Skin Concerns & Medical Aesthetics
Lines & Wrinkles
Lines and wrinkles are a normal part of the ageing process — but there are evidence-based ways to soften their appearance and support healthier, plumper skin at any age.
What causes lines and wrinkles?
Lines and wrinkles are a normal part of the ageing process which starts as soon as we are born. As we age, our bodies continuously reduce the amount of collagen, elastin and growth factors needed to keep us looking young.
Lines and wrinkles are also made a lot worse by other contributory factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, sun damage, failure to use a good quality daily SPF — even during winter — pollution, free radicals and more.
Treatment
Anti-wrinkle injections
Anti-wrinkle injections can be started early to prevent lines and wrinkles. However, there are also effective methods of prevention such as microneedling, improving lifestyle choices, and wearing a daily SPF.
Anti-wrinkle injections — commonly known as Botox — are injected into the muscles of the face to reduce their movement, which in turn reduces lines and wrinkles. These injections are prescribed for our clients after a consultation and are considered very safe and effective. Most people are suitable for these small injections, which are delivered with tiny needles.
Treatment
Microneedling for lines and wrinkles
Microneedling uses a pen-style device with sterile, single-use tiny needles on the end which puncture the skin to create microchannels. The skin is firstly numbed to make the procedure much more tolerable.
The action of the body healing these microchannels releases a cascade of chemical changes, drastically increasing the amount of collagen, elastin and growth factors to this area of skin — improving lines and wrinkles by making the skin more plump and hydrated.
Frequency: This can be done on a monthly basis. A course of 6 is recommended with intermittent maintenance treatments as and when required.
Downtime: This procedure can leave the face quite red and sometimes there is mild bleeding. Skin can feel stinging or burning when cleansing for a few days after, but this is manageable. Skin can also feel tight and dry a few days after and may sometimes flake. Usually downtime is 1–7 days; flaking and tightening can last slightly longer.
This procedure is usually very well tolerated and is very safe and effective.
Treatment
LED light therapy
Phototherapy is the use of light in the treatment of a condition. The use of red and near-infrared lights is well evidenced to stimulate skin cells and increase the amount of collagen and elastin, which in turn plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Particular strengths of near-infrared and red light therapy can improve overall skin complexion and health. It works by stimulating cells through the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell). This action aids the cells to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy source for all cells. By improving cellular energy, cells repair themselves more quickly.
Important: It is particular strengths of specific wavelengths which have been well evidenced and researched. The cheap light masks sold online are unlikely to have the correct evidence-based wavelengths and often contain colours which have no evidence to support that they work.
At SkinLab we have two Dermalux LED phototherapy devices which are medically licensed and CEA approved. These can be used as a standalone treatment, added onto another treatment to enhance results, or rented via our home rental scheme for two weeks. As a standalone treatment, daily use for at least two weeks is recommended.
Treatment
IPL for lines and wrinkles
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) rays are emitted through the skin layers. Specific colours and frequencies of light wavelengths pass through the skin, causing it to produce more collagen, elastin and growth factors — reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and tightening and plumping the skin.
A minimum of 6 sessions is required, and maintenance sessions may be required depending on the severity of the lines and wrinkles and overall skin condition. It is not possible to state how frequent or infrequent maintenance may be as this varies person to person.
Important: IPL cannot be performed on darker skin types and cannot be completed on tanned skin. Skin should return to an untanned state before IPL can be completed.
SkinLab uses an NHS-approved, medically certified, multi-award winning IPL device.
Medical-grade skincare can be purchased and prescribed via the clinic to help maintain results at home. IPL can also be combined with a tri-chemical peel (known as an Illumifacial) to improve skin further.
Treatment
Chemical peels for lines and wrinkles
Specific chemical peels can be used to target the dermis and epidermis layers of skin, causing controlled damage to the skin cells which encourages our body's natural repair process to improve results. Chemical peels are suitable for most skin types.
They stimulate more production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin and growth factors while removing dead, dull debris and skin cells.
Downtime: Chemical peels can cause some mild stinging, burning and redness. Downtime is unlikely to be more than 2–7 days. Some superficial skin shedding can occur.
Frequency: Each peel has a different interval gap depending on the specific peel. A course of peels is recommended.
Medical-grade skincare products, available via the clinic, are recommended to use twice daily at home. Peels can also be used in conjunction with Dermalux LED phototherapy to reduce downtime and enhance the effects.
Treatment
Hydrafacial for lines and wrinkles
Get the best skin of your life with our non-invasive Hydrafacial treatment. Hydrafacial improves skin health, addresses individual concerns, and creates a glow like no other. Unlike traditional facials, it is performed via device rather than by hand, for deeper penetration and longer lasting results.
The magic of the Hydrafacial is in the wand. It works like a vacuum to open pores for a deep cleanse and easy extraction of impurities. It also allows the active ingredients in our boosters to penetrate deeper for a more effective, personalised treatment.
The Hydrafacial deeply cleanses and exfoliates with a gentle chemical peel to uncover a new layer of skin. This is followed by extraction — removing impurities from pores with painless gentle suction. An optional personalised skin booster can be added at this stage to target your own specific skincare goals, in this case lines and wrinkles. The Hydrafacial then hydrates the skin, saturating the surface with intense moisturisers, peptides, hyaluronic acid and other key ingredients.
Results: Lasting approximately 4–6 weeks.
How to book
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Start with a consultation and your practitioner will guide you.