GUARDIANS OF GORGEOUS NAILS

Not only do nails play an essential role in protecting our fingertips, they go a long way in enhancing our overall appearance. However, they are susceptible to various infections that can cause discomfort, look unpleasant, and affect our daily lives.

Here are a few of the most common nail conditions we treat (and tips on how to avoid them)…

Fungal nail infections

Also called onychomycosis, these types of infections occur when fungi enter the nail bed through tiny cracks or cuts. This often leads to discolouration, thickening, and brittleness of the nails. To avoid fungal infections, make sure you and your nail salon technician practice good hygiene by regularly cleaning equipment and tools, and by properly drying your hands and feet. Choose well-ventilated shoes and avoid walking barefoot in damp public places like locker rooms or swimming pools.

Bacterial nail infections 

These pesky conditions occur when there is injury or trauma to the nail and surrounding skin, allowing bacteria to enter. This is usually followed by swelling, pain, and pus formation. It is critical to treat these symptoms early, so please make an appointment with us the minute you notice a change. Other ways to avoid these types of infections include keeping your nails trimmed, and avoiding biting or picking at cuticles, which can create entry points for bacteria. If you do experience a nail injury, be sure to clean the area thoroughly with an antiseptic, and keep it covered until it can be medically treated.

Paronychia

This infection affects the skin surrounding the nails. It can be either acute (caused by bacteria), or chronic (usually resulting from fungi). One way to help avoid paronychia is to steer clear of excessive exposure to water and harsh chemicals, which can weaken the skin barrier around the nails. Wear protective gloves while doing household chores and moisturise your hands regularly to keep skin hydrated.

Ingrown nails

Ingrown nails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and infection. This can be avoided by cutting your nails straight across (as opposed to rounded), and not trimming them too short. Ensure, too, that your shoes fit properly and give your toes enough room. If you notice signs of an ingrown nail, please make an appointment with one of our dermatologists so they can address the situation safely.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis related to nails is often called "nail polish allergy" or "nail product dermatitis”, and happens when the skin around the nails reacts to things like nail polish and polish removers, acrylic nails and gels, and other nail care products. People with the condition usually complain of redness, itching, swelling, blistering, and dryness around the nails. Sometimes, there is even pain and oozing.

If you suspect nail-related contact dermatitis, please give us call. We can do patch testing to identify specific allergens that might be causing the reaction, and pinpoint where the problem lies. In severe cases, we may prescribe topical steroids or oral antihistamines, and you might also have to switch to hypoallergenic or fragrance-free nail products.

By incorporating these simple, yet effective practices into your routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing debilitating nail infections.

MORPHEUS8 — THE LASER OF YOUR DREAMS

In Greek mythology, Morpheus is the god of dreams and this laser will make your dreams come true! As the first and only FDA-approved device to deliver fractional coagulation to 8 mm — the deepest level available — it’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible:

• Facial epidermal resurfacing and sub-dermal remodelling

• Full-body fractional remodelling

• Larger and deeper tissue treatments

• Safe and minimally invasive, without surgery or downtime

How it works

Diagram via Morpheus8 Workstation Master presentation

Less laser, more microneedling meets radiofrequency, Morpheus8 can tackle a range of skin concerns. Designed for precision, it’s an innovative and effective solution to achieve youthful, radiant skin.

Using fractional technology that delivers radiofrequency energy via an array of thin needles, Morpheus8 delves deeply into the skin’s layers to stimulate collagen production and trigger the skin’s built-in healing response. Its adjustable depth settings and intensity levels make it extremely versatile, enabling customisable treatments for whatever your concern is — wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or sagging/untoned skin.

Real results

Image via Morpheus8 Workstation Master presentation

Buy improving skin tone, texture and elasticity, this treatment visibly diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars, minimises pores, evens out any areas of hyperpigmentation, and basically makes you look and feel younger and more rejuvenated.

Patients often notice results after just one session, with further improvements over time as collagen production is sparked. It’s suited to sin types I-IV, with little risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What to expect

Image via Morpheus8 Workstation Master presentation

We apply a numbing cream to the target area to help assuage potential discomfort, then begin the treatment with the applicator. It’s not particularly relaxing, but the results are well worth it — a visible improvement in the outward signs of ageing, including jowls and general skin laxity.

There will be a short recovery period, and some patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, and pinpoint bleeding, so be sure to follow our post-treatment instructions to ensure proper healing and maximise results.

Undoubtedly a superior laser, the Morpheus8 helps you reach your beauty and body goals safely and more quickly than other treatments. Give us a call to see if it’s the right fit for you.

TURN ON THE RED LIGHT FOR HAIR LOSS

Light therapy has revolutionised skin care. The Celluma RESTORE targets ageing skin and general pain like many other lasers — but its superpower is hair restoration. Safe and non-invasive, it delivers light energy to promote hair regrowth and is effective for a wide range of hair loss conditions.

Who gets hair loss and why?

Hair thinning and loss are more common than you’d think, and can be caused by everything from genetics to stress. Sometimes, inadequate nutrition, hormonal changes, certain medications, or even over-styling can bring on the condition. It affects both men and women, more frequently as they age.

How does hair grow back?

When hair drops, you may think it disappears — but the follicle, which is what keeps the hair attached to the skin, remains. Each of these follicles has a bulb at its base, where hair growth begins. The hair shaft, meanwhile, is made up of the keratin protein. When these areas are working together, hair growth happens. Red light therapy is a good stand-alone option to maximise hair growth; it can also complement existing hair treatments like prescription drugs, PRP, stem cells and transplants.

What Celluma RESTORE does

This LED laser is excellent at reversing hair loss (and preventing further fallout), as well as combating both male and female pattern baldness. It works best for people whose skin types fall between I-IV on the Fitzpatrick scale. It is not recommended for skin types V-VI, those who suffer from androgenetic alopecia, or people who are already experiencing advanced hair loss.

Each treatment takes about half an hour, and requires a 16-week commitment. The laser precisely targets affected areas by stimulating and revitalising dormant hair follicles, increasing blood circulation, and encouraging natural regrowth.

As light therapy technology continues to advance, we have no doubt lasers will continue to lead the way in the fight against hair loss, offering hope and renewed confidence to those afflicted with the condition.

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BOTOX (BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK)

Botox has come a long way, and part of the reason is that it has both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. Not only can it lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet and jowls, it also has a proven track record in everything from pain relief to the reduction of excessive sweating. Here’s everything you wanted to know — and more!

What is it, exactly?

Botox is a brand name for a neurotoxin derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. When injected in small, diluted amounts, it temporarily relaxes specific muscles, leading to a reduction in wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

Botox is also an acetylcholine release inhibitor, which means it can help prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place. This is why more people are starting treatment earlier — before they notice changes in skin’s volume and firmness.

How does it work?

Botox blocks nerve signals from reaching the muscles, preventing them from contracting. The result? Smoother skin, with fewer lines. The treatment, which typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, is great at targeting dynamic wrinkles — such as forehead lines — caused by repeated facial movements.

Procedure and efficacy

Botox injections are quick and minimally invasive, with very little discomfort, though we can apply a little numbing cream before administering the injections. A week to 10 days before your procedure, you should avoid using alcohol and medications that can thin the blood or raise the likelihood of bruising. Patients typically see results within a few days, and they last as long as three to six months, though regular maintenance is needed.

Post-procedure, it’s best not to touch your face, and to keep upright for at least a few hours afterwards. Avoid placing yourself in high heat situations for at leat 24 hours after the treatment, which means no exercise, hot showers, or extended sun exposure. You should also avoid wearing anything tight on your head — the idea is to let the Botox infiltrate the targeted areas, rather than being diffused into other parts of the face.

Medical applications

If you had any doubt whether or not Botox is safe, rest assured it is used to great effect for treating conditions like chronic migraines, hyperhidrosis, lazy eye, muscle spasms, and even overactive bladder.

Adverse effects

Botox may cause temporary bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site. In rare cases, there may be muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, or asymmetrical facial expressions. It's therefore crucial to choose a skilled professional when doing the treatment — and to disclose your health history, allergies, and medications to your dermatologist. Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should avoid this treatment.

There is no doubt that Botox has revolutionised the field of cosmetic enhancements, offering a non-surgical approach to smoother, youthful-looking skin. Whether you should use it depends entirely on your personal skincare goals and concerns; either way, you should make an informed decision after proper consultation with your doctor. Remember, beauty is a personal journey, and confidence first shines from within.

FILLING YOUR FACE: THE DOs & DON’Ts OF DERMAL FILLERS

“Everything in moderation” is good advice. If you treat fillers like a tool — knowing when, where, and how much to use — there are undoubtedly benefits. However, fillers have now become trendy to the point of overuse, which can be problematic.

How they work

Fillers are injectables that plump up your face with the aim of smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, so target areas include the eyes, mouth, cheeks and nose. For older skin that retains less collagen and therefore less elasticity, the results are immediate and can last for years — but a good dermatologist will (and should) dissuade anyone from using fillers if there is no need.

The fine line of self-perception

For some people, cosmetic “touch-ups” like fillers become almost addictive, and can feed a mental health disorder known as body dysmorphia, whereby perceived physical flaws become overwhelming to the point of obsession. Patients with this disorder — and sadly, we have seen an uptick in the condition since COVID, when social interaction relied heavily on cameras — may turn to cosmetic procedures to fix their perceived imperfections. While this may provide temporary relief, the anxiety almost always returns, creating a vicious cycle.

This type of distorted self-image affects ageing women just as easily as it does young girls. Media is a powerful driver, and many consumers are tricked into thinking celebrities actually look flawless in real life, not understanding that their “perfection” is achieved through a combination of professional makeup, studio lighting, filters and image manipulation.

Dangers of overuse

Permanent damage

There are consequences to consistently undergoing this degree of cosmetic treatment, the most obvious of which is disfigurement. In the desperate search for one very narrow definition of beauty, many women end up scarring themselves and, quite ironically, achieving the exact opposite of what they had hoped for.

While subtle enhancements can achieve wonderful, natural-looking results, going overboard can make your face appear waxy and disproportionate. The natural facial structure becomes so deeply buried that the face becomes puffy and distorted. Sometimes, overfilling damages the face’s natural symmetry to the extent that it becomes impossible to regain that balance.

Physical and mental side effects

As with any medical procedure, the use of dermal fillers comes with risks, including allergic reactions, bruising and potential scarring. The weight and density of excessive fillers can put pressure on facial tissue, leading to discomfort — and in extreme cases, pain and nerve damage. Overfilling can also wield negative psychological effects on self-esteem.

Lack of expression

A potential consequence of overfilling is the restriction of muscle movement, which in the face is closely linked to communication. The result? That “Stepford Wives” look — a type of artificial, almost plastic appearance that makes it almost impossible to visually convey genuine emotion.

Cost

While subtle procedures can be beneficial, too much of a good thing will inevitably end up being good for nothing — including your pocket. When filling becomes a hamster wheel, the financial commitment can wreak havoc on your bank account. You also pay in terms of time, as these procedures often require multiple appointments and some measure of downtime.

How to win the dermal filler game

The trick is to remain in charge of your choices. Through a combination of moderation and trusted, professional advice that takes your specific concerns into account, you can navigate cosmetic enhancements with logic and grace.

If you make the decision to try fillers, it’s important to manage your expectations. Whether you love the result, or expected a more dramatic change, it’s easy to assume that more equals better, or even younger. In the case of all cosmetic procedures, though, it boils down to each person’s unique experience — and we often find that less is more.

There is no one standard of beauty, and your health and well-being should always be priority number one. Embracing yourself in all your unique diversity and imperfection is one of the most powerful statements of self-acceptance there is. Beauty standards that produce cookie cutter looks soon fall away. Originality — and being comfortable in your own skin — that’s the type of beauty that endures.