DAD’S SKIN, DECODED

The majority of Caribbean men have super-basic skincare routines. We suspect it’s partly a cultural thing: in a region where men are still largely conditioned to be “tough”, taking the time to nurture your skin can feel unnecessary — but nothing could be further from the truth. Making a habit of healthy skin is much better than only paying it attention when something goes wrong, so this Father’s Day we’re here to tell the men, “Skincare treatments are for you too!” 

Facials 

Men can (and should!) have facials too! Our Refining Treatment for Men uses medical-grade Skinceuticals products that completely invigorate skin so that you look and feel your very best. 

We’ve also got a Micro Facial that works well to treat light scarring, discolouration and sun damage, all of which most men who live in the tropics have. It’s good for all skin types and is effective at treating oily and acne-prone skin — but start soon, as it’s a treatment that works best in a series (usually four to six treatments spaced a week to ten days apart).

Manscaping

Our amazing laser hair removal treatments can remove back hair, as well as deal with conditions like pseudofolliculitis barbae, more commonly known as razor bumps, which is aggravated by shaving the face. 

The ingrown hairs (which can also happen to women along the bikini line) can be very painful, but our GentleMax Pro™ laser uses a patented cooling technology that makes the process practically pain-free, and leaves you feeling a lot smoother, well groomed and more comfortable. 

And…newsflash! You don’t have to be obsessed with your appearance to manscape. Many of our male clients choose to do it because removing excess body hair helps them feel cooler, especially in our tropical climate. Athletes whose bodies need to be as streamlined as possible for competition (think swimmers, cyclists and body builders) also get fantastic results from our laser hair removal treatments, which produce solid results at the best value price. 

Tattoo removal 

Tattoos may be cool, but some of them come with regrets. Our Picoway laser, however, is extremely adept at making them practically disappear — but the process is an extended one, so you have to be patient and committed. 

The impact of the laser’s intensity (delivered in ultra-short pulses) will cause the tattoo pigment to break down bit by bit, but it’s not a one-and-done process. The time it will take varies depending on the specific tattoo, but you can rest assured knowing that while the ink is breaking down, the integrity of the outer layer of skin remains intact. The treatment has been proven safe and effective in all skin types. 

Our Picoway laser treatments can also help with hyperpigmentation, acne marks, and other forms of scarring. So embrace your inner manscaper and give us a call — your skin will thank you for it!

BIKINI LINES VS. BRAZILIANS

If you don’t have the right information, dealing with unwanted hair in the bikini area can be confusing — from what type of treatment is best, to how much hair to get rid of. 

We recommend laser hair removal for the pubic area because it is the most long-term solution. A medical procedure that targets the laser’s intense beams of light towards unwanted hair follicles, it successfully reduces hair growth over an extended period of time.

So what’s the difference between Bikinis and Brazilians and how do you know which is right for you? Read on…

Bikinis

The bikini section is defined as the area that lies outside your panty line. Bikini line laser hair removal will treat up to three inches beyond this line and an inch inside it, so that no hair is visible when you’re rocking that bikini at the beach. If you so desire, this treatment can also ensure that some key areas, like the sides of the labia, are hair-free.  

Brazilians

Think of the Brazilian as the Bikini on steroids. It covers everything the bikini line laser hair removal treatment does, except that it targets hair on the labia and perianal areas as well. Some people choose to remove all hair from the area and go completely clean, while others prefer a “landing strip” — a thin line of hair that is kept low and covers the central vaginal area. 

Whichever you prefer, we can customise your treatment to your liking, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, or call us to book your appointment. 

HERE COMES WEDDING-DAY BEAUTIFUL SKIN!

Whether you just got engaged or are actively prepping for the big day, there are a few super skin treatments that will help bring out that gorgeous glow…

Facials

If you’re not currently getting regular facials, you should start at least six months before the event. Facials are great for cleaning and hydrating your skin, and our Oxygeneo facials achieve noticeable results, giving you the exfoliation benefits of microdermabrasion along with oxygenation effects that deeply rejuvenate and heal skin from the inside, out. 

Oxygeneo’s combination of exfoliation, infusion and oxygenation is suitable for all skin types, regardless of pigmentation or sensitivity. Clients tell us that it leaves their skin feeling more youthful looking, even-toned and invigorated. 

Laser hair removal 

The perfect treatment if you want to be well groomed for the big day (and night)! We can do everything from the upper lip and under arm area to the legs and bikini line. We also do Brazilians. (If you’re not sure of the difference between regular bikini line hair removal and Brazilians, click here.) 

Botox

It’s important to remember that Botox has both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. It can lessen the appearance of frown lines, crow’s feet and jowls, as well as fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and neck. But Botox has also proven helpful in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraines, improving squinting, easing severe neck pain and reducing excessive sweating.

If you’d like to try it for either appearance-based or therapeutic reasons, just give us a call and we’ll recommend the treatment that best suits your needs. 

Laser treatments 

Sometimes, wedding prep may include dealing with more medical-based skin issues, such as mole, skin tag or keloid removal. Our CO2RE laser (which is also great at improving the appearance of ageing) has also has tremendous results with everything from acne and surgical scars to under-eye bags and dark circles.  

For women specifically, there’s also the CO2RE Intima laser, which treats and rejuvenates their intimate areas if they are experiencing issues like vaginal dryness, itching and irritation, oversensitivity, pain during intercourse or persistent urinary tract infections. 

For challenges like hyperpigmentation, our Picoway laser treatments are also extremely effective. 

Skincare rituals

Before you commit to your significant other, commit to a consistent skincare routine in order to keep skin clean and balanced for that wedding day wow! This typically involves a hydrating cleanser/moisturiser combo that works for your particular skin type. If you feel you’re not getting the best out of your current routine, we’re always happy to recommend products and treatments that would benefit your skin. 

Remember, skin health is fluid and often dependent on your overall well being. Sometimes you need to adjust your routine to what’s happening in your life at the time, so just give us a call or set up a consultation. 

DO YOU KNOW THE SKIN YOU’RE IN?

Chances are, you don’t — and while that’s pretty common, you run more of a risk of unwittingly choosing the wrong products for your skin type — which can contribute to unnecessary issues, including breakouts and (yikes!) premature ageing. There are five different skin types, so let’s figure out which you are!

Take our simple and fun quiz, then read on to find out how best to care for your correct skin type…

NORMAL

Normal skin looks healthy, supple and glowing.

Is your skin like Goldilocks? You know…not too dry, not too oily…just right? You hardly ever get pimples, and regardless of temperature or humidity, your skin adapts nicely, staying stable and even-toned. In other words, your skin is well-behaved and no-fuss. Congrats — you’ve hit the skin jackpot — but that doesn’t mean you should take it for granted; even normal skin needs nurturing. 

Products 

Normal skin types do well with simple but consistent routines. Think cleansers, the occasional exfoliating scrub, and nourishing moisturisers that protect and renew.  

DRY

Dry skin looks and feels tight and uneven.

Does your skin tend to feel dehydrated, no matter how much water you drink? Does it flake easily? Have you been noticing fine lines and wrinkles? If so, you’ve got dry skin, which lacks enough of the natural oils skin needs to stay plump and youthful looking. 

Products 

Not to worry! The right combination of products can help get your skin back into proper balance. Our SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser and Replenishing Cleanser are particularly effective at nourishing dry skin. Used along with our wonderful Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 moisturiser that’s specifically patented to refill lipids on the cellular level and provide much-needed hydration, you’ll soon find that your skin looks and feels softer, smoother and younger.

OILY

Oily skin tends to have a bit of a sheen, with larger-looking pores.

Is your skin in the zone (the T-zone, that is)? No matter how much finishing powder you apply, does your nose and forehead area always shine? Do you often have to apply tissues to your face during the day, just to dull the sheen? No doubt about it, you’ve got oily skin. Overactive sebaceous glands make your skin more acne-prone, which can be further exacerbated by everything from diet to stress, so finding the right skincare routine is key.

Products

Start with any of our gentle cleansers; they clean the skin without completely robbing your skin of the good oils it needs to stay balanced. Then, contrary to what many people think, you need a good moisturiser that can counteract the effects of irritated skin. SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment is an excellent choice, as are our Oxygeneo facials, which have accomplished amazing results with acne-scarred skin.

COMBINATION

Combination skin is a mixed bag, and can veer from looking dehydrated to appearing greasy.

This skin type can sometimes feel like having the best (or worst) of both worlds: dry skin with a touch of oily T-zone. As such, you may well have to double up on products, since different areas of your skin have different needs. 

Products

For the drier sections, rich, protective moisturisers make a world of difference, while gel-based cleansers like the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel are better for the oily patches.

SENSITIVE

The slightest thing can often irritate sensitive skin.

Does the slightest thing seem to irritate your skin? Are you allergy-prone or perhaps suffer from conditions like eczema and rosacea? Then you’re quite likely the sensitive skin type. 

Products

Your skin care products must be mild, but effective. Our SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser is a great choice, as it removes dirt while soothing skin. Because people with sensitive skin tend to more easily show signs of hyperpigmentation, it’s important to steer clear of harsh products that can dry out, clog or otherwise irritate the skin. Keep moisturisers and sunscreens lightweight and your skin should remain well protected. Gentleness is the secret of sensitive skin maintenance.  

For guidance on the right products and routines for your skin type, give us a call or set up a consultation.

HEALTHY SKIN IS A LIFELONG JOURNEY

Every time you think you’ve got this skincare thing down, your skin has other ideas—can you relate? Just like you, your skin goes through stages, from youthfulness to adolescence, adulthood to ageing. Two of the most common conditions we see tend to happen at two very different stages of life: puberty and menopause. 

Keratosis pilaris 

Commonly called chicken skin, most people have probably experienced this condition at some point, though it first tends to show up during adolescence. If you notice small, rough bumps on the surface of your skin — almost as if your pores are enlarged and spread over a certain area — you could well be dealing with keratosis pilaris. Eczema sufferers are also prone to developing the condition, which usually appears on the arms, legs and even buttocks, sometimes accompanied by itchiness and skin discolouration.

Caused by a build-up of keratin around hair follicles in the skin, the condition manifests a lot in hotter climates like ours, but mild cases of chicken skin can generally be dealt with via over-the-counter remedies. We like the CeraVe line; their SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin often does the trick. The brand’s Moisturizing Cream for Psoriasis Treatment can also be quite effective, as it is a lipid-rich product and the key to treating the condition is moisture. Anything harsh or full of fragrance can make the situation worse; proper hydration is essential.  

Menopausal skin 

As if this “change of life” doesn’t come with enough challenges — hot flashes, vaginal dryness, migraines, insomnia — it also takes a toll on your skin. But any woman who has made it as far as menopause isn’t going to go down without a fight! The biggest enemy? Fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to the body’s loss of collagen.

There are things you can do, though, starting with really luxurious moisturisers like SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid, which is a superhero when it comes to refilling cellular lipids and nourishing ageing skin, and Metacell Renewal, which helps improve the outward signs of ageing. The main thing is, you’ve got to keep your skin well hydrated. Retinols also go a long way in strengthening skin’s elasticity.

To find out more about how to deal with any issue your skin surprises you with, give us a call or pop in and visit.