What do you want to achieve? This may sound like an obvious question, but the answer varies from person to person. The answer will determine the type of skin product you use and the skin care treatment you undergo. If all you want is to get rid of acne or acne scars there would be no point in buying an anti wrinkle cream or undergoing wrinkle treatment. So think carefully about what you want and the results you are looking for before purchasing anything or signing up to any treatment.

Products for skin care

What if I have a number of concerns or issues that need addressing? Most people will find that they want to correct and improve more than one area. It could be that they have old acne scars that need reducing, but at the same time they want to improve the general look and feel of their skin. If you feel you need expert help and advice then book a consultation at a Therapie Clinic. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to take your through the available options to find a treatment that suits you.

Is there an overall treatment that can help with wrinkles, skin tone etc?

Yes, there are a number of skin care treatments that can address more than one concern. They are chemical peels, jet peels, microdermabrasion and laser skin rejuvenation. Each is capable of tackling a number of issues with varying degrees of severity.

Chemical peels

There are a number of different types of peel and each one goes a little deeper into the skin. The deeper they go, the more they can achieve; but the higher the risk. However, when performed by a professional the risks are minimal. If you decide to opt for a home chemical peel it is recommended that you seek professional advice before you make a purchase. Chemical peels can help with a range of complaints, from fine to deep wrinkles, scarring and skin pigmentation.

Microdermabrasion

This uses a device that applies pressure to the skin, along with a solution that has tiny micro crystals in it. In effect, it helps to sweep away dead cells, leaving the skin looking brighter and more radiant. This skin care treatment can help remove fine lines, shallow scars and sunburn damage. In addition, it will also assist the skin by allowing it to absorb up to 50% more of the skincare products that are applied to it.

Laser skin rejuvenation

This treatment involves using a laser to pinpoint the areas that need to be addressed. The laser has multiple beams that target the area and create micro wounds in the skin. This may sound painful, but a local freezing agent will be used on the area to be treated, so you will not feel a thing. Laser treatment can help with wrinkles, sun damaged skin, scars, stretch marks and spider veins.

Micro-needling is also known as derma-rolling or collagen induction therapy. The treatment uses a small rolling device that has lots of tiny needles all over its surface. These needles are evenly, but closely spaced and when the device is rolled over the skin they penetrate the epidermis. A topical anaesthetic is applied before micro-needling.

What is micro-needling and how does it work?

Micro-needling treatment is used to improve the appearance of skin blemishes, marks and scars. Wrinkles, acne, cellulite and sun damaged skin can also benefit from this form of treatment. The treatment usually takes about half an hour and the derma-roller is carefully rolled over the affected area.

The needles penetrate into the dermis layer, which is found immediately below the epidermis. By penetrating this layer it forces the skin to go into immediate healing mode. By doing this repeatedly, over a number of weeks or months, the skin disorder can be reduced and in many cases will clear up completely.

How quickly does the treatment work?

This all depends on the way you are treated and how severe the initial condition is. The skin naturally renews itself once every 40 days and by giving it further stimulation this process can be speeded up. Achieving the desired result may take a number of months, but on average, improvements can be seen within one to two weeks.

Can micro-needling be carried out at home?

Yes, it can be done at home. There are home kits that enable you to purchase derma-rollers for home use. They generally come in three needle lengths, 0.5mm, 1.0mm and 1.5mm. In comparison, professional derma-rollers come in additional lengths of 2mm and 2.5mm. There are also specially designed needles that are better for the hard to reach places.

Although micro needling can be done at home it is advisable to avoid doing it yourself. Too much pressure on the skin could cause additional and unwanted damage. Although many skincare treatments can be carried out at home there are some that should remain in the professional’s hands and this is one of them.

Micro-needling before and after

If you are not convinced that micro-needling can help you the best option is to check out a range of before and after photos. Although they may seem too good to believe, they are accurate. The human body and its skin is remarkable, it can heal from extreme damage leaving only the barest of scars. Given the right amount of time and stimulation the skin is capable of miraculous things. By giving the body’s own healing system a kick-start you can begin the process of achieving the skin you have always dreamed off.

For further information on Micro-needling Treatment please contact Therapie Clinic on 1890 650 750.

Considering Botox treatments for facial wrinkles?

Botox is a trade name referring to botulinum toxin Type A. When injected into facial muscles, the toxin weakens them so that they can no longer wrinkle up. The face therefore takes on a more relaxed appearance, since wrinkles are associated with a tense look. As the muscles relax, the skin across the face tends to flatten out, looking both smoother and younger. The effects of Botox are temporary and although its benefits typically last for months, eventually the muscle will recover and wrinkles will begin to reappear. At this point, further Botox injections will be necessary in order to restore the improvements. When a carefully calibrated schedule of injections is followed it may be possible to keep wrinkles at bay indefinitely.

Uses of Botox

Botulinum toxin Type A is actually useful for a variety of medical applications, including muscle spasms, excessive production of sweat and facial tics. There are also a variety of cosmetic uses of Botox. Worldwide, it has been effectively employed to combat the so-called “frown lines” that can appear between the eyebrows, as well as to soften and relax lines that cross the bridge of the nose. In some countries, doctors use Botox to treat crow’s feet, the splayed pattern of lines radiating from the outside corners of the eyes. Lines and wrinkles crossing the throat, sometimes called turkey neck, can also be treated effectively using Botox. In Australia, however, the only officially approved cosmetic application of Botox is to minimise frown lines.

Cautions regarding Botox

Botox is not appropriate for everyone. Before professional cosmetic treatment centres such as Therapie Clinic, will treat a patient with Botox, some standard precautions must be observed. Patients should not receive Botox treatments if they are allergic to any of the ingredients included in the solution to be injected and anyone who has any sort of infection in the muscles to be treated is should not be treated. In addition, patients who suffer from muscle disorders are not appropriate subjects; this includes conditions such as Eaton Lambert syndrome, myasthenia gravis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

It is also important that patients inform their health care professionals if they are taking antibiotics or if they are pregnant or intend to become so in the near future. While these factors may not rule out Botox treatment, they must be taken into account in order to determine if such treatment is appropriate at the current time.

What is Botox treatment like?

Botox is injected using a very fine and thin needle into precisely determined sites. The goal is to target specific muscles and accomplishing this goal takes a highly skilled and experienced practitioner. Most patients experience little or no discomfort, because the needle is so fine that it can hardly be felt. At most, patients describe the sensation of the injection as resembling a tiny insect sting. There is typically very little aftercare required and patients should schedule renewal treatments at four to six monthly intervals.

For further information on anti-wrinkle treatments please call Therapie Clinic on 1890 650 750.

Therapie Clinic specialise in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, crows feet and deep-set grooves on the face. If you are looking to achieve a younger, fresher appearance please phone Therapie Clinic on 1890 650 750.

For thousands of years, women have sought to “turn back the clock” and eliminate the visible signs of ageing so that they can appear young and vibrant well into their golden years. Until the modern era, however, the available treatments for challenges such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and sun damage were ineffective at best and actually harmful in some cases. Thankfully, those days are gone and women can now take advantage of a wide range of anti-wrinkle treatments that are highly effective – so much so that some of the top celebrities in the world appear to be 20 or even 30 years younger than their true ages.

These treatments are effective against more than simple wrinkles, however; they can also help to eliminate visible problem areas like circles under the eyes and a loss of elasticity in the skin. What are these modern miracles that can take years off a woman’s age? In two words: cosmetic injections.

There are several different substances used as cosmetic injections, but they fall into two main classes: dermal fillers and botulism-based treatments.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are based on the concept of filling in the wrinkle to plump it out so that it becomes less visible to the naked eye. Indeed, when a dermal filler is injected correctly, wrinkles can appear to disappear completely. Most dermal fillers consist of substances that are gradually absorbed by the body. This means that over time the effect of the dermal filler will fade and the treatment will need to be repeated.

Collagen is an example of such a filler. A natural substance itself, it can help to eliminate even deep wrinkle lines and even helps to reduce the appearance of scars. Treatments need to be repeated at four to six month intervals to maintain their beneficial effects. Hyaluronic acid, in contrast, is effective for up to a year, but is most effective against tiny wrinkle lines that appear near the mouth and forehead. Its close cousin hyaluronan can be used to treat deep lines and even acne scars and is considered a good alternative to collagen, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Other forms of dermal fillers are actually permanent. Polyacrylamide, for example, counts as a form of implant once injected, though it remains soft and pliable.

Botulism treatments

Commonly known as Botox, these treatments consist of a toxin produced by the botulism strain of bacteria. Many patients react with concern to hear this word, since in other contexts botulism can represent a serious food poisoning problem. However, the botulism toxin can also be of great use in cosmetic applications because tiny quantities of it induce paralysis in muscles when injected. This means that Botox treatments in the muscle of the forehead, for example, make it impossible for patients to wrinkle up their foreheads. The end result is a smooth plane across the forehead instead of the characteristic wrinkles that may be a product of natural aging or of premature aging due to factors such as sun damage or a history of smoking.

For further tips on Anti-Ageing and Anti-Wrinkle Treatments please book a free consultation with Therapie Clinic by calling
1890 650 750.

Anti-Ageing Treatment Links

• Anti-Wrinkle Injectables and Fillers
• Micro-Needling Treatment
• JetPeel Treatment
• Image Skincare Peels – Prescribed Peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Skin Rejuvenation

The term ‘spider veins’ refers to small, superficial veins on the legs that have become enlarged. Because of this dilation, the veins become visible; taking on a characteristic pattern that somewhat resembles a spider’s web.

Although there is no definitive explanation to explain why some people develop spider veins and others do not, researchers have noted a number of strong correlations. For example, people who have varicose veins are more likely to suffer from spider veins. In addition, spider veins tend to appear in women, following a pregnancy. They are also associated, to some degree, with the ageing process itself. Other factors that can contribute to their development include standing or sitting for long periods of time, using hormone-based treatments, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies and physical damage to the leg resulting from an impact or a fall.

On the other hand, individuals who maintain a normal weight for their height and who exercise regularly tend to be less likely to develop severe problems with spider veins.

Treatment of spider veins

The most widely used treatment for spider veins is known as sclerotherapy, which causes the affected veins to collapse. At this point, no additional blood is available to the vein, which means that it becomes less visible. Over time, the body breaks down the now-useless vein and absorbs it, at which point the problem will have been eliminated.

To cause the vein to collapse, a very thin needle is inserted into it and a solution is injected. Initially, this causes the vein to become inflamed, after which it collapses.

What is the treatment like?

The needle used during the procedure is so thin and fine that no anaesthetics or other form of sedation are required. Patients may feel a small degree of discomfort when the solution first begins to flow into the vein being treated; typically this takes the form of a minor sensation of cramping, which normally fades in just a few minutes. Once the injection has been completed, the puncture site will be covered with a gauze bandage; the legs, in contrast, will be covered with an elastic bandage that provides a very mild degree of compression. The entire process generally takes less than three-quarters of an hour, even when multiple veins require treatment.

The procedure does not impede the patient’s mobility, indeed, it is best if patients are up and walking as soon as the treatment session has concluded. The elastic bandage should be worn for a full 24 hours, but the small puncture wounds will typically heal with no further intervention. Full results, the disappearance of the spider veins, usually takes around a month. Over the course of this time, the spider veins will gradually vanish from sight. For full details on the procedure contact Therapie Clinic

Repeated treatments

The average patient will need more than one treatment to completely eliminate spider veins. The exact number will depend on how severe the veins are and how much improvement is required. Even after a course of treatment has been completed and the problem has been reduced by as much as 90%, further maintenance treatments may be necessary to eliminate new spider veins, as they form.

For detailed advice on spider vein treatment and spider vein removal please contact Therapie Clinic on 1890 650 750.

In some areas of life, the old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is spot on accurate. Sun spots are one such area.

What is a sun spot?

A sun spot is an area of skin that has been damaged by too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation. While many sun spots consist simply of darkened areas, where the body has produced extra pigmentation, others may appear as rough and flaky areas; they may even be scaly, crusty, or red.

While it is true that sunburn is more common among people with fair skin, sun spots can occur in all skin types, including olive complexions. Sun spots typically take many years to develop, which means that they are more likely to affect people who have a lifestyle that sees them spending extended periods of time outdoors, in sunlight.

What is wrong with sun spots?

In the past, people thought that sun spots were merely a natural consequence of the ageing process and that having them was not really any sort of problem. Even then, however, some considered them a cosmetic issue and tried to cover them up with layers of makeup or other type of concealer.

Today, however, it is recognised that sun spots sometimes develop into sites where skin cancer can develop. With this understanding came the classification of sun spots as being pre-cancerous in nature. This means that people are much better off taking steps to prevent their formation. While it may not be possible to prevent them entirely, particularly in people who are more susceptible to them, a great deal can be done to mitigate their development.

Preventing sun spots

The most important thing to do is to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, as much as possible. In particular, try not to let sunlight directly strike your skin between the hours of 10am and 3pm, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

A variety of simple strategies can help avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Wear clothing that covers your skin; clothing rated for sun exposure is more effective than standard kinds of fabric. Be sure to wear a hat with a wide, solid brim. Again, one made out of sun-proof fabric is the most effective. Staying in the shade is another good strategy, although it should be remembered that even sunlight reflected off the pavement can cause skin damage.

Sunscreen is a must; to be effective, it should be rated at least SPF 30 and should be applied at least 20 minutes before exposure. Reapply sun block at frequent intervals, no more than two hours apart. Some dermatologists also advise that it be applied thickly enough to be visible.

When sun spots do occur

Therapie Clinic advise that it is a good idea to have sun spots removed by laser, so that they cannot develop into a host site for cancerous cells.

For further information on treating sun damaged skin please contact Therapie Clinic on 1890 650 750.

In its most basic form, pigmentation simply refers to the levels of colours present in our skin. Almost all of us have some level of pigmentation; this is what gives us our skin tones. Only albinos, who lack the chemical melanin in their skin, are completely free from pigmentation.

Most have pigmentation that varies somewhat from one patch of skin to another; very few of us have completely even skin tones. For example, freckles represent places on the skin that have heightened levels of pigmentation. Freckles are not generally a problem for those who have them, but other kinds of pigmentation irregularities can be.

As we age, the level of pigmentation tends to increase, due to a variety of factors. These include exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and the increased production of hormones that occurs at the onset of puberty. These factors can cause us to develop darker spots and blotches on the skin; in some cases they may be much larger than the typical freckle. Most people will have noticed this increased pigmentation in friends or relatives, if not yet in themselves. The spots or blotches go by various common names, such as age spots, sun spots and for those with a more scientific approach, melasma.

Although age spots can appear anywhere, they are typically found in areas that have had significant levels of exposure to the elements. They include the face, hands, shoulders, back and upper chest area. Sun spots, or age spots, are less frequently seen on areas such as the legs.

What all these spots have in common is that they are typically considered to be somewhat unsightly. It may seem that there is nothing to be done about them, since they will not wash off, but there are actually effective treatments available. One of the most effective is to remove them using laser treatment.

How does laser pigmentation treatment work?

Pigmentation spots consist of additional melanin that the body has produced in response to stimuli such as hormones or sun exposure. This melanin is typically present deep in the layers of the skin. Laser treatment works by focusing parallel beams of light at a specific wavelength, which is designed to reach the correct layer so that it can deal with the melanin. The laser affects the melanin in such a way that the body breaks it down and removes it using natural processes.

Laser pigmentation treatment is most effective if the skin to be treated has been shielded for at least two weeks from excessive ultraviolet rays. This means avoiding both direct sunlight and artificial sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds.

The skin area treated will look slightly worse directly after the treatment; for example, spots will be darker. However, it will only take a few days before the body begins to carry the damaged melanin away. At this point the skin will take on a more even tone as spots begin to fade away.

To find out about more about skin pigmentation treatments please call Therapie Clinic on 1890 650 750.

Rosacea is a skin condition commonly mistaken for acne or sunburn, since it produces symptoms that are similar. The most common signs of rosacea are red areas on the face, blemishes that resemble pimples and areas that appear to have burst capillaries. Early symptoms may be as mild as a tendency for the face to flush easily. As the condition progresses, flushing typically becomes a more extensive problem, with bouts coming on more rapidly and frequently and lasting longer. Eventually this red “blush” appearance of the face may become permanent.

Who suffers from rosacea?

This skin condition is quite common and can occur in people of any age. However, it most commonly affects people in their 30s and 40s and children only on very rare occasions. Fair-skinned individuals are more likely to suffer from rosacea than those who have naturally darker skin tones.

Although the entire face, including ears and neck can be affected by rosacea, it is far more common for the reddened areas to be limited to the cheeks and nose. It forms a loose “butterfly” pattern that is actually a helpful sign for diagnosing rosacea, since sufferers may simply believe that they blush easily or that they are very prone to sunburn.

Another sign that rosacea may be present is the appearance of “burst capillaries” on the skin. In fact, these are not tiny blood vessels that have broken open, but are blood vessels that are dilating or getting wider. Known as telangiectases, these can be seen just below the surface of the skin, where they appear like a fine network.

What causes rosacea?

Unfortunately, skin researchers have yet to identify a definitive cause. What has been discovered, so far, is that certain behaviour tends to make the condition worse once it appears. Drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods can cause rosacea sufferers to have an outbreak of flushing, bumps, or “burst” capillaries. Those who are already experiencing an outbreak may find that it worsens.

Hot drinks can also aggravate the condition, as can sun damage. Rosacea sufferers are typically instructed to avoid these as much as possible and to use a strong sunscreen when exposure to the sun is unavoidable. This can be problematic, however, because rosacea patients frequently find that their skin is sensitive to the ingredients used in many sunscreens and even some moisturising lotions.

Rosacea treatments

Relief from the condition can be achieved by taking the antibiotic tetracycline orally, but most sufferers find that the remission is temporary and must be renewed with periodic low doses of the drug. In some cases, the tetracycline can be delivered topically. Metronidazole, another antibiotic, can also be effective, but this can take months to produce results.

Other drug-based treatments are available, but patients should be aware that none of them constitutes a complete and final cure for the condition. Instead, they represent ways to minimise the symptoms, so that they will be less frequent and noticeable.

For further information on rosacea treatments please phone Therapie Clinic on 1890 650 750.

Microdermabrasion is a skin treatment technique and its name explains in detail exactly what is involved, abrasion of the dermis layer of the skin at a fine level. In short, microdermabrasion will help to remove dead skin cells and debris accumulated in the top layer of the skin. As this top layer is gently removed, newer and healthier skin cells are revealed.

At the same time, the microdermabrasion process serves to stimulate the skin’s natural mechanisms for growing new cells and staying hydrated. These effects, when combined, produce several positive results that improve a patient’s appearance. The skin will not only be smooth and soft, but will also exhibit skin tones that are more even.

Common microdermabrasion techniques include using crystals made of alum oxide. These are gently rubbed against the skin to scour it and abrade off the top layer. The treatment machine used to apply the crystals usually has a head tipped with diamonds, which also help with the abrasion process.

Time concerns regarding microdermabrasion

When some people hear about the details of microdermabrasion, they begin to think that it must take days or even weeks for new skin to grow to replace the layer abraded away, but that is not the case at all. Our skin is made up of many layers; microdermabrasion merely removes the surface layers in order to reveal fresher skin beneath.

This means that patients can walk away from a treatment with skin that already looks better. It will appear to be healthy and clean and will feel smoother immediately after the treatment has finished. The skin may be slightly reddened for a short time, but this is normal and passes quickly.

The microdermabrasion process does not take long to complete. Depending on the extent of the area to be treated, along with its current condition, a treatment may take as little as 30 minutes. Even better, patients can typically go right back to their normal routines, even returning to work to finish the rest of the day, if they wish. The patient’s daily individual skin care routine, including the application of cleaners and moisturisers, can be re-established almost immediately.

Microdermabrasion treatment options

A single microdermabrasion treatment will produce immediate results that are obvious to both sight and touch. In most cases, however, patients will see continued improvements if they undergo a series of six to eight treatments. These are best scheduled approximately two weeks apart in order to allow the skin to grow and renew itself in between.

Depending on your skin type and the severity of your condition, the initial series of microdermabrasion treatments may be somewhat shorter or longer. In order to retain improvements, many patients will also benefit from maintenance treatments; these are typically scheduled one to two months apart.

Who will benefit from microdermabrasion treatment?

Several different types of skin conditions can be treated with dermabrasion therapies, which are most commonly applied to the facial area. Patients who have clogged pores can benefit from the technique to open them; conversely, open pores can also respond to microdermabrasion to return to a more normal state. Thickened or congested skin can also be improved through microdermabrasion treatment.

Any skin type is appropriate for microdermabrasion treatment.

Microdermabrasion treatment is highly effective at targeting fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet, age related spots, pigmentation, uneven skin tone and acne scars.

For further information please call Therapie Clinic on 1890 650 750 or visit our Microdermabrasion treatment page.

Most people who are seriously looking for acne treatment options will already have exhausted the store of common wisdom on the topic. They will already be washing their face with an over-the-counter acne medication at least daily and will be using facial moisturisers, makeup and other beauty products that are oil free. While these measures are usually sufficient to control acne outbreaks in large numbers of people, a certain percentage of cases will be severe enough to require more extensive treatments.

People with severe acne sometimes resort to using several acne products in combination. This impulse is certainly understandable; they are simply searching for a treatment that will finally be effective for them. However, this strategy can actually make things worse due to interactions between the various ingredients in the products. The last thing an acne patient wants is to produce a situation in which their skin becomes even more aggravated and inflamed.

In such situations, it can be a good idea to consult with a professional skin care services company, such as Therapie Clinic. They are able to evaluate your skin condition in detail and recommend a course of treatment that is appropriate.

Benzoyl peroxide

This chemical is a common ingredient in face washes and creams bought over the counter. It works by drying out the skin so that bacteria growing in the pores will die. Results of benzoyl peroxide treatments can be seen in as little as two days in some cases. Apply it to clean, dry skin and allow the chemical to sit on your skin overnight for best results. Be careful though, because this chemical can have a bleaching effect on hair or clothes.

Salicylic acid

Designed to unclog the pores, this chemical helps to eliminate both whiteheads and blackheads. It is also found in over the counter preparations, sometimes in combination with benzoyl peroxide.

Sulphur

This is considered a stronger level of treatment, even though it has been in common use for literally thousands of years. Sulphur has the effect of drying out the skin and helping it to peel. It is an ingredient in several creams, soaps and cleansers currently on the market for acne treatment.

Some sufferers prefer not to use sulphur as a treatment because it does have some drawbacks. It can smell quite unpleasant; the odour resembles that of rotting eggs. More importantly, however, some people are more sensitive than others to it and may find that their skin becomes itchy and red. In some cases, sulphur may actually make the situation worse, since it can cause cells to stick to each other, adding to the problem of clogged pores.

For this reason, the best sulphur treatment to try is one that contains only modest amount of the chemical.

Prescription medication

Most people who think of prescriptions immediately imagine pills. There are in fact some acne treatments that are taken orally, but professional acne treatment services can also prescribe facial creams that are applied topically.

For cases of severe acne, work with a professional to find your best option.

To find out about Therapie Clinic’s acne treatments please call 1890 650 750.