The next step in your beauty routine.
Dubai-based dermatologist, Rebecca Treston is an expert when it comes to laser facials. Here, she gives us the low-down on the Pico Genesis Laser treatment that our editor swears by.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PICO GENESIS LASER TREATMENT?
PICO Genesis laser procedure takes an entirely new approach to the treatment of pigmentation issues and skin revitalization for all skin types and lesion, whether it is freckles, melasma etc. This method combines the benefits of 3 highly effective wavelengths in ultra-short pulses to cause an intense, non-thermal, photo mechanical disruption and remodeling of the upper dermis. Pigment Particles are small and dense, which makes them difficult to remove. They are also very susceptible heat, a trait that made previous types of lasers risky treatment methods. The PICO Genesis laser uses non-thermal picosecond pulses that are highly focused so that surrounding tissue isn’t damaged. These pulses break up the pigment and leave your skin clearer and your complexion more uniform.
Picosecond pulses can be used on both the face and the body with excellent results. Because PICO Genesis gets results when used on every type, everyone can benefit from the procedure.
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HOW CAN YOU PREVENT PIGMENTATON?
There are different factors that can lead to the development of pigmentation or melasma such as:
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Birth control pills
- Certain medications that messes up your hormone levels
But the majority of pigmentation is caused by sun exposure, so one absolute must for prevention is to avoid direct sunlight or if you know you are going to be in the sun, wear a hat and SPF. Make sure you wear at least SPF30 on your face daily, though I recommend SPF50 to my patients. You can also use Tyrosin inhibitors to prevent pigmentation from occurring.
One of the most commonly used conventional melasma treatments is hydroquinone. This melasma cream works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for producing melanin in the skin, which leads to browning of the skin. However, hydroquinone is actually banned in some parts of the world including Japan and Australia due to its potential of acting as a carcinogen.
There are claims that certain herbs have skin lightening properties so can prevent, eliminate or help pigmentation, including Kojic Acid, Mulberry and Liquorice Root and Bearberry, which contains an active called Arbutin. It helps lighten your skin by inhibiting the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme that produces melanin.
In my experience, however, the best remedy is to use laser treatments in combination with creams as this gives the best results and results that have longevity.
ARE THERE ANY PRODUCTS TO HELP PREVENT PIGMENTATION?
SPF is a must-have in the fight against pigmentation as sun damage is only of the key reasons patients develop pigmentation.
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HOW DOES LASER WORK DIFFERENTLY TO STANDARD TREATMENTS?
Laser Resurfacing is the skin pigmentation treatment of choice which can remove up to 80% of melanin in one treatment but the problem with this is that it is ablative and removes many layers of skin, which can make the pigmentation flare up and reappear very quickly. The PICO Genesis laser procedure uses a non-thermal laser, which means because there is no heat, it doesn’t cause damage to the surrounding tissue. Instead it shatters the pigment, enabling your body to get rid of it and leaving your skin clearer to give you a more even, uniform complexion.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU HAVE PICO GENESIS TREATMENT?
With some high-intensity laser treatments as many as 10 to 15 sessions are required to see results. With PICO Genesis, you will see results in much fewer sessions. You may need just 1-2 treatments, or up to 5 to see results depending on the severity of the melasma. Treatments should be spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
HOW MUCH DOWNTIME IS NEEDED FOR RECOVERY?
In most cases there is no downtime. For some, however, there may be some slight flaking or swelling with the procedure for 3- 5 days after, but these mild side effects can be covered with makeup.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE SKINCARE ADVICE?
I believe that for the best skin possible you should have a set skincare regime, which should include the following steps:
- Double cleanse, especially in the evenings: The products you use in your cleansing routine, however, should be dependent on your skin type and condition is and what your skin needs. Those who wear loads of makeup should be using an emulsifying cleanser first, as this will break down any makeup and the oil. Once this has been done, then another cleanser that is specific to skin type can be used – for instance those who have dry or aging skin should use a cleanser that has AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid).
By doing this two-step regime, you are removing the dirt and grime from the skin first, so that the skin can breathe and rejuvenate properly. The cleanser in the second step that should have the active ingredients needed to target the skin’s individual concerns. My recommendation is to only use products that have strong actives such as AHA or Salicylic Acid in the evening after you have been out all day and your skin has been exposed. People that use AHA morning and evening are at risk of drying their skin out, making it a bit tight and tired looking. Night-time is best for stronger cleansers, while mornings it is better to use something light, gentle and refreshing, nothing too strong or too astringent.
- Choose products with a good level of antioxidants: This will filter out toxins and rebuild some of the cell damage that has occurred.
- Use a retinol product in the evenings as it is anti-aging, stimulates collagen and helps cell regeneration.
- Use a good quality hydrating moisturiser: Make sure the moisturiser you use in the evenings has hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C.
- Wear Sunscreen: UVA rays account for 80 per cent of skin ageing so always apply sunscreen to your face and neck before going outside.
- Pay attention to the delicate eye area: The skin around the eye is very delicate and thin, which makes it very susceptible to aging. Always use a product that has been designed for this area and pat it around the eye, never rub.
- Then once or twice a week you can do the following:
- Use a masque – this will purify and hydrate the skin and make it more susceptible to absorb the products you would put on after.
- Exfoliate: Makeup, daily grime and environmental pollution will make our skin dry, dirty and dull. When we exfoliate our skin, we are removing dead skin cells, and debuting new cells, which will lead to a glowing, radiant skin.
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GO FOR A FACIAL?
That really depends on the type of skin you have as different skins turnover at different rates. But for maintenance treatments, I would say have a facial every 4-6 weeks (or 8 weeks as an absolute maximum) and if someone wishes to treat a specific concern, then I like to see them every 2 weeks for a treatment.
WHAT TREATMENTS WOULD YOU ADVISE FOR OILY SKIN?
There are three treatments with which I have personally experienced brilliant results. They are the Q-switch laser carbon peel, Fotona micro second and Pico second laser. Each of these three treatments reduces the sebaceous glands’ oil flow but only work if they are used in combination with professionally-recommended products so you are not over-dehydrating the skin.
WHAT TREATMENTS WOULD YOU ADVISE FOR DRY SKIN?
The most important thing for dry skin is to help it turn over and keep it hydrated. With dry skin there can be a lot of dead skin present on the surface so it finds it difficult to rejuvenate naturally. For this reason, we need to use exfoliating treatments to rid the skin of dead skin cells and give it the chance to turnover. A glycolic peel is a brilliant option for dry skin to help with exfoliating. Also to ensure hydration, you can undergo infusion treatments such as Mesotherapy.
TOP SKINCARE TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CLEAR SKIN?
Follow a professionally-recommended skincare regime of products and treatments, drink at least two litres of water each day, eat clean and exercise, limit your intake of alcohol, avoid the sun and whatever you do try to ensure your life is as stress-free as possible, difficult in today’s world I know!
To book your appointment with Rebecca visit Euromed Clinic, Jumeirah Beach Road Umm Suqeim 1 – Villa 611 – Dubai or contact (04) 3945422
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