More Winter skin tips…what treatments should I be having in Winter?

Winter is well and truly here, and summer feels like a distant memory. We are already missing the warm sunny weather and time outside. Although Summer has passed there are some remnants of it still present, mainly the sun damage our skin sustained from all those beach walks and time by the pool without sufficient sun protection.

Did you know that UV exposure is the main cause of visible ageing? Up to 80% of visible ageing is caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays not our natural ageing process. Changes caused by sun damage include, wrinkles, pigmentation or age spots, spider veins, blotchy complexion and loss of skin elasticity.

The good news is, its Winter, and Winter is the perfect time to treat your sun damage. The cooler weather and lower levels of ultraviolet radiation mean it is safer to have treatments as there is less risk of adverse reactions related to sun exposure. Not to mention you’ll look great in time for spring when our social calendars tend to be filled with events.

Our favourite go to’s for sun damage

Retinol

Retinol, otherwise known as Vitamin A,  is the gold standard in topical treatment for sun damage and anti ageing.
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. It works by increasing skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, healing and reversing the damage caused by UV exposure. It also improves pigmentation, skin tone and texture. Regular use of retinol assists in fading sun spots, evening out overall skin tone, reducing fine lines, and gives the skin a softer and smoother texture.

We have some great Retinol products from Skinceuticals, Synergie, ASAP, the Skincare company, or we can tailor-make a bespoke retinol-based Universkin serum for you.

IPL photo rejuvenation

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a cosmetic laser treatment that’s used to treat a variety of skin conditions. IPL Photo Rejuvenation can assist with issues such as rosacea and redness, dilated blood vessels and broken blood vessels on the face, neck, chest, and hands. At Southern Cosmetics, we also use IPL to lighten and remove sun spots, pigmentation, and unwanted blotches. IPL can improve skin texture by stimulating collagen and reduce the appearance of larger pores. IPL works best on pale skin, which makes it an ideal treatment to have in winter while you are coving up and avoiding the sun.

Laser pigmentation treatments.

Winter is the best time to address pigmentation. Whether its a few sunspots, freckles or more widespread pigmentation such as melasma. We have the Pastelle Q switched laser to address pigment concerns in most skin types, and we can also perform laser toning to safely and gradually fade pigmentation in darker skin types.

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing involves using a laser to gently remove the surface layers of the skin, enabling new skin to form from the deeper skin cells resulting in fresher healthier looking skin and more collagen. Laser skin resurfacing is great for the tricky to treat areas such as around the eyes and mouth. This incredibly versatile treatment can treat, sun damage, scarring and improve skin tone and texture.

Tegan Alexander, Dermal Therapist