thank you for spending more of your money with them!

And then you have to maintain the results until your next treatment – so this involves a pile of expensive skincare as well.

If your budget doesn’t allow for multiple treatments – you may choose to DIY your facial care. Unfortunately this often means a trip to a massive cosmetic store – or one online – which usually will not resolve your needs either. On average – most girls who do this end up with toxic overload due to doubling up on ingredients and toxic preservatives – which will all equal premature ageing in the end.

This doesn’t mean all treatments are bad – many treatments have a place and time. It is just that you know when and how they should be used to help you achieve glowing skin wisely.

I hope that the following will help you.

1. Dermabrasion:

Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure that utilizes a specialized tool to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. This treatment is particularly effective in addressing a wide range of skin issues, such as acne scars, fine lines, uneven texture, and sun damage. During the procedure, a dermatologist or beauty therapist carefully buffs away the damaged skin cells, revealing a fresh layer underneath.

The Benefits:

• Reduction of acne scars and hyperpigmentation: Dermabrasion helps fade acne scars and dark spots, restoring a more even complexion.
• Smoother skin texture: By removing the top layer of dead skin cells, dermabrasion promotes a smoother and softer skin texture.
• Minimization of fine lines and wrinkles: The procedure stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Improved absorption of skincare products: After dermabrasion, your skin becomes more receptive to topical treatments, enhancing their efficacy.

Downsides:

• Dermabrasion is suitable for those with thicker damaged complexions – such as those with post acne scaring, severe sun damage (think crocodile skin), and thickened aged skin.
• It also works well when a client has congested skin covered in white heads and enlarged black heads to allow a AHA peel to penetrate deeper into the skin.
• It is drying and will cause long term damage when done on healthy finer skin – even if it is being used to deal with pigmentation as it will worsen pigmentation in the long run.
• On healthy normal, dry or slightly oily skin – it will cause long term damage as it will thicken the skin (think self protection) so that when the client grows older – their skins will look dull and thickened – instead of bright and healthy – basically think premature ageing sped up.

1. Micro-Needling:

Micro-needling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promoting the production of collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more youthful over time.

The Benefits:

• Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles: Micro-needling stimulates collagen and elastin, leading to smoother and plumper skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Treatment of acne scars: This procedure can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars by encouraging skin regeneration.
• Minimally invasive and safe: Micro-needling is considered a safe treatment with minimal downtime, making it suitable for various skin types and concerns.
• Improvement of skin texture and tone: uneven skin texture and pigmentation issues are addressed as the skin undergoes the rejuvenation process.

Downsides:

• It leaves the skin open to infection if the client doesn’t walk out of the salon with the correct skincare routine.
• It can cause tissue damage to skin when used on anyone who is too young (before the age of 40 – unless it is being used to deal with acne scarring)
• It is used on skin’s which do not need collagen induction as they are producing their own collagen very efficiently – long term side effects of this are still unknown – again – think anyone under the age of 40. 

1. RF Frequency:

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments are a non-invasive option for skin tightening and rejuvenation. This technology uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening existing collagen fibres. RF treatments can target specific problem areas, such as the face, neck, abdomen, and thighs, resulting in a more youthful and lifted appearance.

The Benefits:

• Non-invasive and virtually painless: RF treatments are non-surgical and generally painless, with little to no downtime.
• Effective skin tightening: RF energy helps tighten loose skin, especially in areas prone to sagging, like the jowls and neck.
• Reduction of cellulite: RF treatments can minimize the appearance of cellulite by smoothing out the skin’s texture.
• Long-lasting results: As collagen production continues even after the treatment, the results of RF frequency treatments can be long-lasting.

Downsides:

• When used on thinner faces, because it does break down excess fat – it can cause the face to become gaunt looking, and when not done by a good operator can cause burning.

4. Light Therapy:

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy or LED therapy, is a revolutionary approach that utilizes different wavelengths of light to rejuvenate and heal the skin. This non-invasive procedure is suitable for various skin types and can address multiple skin concerns, from acne and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation and inflammation.

How Does Light Therapy Work?

Ok – I am going to admit – this is where I am extremely biased – I personally love light therapy as it works better than any other treatment I have used ( and I have worked with all of the above and those below).

Light therapy involves exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of light, which penetrate the skin at different depths. Red light, for instance, stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Blue light, on the other hand, targets acne-causing bacteria, effectively treating and preventing breakouts.

Benefits:

• It promotes skin healing, reduces inflammation, fades pigmentation, calms acne flare ups, stimulates collagen renewal, is perfect for use after any of the above treatments .
• It helps skincare penetrate deeper into the skin, and or at least more efficiently.
• It heals and calms eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
• Stops acne flare ups – quickly calms and heals them in their tracks.
• It boosts the overall appearance of the skin – it makes it glow.
• The treatment is painless, requires no downtime, and is relatively affordable compared to other skin treatments.

Understanding the Different Light Therapies

There are several light therapy options available, including red light therapy, blue light therapy, and infrared light therapy. Each targets specific skin issues, and a combination of these therapies can lead to remarkable results.

5. Microcurrent

This is another treatment I am a fan of…. Microcurrent facial treatments use low-level electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles, promoting collagen production and enhancing cellular activity along with toning the facial muscles.

Microcurrent technology in skincare can be traced back to the 1980s when it was first introduced as a medical treatment to assist in the rehabilitation of patients with facial paralysis and Bell’s Palsy. Over time, its applications expanded to the cosmetic industry, where it found a niche as a non-surgical alternative to facelifts and invasive procedures.

The microcurrent machine, delivers weak electrical impulses through specially designed probes or pads applied to the face. These currents mimic the body’s natural electrical signals, stimulating the facial muscles and promoting blood circulation. This increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, aiding in the repair and regeneration process.

Microcurrent facials improve muscle tone.

Microcurrent facials are generally safe for most individuals, although they may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with certain medical conditions like epilepsy, pacemakers, or metal implants in the face.

6. Laser

Laser skin treatments have revolutionized the field of dermatology, offering precision resurfacing for a wide range of skin conditions. From removing unwanted hair to diminishing scars and pigmentation, lasers have become a popular option for those seeking smoother, clearer skin.

The Science Behind Laser Treatments

Laser treatments work by emitting intense beams of light that focus on specific areas of the skin. This controlled energy heats and vaporizes damaged skin cells, stimulating collagen production and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

The Versatility of Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are highly versatile, addressing various skin concerns such as acne scars, sun damage, age spots, and wrinkles. Fractional lasers, for example, create micro-injuries in the skin to trigger the body’s natural healing process, leading to improved texture and reduced scarring.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing:

Fractional laser resurfacing is a revolutionary treatment that promotes skin regeneration through controlled injury. The laser creates microscopic columns of damage in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing response and triggering the production of collagen and elastin. This process leads to smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. Fractional laser resurfacing is particularly effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. With minimal downtime and fewer side effects, it has become a popular choice for overall skin rejuvenation.

CO2 Laser Treatment:

CO2 laser treatment is a more aggressive form of laser resurfacing. It uses carbon dioxide lasers to precisely remove damaged skin layers, allowing fresh skin to emerge. This powerful procedure is ideal for deeper wrinkles, severe sun damage, and pronounced acne scars. While it offers remarkable results, the recovery period can be more extended compared to fractional laser resurfacing.

Erbium Laser:

Erbium laser treatment is another option for skin resurfacing, albeit gentler than CO2 lasers. It is an excellent choice for individuals with lighter skin tones who wish to address fine lines, sunspots, and mild to moderate wrinkles. Erbium lasers have the advantage of causing less thermal damage to the surrounding tissues, leading to a faster recovery time.

Q-Switched Laser:

Q-switched lasers are specifically designed to target pigmented skin lesions, such as freckles, age spots, and melasma. These lasers emit short, high-energy pulses that break down melanin pigments without damaging the surrounding skin. The treatment is relatively quick and often requires minimal downtime. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

Alexandrite Laser:

The Alexandrite laser emits a longer wavelength, making it suitable for hair removal and treating pigmented lesions. It works by targeting the melanin in the hair follicles, effectively removing unwanted hair. Alexandrite lasers can also address certain pigmentation issues, such as brown spots and birthmarks, with impressive results.

Pulsed Dye Laser:

Pulsed dye lasers are primarily used for treating vascular conditions, such as rosacea, spider veins, and port-wine stains. The laser emits concentrated light that is absorbed by blood vessels, causing them to coagulate and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. This non-invasive treatment is gentle on the skin and requires minimal downtime.

Nd:YAG Laser:

Nd:YAG lasers are versatile tools that can target both vascular conditions and unwanted hair. They penetrate deeper into the skin, making them effective for treating spider veins on the legs and deeper hair follicles. Nd:YAG lasers are often preferred for hair removal in individuals with darker skin tones, as they are less likely to cause pigment changes.

Fractionated Thulium Laser:

Fractionated thulium lasers have gained popularity for their ability to address age-related skin issues. These lasers target water in the skin’s surface cells, promoting collagen production and skin tightening. Fractionated thulium laser treatments can improve texture, reduce fine lines, and give the skin a more youthful appearance.

Downsides:

Although I personally am a fan of the Switched laser for raised pigmentation, age spots and any pigmented lesions, when used correctly – the Alexandrite Laser for hair removal, Pulsed dye laser for spider veins and veins (although the hit rate is not that high – it should be a last resort). The Nd:YAG laser also has its place  – I have not seen what I would call ‘natural’ looking results from any of the other lasers – unless you like a face which doesn’t match your body colour wise and has an aged yet strangely smooth appearance about it (think bad facelift – you possibly were looking at a bad laser job last time you thought someone had had a bad facelift!)

5. At home treatments

At home treatments have the benefits of you being able to do them regularly if your budget is smaller – and or want a gentler version of some of the above treatments.

Light therapy masks work extremely well for all skin conditions – the best one on the market does unfortunately come with a hefty price tag – but it is still less expensive that having to have one every week in a salon. There are now small hand held units being advertised – I don’t know much about them – but if you can get one at a reasonable price – could be worth trying – but you will need patience – they are hand held!

DIY derma rollers are all the big thing at this moment in time – these work on pigmentation, scaring and I have been told fabulously on crepey necks – I haven’t been brave enough to walk down that road – so if you do try that – let me know! Just ensure that you clean your roller after every use – and dunk it in isopropyl alcohol before use (let it dry first – you don’t want the alcohol to dry out your skin – let alone go into it!)

Microcurrent units and handheld microcurrent devices work extremely well for toning the face and lifting the jawline. Just like their larger units in a salon – it takes a few weeks to see real results, and continuous maintenance to keep it that way – but most treatments do not take longer than 10 minutes – so not time invasive.

There are also units which do multiple things – a mixture of light, RF and microcurrent – these work extremely well for instant results – they give you a noticeable glow. For longer lasting results – using a light therapy mask and or a microcurrent unit will ensure lasting results – but just like their salon counter parts – and just like cleansing and moisturising and exercising – you need to do these treatments regularly to gain maximum results.

But the best part is – you get natural looking results – so you look naturally flawless and glowing – not fake and harsh looking.

Thank you for reading my blog!

Hi! 

I am Yvette van Schie, I am a holistic beauty therapist, skin nutritionist, skincare developer and makeup artist. I am passionate about sharing real beauty advice with a whack of reality.

For over 30 years I have worked with the best in the beauty and health industry as a trainer, educator  and product formulator and I still do – so my knowledge is diverse – I am not blinkered when sharing my information with you because everyone I speak to shares what they know, and I turn it into easy to digest information because I want my readers to feel empowered to make their own decisions and to feel that they are fully in control of their beauty and well being.