NEW LASER TREATMENT OF MELASMA

New Laser Treatment of Melasma

If you have dark patches on the face, you could be one of the millions of women struggling with melasma. Commonly found among Asian women, melasma is considered the most difficult to treat among the disfiguring hyperpigmentation cases.

There are basically three types: the epidermal melasma, found in the outer layer of the skin; the dermal melasma, existing in the inner skin layer; and the combination type. Melasma is associated with age, hormonal factors, stress, genetic predisposition, pregnancy, use of oral contraception, and sun exposure.

Topical therapies such as bleaching agents (hydroquinone and kojic acid) and chemical peels (retinol and TCA), have been used but with limited success. The results are inconsistent and their effectiveness decreases with long-term use. Dermal melasma does not respond at all to any topical treatment.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) has also been used in recent years, but the results were less than expected. There were also reports of side effects related to IPL damage to the skin, particularly post-inflammatory secondary hyperpigmentation (PIH).

At SkinStation, we recently introduced DERMAX Medlight laser as an effective treatment of melasma. The laser used in MedLight is Q-Switched Nd:YAG,  which has produced successful results in several controlled clinical trials in Korea.

The MedLight laser creates an invisible beam of light that is pulsed repeatedly at a fraction of a second. The pigments in the dark patches of the skin are fragmented and subsequently reabsorbed over a 6 to 8 week period. This treatment is simple, non-invasive, with minimal risk and minimal recovery time. Some patients may feel a mild “sunburn” feeling that quickly subsides.

DERMAX MedLight is also effective in other hyperpigmentation concerns such as age spots, chemical burns, and marks caused by acne and chicken pox. Added benefits of skin toning and rejuvenation have been observed. On the average, 3 sessions at intervals of 4 weeks is prescribed, followed by maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months.

Post treatment, our Dermatologist will require you to strictly avoid sun exposure. You will also be asked to follow a medical grade skin care regimen that will lighten, rejuvenate, and protect the skin. Our goal is to help you successfully minimize and manage your melasma.

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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on October 28, 2014 . The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph.  

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COLLAGENESIS

What You Should Know

About Collagenesis

Collagenesis is more than just dermal rolling (or micro needling), a process that involves poking the face with micro needles to boost collagen production.  SkinStation’s  Collagenesis procedure is based on studies indicating that the combination of micro needling and anti-aging infusion showed the best improvement compared to micro needling alone. Collagenesis combines dermal rolling and infusion of DERMAX CollaWhite serum concentrate, a proprietary blend of advanced anti-aging and lightening actives.

How Micro Needling Works: If you cut your skin, the platelets in your blood release growth factors which increase the production of intercellular matrix of your skin.  With dermal roller, you create hundreds of micro wounds down in the dermis to cause the same inflammatory response. Collagen production increases. Over time this collagen naturally tightens up to reduces wrinkles and resurface scars. And because these needle holes are so small, there’s no risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), unlike some deep chemical peels or laser resurfacing.

What Are The Proven Benefits of Collagenesis?
1. Helps improve appearance of acne scars

2. Reduces wrinkles by boosting collagen production

3. Helps reduce stretch marks: A study from a 2010 issue of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery show that micro needling helps reduce stretch marks. A 30-minute single session was done on 22 subjects. After 6 months, the needled area showed “improved skin texture, skin tightening…” Biopsies showed an increase of collagen and elastin.

The Importance of Needle Size

Medical needling requires needle length of 1.0 - 2.0 mm. These needles will activate collagen synthesis as long as they puncture enough capillaries.  You should have tiny red-purple blood dots all over your face. Surgical needling requires long needles (3.0 mm).  They penetrate deep enough to work on deep scar tissue and produce a lot of blood.

Only a trained physician must perform micro needling. Do not try to do it on yourself. Do not buy “at home” versions with short needles (0.3 - 0.5 mm). They don’t work at all.

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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on September 2, 2014 . The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph. 

HOW TO GET RID OF DARK ELBOWS AND KNEES

How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows and Knees

It’s summer! Yet you dread to be seen in t-shirt and shorts? Stop getting embarrassed by dark elbows and dark knees. The skin care solutions outlined below can help you get rid of this problem for good!

Your elbows and knees are darker because you constantly lay them against hard surfaces: the counter, the table, or the wooden kneelers. Sun exposure and a build-up of dead skin cells can also cause the skin on your elbows and knees to appear darker than the rest of your body.

Steps to Lighter Elbows and Knees

The first step is to exfoliate. Dead surface skin cells should be removed to make your skin fairer. Exfoliants like retinol, AHA, and salicylic acid are good choices. The elbows and knees can benefit also from physical exfoliants like salts and micro scrubs. An excellent exfoliant from SkinStation is DERMAX Retinol C serum, which should be applied once daily.

The next step is to lighten and moisturize skin by applying NANOWHITE lotion on evenings. It has nano-encapsulated blend of lightening actives to give you fast and gentle results.

Make sunscreen application your morning routine. NANOWHITE lotion with SPF 30 should be applied on mornings to protect against harmful UV rays that cause skin to darken.

More Tips

Use DERMAX AcneX exfoliant soap to wash your elbows and knees daily. It works wonders not only on acne prone skin, but also as an all around exfoliant, with time-release salicylic acid. Use a good sponge with the soap to get a good and gentle scrubbing.

You can never completely avoid friction on elbows and knees. A more intensive way to moisturize elbows and knees is needed to minimize effect of friction. After each shower and before you go to bed, apply a thick layer of natural oils like squalane oil, argan oil, or virgin coconut oil.

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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on March 11, 2014 . The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph. 

TEN HOLIDAY SKIN CARE TIPS

Ten Holiday Skin Care Tips

 

Just when you need to show your best during reunions with friends, ex-officemates and relatives, suddenly you get a zit or two, thanks to the holiday stress. Here are some of the best tips to give your complexion a much-needed boost this holiday season.

1.  Sleep well. Getting at least 8 hours a day of sleep lowers stress levels. The skin naturally repairs itself at night so you wake up to fresher, glowing skin in the morning. If you must join that pajama party, roll on DERMAX Hyalift eye repair duo when you wake up with puffy eyes.

2.  Apply sunscreen everyday. Before heading outdoors for a day of gift-hunting, apply sunscreen on your face, neck and other exposed areas. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that provides protection against skin-damaging UVA/UVB rays such as DERMAX UV Milk Anti-Aging Sunscreen with SPF 50 PA+++.

3.  Drink plenty of water. The holiday rush can leave your skin dry and tired-looking. Make sure you drink plenty of water to replenish lost moisture in your skin. Take extra sips of water within the day for clearer skin and prevention of fine lines and wrinkles.

4.   Exercise. Beat holiday stress by getting enough exercise to maintain a sound mind and body. Regular exercise also increases blood flow that nourishes skin cells to give your skin that healthy and vibrant boost.

DERMAX Professional skin care products are
available exclusively in all SkinStation branches.

5.   Have a facial. Pamper yourself during the stressful holidays by having a facial. It helps you relax and lets you get your much-needed “me-time”. Check SkinStation’s range of relaxing signature facials that moisturize, smoothen and brighten skin all throughout the holiday season.

6.   Exfoliate. Regular cleansing might not be enough to rid your skin of dead skin cells that cause blackheads and blemishes. Prep up your skin for the holidays by having a Diamond Peel to gently slough off dry skin. No time for one? Use an exfoliant soap like DERMAX AcneX Soap with time-released salicylic acid through advanced double encapsulation technology.

7.  Try a lip plumper. Be kissable under the mistletoe. DERMAX Pink n’ Pout lip plumper helps you achieve smoother, fuller and more youthful lips. It promises long-term benefits through a combination of two multi-awarded and patent-pending innovations that “fatten” lips in just one month. Pucker up this Christmas and on New Year’s Eve too!

8. Have instant wrinkle therapy. Botox. Dermal fillers. These breakthrough clinic procedures can soften fine lines and wrinkles in no time at all. Allow a few days before the reunion events. You can also appear much younger in just two minutes with DERMAX Retinol C instant effect.

9.  Smile. Your best accessory is your smile. So while going through the holiday rush, don’t forget to smile as often as you can. It instantly brightens your appearance and makes everyone you smile at feel good inside.

10. Warts away. Once the hustle and bustle subsides, plan on having warts removal on your face and body. The last few days of the holiday season is the best time to have those contagious warts cauterized.

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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on December 24, 2013. The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. 
Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph.