THE 7-DAY SUNSCREEN CHALLENGE

Can your skin look brighter in a week?

It’s the July-August vacay (JAVA), which means most of us will be at the beach — and in the sun — for more time than usual. But despite what many people think, sunscreen isn’t just for beach days.

“We’re challenging you to a simple, game‑changing habit: Wear a broad‑spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen every single morning for seven days — yes, even when you’re inside.”

— Serpentine Derma

Here’s what most people will notice by the end of the week:

• Less redness and irritation

• Makeup sits better and more smoothly on protected skin

• Your skin begins to emit a subtle, healthy glow because it isn’t constantly trying to protect itself on its own against environmental damage

How to take part 

Pick a sunscreen that feels good on your skin — we have a lot to choose from, plus there are also some good drugstore options

• Apply it as a non-negotiable step in your morning routine.

• Snap a quick selfie on Day 1 and then Day 7.

• Share your results with us! Email us at serpentinederma@gmail.com or tag us on Instagram and the winner gets…a choice of underarm, bikini or face laser session absolutely FREE — PLUS 50% OFF a Colorescience sunblock! 

Common misconceptions about sunscreen

• “I have dark skin, so I don’t need sunscreen.” Wrong! While the mighty melanin offers some natural protection, it’s not enough to combat the UV damage that leads to premature ageing, uneven skin tone, and yes, even skin cancer.

• “SPF in my makeup is enough.” Nope. The SPF in your foundation isn’t thick enough to give true protection. 

• “I only need sunscreen on sunny days.” False. Up to 80% of UV rays can still get through on cloudy days. Moreover, UVA rays penetrate windows, which means that time spent in your home, office and car still count.

• “Higher SPF means all‑day protection.” Incorrect. SPF 50 lasts as long as SPF 30 — it just blocks a bit more UVB. You still need to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors.

• “But sunscreen makes my skin break out.” Okay, but not all sunscreens are created equal. Look for non‑comedogenic, oil‑free formulas or modern mineral blends that feel weightless.

Ready to change your skin through this one simple step? Let’s go! Your skin will thank you!

COULD THERE ACTUALLY BE A PEEL FOR PERFECT SKIN?

Perfect Derma comes pretty close 

The Perfect Derma™ Peel is a medium-depth medical-grade chemical peel that’s becoming extremely popular thanks to its potent blend of exfoliants and antioxidants. Here’s why…

What’s in it

Ingredients like trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which helps remove dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production, is super-effective at addressing acne scars, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Retinoic, salicylic and kojic acids are age-defiers, acne-fighters and skin brighteners, while phenol is a deep skin rejuvenator. Together, they work to remove the uppermost layer of damaged skin. Meanwhile, antioxidants like glutathione and vitamin C are designed for deeper resurfacing and brightening.

By combining multiple skin-rejuvenating ingredients in one treatment, Perfect Derma gets you clearer, more youthful looking skin that also addresses acne and hyperpigmentation concerns. Best of all, it is safe and effective for all skin types. This is great news for people with darker skin, for whom scarring and hyperpigmentation have been traditionally more challenging to treat. 

Benefits 

• Evens skin tone

• Diminishes dark spots, melasma, and sun damage

• Softens fine lines and wrinkles

• Refines pores

• Boosts collagen 

• Addresses acne and scarring 

• Delivered with little pain and fast results—visible peeling usually starts by Day 3 and is complete by Day 7

What to expect 

In terms of the treatment process and downtime, here’s what you should know:

• In-clinic application — Takes about 15 minutes. You will experience mild tingling and perhaps even a numbing effect.

• Peeling phase — This begins around Day 3, and can last anywhere between two and five days.

• Visible improvements —You should begin to see a marked difference in your skin’s appearance in about a week. Your skin will feel smoother and brighter.

• Recommended course — For best results, you should have anywhere from two to four treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart, with maintenance every three to six months.  

Who should try it

Most people who do the treatment say their skin looks and feels very smooth, and any discolouration issues they were battling vanished. It’s an excellent treatment option for people who want to: 

• Minimise hyperpigmentation issues

• Improve their skin’s texture

• Deal with acne scarring issues 

• Minimise signs of premature ageing 

Important precautions 

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, so you should steer clear of this treatment if: 

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

• You have used medications containing isotretinoin, a type of retinoid that treats severe acne within the last three months

If you do opt for the peel, you must take the following precautions to avoid any complications: 

• Strict sun protection post-treatment is vital 

• The use of soothing moisturisers and SPF

• Heavier barrier support (e.g. Vaseline or aloe vera) in instances of extreme dryness

The Perfect Derma™ Peel offers strong, noticeable results — brightening, smoother texture, and reduced hyperpigmentation — with moderate downtime. While this can be transformative, the process requires careful aftercare, which may involve some discomfort and skin purging, and a proper post-peel routine is of the utmost importance. If you’d like to find out more about what’s involved, just give us a call at (868) 622-7340. 

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.