UNTECH YOUR NECK

Botox to the rescue!

The way we sit, scroll, and stare at screens is quietly reshaping our bodies – and not for the better. If you’ve ever caught yourself hunched over your laptop or phone, you may be all too familiar with that dull ache in the muscles running across your upper back and shoulders. It’s called tech neck, and believe it or not, Botox can help relieve those trapezius muscles.

What’s happening in your traps?

When you're glued to a screen for hours, your posture naturally shifts – head juts forward, shoulders round inward, and your traps take the load.

Over time, this can cause:

• Chronic tightness or soreness

• Muscle hypertrophy (bulkiness)

• Tension headaches

• A stooped or “boxy” neck appearance

Traditional treatments like massage can help – check out our Greenhouse offerings – but when tension becomes chronic or muscular bulk is significant, Botox offers a promising solution.

The benefits of “Traptox”

As an FDA-approved muscle relaxant, when injected into overactive or hypertrophied muscles like the trapezius, it can both relieve tension and soften that hunched over, boxy look.

Benefits include:

• Reduction in muscle tightness and tension

• Improved posture and comfort

• A more elegant, elongated neckline

• Relief from tension headaches

• The aesthetic bonus of a slimmer, more contoured shoulder line

Who should try it 

If you’re looking for a non-surgical solution for tech-related muscular strain Traptox might be right for you – especially if:

• You spend long hours at a desk or gaming station, or in front of a screen

• You frequently feel pain or tightness in your shoulders and neck

• You’ve developed bulky or tense upper traps

• You want both functional relief and aesthetic refinement

The procedure takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes, with minimal to zero downtime. You may feel some tenderness for a day or two post-injection, but most people can resume normal activities right away. Patients generally feel and see results within three to ten days, and the effects last three to six months. Ready to soften the stress in your shoulders? Book a consultation today!

SCREEN STRESS

How your devices may be damaging your skin

In our increasingly digital world, most of us spend hours each day in front of screens – whether for work, entertainment, or social connection. Let’s break down the hidden dermatological effects of our screen habits and find out what we can do to minimise them…

The bad effects of blue light 

Our phones, tablets, computers, and even LED lighting emit high-energy visible (HEV) light, commonly called blue light. Prolonged exposure can induce oxidative stress in the skin, contributing to premature ageing, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation.

This can be exacerbated in those struggling with melasma, a chronic skin condition that causes patchy brown or grey-brown pigmentation, typically on the face. While melasma has many triggers, including hormones and UV light, blue light exposure may worsen it, especially in those with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI).

How to protect yourself

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which helps shield against visible light.

• Look for skincare with antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide, to help neutralise blue light damage.

• Consider screen protectors or blue light filters on your devices.

• Limit unnecessary screen exposure, particularly at night.

Tech-related acne

Phones are breeding grounds for bacteria. When held against the face during long calls or worn as part of a gaming headset, they can trigger acne mechanica – breakouts caused by friction or heat. Add sweat and stress to the mix, and you have the perfect storm for clogged pores.

How to protect yourself

• Regularly clean your phone screen and headphones with alcohol wipes or antimicrobial sprays.

• Use non-comedogenic skincare, especially around your jawline and cheeks.

• Opt for hands-free communication whenever possible.

Eye strain (and more!)

Spending hours squinting at small screens doesn’t just affect your vision. Over time, that constant squinting can lead to furrowed brows and fine lines around the eyes, mimicking premature ageing.

How to protect yourself 

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Use moisturising eye creams with peptides or retinols if you can tolerate them.

• Consider blue light–filtering glasses, especially for extended work sessions.

Gaming callouses

For gamers, prolonged gripping of a controller or frequent swiping on mobile devices can lead to a whole lot of mechanical skin issues:

• Gamers' thumb is a type of repetitive stress injury affecting the thumbs, resulting in blistering, callousing, or even peeling of the skin at the base of the thumb or fingertips. Over time, this friction can harden into callouses and lead to discomfort when using your hands.

• Some people also develop smartphone pinky, where the little finger shows a slight indentation or soreness from supporting the weight of a phone for long periods.

How to protect yourself

• Take frequent breaks during gaming or scrolling.

• Use ergonomic grips or padded controllers.

• Apply an emollient or barrier cream to reduce friction and restore moisture.

• For callouses, a gentle pumice along with the cream can help smooth and soften the skin.

• It’s really important to not let the condition fester. At the first sign of trouble, come and see one of our dermatologists before the situation gets worse and more difficult to treat. 

Balance is everything

Screens are now part of our lives, but we can be mindful about how long, how close, and how often we use them. At Serpentine Dermatology, we encourage you to:

• Get regular skin check-ups, especially if you notice new pigmentation or persistent irritation.

• Choose skincare products suited to your lifestyle (ask us for recommendations) and 

• Take breaks from time to time; your skin will thank you for it! 

GET TIGHT WITHOUT THE TUCK

Which radio frequency treatment is right for you?

If you’ve been hearing buzz about radio frequency (RF) treatments like Morpheus8 and Forma but aren’t sure what’s what – especially when it comes to Caribbean skin – you’re not alone.

Both these skin tightening treatments are safe, non-invasive, and effective for melanin-rich skin when administered by trained professionals, but they differ in approach and serve slightly different purposes. Here’s your guide to choosing the one that fits your skincare goals.

Deeply rejuvenate with Morpheus8

Best for:

• Acne scars

• Deep wrinkles and fine lines

• Sagging skin (jawline, neck, eyes)

• Stretch marks

• Skin texture and tone

How it works

Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radio frequency to remodel collagen from deep within the skin. Tiny needles deliver RF energy beneath the epidermis, promoting tightness, smoothing, and even lifting.

What to expect

• Numbing before the procedure

• Mild swelling or redness (1-3 days)

• Results that get even better with time (3-6 months)

Get your glow with Forma RF Facials

Best for:

• Mild skin laxity

• Dullness

• Maintenance between treatments

• Clients who are fairly new new to skin procedures

How it works

Forma uses gentle heat to stimulate collagen in the upper layers of the skin. It feels like a warm massage and leaves you with an instant glow. 

The gel we apply during this amazing treatment heats the skin to help stimulate both collagen and elastin, and gives a nice tightening effect – especially just before important events. It’s also a great primer for Morpheus8, and can also be done after Morpheus treatments for maintenance.  

What to expect

No downtime

• Can be done weekly or as needed

• Great before events or photo shoots 

• Pairs beautifully with facials or peels

RF treatments at a glance

Still not sure? Book a consultation and we’ll help you decide based on your goals, skin type, and schedule. Our June Specials make it the perfect time to try one – or both – of these powerful skin treatments.

MEDICAL BOTOX – MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

When most people hear “Botox”, they picture smooth foreheads, softened frown lines and less visible scars. But behind the beauty buzz is a powerful therapeutic tool that has been improving patients’ quality of life long before it ever touched a wrinkle.

That’s because Botox is a neuromodulator – a purified form of the toxin botulinum, which temporarily relaxes targeted muscles. While it's best known for cosmetic applications, Botox has proven highly effective for:

Chronic migraines

Injected around the head and neck, Botox helps reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches by calming overactive nerves.

Eye twitching (blepharospasm)

For those with involuntary blinking or eye spasms, Botox can relax the muscles around the eyes and restore comfort.

Bell’s palsy

Botox can help balance facial movement, either by relaxing overactive muscles on the unaffected side or reducing unwanted movement on the affected side.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

When injected into the jaw muscles, Botox can reduce clenching along with any associated jaw tension or pain — sometimes even slimming the face as a side effect.

Spasticity 

When it comes to the tightening of muscles that occurs as a result of continuous contraction that interferes with movement, speech, or normal muscle function, Botox is a reliable approach to help loosen contracted muscles and improve range of motion. 

It has been very effective, for instance, with stroke patients, neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, injuries to the brain or spinal cord, and even paediatric cases of leg length discrepancy or similar conditions. Botox successfully blocks the nerve signals that cause overactive muscles to contract, helping to reduce tightness and improve mobility and comfort.

Gummy smiles 

For those who might be self-conscious about showing a bit too much gum when they smile, a small, precise dose of Botox can soften the upper lip’s retraction without changing your natural expression.

Overactive bladder 

Injecting Botox into the bladder wall calms the muscles that cause urgency, frequency, and incontinence — especially in people who haven’t responded well to medication.

Medical vs. cosmetic Botox 

The product may be the same, but when it comes medical Botox, the intention and injection strategy are very different:

• Site-specific – Injections are placed based on nerve pathways and muscular function, rather than aesthetic zones.

• Dose-adjusted – Depending on the condition, medical cases often require more units.

• Outcome-driven – The goal isn’t looks; it’s comfort, relief, and improved quality of life.

Medical botox also often requires a patient’s complete medical history, symptom tracking, and a treatment plan, especially when being used for chronic conditions.

Natural look, medical benefit

The beauty of Botox lies in its duality — it can just as easily smooth a wrinkle as it can silence a migraine. It has the power to relax a jawline and restore symmetry after nerve injury. For many, it’s not about vanity. It’s about getting back to normal.

If you’re wondering whether medical Botox might be right for you or someone you care about, we’re happy to discuss options that suit your specific needs. It just might make all the difference.

AGEING, REDEFINED

The secret of getting older gracefully is not so much about stopping time as it is about living well within it, by nourishing not only your skin, but also your soul. When it comes to the gift of ageing, though, we still have to contend with a combination of biological, environmental and lifestyle factors – including genetics, hormonal changes, cellular damage, and inflammation.  

Enter SkinCeuticals Advanced RGN-6, a regenerative cream formulated to visibly reverse as many as six telltale signs of ageing! Designed to work either in partnership with in-office laser procedures, or alone as part of your daily skincare routine, it’s the next generation of skin rejuvenation that targets six key dimensions of ageing: 

1. Firmness

2. Laxity

3. Smoothness

4. Brightness

5. Discolouration and

6. Wrinkles

It’s also gentle enough to be used on the most sensitive skin, as it contains no alcohol, parabens, or fragrance. 

Paired with laser treatments, Advanced RGN-6 optimises results while reducing recovery time. Your skin will be visibly smoother and more hydrated. Just apply the cream immediately after your laser treatment, then continue to use twice daily to enhance recovery and rejuvenation.

 
Used alone, the cream is perfect for daily application. After cleaning your skin and applying a SkinCeuticals Vitamin C antioxidant serum, use a couple of pumps of Advanced RGN-6 on your face, targeting the forehead, cheeks, chin and neck. Finish up with sunscreen. 

Patients have reported seeing aspects of age-related skin damage reduce in as little as a week: 

• -69% visible redness

• -36% acne marks 

• -26% dark spots 

• -18% wrinkles

• +35% smoothness and firmness 

The magic ingredients  

Among other key ingredients, Advanced RGN-6 contains SkinCeuticals’ patented Glyco-Repair™, which triggers barrier repair and renews skin texture; Eperuline to soothe the skin; Vitamin B3 to combat hyperpigmentation and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier; and peptides, amino acids and ceramides, which support skin structure and prevent damage. 

With smart science and loving self-care, Advanced RGN-6  is the latest tool to help us age more slowly and more beautifully!  This Mother's Day, honour the women your life with the gift of radiant, youthful skin — the cream is perfect for busy Mums who deserve a little self-care. Call us to order yours today!