Author: Dr. Sandra Carstens

Dr. Carstens’ meticulous record speaks for itself. Not only is she a Mom of two young children, but she studied Pharmacy at North-West University, Medicine at Wits University. She currently working full-time as a private GP and specialising in aesthetic medicine.
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How to boost natural collagen production and scarless healing on your skin

Have you heard of a Dermapen Procedure before?

Renee Rouleau once said: “Be good to your skin. You’ll wear it every day for the rest of your life”

We know that we need to follow a good home care skin regime, wear sunblock every day, and eat a healthy diet to ensure our skin health is maintained, but what can we do if our skin is already a bit damaged or the dreaded effects of ageing have started to show? 

Let’s take a look at a non-surgical procedure that is ultimately a game-changer!

Dermapen Medical Microneedling vs Cosmetic Microneedling:

You might be familiar with the term Microneedling – a non-surgical procedure that induces cell proliferation by making tiny hair-sized injuries to the skin using a derma roller. When the skin is microscopically injured, new cells develop that establish new tissue of collagen and elastin. In turn, this reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, pigmentation, other skin abnormalities, and improves overall skin texture. 

Microneedling can be achieved by using a microneedling device. There are two types of microneedling devices; medical microneedling that can penetrate 2.5 – 3mm deep, namely the Dermapen, or a salon quality device that can only penetrate 0.5 – 1mm deep. A dermaroller is also often used in beauty salons, but they have limited range as they cannot access hard to reach places. 

The medical Dermapen can only be obtained by a doctor and is more advantageous, offering more advanced, effective, and faster results than the traditional derma roller. The Dermapen can reach the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin by adjusting the needle depth. As a result, the Dermapen is 104% faster and ideal for use on scarring where one would need to reach deeper layers. 

Because the Dermapen is modern and more precise in consideration, it can treat the more sensitive and harder to reach places such as the eyelids, around the eyes, nose, lips, décolletage, and more. The Dermapen is also safe to use and minimizes the risk of injury and side effects. 

Benefits of using the Dermapen:

According to Skindeep Cosmetic Laser Clinic, New Zealand, the Dermapen works well for removing mild to moderate scarring, decreases enlarged pores, removes fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and stretch marks. 

Microneedling via the Dermapen occurs vertically, reducing the chances of injury and side effects because it does not tear the skin surface. 

Microneedling promotes scarless healing and natural collagen reproduction, similar to fractional laser treatments, IPL, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels, but without the side effects and downtime. 

The 3 Phases of Microneedling: 

The Dermapen is most superior and with its controlled precisions, it allows 3 phases of new collagen growth to occur. Lavida Med Spa has conveniently summarized these 3 phases: 

Phase 1 – this phase begins with releasing the body’s growth factors and new epidermal growth, fibroblast chemotaxis, fibroblast proliferation, and matrix production. 

Phase 2 – the proliferation of the body’s tissue continues to release growth factors from fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and monocytes. Collagen III, IV, and I, elastin proteoglycans, GAG’s and angiogenesis occur here. 

Phase 3 – during this phase, remodelling of the tissue occurs where the skin’s vascular matrix matures, and skin tightening and new collagen can be seen. The skin can quickly heal because it is non-invasive, and does not use heat or chemicals or any unnecessary trauma. 

Dermapen for Scar Lightening & Rejuvenation: 

The Dermapen has also become the go-to procedure for scar lightening and skin rejuvenation! 

According to Helen Adous – Artistic and Medical Tattoo, when this technique is used to reduce the appearance of scars, collagen, melanin, and elastin will be produced, leading to new tissue growth and gentle healing. You will also notice that bumpy and knotted scars start to become smoother, discoloured scars naturally start to re-pigment and blend into the surrounding skin, and tight and restrictive scars start to relax. 

Microneedling can help with a variety of different scarring, including the following: 

– Scar revision after breast augmentation or reduction

– Revision or camouflage of scars around the areola after breast surgery

– Helping white scars to re-pigment naturally

– Relaxing burn scars so that the skin is less distorted and more comfortable

– Helping indented scars to fill in and become smoother

– Blending the appearance of scars into the surrounding skin

– Preparing a scar to receive a decorative cover-up tattoo safely

Ideal Candidates for Dermapen Microneedling:

Dermapen Microneedling is ideal for all skin types and is suited for anyone who wants to reduce and remove the appearance of blemishes, acne, stretch marks, wrinkles, and scars. 

There are no contradictions, but if you have been using Accutane in the last six months, have a history of keloids or abnormal scarring, or a history of infections, you must inform your doctor before the procedure. 

How often should Microneedling be done?

Microneedling usually consists of 4 – 6 treatments performed every 4-6 weeks. This is to achieve the best clinical effectiveness. Hereafter, it is recommended that patients repeat microneedling every 3 – 4 months. 

Improvements such as glowing and refreshed skin are usually noticeable after 1 week. After 3 treatments, the collagen stimulation takes a major effect and greater improvements are noticeable.

Risks of Microneedling:

Microneedling is considered safe and effective within the medical community, with little to zero downtime for patients. However, as with any treatment, there are always some reactions or risks involved. Possible side effects could include:

  • swelling
  • discomfort at the site
  • redness
  • bruising
  • dryness
  • flaking of the skin

To take away:

Microneedling with a Dermapen is advantageous and you can easily and non-invasively repair and boost your skin’s appearance. So “Yes!” to a new and healthy skin for life and contact The Renewal Clinic today to book an appointment.

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Vampire Facial – The diary entry you are looking forward to!

Vampire Facial – The diary entry you are looking forward to!

If someone had to get hold of my diary and see I have a Vampire Facial booked, they would probably slam it shut, make an excuse to leave, and abandon their cup of coffee before jolting out the door.

And I would just chuckle to myself. Because this is one of my secrets to great looking skin! 

What is a Vampire Facial?

Have you ever noticed an Instagram celebrity’s face covered in blood, checked the calendar, and realized it is not Halloween? A little bit freaky, I must admit, but this is what a Vampire Facial looks like. And people are doing it to reduce scars, boost collagen production and enhance their overall skin health.

According to Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Ava Shamban, “this is a combination of mesotherapy and microneedling, with the application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP).” She jokes by saying, “(and) it’s usually done in the full light of day.”

Plasma contains high levels of platelets with seven growth factors and hundreds of proteins. So, when you apply it to the skin, it stimulates cell turnover.

In short, Joshua Zeichner, the director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital In New York City, states that it is a facial that uses “your own blood to help promote the healthy activity of your skin cells.” This facial tricks the body into a healing and repair process.

The benefits of this facial help the skin function optimally, increasing collagen and elastin and activating antioxidants and hydrating properties.

How is the facial performed?

A doctor draws a sample of your blood and runs it through a centrifuge to isolate the platelets by spinning it until the plasma separates from the blood. Once completed and after the skin has been numbed with a local anaesthetic, mesotherapy and then microneedling will be performed with the PRP serum. This will ensure that the PRP serum seeps into the lightly penetrated skin. Shamban says, “It sounds gory and mysterious, but in fact, it is central to our evolving understanding of the physiology of the skin and advanced techniques with which to improve the quality of the skin.”

What are the benefits of the Vampire Facial?

A normal blood sample contains 6% platelets, however, in the PRP process, there is a concentration of 94% platelets. This results in a powerful growth factor serum that consists of a variety of growth factors and cytokines. When applied via microneedling or mesotherapy, it stimulates cellular tissue regeneration to dramatically accelerate healing.

The PRP procedure helps restore and enhance skin regions that require volume and improves the skin’s texture and tone. And so, this facial is successful in treating the signs of ageing, assisting hair regeneration, muscle and joint regeneration and overall youthful-looking skin by reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

And best of all, these benefits are achieved naturally, without the use of fillers or botulinum!

 What is the recovery time?

After the facial, you can expect a recovery time of a day or two, depending on how aggressive the microneedling was on your skin. Your skin will be red and sensitive for a day or two, so you have to wear sunblock and avoid wearing makeup.

Who is a candidate for a Vampire Facial?

Almost everyone can enjoy the benefits of this facial but if you have a history of blood diseases, including clotting or bleeding disorders, then you should not seek PRP treatment.

People who suffer from acne scars, general scarrings such as stretch marks or surgical scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dry skin are perfect candidates for this treatment. It usually takes 3 sessions, spaced one month apart, to notice significant results.

What are the risks involved?

Although it sounds like the process is complicated, it is not. There are minimal risks involved in this facial, except for a bit of bruising at the site where your blood is drawn, or some slight discomfort of the microneedling. Joshua Zeichner says that a vampire facial is “extremely safe, as it is your body’s blood being recycled.”

The Vampire Facial is far safer than other surgical and non-surgical procedures.

So, the next time you see my diary entry “Vampire Facial”, don’t go running for the door, but rather enquire for your own booking and enjoy the long-lasting benefits of this natural treatment.

Book your appointment at Renewal Clinic today for younger looking skin!

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Read my lips – 8 Facts about lips I never knew!

“Smile. It’s the second-best thing you can do with your lips” – Jill Shalvis

 When you think of lips, what do you think about? Eating, talking, lipstick, luscious, lust, kissing? Check out these 8 mind-blowing facts about lips you didn’t know!

1. Your lips are 100 x more sensitive than your fingertips

Your lips have millions of nerve endings and no protective layer, making them extra sensitive to external stimuli. I guess that’s why kissing is so magical. 

2. Just like fingerprints, your lip mark is unique

 No one person has the same lip mark as you, making you even more unique than you thought! 

3.    Kissing helps you find your soulmate

 When your lips lock with someone else, you allow for a biological information exchange to occur and this lets you take in the pheromones of your partner. Pheromones help determine the scent of others. Apparently, women prefer the scent of a man whose immune system differs from theirs. How awesome is that! 

4.    Red lips are sexier

According to a study in France, sociologists showed that waitresses who wear red lipstick earn bigger tips. Wonder why? Because lipstick makes the lips look more like the vagina’s labia. Who would’ve guessed! Ladies, if you are single, pucker up those lips with some red lipstick.

5.    The pinkish tint of your lips is a result of blood vessels

Your lips only have 3 to 6 opaque layers of tissue. Therefore, the blood vessels underneath influence your lip colour.

6.    Lips are the only body part that is created inside the body and has extensions outside.

 The mucous membrane is responsible for creating the tissues around the lips.

7.    Lips get thinner as you age

Research says that during development and puberty, your lips are fuller and plumper because of the higher estrogen and collagen levels in your body. As you age, estrogen and collagen levels drop, making your lips thinner. So, the size of your lips actually expresses your fertility.

8.  Lips do not sweat

Lips do not contain sweat glands. Well, thank goodness for that! I can’t think of anything worse than kissing a sweaty lip. 

 This completes our list of 8 facts about lips.

To keep your lips in their most kissable condition, contact us at The Renewal Clinic to find out more about one of our products called Luscious Lips.

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What is IS Clinical® Fire and Ice treatment?

What is IS Clinical®  Fire and Ice clinical treatment? 

“If the world is cold, make it your business to build fires” – Horace Traubel

And it probably won’t hurt looking smoking hot too! With the world of aesthetics changing daily, your choices of treatments are unlimited. But you don’t need to look any further, because Beverly Hills has brought their pioneering beautifying skin treatment to our shores.

Known as the “Red Carpet Facial”, this multi-step clinical treatment will brighten, smooth, tighten, and rejuvenate your skin.

It is a bridge between a mild facial and an invasive peel, but the perk is that it has no downtime, making you ready for that red carpet event, or boosting your confidence to conquer the world.

 A-listers such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jessica Alba, and Michelle Keegan follow this treatment and it has been the top-selling treatment each year for the past 23 years at the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills.

 Let’s take a closer look at how the Fire and Ice treatment works and how your skin can benefit from it.

 How does the Fire and Ice Treatment Work?

 The leading brand in cosmeceutical skincare is Is Clinical® Fire & Ice Treatment. This is a result-driven treatment to cleanse and treat problematic skin, blemishes, acne, scarring, reduce fine lines, help treat hyperpigmentation and rosacea, and encourage cellular renewal. 

The Fire and Ice Treatment, with the emphasis being on the word treatment, differs from a facial because it has a deeper reach, allowing for deep change to occur with long-lasting results, but without any downtime.

The Fire & Ice treatment uses a combination of hot and cold techniques to increase blood flow and circulation.

The treatment consists of two masques; Fire & Ice, serums, and moisturizers. The Fire masque aims to smooth out and resurface your skin through heat application. The Ice masque cools and soothes your skin, leaving it hydrated and nourished. The combined treatment results in glowing and refreshed skin. The treatment can be used on the face, neck, and décolleté.

 The Fire masque is a controlled clinical exfoliating process and contains ingredients such as vitamin B3, retinol, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, unbuffered glycolic acid, and potent antioxidants, including green tea extracts. The Ice masque is the cool, rejuvenating, soothing, and intensively hydrating component. It contains hyaluronic acid, Aloe Vera gel, Japanese green tea extracts, licorice, grape seed, and rosemary extracts. This pampering part of the facial cools the initial peel and leaves the skin glowing. It even sounds glamourous, doesn’t it?

While this treatment is being performed, its warm and cooling action will activate your senses and evoke aromas of warm cinnamon and brisk cool peppermint. During the fire masque application, it is common for you to feel a slight tingling or burning sensation. The ice masque will neutralize the burning sensation and your skin will be completely rejuvenated and soothed.

 The treatment is of such a gentle nature that it is suited for any skin type, including women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and undergoing cancer treatment.

 With the Fire & Ice Treatment, you will immediately feel dramatically refined skin, with no negative effects like inflammation, irritation, prolonged redness, or shedding. This means you can even have the treatment done during your lunch hour!

Contact us at The Renewal Clinic for an appointment. 

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How can I boost my immunity during this anticipated third wave of Covid19 in South Africa?

How can I boost my immunity during this anticipated third wave of Covid19 in South Africa?

As of 12 April 2021, South Africa has reported just over 1,56 million positive cases, with 1,48 million recoveries and sadly over 53 000 deaths. Just as we thought the vaccine rollout would bring our country to a new normal, “experts are warning a third, even deadlier wave could be approaching” (Source)

Over the past 13 months, South Africa has been through two devastating and deadly waves of Covid-19, with a third approaching as the rollout of vaccines is slower than expected. Dr. Waasila Jassat, a public health specialist at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, reports that “The lessons ahead of the third wave is that it is likely to come, it is likely to be bigger than the first two waves if the evidence from other countries is anything to go by.”

Besides the national guidelines of keeping a safe social distance, the correct wearing and usage of face masks, and frequent hand sanitizing, the question on everyone’s minds is how can we boost our immunity for the upcoming and fast approaching third wave?

The relationship between your liver and immunity

We all know that diet is essential in boosting one’s immune system naturally, but it is often difficult to avoid food additives, alcohol, refined oils, dairy, gluten, eggs, hormones in food, caffeine, and refined sugar. These foods weaken the immune system because these types of foods impair the production and activity of immune cells and antibodies, making us more susceptible to viruses, bacteria, and diseases in general.

According to the Cleveland Clinic in 2018, the liver’s main function within the digestive system is to process nutrients absorbed from the small intestines. But because of our diets and natural environments being more toxic than before, including the air we breathe and the water we drink, our livers are filtering excessive amounts of toxins, thus putting strain on this organ.

This ultimately leads to a toxic burden. This means that our bodies become ineffective at digestion and fat breakdown causing weight gain and a general feeling of being tired, sluggish, and bloated. Diseases such as toxic liver, fatty liver disease, and even liver cancer can develop too. And without your liver functioning at full capacity, well, you can see how this directly affects your overall health and immunity.

The common indicators of needing a liver cleanse include:

  • Feeling stressed
  • Constantly waking up between 2 am and 4 am (not related to noise or light)
  • Diarrhoea, constipation of strong-odor bowel movements
  • Dark coloured Urine
  • Frequent Headaches and migraines
  • Acne, greasy, oily, or dull skin
  • Brain fog or being forgetful

But these are not the only symptoms that could occur. An unhealthy liver can even lead to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental illness, thyroid-related problems, high cholesterol, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune disorders, and naturally, an overall suppressed immune system due to chronic infection, low T cells, and reduced NK cells.

And so, it is recommended that you should cleanse your liver regularly so that it can function optimally. In some cases, it can even take up to 3 years to cleanse your liver!

Recommending NAD+ Complex to support the liver detox

Liver detox has become a popular, and controversial, topic, as there are a vast number of detoxification protocols, diets, supplements, and products, but the truth remains that a healthy liver delivers a healthy body.

Your liver detoxes itself naturally but even the healthiest of us are still surrounded by toxins in our natural environments and homes, so we often need some additional support. This is where I am excited to introduce the NAD+ complex.

Bear with me while I glorify this product. NAD+ Complex is a cell energy-boosting supplement with DNA protection! This supplement contains 19 active ingredients, which support your immune system. The magic of this supplement is that it is also the 1st nutraceutical that is anti-ageing. NAD+ Complex is a uniquely South African product developed by the Centre for Human Metabolomics & Biochemistry Division at North West University and is certified by the MCC of South Africa.

The supplement consists of 3 complexes that promote overall healing and health from the inside out, as it restores DNA damages.

Anti-Oxidant – this supports the oxidation process by actively targeting free radicals and providing extra support against inflammation.

NADplus+ Complex – is a coenzyme that works within the mitochondria to enhance metabolism, generate more energy, and protect DNA.

Detox Complex – this fully supports liver detoxification phase 1 and 2 by removing environmental toxins from the gut, and assists the liver’s regeneration and detoxification process by blocking inflammation caused by free radicals and toxins within the body and skin cells.

With healthy levels of NAD+, your cells will stay strong and resilient and so we highly recommend the use of this product in preparing yourself for the 3rd covid-19 wave while ensuring more longevity and an overall healthier long-term lifestyle.

NAD+ complex is stocked at The Renewal Clinic. Call us today and take the first step in protecting yourself from the inside out.

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4 Skin types and 11 skin concerns you should know about.

Your alarm clock goes off; it’s 05:30. The kids are starting to stir. Your eyes burn a little while being open. You stay in bed for a whole 120 seconds before chaos ensues. You need to get the kids dressed, fed, wipe off (and up) sloppy kisses, find the kids’ shoes, ensure they have their homework, remember to greet your husband, oh and somewhere in between all of this, you need to care for yourself too. So, with the 60 seconds you have left, you splash some water on your face, apply a quick makeup, and off you go to start the day of constant ups and downs, and this and that. When you finally have the kids back in bed, you take a sip of your ice-cold coffee, splash some water and soap on your face, and head to bed.


Does this sound familiar at all? Well, it does to me. This was me until I realized the importance of skincare and how protecting and caring for my skin is not actually “me time”, but a necessity for overall health.

For your specialised skincare concerns. discover the NEOSTRATA®️ difference.


Why is Skincare important?


DermSpecialists, A Forefront Dermatology Practice, has identified that besides the obvious reason that your skin adds a few layers of protection to your organs, it also makes up 15% of your body weight and weighs about 4 kilograms. Your skin also amounts to approximately 2 square meters and has at least 5 different receptors that respond to pain and touch. This supports the fact that your skin is your largest organ, functioning as a temperature regulator and protecting your bones, muscles, and organs from outside infection and disease.


There is not one person like you, and that means your skin is unique to you too. But when it comes to skin health and care, we have been lucky enough to identify 4 skin types that will enable you to determine the best skincare and health regimes suited for the unique you.


This post will explore these 4 skin types and also highlight 11 skin concerns that you should be aware of, to ensure your skin health is optimal.


The 4 Skin Types


Regardless of your age, gender or ethnicity, we have all experienced at least one of the 4 skin types in our lives. These types are Normal/Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Oily Skin, or Sensitive skin. But have you ever truly been able to effectively identify the symptoms of your current skin condition as it may change from time to time?


Let’s take a closer look at the 4 different skin types.

Normal/Combination Skin

This is when your skin is neither too dry nor too oily but could be a bit of a combination in certain areas. If you experience oiliness and shine on your forehead, nose and chin a few hours after washing it and having normal or dry skin on the cheeks and along your jawline, then your skin is classified as “combination skin”

Sensitive Skin

This classification occurs if you experience stinging, itching, burning, dryness, redness, and acne breakouts as a result of chemicals, stress, and environmental or social triggers.

Dry Skin

This skin type is usually classified when light flaking and skin tightness occurs. This can range from mild to severe where the skin can even be extremely rough and scaly.

Sensitive Skin

This classification occurs if you experience stinging, itching, burning, dryness, redness, and acne breakouts as a result of chemicals, stress, and environmental or social triggers.

By being able to identify your skin type, it will help you understand triggers and skin responses and also enable you to seek the most suited home care regime. It is also important to know your skin type so you can be on the lookout for the 11 skin concerns that may develop.

NEOSTRATA® skincare collections include multiple results-driven products for your skincare concerns. Build your regimen here

What are the 11 Skin Concerns?

To help aid your journey to skin health, let’s take a closer look at the 11 skin conditions that may arise.

Aging:

Accumulated sun exposure is the main cause of visible signs of aging. This condition is called photoaging and is characteristic of lax, unevenly pigmented, wrinkled, dull, and lifeless skin.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles:

These first tend to appear around the eyes and mouth and are also primarily caused by sun exposure and photoaging.

Dry or Scaly Skin:

As mentioned above, dry or scaly skin varies from mild to severe flaking and skin tightness and can even become a rough hyperkeratotic disorder.

Acne & Blemishes:

As mentioned above, your skin is blemished if you are acne-prone and have monthly breakouts or breakouts due to stress. Acne can occur on the face, back and chest.

Dark Circles & Crow’s Feet:

The dark circles beneath our eyes become more visible as we age. This is because the skin becomes thinner, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area.

Uneven Skin Tone & Dark Spots:

If you have any areas of discolouration on your face, chest, shoulders, or hands, then your skin is classified as uneven. This condition is usually a result of sun exposure over the years. Age or dark spots, also known as sunspots, are visible signs of photoaging. Your skin can also become discoloured after pregnancy or as a result of oral contraceptives.

Lax or Sagging Skin:

When you lose the tone or firmness of your skin, your skin appears to be lax or sagging. This is most commonly caused by sun exposure or gravity.

Blotchy Skin:

This is classified when your skin is prone to redness. You may find that you flush easily to reactions, heat, and oxidative stress.

Keratosis Pilaris:

This is a skin (follicular) condition that is classified when rough bumps appear around hair follicles, on the back and outer side, or the upper arms and thighs. It almost resembles goosebumps. This is a very common condition and may be cosmetically troubling but it is not harmful. KP will disappear with increasing age.

Dull Skin:

This is classified when your skin lacks radiance or glow. Again, this is usually a result of aging due to accumulated sun exposure.Psoriasis: This is classified when you have severely dry skin that causes scaliness, is uncomfortable and calloused.

Psoriasis:

This is classified when you have severely dry skin that causes scaliness, is uncomfortable and calloused.

By being able to identify these 11 skin concerns as well as your skin type, it will enable you with the knowledge to seek the correct treatment options to restore and have healthier skin.

At the Renewal Clinic, we stock and use ideal combinations of Neostrata® products. The manufacturing and science behind these products have been backed by their heritage of breakthrough dermatological research and have been designed to, not only give you noticeable results that improve over time, but also to reveal your best skin.

Skincare is never one size fits all. NEOSTRATA®️ formulates their products to tackle a wide spectrum of universal concerns for every skin type and condition.

Visit us at the Renewal Clinic so we can help you care for your skin in the best possible way, with the little time that you have. Who knows, you might just be able to enjoy that warm cup of coffee too! Book your appointment today 066 240 0134

*This post was inspired by NEOSTRATA®️

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Why is it important to wear sunscreen during the winter months?

Why is it important to wear sunscreen during the winter months?


According to CANSA, it only takes 15 minutes for skin burn to occur and the damage caused is permanent. In 2014, more than 20 000 South Africans were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, and more than 1500 were diagnosed with melanoma. Further, researchers are predicting that these figures will increase by 300% globally as a result of the thinning ozone layers.


A scary fact is that UVA rays are present at the same strength from dusk to dawn and even penetrate cloud cover. This means that skin damage is not just more likely to occur in the hotter months, but in the colder months too, and all year round.


UV radiation is dangerous for outdoor labourers, active people, children, and even those just driving to work. Rays can reflect off objects, and even people working from home near a glass window are vulnerable to UVA skin damage.
CANSA states, “Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and SA has one of the highest monitored ultraviolet (UV) levels in the world, resulting in one of the highest skin cancer rates globally.” So, we recommend you follow Dermalogica’s Education Manager, Victoria Schofield, advise and wear SPF daily, whatever the weather.


In this post, we’ll define the difference between UVA, UVB, and SPF, discuss the importance of wearing sunscreen and note some really easy ways you can prevent (further) skin damage.

What is UVA & UVB?


If you are like me, the terms UVA and UVB sound a little too technical. So, let’s try to break this down in an easy way. UV stands for Ultraviolet. Ultraviolet is defined as radiation exposure.


The most common UV light is UVB. These are the high-energy rays that penetrate and cause your skin to burn due to sun exposure.

UVA is the rays related to Aging. These rays are longer and have lower energy, so you may not necessarily experience a sunburn, but aging will occur as it penetrates the deeper dermis and causes damage to your structural collagen.
So, the main difference between UVA and UVB is the strength of their rays, which either leads to sunburn or signs of skin aging.

Why is sun protection Important?


Although the main difference between UVA and UVB is the strength of their rays, both still cause cellular and DNA damage that leads to the common symptoms of aged skin: lines, sagging, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancers.

UVB is the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancers, whereas UVA suppresses your immune system, causes harmful free radicals to form in the skin, and increases the risk of developing melanoma.


According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin pre-cancers by using SPF 15 sunscreen daily. You can reduce your chances of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by 40% and melanoma risks by 50%.

What does SPF mean?


SPF is defined as the Sun Protection Factor and the number acts as a sunburn meter that indicates the time it would take for the sun’s UVB rays to redden your skin. This means that if you properly use an SPF 30, it would take 30 times longer for you to burn than if you were not wearing sunscreen.

The general misconception comes in when we assume that the number indicates the time in minutes we can stay in the sun before needing to reapply SPF.


Interestingly, when using an SPF of 100, it is assumed that you can stay in the sun for twice as long as opposed to using an SFP 50, but this is incorrect. SPF 50 blocks out 98% of UVB rays whereas SPF100 blocks out 99%. So this means that SPF values between 30 and 50 provide adequate sunburn protection, even for people who are sensitive to the sun.
You would need to determine the correct SPF you would require to be properly protected.

How to Calculate Sun Protection (SPF)?

To be properly protected, use the following equation.

  1. Determine the time it would normally take you to burn without protection. Usually, 15 – 20 minutes of no sun protection will cause redness.
  2. Multiply this number by the SPF indicated on the product. Example: SPF 30 x 20 minutes = Sun time of 600 minutes.
  3. Take this value and divide it by 60 = 10 hours of sun protection without sunburn.

Taking the South African climate into consideration, you should still reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.


Do not fall victim to becoming another melanoma stat. Protect yourself from the damaging and potentially life-threatening UVA and UVB rays by applying the correct SPF for the occasion.

We recommend that you use Heliocare’s Fernblock®️ daily as this pioneering scientific technology offers strong protection and repair mechanisms against UV radiation.


We stock a variety of Heliocare 360 and Heliocare Advanced products at Heidelberg Renewal Clinic. Contact us to order today. We have a FREE delivery service in the Heidelberg Gauteng area.

Listen to the classic song from Baz Luhrmann: Everybody’s free to wear sunscreen

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What is hyperpigmentation?

What is Hyperpigmentation?

 

Have you noticed how dark marks and spots have appeared on your skin, especially after turning 25? And have you noticed how these marks increase and become darker with age? Well, that is what hyperpigmentation is. One in three women over the age of 40 will suffer from this skin disorder, regardless of their skin colour. The stats are daunting, stating that this could increase to 90% once you reach 50 or older.


What can I do to combat hyperpigmentation?

Dr. Sandra Carstens at Renewal Clinic Heidelberg have recently adopted the MELINE® Skin Treatment range especially developed for helping with Hyperpigmentation.

The MELINE® Skin Treatment range is the only medical-aesthetic brand that specializes in treating and eliminating skin pigmentation, especially hyperpigmentation, in all different kinds of skin. It acts at a cellular level to get to the root of the pathology. It regulates the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes to eradicate and prevent the appearance of dark marks. And so, this product can also treat Melano-hematic pigmentations, Melasma, Chloasma, signs of aging, and Acne.


How do I know it will work?

The clinical evidence is interchangeable with the proof being in the pudding! 85% of patients with acne-prone skin and 65% of Melano-hematic patients achieved excellent results. And a bonus 95% of hyperpigmentation cases achieved a significant reduction in fine lines of aging skin. By following a prescribed treatment plan from Dr. Sandra using the MELINE® Skin Treatment range.

How do I have to adjust my homecare routine after utilising this prescribed treatment plan?

Whether applied to the face, body parts, or intimate areas, the treatments provide fast and effective results.  This magnificent product is also safe for Caucasian and Ethnic skin types. To achieve optimal results, the in-clinic treatments have to be supported by a strong home care regime.  Our genop trained therapists, Lezanne, Elize and Sybil will recommend the correct home care products to use. And they are super easy to apply!

How does the MELINE® treatment at Renewal Clinic Heidelberg work?

The in-clinic treatment options include controlled dermabrasion where the top layer of dead skin is peeled away. The chemical peel treatment is a simple 60-minute session. You would need to repeat the treatment after about 4 weeks.

Micro needling can also be prescribed for deeper more stubborn marks. Solar lentigines and hyperkeratosis can be treated with only one session but, if needed, a second treatment will be suggested 45 days later. Intimate areas can be treated as easily, with repeat sessions every 30 days until the desired result is achieved.

To us the MELINE® is not just an aesthetic and medical product, but also a skin rejuvenation cure.

Contact Renewal Clinic today and let us help you battle your hyperpigmentation because when you have healthy skin, your mind and soul will feel healthy too!

FAQ


Q: Will this treatment help with Melasma?


A: Yes! It is suitable for all types of pigmentation including melasma, PIH(Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) and hyperpigmentation caused by the sun.


Q: Can I do this treatment even if I have acne prone skin?


A: Yes! With the chemical dermabrasion action the product can reduce redness and inflammation by providing a resurfacing effect. This is actually good for acne. This product will also reduce pigmented scarring and breakout marks.


Q: Is MELINE® range suitable for all skin types?


A: Definitely! With the correct treatment plan from Dr. Sandra we’ll be able to work with all skin types


Q: Is there a timeline associated with the results?


A: This will depend on the type of pigmentation. Melasma pigmentation may need more sessions and it is recommended to follow through with the homecare routine to effectively combat your pigmentation.


Q: How long will my downtime be?


A: After a treatment in the clinic, your skin shedding process might begin around 48 hours after the application. You will know it is working when your skin becomes red and flaky. This will last around 3-4 days.