DR. CHRIS ON WHY TEAMWORK MATTERS IN MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Teamwork makes the dream work

I’ve known Mikaili, one of the aesthetic injectors at our practice, for over 20 years. My grandparents and her family lived in the same neighbourhood, we played together as children, and now, I couldn’t imagine doing my job without her! 

One of the many things I’ve come to appreciate in medical aesthetics is that, despite working one-to-one with our patients, we are never truly working alone. There is a huge amount of responsibility that comes with being a practitioner. We make decisions, manage expectations, and sometimes navigate situations where there isn’t one obvious answer. Over time, I’ve realised how valuable it is to have people around you that you genuinely trust.

The entire team at Serpentine support one another in invaluable ways; it’s how we’re able to function like a well-oiled machine. A key aspect of this is trust, which we build through the everyday things: being honest, sharing knowledge, asking questions, and becoming better for it.

Mikaili and I trained on opposite sides of the Atlantic. We have divergent experiences and an understanding of how beauty standards differ from continent to continent. As we continue to work together, her input has become integral to building positively on my aesthetic approach.

Sometimes I’m looking at a situation from one angle, and she asks a simple question that completely changes my perspective. As clinicians, we learn to work in teams, both in hospital and clinic. Every situation has its challenges, so having a colleague who will stand beside you, weigh the options, and share their own experiences makes a huge difference.

“Being part of a strong team doesn’t make you a less capable practitioner; quite the opposite — I believe it makes you a safer, more thoughtful and ultimately better clinician.”

— Dr. Christopher Ready

For me, that’s what good teamwork really means: knowing that you don't have to have every answer, and that the people around you will help you arrive at the best solution for each individual patient. So, when you’re being treated by one of us, you’re really being treated by both of us. In aesthetics, where patient safety and trust are at the heart of everything we do, that is something I think is incredibly valuable.

EXFOLIATION VS. RESURFACING

Both can help refresh your skin, but they don’t work the same way

Exfoliation and resurfacing are used to improve the skin’s appearance and texture — yet, there are important differences between them — particularly when we make a distinction between at-home skincare to professional dermatological treatments.

What is exfoliation?

As part of its normal renewal process, your skin regularly sheds dead cells from its outermost layer. When you exfoliate, you help the process along. Removing some of these surface cells can leave skin looking and feeling smoother and brighter.

Exfoliation can be either physical, using friction or abrasion, or chemical, using ingredients like alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids to loosen the bonds between surface skin cells — but the key word here is surface. Exfoliation primarily works on the outermost layers of the skin.

Professional treatments like medical microdermabrasion offer even more controlled exfoliation, mechanically exfoliating the epidermis to improve dullness, rough texture and superficial clogging of pores.

What is resurfacing?

This involves treatments designed to create a controlled effect within the skin to encourage renewal. Depending on the technology being used, practitioners can even target concerns just below the surface.

Take laser resurfacing: different lasers work in different ways, but these treatments are effective in addressing concerns like uneven pigmentation, sun damage, acne marks, fine lines, and irregular texture.

Rather than simply removing surface build-up, resurfacing treatments typically stimulate the deeper processes involved in skin renewal. 

Is one better than the other?

Not necessarily, because they aren’t interchangeable treatments. Think of exfoliation as buffing and polishing the surface, and resurfacing as working at different depths depending on the treatment.

Exfoliation is often sufficient for someone experiencing mild dullness or roughness, whereas patients with persistent hyperpigmentation, acne scarring or textural changes might do better with a different approach. 

More intensive doesn't automatically mean more appropriate; everyone is different. People with darker skin tones, for instance, can be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which may cause increased pigmentation. This is why it is critical to have a proper assessment done: the type of treatment, device, settings and the practitioner’s experience with different skin tones all matter.

How do you tell which you need?

Start with the concern rather than the treatment. If your skin feels rough or looks dull, exfoliation may well do the trick. If you're trying to address pigmentation, scarring, fine lines or deeper textural issues, your dermatologist may recommend a resurfacing treatment or another targeted approach.

Please remember, though: stronger treatments do not always mean better results. Success lies in choosing the best approach for your individual skin.

WHICH FACIAL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR AGE?

Plus: skincare products suited for each decade 

Effective skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all; as cell turnover, collagen levels and the skin barrier change over time, both your products and professional treatments should evolve too.

20s / Protect and prevent

Your late teens and 20s are for establishing healthy habits and protecting the skin you have. Acne, oiliness and clogged pores may still be concerns, and you need to be serious about sun protection, which can help prevent pigmentation and premature ageing down the road.

Facials

• Deep-cleansing or clarifying facials 

• Gentle exfoliating treatments

• Hydrating facials

• Treatments specifically designed for acne-prone skin 

Products

• A gentle cleanser

• A moisturiser suited to your skin type

• A broad-spectrum SPF (30 or higher) every day

• Salicylic acid (if you need help with acne) 

• An antioxidant like vitamin C (for additional protection from environmental damage)

30s / Brighten and maintain

As cell turnover and collagen production gradually begin to slow, you may start noticing fine lines, dullness or uneven pigmentation, so start becoming more intentional about prevention.

Facials

• Brightening and antioxidant facials

• Hydrating treatments

• Superficial chemical peels and microdermabrasion (where appropriate)

Products

• Continue with your cleanser, moisturiser and daily SPF

• Vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid at night (e.g. hyaluronic acid offers additional hydration; niacinamide helps support the skin barrier and improve uneven tone)

40s / Renew and restore

Declining collagen and elastin become more noticeable: skin is less firm and you may have more fine lines. Years of sun exposure can also show up as dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Facials

• Antioxidant facials

• Targeted chemical peels

• Brightening treatments

• Microdermabrasion

• Treatments that support skin renewal and collagen production

Products

• Retinoids (to support collagen) paired with antioxidants, peptides, and niacinamide

• A good moisturiser

• Daily SPF

• Targeted pigment-correcting ingredients that combat dark spots and uneven tone

50s / Replenish and rejuvenate

Around menopause, falling oestrogen levels contribute to dryness, thinning skin, reduced elasticity and changes in collagen. 

Facials 

• Hydrating and barrier-supporting facials

• Antioxidant treatments

• Gentle resurfacing and rejuvenating treatments

Products

• A gentle cleanser

• A moisturiser with ceramides and other barrier-supporting lipids, and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin

• Retinoids (if your skin can tolerate them)

• SPF (non-negotiable)

60s / Nourish and strengthen

Skin becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture, so you need to counteract dryness, sensitivity and a weakened skin barrier.

Facials

• Deeply hydrating, antioxidant-rich treatments, with gentle exfoliation (when appropriate)

Products

• A gentle, non-stripping cleanser

• A rich moisturiser 

• Antioxidants and peptides remain useful additions

• Retinoids might still be appropriate for some people, but frequency and strength will need to adjust, as skin generally becomes more sensitive

70s+ / Comfort and protect

At this age, skin tends to be thinner, drier and more fragile, so skincare should become increasingly gentle, with an emphasis on protecting the barrier and maintaining hydration. Keep it simple: consistency and maintaining a healthy skin barrier matter most.

Facials 

• Soothing, moisture-rich and barrier-supporting treatments, with only gentle exfoliation that should be individually tailored rather than routine

Products

• A  very gentle cleanser

• A rich moisturiser or emollient that contains barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides (hydrating serums can be layered underneath moisturiser if needed)

• A broad-spectrum sunscreen, used daily 

Remember: the best facial — and skincare routine — isn’t simply the one recommended for your decade; it’s the one selected for your skin. Your dermatologist can help you figure out which ingredients and treatments are appropriate for you and adjust them as your skin changes over time.

HITTING BELOW THE BELT

3 conditions you need to tell your dermatologist about 

Some health concerns are easy to mention; others, not so much — particularly when they involve the genital area or sexual health. This often results in people putting off doctor’s appointments when early diagnosis really matters. 

As dermatologists, we routinely diagnose and treat conditions affecting the genital skin — they are medical conditions like any other, so there is no reason to feel embarrassed about asking for help.

Sexually transmitted infections

Syphilis is on the rise. Recently, we have seen far too many cases in sexually active young people. The symptoms, which include painless sores or rashes, can be easy to overlook. Sometimes, they disappear altogether, but the infection remains in the body. 

It is possible for the disease to be cured in its early stages, which is why early testing and intervention are key. Without treatment, syphilis can become life-threatening, causing serious damage to the nervous system, brain, eyes, heart and other organs. 

Early diagnosis of all STIs — not just syphilis — can make a real difference in outcomes. 

Lichen sclerosus

A chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect the genital area in both women and men, lichen sclerosus can cause itching, soreness, pale or tender patches of skin, scarring, or tightening of the foreskin in men.

It’s likely caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, an overactive immune system, and even previous skin damage or irritation. It’s not contagious, nor is it spread through sexual contact, but postmenopausal women are often at higher risk for developing the condition. There’s no cure, but treatment (usually a prescription steroid ointment) can help control symptoms and reduce the significant scarring that can happen if the condition remains persistent, is poorly controlled or left untreated.

If left to advance, it’s associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma — including penile cancer — but when properly monitored, becomes much more manageable.

HPV and genital warts

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common. Certain types cause genital warts, while more high-risk strains can cause cell changes that may eventually develop into cancers — most notably cervical cancer, but also anal, penile and throat cancers.

The good news is that HPV vaccination can protect against the strains responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers and genital warts, and is most effective when given before exposure to the virus. Cervical screening remains important even for people who have been vaccinated.

If something doesn't look or feel right, talk to your dermatologist or doctor. A brief moment of discomfort in raising the subject could prevent a much more serious health problem down the road.

EVERYBODY FACES SKIN ISSUES

Here’s how we tapped into our confidence, regardless…

People may think dermatology practitioners never struggle with their skin, but nothing could be further from the truth. Being comfortable in your own skin means embracing yourself wholeheartedly, challenges and all…

Dr. Tonya on ageing gracefully

As a dermatologist, it truly means a lot when I receive compliments about the quality of my skin. It reassures me that the time, effort, and consistency I invest in looking after my skin really do pay off.

I’ve always believed in ageing naturally and gracefully. I also believe we are fortunate to live in an era where advances in skincare and aesthetic medicine allow us to age in the healthiest and most refreshed way possible. When used appropriately and under the guidance of a qualified professional, these treatments can make a remarkable difference while still allowing you to look completely like yourself.

“There is something incredibly beautiful about embracing the ageing process rather than trying to erase it.”

— Dr. Tonya Abraham-Ali, Dermatologist

There isn’t one magic treatment. The best results come from a combination of carefully placed wrinkle-relaxing injections, newer biostimulating injectables that support your skin’s own collagen production, a consistent skincare routine with scientifically proven active ingredients, and, above all, diligent daily sunscreen use.

These are the foundations that help keep my skin looking as healthy, strong, and vibrant as it possibly can.

Dr. Chris on overcoming acne

Throughout my teenage years, from about 14 to 17, I suffered heavily with cystic acne. After trying long courses of oral antibiotics I finally took a 9-month course of Accutane under the supervision of a dermatologist, which cleared my skin and significantly reduced the formation of new scars.

“Having acne — and the way that I thought other people perceived me — had affected my confidence. Having clear, healthy skin gave me the freedom to go after what I wanted and my self-image improved. ”

— Dr. Christopher Ready, Aesthetic Practitioner

Despite having no new pimples, the scarring that remained did bother me and that’s why I love CO2 laser.  When done safely and on the right candidate, it can really improve the surface texture and clarity of the skin.

Robyn on her melasma journey

One of my biggest insecurities in my late teens was melasma. Starting birth control contributed to these stubborn brown patches, which really affected my confidence.

With the guidance of a dermatologist, the right skincare, and pigment-suppressing ingredients, I was able to achieve great clearance. I also became extremely strict with daily sunscreen and limiting sun exposure.

“Melasma has no cure, but it can be managed. ”

— Robyn Stauble, Certified Medical Aesthetician

Consistent skincare, adjusting brightening ingredients over time, and choosing the right professional treatments are key. Everyone’s melasma journey is different, but thanks to the right skincare and healthy habits, I’ve been fortunate to keep mine well controlled.

Mikaili on dealing with dermatitis

For most of my life, I never truly understood what it was like to struggle with a skin condition. I was fortunate to have naturally healthy skin and could use almost any skincare product without thinking twice. Then, about a year ago, everything changed.

I developed severe perioral dermatitis along with persistent irritation throughout my body, including itching and bumps. I didn’t want to leave the house without makeup, and I found myself feeling frustrated and discouraged.

“For the first time, I understood how deeply skin concerns can affect your confidence.”

— Mikaili Hamel-Smith, Aesthetic Injector

Thankfully, I was surrounded by the best team at Serpentine. Working alongside our dermatologists, I was guided through a personalised treatment plan that not only cleared my skin but also helped me regain my confidence. 

Going through this experience has made me even more empathetic toward my patients. I know firsthand how overwhelming skin conditions can feel, but I also know that with the right diagnosis, treatment, and support, healing is possible. 

Amie on managing keratosis pilaris

To me, confidence comes from truly knowing yourself — from who you are to feeling comfortable in the skin you live in. I believe skincare is often overlooked when it comes to the body, which is why I feel privileged to work alongside incredible dermatologists who guide and support each person’s skin journey.

I’ve personally struggled with keratosis pilaris on my arms and legs, always chasing that smooth, buttery skin. It wasn’t until I started laser hair removal alongside consistent body exfoliation that I saw improvement.

“Great skin isn’t a one-time fix, it’s something we maintain through consistency.
”

— Amie Forrest, Certified Medical Aesthetician

My go to treatment is laser hair removal. I’ve seen it transform not only my own skin, but the confidence of so many clients by giving women one less thing to worry about, to men who also struggle quietly. As I tell my clients, our skin is simple but incredibly smart — it’s about understanding your own.