What is a PhotoFacial Treatment?

What are the causes of red faces? Many people have an undesirable redness and or sun damage of the face. The more common causes are rosacea (a condition in up to 13 million people), sun exposure, alcohol, medications, stress, emotional causes, time and aging of the skin, repeated blushing or flushing of the skin and is seen most commonly in fair skinned individuals of northern European descent. Some of these individuals have a condition called erythrophobia a morbid fear of having a red face. A condition, in which some people are shy and embarrassed in public because of fear their face will get red.

An intense light is emitted in a series of gentle pulses over the entire face at intervals of approximately two to three weeks for a series of five treatments. This special light, which is different than laser treatments, emits light over many wavelengths allowing the light to penetrate to all the levels of the skin where abnormal easily dilated vessels can be found. Lasers produce only a single wavelength of light and are limited in depth of penetration and what they can treat. What if I don't have visible vessels only general skin redness. The intense light because of its unique nature of emission, can find even the tiniest of vessels, some of which are packed so densely as to defy individual identity.

Typically 75-95%, on average 90% improvement is seen in most patients. Are there any other conditions that can be treated with the photo facial? Yes, photo facial treatments will also help patients who suffer from photo aging of the skin, pigmentation from sun exposure (Age Spots), irregularities of skin texture, improves some mild acne scars, reduces large pores and dark circles around the eyes and helps reduce fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth.

After your initial series of 3-5 treatments it is possible to require a follow-up treatment in 2 or more years. We will educate you in ways of caring for your skin to help diminish the likelihood of future treatments.

Are there any conditions that this treatment won't help? It won't treat frown lines, sometimes known as lines of expression on the face, especially the forehead and between the brows. It is not a substitute for a face lift and will not help baggy or sagging skin. It won't cure the puffiness around the eyes for which blepharoplasty surgery is needed. It is not a treatment for skin cancer, but can treat pre-cancers called actinic keratosis.

It won't remove bumpy moles, but can remove their pigment. It will remove, however, acquired freckling. Genetic freckles usually return after treatment. It won't remove those strands of deep parallel blood vessels occasionally seen on the lower cheeks, which can be removed in other ways. It will not remove seborrrheic keratosis including the tiny genetic ones on the upper cheeks and around the eyes sometimes called dermatosis papulosa nigra. It also won't remove sebaceous hyperplasias a benign growth of some oil glands in mid life.

SKin Remedies - Natural Remedies for Dry Skin

Dry skin is a result of the cells not producing enough sebum and often happens as we get older. Dry skin can look dull and thin and has a tendency to develop fine lines and wrinkles. People with dry skin do not usually develop acne or blackheads. It can be a result of vitamin deficiency, including vitamins A, B and E or may be caused by exposure to environmental stresses including the sun, wind or cold weather. Some cosmetics and chemical applied to the skin can strip out the natural oils leaving the skin temporarily too dry.

Care of Dry Skin

Always use warm or cool water to wash the face, never hot water and avoid using a harsh wash cloth as the rough texture can irritate the skin. Avoid the use of harsh soaps. Soap containing avocado, almond or olive oil is better for dry skins. Every morning spray a light mist of mineral water on your face and gently pat dry. Use a moisturiser generously to increase the water content of the skin especially around the eyes and lips where tiny lines can develop.

Exfoliate regularly to remove dead cells and to stimulate the skin but gently cleanse after use, do not over do rubbing the skin. Take care when choosing cosmetics and other products for the face and avoid those containing oil. Ensure your diet contains adequate fruit and vegetables. Omega 3 containing foods such as salmon, herring, walnuts, pecan, hazel nuts etc are important to ensure healthy skin.

Smoking or inhaling second hand smoke can have a drying effect on the skin and should be avoided. The nicotine in smoke constricts the tiny blood vessels that feed the skin resulting in oxygen and nutrients depletion. This leads to damage to the skin cells which results in dry skin and lines and wrinkles.

Skin remedies to rehydrate the skin are easy to make and we have gathered together some popular ones here.

Honey Skin Remedy Mask

Warm one tablespoon of honey in a double boiler or in a bowl placed in hot water. Once it has melted mix in 1 tablespoon of ground almonds and enough warm water to give a smooth consistency. Apply after cleansing while still warm and leave for about fifteen minutes then wash off with warm water.

Dry Skin Steam Treatment

Boil some water then add rose, thyme, orange blossoms, rosemary, chamomile or peppermint leaves. Place a large towel over your head and allow the steam to clean you face. This will stimulate circulation in the skin, remove dirt and oil and moisturise.

Gentle Exfoliating Skin Remedy

Mash any of the following ingredients: oatmeal, ground almonds, wheat germ, mashed banana, mashed papaya or brewers yeast. Mix with a small amount of warm water and smooth over the face. Leave for about fifteen minutes then wash off with warm water.

Moisturising Face Mask

Mix together equal parts honey, mashed banana and avocado. Smooth on the face and leave for fifteen minutes before washing off with warm water.