What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is when an area of the skin darkens due to the overproduction of the skin pigment called melanin. Some examples of hyperpigmentation are freckles, sun spots, age spots, under-eye dark circles and melasma. It is relatively common and generally a harmless condition. However, for some people, hyperpigmentation may be an aesthetic annoyance as it can affect any part of the body including the face, neck and hands.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

There are various causes of hyperpigmentation from overexposure to the sun, picking at the skin and certain medications such as antibiotics, hormone treatments, and anti-seizure drugs. Although, for some it can simply be a hereditary condition.

How do we treat hyperpigmentation?

Depending on the client, we treat hyperpigmentation with laser treatments, medical grade skin care products or a combination of laser treatment and medical grade skin care products.

Am I too young for Botox?

Botox is the holy grail treatment for reversing the signs of aging that are already visible but it also has increased in popularity as a preventative anti-aging treatment. Doctors are reporting an increase in their number of Botox patients in their 20s and 30s with the goal of preserving their youth and to smooth away hints of lines before they become more prominent.

We have known for quite some time that lines, wrinkles and folds are caused by the repetitive folding of the skin from everyday facial expressions. Initially, Botox was thought to be specifically for those in their 40s, 50s and 60s seeking a solution for wrinkles and folds that had developed. However, we have now realized that by injecting patients earlier we can actually stop the wrinkles from occurring. The lines never develop when you slow down the use of these muscles in early adulthood. Stopping the lines from forming in the first place means you won’t need to correct them later.

Also, many people believe that investing in pre-rejuvenation Botox saves you down the road. Botox treatments in your 20s and 30s ultimately prevents you from requiring more invasive procedures later.

With all of this said, however, we believe that Botox treatments are not appropriate for teens, children or infants.

Growth factors and why they are essential in skin rejuvenation

Growth factors play a vital role in maintaining firmness and elasticity in your skin. Daily use of skin care products containing growth factors are known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture. It is important to realize, however, that not all growth factors have the same benefits.

Growth factors are natural substances made by skin cells to maintain healthy skin. They are responsible for supporting the repair of damaged skin, and provide firmness and elasticity to the skin while helping to maintain skin’s protective functions. Growth factors are wonderful for aging and sun damaged skin. Aging skin produces less growth factors naturally than youthful skin. That is why growth factors are essential in skin care products as we age.

There have been several clinical studies that have highlighted the benefits of topically applied growth factor products showing improvements in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture and discoloration. Results can be seen in as little as 6-12 weeks when used twice a day. What’s even more exciting is that combining growth factors with antioxidants will show results even sooner.

Britannia Dermedics can help with rejuvenating your skin.

Collagen…why it’s important to start protecting it

Although you can’t see collagen, it’s the essence of healthy skin. Collagen is what makes your complexion firm, plump and youthful. It is a protein that makes up about 75-80% of your dermis. Collagen fibers are like a bunch of columns placed closely together which hold up the top layer of skin. When you are young and healthy, these columns will be strong and straight so your skin will look smooth. When you pinch your cheek, the skin will feel spongy and full. When you are young and healthy, your skin will repair and make new collagen. However, environmental factors such as UV rays, smoking, pollution and stress produce free radicals in your skin. Free radicals start breaking down collagen fibers, causing the skin to become thin. Eventually the cells in your skin that make new collagen, stop producing collagen as quickly and you begin to get wrinkles and sagging skin. If you make an expression, you will create creases in your skin. When collagen is strong, your skin bounces right back. But if collagen is weak, repeated movements cause permanent creases. How can you start protecting your collagen? It’s never too late….we suggest the following to care for your collagen…

1. Use antioxidants and sunscreen to protect against free radial damage;
2. Use a retinol;
3. Use a collagen stimulator like peptides and growth factors; and
4. Try a professional collagen stimulating procedure like the Laser Genesis facial, Venus Legacy treatment or Venus Viva treatment.