Rebecca Treston is the visionary behind Rebecca Treston Aesthetics. With nearly 25 years of laser and skin care experience, Rebecca has been dubbed “Dubai’s Skincare Guru.
She is recognized as a pioneer in the field of advanced laser therapies in aesthetic applications and advises manufacturers on best practices for their laser machines.
To understand more about the world of laser techniques, Emirates Woman spoke to Treston to delve into the world of new technology in the skincare industry.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
I am a real morning person and love waking early, usually around 5am. I love the silence in the morning. I grab a coffee and take the next 30 minutes to relax and contemplate the day ahead. I wish I could say I meditate and journal, but I’m not quite there yet! It’s definitely a goal for 2024, though. I wake my two girls up at 5.30am, then I head to the gym.
Laser skin resurfacing is a celebrity-loved treatment – tell us more.
Laser skin resurfacing is a great treatment indeed! It’s available in ablative and non-ablative modes, as well as full-beam and fractional techniques. Ablative mode is where the skin is vaporised, either in full beam – which means covering the full surface area of the skin – or fractionated beams, where grid-shape pixels of skin, usually around 30% of the surface area, are treated. Fractionated beams allow the skin to heal much faster than full-surface ablation. Non-ablative resurfacing refers to micro-thermal zones of injury rather than ablation. Both techniques are great for skin texture, tone, scars and wrinkles. Significant results can be seen in as little as one session, but there will be some social downtime depending on the type of resurfacing treatment needed.
What’s one at-home technology device that you incorporate in your beauty routine.
A home device I’d use at home and absolutely recommend would be a good quality LED mask. LEDs contain different wavelengths of light that reduce inflammation in the skin, improve collagen and elastin and kill bacteria that can breed acne. I also personally love a good micro-current device to work on the underlying facial muscles, such as Pure Lift by Face Gym. This pumps up the facial muscles, and improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Laser treatments stand out for their transformative effects – what are the main laser treatments that you offer your patients.
I have several favourite lasers that I use daily to improve all skin imperfections. Picogenesis is great on all pigmentation, including tattoos, and safe to use on all skin types. Fotona Dynamis is available in 2 wavelengths – Erbium (ablative, both fractional and full surface) and Nd YAG – ranging from ultra short pulses to long pulses so I can tackle different vascular lesions as well as rejuvenate and tighten the skin. Fotona Starwalker is a hybrid nano-second device made up of pico pulses that’s built to tackle the most stubborn pigments and tattoos. Broadband Light (BBL) stimulates fibroblast activity, reducing superficial pigment and targeting diffused redness in the skin like rosacea. A study conducted by Stanford University has shown that this particular device changes the gene expression to a younger skin type! Moxithulium laser is a superficial non-ablative device working on fine lines and wrinkles, pores, mild scarring and pigments, that will leave your skin worthy of a place at Twilight’s Cullen family table. And we all know how flawless their skin is! Halo is a hybrid laser that can be used to simultaneously achieve deep penetration and superficial remodelling. It’s an amazing treatment for deeper wrinkles, scarring and textural issues, as well as for deeper pigment. Then we have our energy-based devices that include Sofwave, an ultrasound technology that delivers columns of significant energy to stimulate the remodelling of the dermis without interference to nerves or subcutaneous fat. The beams of energy make this a game-changer, due to the larger surface area treated, giving a better result and the safest profile compared to other lifting and firming devices. Ulthera is another ultrasound device with deep-see technology that allows you to see in real-time where you’re delivering the energy, making it the most advanced and safest of the high-focused ultrasound devices. Tixel is a device that uses a heat that is applied to the skin to create an injury in order to repair and rejuvenate. I love this around the eyes, as it’s not a laser so can be applied over the lids. Healing time is also faster than conventional fractional laser and Morpheus 8 is a versatile device that uses micro-needles and radio frequency energy to both puncture and heat the layers beneath the surface to improve texture such as scars and wrinkles. It improves firmness and can be used to contour and reduce fat. It can also be used to treat acne and reduces oil secretion.
How does laser technology heal the problem from the inside-out?
Lasers and energy-based devices (EBDs) use different types of energies to improve overall function and structure of the skin. We usually start losing 1 percent of collagen per year from the age of 20, and, if you’re someone who exposes themselves to UVA regularly, you can double that. Aging presents itself in the skin as inflammation, with signs including pigmentation; acne; dehydration; rough, dull skin; vascular abnormalities such as rosacea and talengectasia; thin, loose skin; and wrinkles and scarring. Lasers are the fastest way to improve all of the above by reducing inflammatory markers. By using the correct wavelengths and technology, you can specifically target any skin imperfection and boost the metabolism of your skin. Combine that with a healthy lifestyle encompassing exercise, good nutrition and clean skincare, and you’re on a winning trajectory .
What’s one of the most popular laser treatments that your clients opt for?
When you understand and take into consideration the different energies and their targets, and the condition of your patient’s skin, it’s very hard to opt for one treatment alone. All the above lasers and EBDs are the tools to heal and repair, and my method is to evaluate every individual and layer the energies to achieve unrivalled results. All of my lasers are favourites, and I’m able to use several in a single session. The decision on which devices I choose solely depends on the patient, taking into consideration their concerns, lifestyle, work or social engagements, skin colour and tone, medical history and budget.
What’s one caution to keep in mind before embarking on a journey with laser treatments.
Before embarking on your treatment journey it’s crucial to be aware of the pre- and post-care commitments. For example, avoiding direct sun exposure is very important when undergoing laser treatments to avoid detrimental side effects, so if you’re preparing for an Ironman competition where you’re committed to a gruelling training programme outside, you may need to postpone treatment. I’d always recommend researching your practitioner and the devices and treatments recommended, and taking the time to understand the social downtime that could be associated with your treatment plan, as well as the cost and commitment involved. Also, do ensure you get a good idea of the results you can expect to achieve, and the maintenance that will be required to make sure these results last. Aging is dynamic, and therefore a dynamic approach is key.
What are the key innovations in laser skincare? Are there any new treatments that have been effective in the skincare industry?
Key innovations in laser treatments would be the integration of wavelengths in a single device. The precision and capability of these devices are impressive, and continued education is paramount. Lasers are costly, and to treat all skin conditions you need specific wavelengths and pulse durations. Results are so dependent on the right tools and techniques. We’re seeing a stepping-away from invasive, long-downtime procedures such as deep ablation. Of course, there is an absolute need for such treatments, but gentle combinations of energies are preferred by patients nowadays. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and this certainly rings true for skin. Prejuvenation – making sure to treat your skin well to keep it young – and regular caretaking treatment will minimise the need for harsh correctional lasers later on.
This is ‘The Tech Issue’ – how does technology help you improve your daily life?
My method is based upon the most innovative, precise technology to improve skin health, and I simply could not achieve the amazing results I do without my plethora of lasers. Unfortunately, my technical skills outside my field of lasers fall sadly short! In my personal life, I love Audible. I don’t have enough hours in the day to read books, but I love learning about self-improvement, and Audible allows me to listen on the move and speed up the narration. The same goes for podcasts. I love listening to wellness podcasts and learning from some of the most recognised experts. Mind Valley is another app I’m delving into. I want to master the art of meditation and manifestation, and improve focus. Mind Valley gives me access to experts from across many fields, and to insights that can be life-changing. I think it’s safe to say everyone can get carried away with scrolling however, I try my best not to do that. Social media and tech have amazing benefits, but they can also be quite isolating and addictive. I make sure my social media and scrolling are kept to a minimum, but I am partial to an Audible before bed.
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