Tear Troughs: For Self Love

Tear troughs, also known as under-eye hollows, are depressions that develop under the eyes due to a loss of volume in the surrounding tissue. This loss of volume can be caused by aging, genetics, or lifestyle factors like lack of sleep or stress. The appearance of tear troughs can make individuals look tired or aged, even if they feel energetic and youthful.

Fortunately, tear trough treatment with dermal fillers can help address this issue and provide a rejuvenated, refreshed appearance. In this blog post, we’ll explore why tear trough treatment with dermal fillers can make you feel less tired, look happier, and appear brighter.

What is Tear Trough Treatment with Dermal Filler?

Tear trough treatment with dermal filler is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler into the under-eye area to add volume and reduce the appearance of tear troughs. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. By injecting hyaluronic acid into the under-eye area, the filler can smooth out the appearance of tear troughs and improve the overall contour of the face.

The Treatment Process

Before the treatment, we will assess your under-eye area to determine the appropriate amount of filler needed to achieve your desired results. The treatment itself typically takes around 30 minutes and involves using a fine thin tube (cannula) to inject the filler into the under-eye area. The filler is then massaged into place to ensure a smooth and even result.

After the treatment, you may experience some swelling or bruising, but these side effects typically subside within a few days. The results of tear trough treatment with dermal filler can last up to a year, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors like metabolism and lifestyle.

Why Tear Trough Treatment with Dermal Filler Makes You Look and Feel Better?

  1. Restores Volume and Hydration to the Under-Eye Area

One of the main benefits of tear trough treatment with dermal filler is that it restores volume and hydration to the under-eye area, which can help to reduce the appearance of tear troughs and improve the overall texture and quality of the skin. By adding volume to the under-eye area, the filler can also help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

  1. Improves Facial Symmetry

Tear troughs can create an imbalance in the facial features, making the eyes look sunken or tired. By filling in the under-eye area with dermal filler, tear trough treatment can help to restore facial symmetry and create a more balanced and harmonious appearance.

  1. Boosts Self-Confidence

Many individuals who struggle with tear troughs report feeling self-conscious or unhappy with their appearance. Tear trough treatment with dermal filler can help to boost self-confidence by improving the overall appearance of the under-eye area and creating a more refreshed and youthful look. When you feel confident in your appearance, you end up feeling happier and more positive on the daily.

  1. Reduces the Appearance of Fatigue and Stress

The under-eye area is often one of the first areas to show signs of fatigue or stress. Tear trough treatment with dermal filler can help to reduce the appearance of fatigue and stress by smoothing out the under-eye area and creating a more well-rested and refreshed appearance. When you look less tired, you often feel more energetic and productive.

In conclusion, tear trough treatment with dermal filler is an effective and non-surgical solution for you if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of tear troughs and achieve a more refreshed and youthful appearance. By restoring volume and hydration to the under-eye area, improving facial symmetry, boosting self-confidence,

Lip Enhancement: A Journey.

I was 24 when I first stepped into the world of facial aesthetics. When working as a foundation dentist, my principal practiced facial aesthetics alongside dentistry and I asked for lip fillers. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect or the process, but I did know I wanted to build my upper lip which was disproportionate to my lower. So I went for 0.5ml, and haven’t looked back since.

This post is for you if you’ve been thinking about lip enhancement for a while but don’t really know where to start, or if there are things holding you back.

Where do I start?

The first thing to consider is what you would like to achieve. Nowadays there are so many different methods, products and styles to lip enhancement. However one size doesn’t fit all. So how do you find what’s the best for you.

Finding the right practitioner

This is key, if you find someone who you trust and work’s what you’re aiming for, you’re off to a good start. So how do you find ‘the one’?

Word of mouth

Recommendations is one of the most common reasons people come to Ametrine. (Thank you guys) If someone you know and trust has had a good experience and good results it’s worth a discussion with the clinic. Be open that you’ve received a recommendation because it’s nice to thank people who say nice stuff.

Google

If you’re the first in your social circle to go for lip enhancement, YAY GO YOU! The world wide web can help. A good clinic will be found on google, you should be able to see where they are, what they do and should link with their website. Also look at reviews, these can really help weigh up a clinic.

Instagram / Facebook

Insta is great for so many things, however, the opportunity to edit images or use filters on treatment photographs is relatively easy. Often ‘lots of likes’ doesn’t necessarily reflect on quality care. Look at the style of treatment performed, look and see if the practitioner introduces themselves, what does the clinic look like, what products are used. Once you’ve weighed this up sneak a lil dm in to chat about the next step.

Consultation

At Ametrine all of our initial consultations take place digitally. This is so it’s easier for our clients to make their appointment re childcare, uni or work commitments. Also I’ve found that you are forced to look at yourself on video much more that you’d opt to do with a mirror placed in front of you.

Our consultations discuss you, your medical history, worries and desires for treatment. I’ll also probably show you Bucky and Bam Bam my two dogs who like to get involved.

Let’s talk about you

This is a little awkward to talk about the first time of meeting someone, albeit digitally. But it’s important to understand why you’ve got to this point in your journey towards lip enhancement. It’s key to talk about how the treatment will make you feel. We’re in the business of self love, and that’s what we want to promote with any treatment we do. It’s so important not to take away from your own natural beauty, just enhance it.

Be open and honest with your practitioner, discuss with them what you do want to achieve at the end of treatment, how you want to feel and what you want things to look like. A good practitioner will listen and give appropriate options and advice.

How much volume?

This is the million dollar question isn’t it? And, as mentioned before this is not a one size fits all answer. Treatment for lips at Ametrine ranges from 0.5ml to 0.7ml to 1ml. How much to have entirely depends on a few things:

  • Your current lip shape: Some lip shapes fill better than others. An ‘M’ shaped lip which lacks volume under the cupid’s bow will take more product to fill than others.
  • Your current lip volume: If you lack projection (what your lips look like from the side) this may need more product to make the projection ideal.
  • Your desired goal for treatment: Hey! Some people LOVE BIG LIPS! And that’s ok! Others want a small amount of hydration to fill in fine lines that are appearing on their lips.
  • How often you want lips to be retreated: Typically less filler takes less time to break down, therefore you may LOVE the swell straight after treatment and then you might be back a lot sooner than treatment requiring more filler.

During your consultation you should be guided by your practitioner’s experience as to what’s best for you.

What product to get?

Again, not one size fits all. However at Ametrine we always use premium products:

  • Juvederm
  • Restylane
  • Belotero
  • Aliaxin
  • Teoxane

You might be thinking…. That’s quite a few brands of filler to treat one area. You’d be right. At Ametrine we carefully assess and match the treatment outcome to the best filler for the job. Some products may be more flowable and hydrating, where others may be firmer and provide more projection. Always ask your practitioner about what filler they’re using and why!

How much is it going to be?

During our consultation at Ametrine we discuss through everything (and more) and then send out a treatment plan. The plan will outline everything we discuss, your concern areas and the plan to treat them.

The plan clearly states the pricing associated with treatment.

At Ametrine we price our lip enhancement as follows:

  • 0.5ml: £200
  • 0.7ml: £220
  • 1ml: £240

The pricing is regardless of dental block/ products used.

Appointment Preparation

You’ve done it! You’ve booked the appointment! Well done! New lips incoming! What to do to prepare yourself for the next stage of your journey.

What should I do the week before my appointment?

So more than likely you’re counting down the days to that important appointment. However, there are some things that you should do to help with your treatment.

  • Drink loads of water: This will help with hydration and help the practitioner with the best possible results, it will also help with swelling after the treatment.
  • Take Arnica tablets: Arnica is a herbal supplement to help with breaking down any bruising after the treatment.
  • Eat Fresh pineapple (as long as you’re not allergic): There is an enzyme in pineapple that really helps with swelling and bruising after treatment.
  • Avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin: These medications slightly thin your blood and can make you bruise more.
  • Avoid Retinol: If you use retinol products on your skin (unlikely on your lips…) just cease with it for a week, this ensures best possible results with the dermal filler.

In addition to the above, make sure you know where you’re going! The amount of times clients have gotten themselves so stressed because they don’t know what bus to get or where to park, makes them even more stressed before they come to the appointment!

What should I do the day before my lip filler appointment?

HOORAY one more sleep!

  • DO NOT GO OUT ON THE LASH: More alcohol = more thin blood = more bruising baby. Avoid alcohol for 24hours before your appointment.
  • Water, water, more water: Stay hydrated for the best results (in life)
  • Have something nice to eat for tea: Make sure that you eat something good and tasty. The morning of the treatment you may feel nervous and not feel like eating too much.
What should I do the day of my lip filler appointment?

Today’s the dayyyy!

  • Give yourself time: Make sure you know how to get to the clinic. Make sure you know the nearest place for parking/ metros/ buses etc. Give yourself at lease 30 min to spare so you can chill out and not be rushing around trying to get to the appointment.
  • Have something to eat: Make sure you’ve had something to eat fort breakfast/ lunch. If you’re feeling nervous then you can feel a little low blood sugar during treatment and this can make you feel lightheaded. This can be combatted by something yummy and carby to eat. It’s always a good idea to bring a sugary drink with you to your appointment just as a boost. At Ametrine we always have glucose tablets available if you do feel a little low blood sugary.
  • Avoid wearing lots of make-up: As we need to make sure that the lips are cleansed and sanitised so wearing that lovely matte expensive foundation is gonna be wiped right off hunny. So don’t bother. Eyebrows, eyelashes and cheek contour is all good though!

Now you’re ready to go.

The Appointment

Welcome to the world of dermal fillers. We hope you enjoy your stay and come back soon.

It’s finally here. You’ve arrived at the clinic and you’re sat in front of that lush practitioner that you spoke to via consultation.

At Ametrine, we’ll offer you a glass of water and chat about anything other than the treatment you’re going to be having. We understand the you may be feeling nervous, stressed, anxious and tired (from trekking up those stairs).

Once you’re settled in the chair and well hydrated, the discussion you’ve already had with your practitioner will be gone over again. We’ll show you a mirror and ask you ‘What would you like to do today’. With a bit of luck you’ll talk to us about your lips…. and tell us the outcomes that you would like for treatment.

  • Hydration
  • Volume building
  • Correction of asymmetry- anything that’s wonky
  • Creation of shape
  • Making your lips in more proportion (ratio)
  • Projection from a side profile

Talk to your practitioner frankly and honestly. As practitioners we have a ‘typical natural lip’ design in mind, however that. might. not. be. what. you. want. Just tell us. it’s so important.

Once discussion in front of the mirror, we will talk through the plan of how we will treat your lips.

Then we’ll talk anaesthetic.

Numbing options

This should already have been discussed with you, however it’s one of the most important aspects, we think, prior to any treatment, especially lips.

  • Numbing Cream: At Ametrine we use EMLA which is a medical grade numbing cream. We apply the first pass for about 10-15 min whilst we potter round getting bits and bobs ready, remove and then apply the second pass. Pros: You are not numb for hours and hours Cons: Occasionally you can feel a small amount of sensation (manageable though)
  • Dental Block: Those practitioners who are dentists (Like Dr Elder 😉) or trained in dental anaesthesia can provide this service. The dental anaesthetic is four inside the mouth injections which totally numbs the lip tissue. This option is fantastic if you have had a previous painful experience as it will help to relax you. The numbing lasts for about 2-3 hours. Pros: You can’t feel a thing. Cons: you’re numb and feel wonky for about 2-3 hours afterwards.

Once you’ve decided wha to go for we’ll sort that out for you and get you nice and numb.

Consent

Once the numbing’s on the go we’ll go through your consent for treatment. This includes going over:

  • Medical history… again.
  • Consent for photographs to be taken: We will always take photos for medical records, and we will ask for consent for photos to be shared via social media If you’re not comfortable with this, let us know!
  • Discussion of treatment plan: In writing we will jot down the aims of treatment and identification of any concerns. We will then follow this up with you.
  • Discussion of risks and benefits: Main Risks of treatment should be discussed with you, although this sounds like A LOT when you’re sat in the chair, it is not full consent if these are not discussed with you. Your practitioner should discuss the following when it comes to lip fillers: Bruising, swelling, bleeding, lumps and bumps, infection, necrosis, occlusion and damage to distant sites following treatment…..let’s digest these…

Once you have weighed p all the information your practitioner has provided you with, they will ask you to sign a consent form. Make sure you feel comfortable and ask any questions you have.

Photographs
  • Before and afters: Photographs for medical records will always be taken, this is to show you the results but also to keep an eye on healing and any complications if they occur.
  • Social Media Corner: At Ametrine we have a son vial corner with peak lighting for images to be taken fo socials. We make sure to share these with you prior to sharing them anywhere.

Treatment

Take a seat in the chair, by now you’ll be feeling much more calm, collected and sheer excitement will be brimming over. You’ll be numb as hell and all we need you to do is…BREATHE.

Honestly, the amount of times that patients hold their breath, it’s crazy.

At Ametrine we’ll get you to relax in the chair, relax your shoulders and take some nice deep breaths in and out. With every breath you will take your body a little lower in the chair.

What your practitioner will do:

  • Remove numbing cream
  • Clean the area: We use a dermatologically and clinically tested cleaner called clinisept which removes all the remaining bacteria on your lips and the surrounding area.
  • Treat the lips: Generally the following rules are applied: 1/ correct any problems with symmetry. 2/ Correct any shape abnormalities 3/ Build volume and shape 4/ tweak. During this stage, there may be some areas of slight tenderness, it is so important that if you need to stop, let your practitioner know by raising your hand.
  • Treat any bleeding spots with pressure
  • Massage with arnica balm

Then it’s done! Just like that.

We will then sit you up, and hand you the mirror…..

First things you’ll think…..

1/ WOW THEY’RE HUGE

2/ YES! LOOK AT ME

3/ IT’S A BIG CHANGE

4/ LOOK AT ME!!!!!!!!

These are all valid emotions, and we’re here for any of them. Remember it is a big change, and they will be swollen.

Photographs

….again, to capture this moment.

It’s a phenomenal thing as a practitioner to see how a patient holds them selves after any form of treatment. They hold themselves higher in the chair, chin up and palpable confidence. At Ametrine, it’s these moments that fill our day with joy.

Aftercare

  • Don’t touch: Keep bacteria away
  • No Make-up 6 hours
  • No ibuprofen or alcohol for 24hours: blood thinners make you bruise more
  • Take arnica tablets/ arnica balm: Reduction in risk of bruising and swelling
  • Eat fresh pineapple: Reduce risk of bruising and swelling
  • Use ice packs: but only when the numbing has worn off so you don’t ice burn yourself!
  • Paracetamol: If any tenderness or soreness, paracetamol is fine to take as it doesn’t affect the blood thickness.
  • Emergency numbers: You should be provided with an emergency aftercare number to contact should you be worried about anything following treatment especially areas of paleness, areas of coolness or extreme pain. At Ametrine this number is provided in your aftercare instructions which are emailed out to you, we ask that if you need to contact us we ask you to call the emergency number, leave a voicemail and follow this up with a message. Following this we will contact you and get you in ASAP for an assessment.

Once we’ve taken payment for your treatment you will be free to go, we will provide you with a pot of homemade arnica balm:

  • Bryony’s Homemade Arnica Balm: Shea butter, Soy wax, Coconut oil, Arnica oil, Bergamot Oil, Lavender Oil, Sweet Orange oil.

Messages

  • Aftercare Instructions: Emailed out to you
  • Thank you for choosing your practitioner: Sent as a text message with a link to leave a review. It is so important to us to know you have had a good experience, it is enormously helpful to let other people know how we’ve helped and the experience you’ve had. Check out our reviews here.
  • Check up: This is sent 12 days after treatment to make sure you’re well and everything’s settling ok!
  • Further Treatment: We don’t send a message to ask for further treatment, however you’ll need to wait at least 4 weeks before you can have any more!

You and your new lips

Then you are free into the world with your lip fillers that you’ve been waiting so long for. Expect the swelling to subside after 48 hours, expect the compliments to flow 30 seconds after treatment.

After my first treatment, I felt so much more comfortable in my own skin and confident in myself, it was wonderful.

We can’t wait for you to feel the same.

Book in

If reading this post has prompted you to want treatment from Ametrine, please book an online consultation using the link below. We can’t wait to talk to you!

Bryony x

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Ageing On your Own Terms

Ageing on your own Terms!

Can Facial Aesthetics help me look younger?

Our treatments are designed to work accordingly with the progression of our facial structure as we age. By treating the areas most affected by ageing we can achieve a younger and youthful complection that fits in with your natural beauty. Making us look plumper, smoother and fresher.

Can good skincare decrease the signs of ageing?

When it comes to facials Aesthetics and Skincare, the two come hand in hand. In order to get the most out of your Aesthetic treatments and to age on your own terms, it’s essential to pair them with a good at-home skincare routine and prescriptive skincare treatments. By treating the skin with key anti-ageing ingredients we are able to minimise the apperance of fine lines and pigmentation damage.

Aesthetics

Specific Facial Areas To Achieve a Younger and Youthful Complexion.

Cheeks / Cheek Enhancement

  • The cheeks are one of the main areas where we start to show ageing as this is where ‘fat pad migration takes place. Where the sectional foundations in the face begin to split and we appear to sag and droop. 
  • Cheek Enhancement adds volume and definition back to this area, making us look more youthful and refreshed.

The nose to mouth lines / Naso-Labial-Folds treatment

  • When the fat pads on our face begin to split and slide downwards this can create deep lines in the area between the nose to mouth. This can create the appearance of looking older. 
  • Dermal filler is used to smooth out the lines and create a plumper and more youthful complexion. 

Temples / Temple Augmentation

  • With age bone and fat reduces, creating a hollowed-out appearance in ur temple area. 
  • When adding dermal filler we lift the region while also providing lift to the tail of the brows. Overall creating a younger profile.

Skincare and Anti-Ageing 

As we age the epidermis layer of our skin starts to thin. This can cause discolouration from trauma to the skin such as blemishes, sun damage and windburn. The elastin fibres in our skin also start to weaken with age, and collagen production decreases. This causes sagging, fine lines and wrinkles within the skin. 

One of the highest causes of ageing is UV Rays, sun exposure causes 85% of ageing and can make us look older than we are, overall not letting ourselves age on our own terms. 

Treatments that can help decrease ageing in our skin!

1. Medi- Facials

  • Gentle exfoliating and detoxifying treatments tailored to brighten and firm the skin, to help remove impurities and improve oxygen levels in the skin cells. 

2. Enzymatic Treatments

  • Enzyme resurfacing treatment improves the skin’s surface texture, exfoliates and detoxifies the skin, and includes key anti-ageing benefits to smooth fine lines and add plumpness back to the skin. 

3. Chemical Peels

  • Rapid rejuvenation of the skin, stimulating cellular turnover, creating protection from free radicals, reducing pigmentation damage and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. 

4. Profhilo

  • A unique hyaluronic acid injectable gel, which has a prolonged stimulating activity on the dermal cells. When injected into the skin, Profhilo stimulates the skin cell receptors to counteract skin laxity and improve and restore the firmness of the skin. Can be used on other parts of the body such as the arms and neck.

At Home Routine with PCA SKIN

To create a youthful complexion we need to look after our skin every day. Keeping it cleansed,  hydrated and protected while using the appropriate at-home skincare for our skin goals. 

Cleansing Stage

PCA Pigment Bar

  • A cleansing bar formulated to provide an even skin tone on the face and body. Ideal for discolouration in the skin, with Key ingredients of Azelaic acid, Kojic acid and Niacinamide.

Toning Stage

PCA Hydrating Toner

  • A toner which helps to keep the face fresh and balanced by removing dirt, oil, and debris, and preventing free radical damage while balancing the pH and giving the skin an extra boost of hydration.

Correcting stage 

PCA Ideal Complex® Revitalizing Eye Gel

  • Strengthens, firms and lifts the skin around the entire eye area, including the eyelid. Treating dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging eyelids simultaneously.

PCA Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

  • This smoothing blend of ingredients provides deep, long-lasting hydration on three levels: on the surface, deeper in the skin and by increasing the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production.

PCA ExLinea® Peptide Smoothing Serum

  • This peptide spot treatment serum minimizes the appearance of expression lines and hydrates, smooths and firms ageing skin.

PCA Intensive Age Refining Treatment®: 0.5% pure retinol

  • Retinol increase elastic and collagen production increasing cellular turnover and regeneration. Creating stronger skin cells and decreasing the chances of pigmentation damage, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and making a younger and youthful complexion. 

Hydrating Stage

PCA Hydraluxe Moisturiser

  • This rich, luxurious moisturiser deeply hydrates the skin by improving moisture retention and skin barrier function for long-lasting hydration while providing anti-ageing benefits.

Protecting Stage 

Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45

  • Protect from UV rays with this lightweight, fast-absorbing SPF, formulated with caffeine to prevent free radical damage.

So what can I do now?  

Book yourself in for a digital consultation with Dr Bryony Elder for Facial Aesthetic treatments that can create a youthful and refreshed complexion and contact Angharad Creissen to talk about creating a bespoke skin care treatment plan to help reduce the appearance of ageing!

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Botox and Filler, they’re all the same….right?

Short answer, no!

In the media the term botox is a term used to refer to aesthetic treatment. For example “She’s got her lips fuuuull of botox”. In reality this would be a huge mistake. Let me explain.

Botox Treatment

Botox, botulinum toxin or toxin treatments are not all made equal. Botox is a brand name and therefore can be an inaccuracy if your practitioner does not use the Botox brand. At Ametrine, we use a different brand of toxin, Azzalure, therefore we refer to these treatments as ‘Toxin’ treatments.

What is Toxin Treatment?: Botulinum toxin is a muscle relaxant. It works by going into the nerves associated with our muscles, and causing them to be temporarily paralysed.

Where can you use Toxin? Toxin treatment is widely used in Aesthetics, it is specifically used to relax the strong muscles of facial expression. Typically the following areas are treated:

  • Forehead wrinkles
  • Frown-line wrinkles (commonly referred to as ‘elevens’)
  • Crow’s feet wrinkles- the fine wrinkles that are formed around the sides of the eyes when smiling.
  • Bunny Lines
  • Dimpled chin
  • Smoker’s lines
  • Downturned corners of the mouth
  • Gummy Smile
  • Enlarged Masseters- the muscles responsible for clenching and grinding
  • Hooked Nose
  • Nefertiti Neck Lift

What does toxin do? Once the muscle relaxing properties of toxin has got into the muscles, this causes the muscles to relax and this in turn allows the skin over the muscle to smooth and soften. With repeated use the muscles can actually shrink in size and appear smaller.

How long does toxin last? This varies between client to client however the general length of action is roughly 3-6 months.

Filler Treatment

Not all dermal fillers are created equal. Let’s see why.

What is dermal filler? Dermal fillers have been around for many years, since the world wars in fact, however initially when bovine products and other nasties were used to inject into the skin to create volume and correct deformities, chemistry has harnessed the ability of Hyaluronic acid (HA), which is naturally found in the human body, to inject into skin. Different dermal fillers contain varying amounts of HA and also different qualities, such as smooth and flowable vs stiff and lifting.

Where can you use Dermal Filler? Dermal filler can be used in many different indications. Treatment can be to provide volume, smooth wrinkles, hydrate the skin, treat deformities, create symmetry and improve skin quality.

  • Lip Augmentation
  • Chin Augmenttaion
  • Nose Augmentation
  • Tear Troughs
  • Cheeks
  • Nose to mouth lines
  • Jaw Augmentation
  • Chin augmentation
  • Smokers lines

What does filler do? Dermal filler is injected into the tissues of the face and creates volume. This can contour, for example the cheeks, to create lift and structure. Dermal filler can also plump, for example the lips creating a beautiful appearance of naturally full lips.

How long does filler last? Similar to toxin, this varies between individuals and areas of treatment. Typically in an areas that moves less, for example tear troughs, these will last over nine months, verses lips which move constantly, will last for 3-6 months. In addition if you are an individual who has a high metabolic rate eg a gym bunny, your body will naturally break down the HA a lot quicker.

Ah, so they’re not the same…

Exactly, in simple terms:

  • Toxin relaxes muscles and smooths wrinkles.
  • Filler provides volume and doesn’t affect muscles.

Can you use them together? Yes! Often the best results for facial aesthetics is utilising toxin and filler in a treatment plan. This allows the musculature of the face to be relaxed and then contouring can take place with filler.

If you’d like to book a consultation with Dr Bryony to discuss any treatments please book an online consultation.

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Retinol Who?

Retinol Who?

Retinol shouldn’t be a scary thing but it is something that can take a little time to get our heads around. Especially if we don’t understand what it does, how to use it or how it can help our specific skin type. 

What can retinol target? 

Here are some skin types and conditions retinol can help with when formulated correctly within products and treatments. 

  • Hyper-Pigmentation
  • Pigmented Skin
  • Acne/Blemish Prone Skin 
  • Ageing Skin
  • Fine Lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Large Pores
  • Oil Production
  • Uneven Skin Texture
  • Dryness
  • Scarring 

Whether we want to target ageing, discolouration, Acne/breakouts or dullness retinol is able to target all of the above by increasing cellular turnover, stimulating collagen and elastin production. It inhibits melanogenesis and increases skin hydration without irritation. 

Ageing Skin

As we age the epidermis layer of our skin starts to thin, discolourations start to appear due to trauma and environmental damage such as sun and wind burns. The Elastin fibres weaken and collagen production slows, this causes sagging, fine lines and wrinkles within the skin. 

Sun exposure causes 85% of ageing and UV rays to deplete Vitamin A production, by using retinol we are able to target and increase collagen and elastin production, increase cellular turnover and cellular regeneration. This smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and improve the thickness of our skin, creating a younger and youthful complexion. 

Intensive Age Refining Treatment: 0.5% Pure Retinol Night.

  • This retinol formulae including niacinamide, reptopeptides, stem cell extract and vital hydrators visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Increases elasticity while also creating a strong barrier support and antioxidant protection.

Retinol (vitamin A) – vitamin A helps promote a clear complexion and an even skin tone.

Niacinamide – a potent antioxidant that improves barrier function, and reduces age-related skin yellowing and redness.

Myristoyl nonapeptide-3 – a peptide that supports skin strengthening.

Orange stem cell extract –  improves skin elasticity and firmness to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

£101

Acne/Breakout Prone Skin 

By increasing cellular turnover with the use of retinol, we are improving the quality of our cellular barrier. By doing this we are able to reduce trans-epidermal water loss within our skin, keeping our skin hydrated. When our skin becomes dehydrated we overproduce oil and Sebum, Retinol controls the production of sebum, minimising and preventing breakouts and superficial inflammation caused by clogged pores. 

Retinol also promotes an even skin tone and reduces pigmentation caused by acne scarring by controlling dermal inflammation. 

Intensive clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night.

  • This retinol and niacinamide formula with an active ingredient of 2% Salicylic acid helps to reduce sebum production and prevents acne breakouts. This formula also controls oil production and inflammation while promoting an even skin tone and reducing pigmentation cause by acne scaring.

Retinol (vitamin A) – Vitamin A helps promote a clear complexion and an even skin tone.

Salicylic Acid (2%) – Clears existing acne blemishes and prevents future breakouts.

Lilac leaf cell culture extract – a potent antioxidant

Bakuchiol – an effective complement to retinol for fighting breakouts.

Active Ingredient:
Salicylic Acid (2%)

£101

Sensitive Skin 

Sensitive skin is a heightened tolerance to topical products or external factors. 

Types of sensitive skin may include;

  • Rosacea
  • Impaired barrier function
  • Atopic dermatitis 
  • Psoriasis

When our barrier function is impaired by external factors our skin is more likely to have constant moisture loss. This Moisture loss causes dry and flakey skin and can further cause visible redness and blood vessels. Low percentage retinol can be used to help the skin maintain moisture levels by increasing cellular turnover and stimulating collagen. This improves the skins over texture and volume. 

Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin Night.

  • Using the Omnisome delivery system, this gentle retinol, niacinamide and inflacin is the perfect formula for sensitive skin, reducing the signs of ageing and promoting an even skin tone.

Vitamin A –  helps to promote a clear complexion and an even skin tone.

Niacinamide – a calming antioxidant that maintains skin hydration and reduces age-related skin yellowing and redness

Hexylresorcinol – helps promote an even skin tone and calm the skin

InflaShield™ – a patented ingredient that reduces irritation from topical ingredients

£98

Discolouration 

Hyper-pigmentation is the deposition of Melanin (pigment) due to the stimulation of Melanogenesis. Melanogenesis is the process by which pigmentation is produced. Retinol inhibits Melanogenesis and decreases inflammation, stopping pigmentation from spreading across the skin cells, staining them and becoming visual. 

There are several types of Pigmentation;

  • UV induced Hyper-pigmentation / The over exposure to sunlight and UV rays.
  • Hormonally induced Hyper-pigmentation PIH / The fluctuation of hormones.
  • Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation PIH / Trauma induced pigmentation caused by irritation, inflammation and abrasion to the epidermis.
  • Post-Inflammatory Erythema PIE / Broken capillaries, scaring caused acne, burns, cuts and scratches. 

Intensive Brightening Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night.

  • This advanced retinol, niacinamide and hexlresorcinol formulation delivers key ingredients deep into the skin. Creating radiance from deep within, promoting an even skin tone. This formula smooths the skins surface, minimising redness and pigmentation.

Retinol (vitamin A) – vitamin A helps promote a clear complexion and an even skin tone.

Niacinamide – a potent, calming antioxidant reduces water loss, reduces excess oil production and improves uneven skin tone.

Resveratrol – a strong antioxidant that encourages a bright, even skin tone.

Hexylresorcinol -promotes an even skin tone and reduces inflammation that can lead to discolouration.

£101

How to apply retinol?

Retinol Beginners;

Apply a pea-sized amount to your cheeks and forehead, avoiding the nose chin (avoiding eyes and lips) twice a week, gradually increasing application to every other night, and then eventually, depending on tolerance to every night.

Advanced Retinol Users;

Apply a pea-sized amount to your whole face (avoiding eyes and lips)  three times a week, gradually increasing application to every other night, and then eventually, depending on tolerance to every night.

Where does retinol fit in my skincare routine? 

Retinol is a correcting stage of a skincare routine, this is applied after toning and before moisturising, if you don’t tone within your routine then apply after cleansing. 

Retinol should only ever be applied at night and should be followed with an SPF the following mornings the using any retinol product. 

Our Skincare Routine

Cleanse 

Removing make-up, oil, dirt and other impurities to ensure your next skincare steps absorb into the skin.

Morning and Night

Tone

Offers additional nutrients and exfoliation to the skin.

Morning and Night

Correct

Specific products such as serums and retinol address individuals concerns.

Morning and Night – Retinol to be used only at night.

Hydrate

Adding moisture deep within the skin.

Morning and Night

Protect

Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF to protect skin against UV rays. 

Morning

Perfect

Keep your skincare routine simple and effective. Once you find a routine that works best for your skin stick to it and change according to your skins personal needs.

Do we use Retinol in our treatments?

YES!

Retinol can be found within our Chemical Peel Treatments.

  • Deep Pore Peel
  • Pore Minimizing Peel
  • Gentle Retinol Peel
  • Enzyme Retinol Peel
  • Advanced Enzyme Retinol Peel
  • Perfecting Peel

Medi-Facials

Medifacials refer to the use of medical-grade skincare. In these facials, we prescribe the most beneficial treatments for your skin type and concerns.

PCA Chemical Peels

PCA chemical peels are expertly formulated and are a driving force in helping you achieve your skincare goals.

What are Chemical Peels 

Chemical Peels are a treatment that uses Retinoids along with AHA’s (Glycolic acid, Mandelic Acids, Citric acids and Lactic acids), BHA’s (Salicylic Acid) and Proteolytic Enzymes. 

These carefully selected blends of ingredients work to break down buildup and shed our underperforming skin cells. While also nourishing, strengthening and protecting the skin. Targeting Ageing, discolouration, sensitive and acne/breakout-prone skin. Creating an even skin tone, mattifying textures, clearing and detoxifying while leaving the skin glowing and hydrated. 

The perfect treatment alongside Medi-Facials to have that ultimate healthy skin glow.