The cool sun in Dubai during these first months of the year is a perfect time to work on resurfacing, glowing, refreshing and healthy skin treatments to get off that old summer skin which can be stuck stubborn on the surface, leaving your skin looking prematurely old and dull. In this feature we have discussed some of the top cosmetic treatments and home care tips to keep the shine on your pretty face.
Dr Myrna El Shareef, Dermatology Specialist at Mediclinic Al Sufouh says, “The treatments indicated for every patient depend on their particular problems that need to be addressed. What is the age of the patient? What are the main concerns? Is the patient’s skin dry, oily or combination? Does the patient have acne, wrinkles, pigmentation etc? So the top five dermatology treatments for one patient will definitely differ from those for another patient.”
Here are the top six dermatological treatments popular among residents to achieve a young and healthy looking skin:
1. Dermal Fillers
Used for aesthetic purposes to add volume to a client’s face, this is the best procedure for diminishing wrinkles and skin folds. The charm of dermal fillers is that it is quick and pain free with results that last to about 10 to 12 months. As per your need, it can be injected into cheeks, lips or around the eyes.
2. Botox
As fillers are used to add volume to the face, botox is used to diminish wrinkles as well, most performed on the forehead and around the eyes. It temporarily relaxes the facial muscles. Depending on the problem area being treated, this may last three months or longer.
3. Platelet Rich Plasma
Dr Luvi Kaprani, General Manager at Arya Clinic says, “The most trending dermatological procedure is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), commonly known as vampire facial. It is a cosmetic procedure that is used primarily for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. The most beautiful thing about this technique is that it is completely natural as it involves extraction of client’s own blood and then centrifuging it. Not only is this indicated for almost all skin conditions, it is also less time consuming than most dermatological procedures used in the clinics. It is one of the safest techniques with long-lasting results and providing total rejuvenation.”
4. Non-Surgical Thread Lift For The Face
This treatment is gaining in popularity as it is also called as “lunch hour facelift”, relating it to being performed in as short as an hour, with less pain and minimal downtime. Thread lift basically uses fine threads or sutures that help contour the face as per the problem area detected. The reason why this is becoming very renowned is because it lasts longer than any of the aesthetic procedures commonly performed in the clinics.
5. Light Chemical Peels
A light chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin. It is used to treat fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone and dryness. One can have a light chemical peel as often as every two to five weeks - depending on the desired results.
Ann Persson, Medical Aesthetician at The Private Clinic says, “I can warmly recommend light peels over a couple of sessions. What is so good with these light peels is that they have no down time! The skin specialist will precisely examine your skin and customises which peel would suit your skin best, depending on your skin type and wishes.”
Dr Ahmed Rihan, Dermatology Specialist at Zo Skin Centre by Zein Obagi Jumeirah Branch says, “Chemical peels a personal favourite, improve the skin's appearance in terms of wrinkles due to sun damage, aging, mild scars, acne, age spots, freckles and melasma. A relatively old school treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin forming 'blisters' and eventually peel off leaving smoother, less wrinkled and rejuvenated skin. It is crucial that your skin should be prepared with certain products to ensure safe and effective results.”
Smita Sonavane, beauty and laser therapist at Cocoona says, “Skin peeling systems - chemical peels as well as laser peeling - could be effectively and safely used in this weather as the advantage is ther is less sun exposure.”
6. Microneedling
Microneedling is a dermaroller procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin. Microneedling is mostly used on the face and may treat various scars, wrinkles, and large pores. Ann Persson of The Private Clinic says, “The purpose of the procedure is to enhance the blood circulation, strengthen the collagen production and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin. It will reduce wrinkles, diminish scarring, and tighten or rejuvenate loose or aging skin. Can even be used around the eyes to reduce dark circles, pigmentation and eye puffiness.”
Home Remedies For Skin Care
If you do not act responsibly for your own skin, no treatment can do magic for you. Even if a treatment performs magic on your skin, it is still very important to look after your skin at home on a daily basis, and here are some top tips from the experts:
Healthy Diet
Dr Myrna El Shareef of Mediclinic Al Sufouh says, “Healthy skin starts from within. I always stress that a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, as well as adequate exercise are key for a healthy looking skin. No amount of home remedies will fix problems caused by smoking, poor diet and lifestyle.”
Dr Ahmed Rihan of Zo Skin Centre says, “A balanced diet consisting of plant based diet and fruits are essential for great skin. Avoid high fat, fried, sugary foods and try to shift to more organic foods free of preservatives.”
Turmeric Face Mask
Dr Luvi Kaprani of Arya Clinic says, “If you’ve ever paid heed to your grandma’s stories, you would have heard of turmeric and its soothing effect to get a glowing skin. It is a very effective antioxidant that helps enhance the skin complexion and rejuvenation for dull skin.”
Fruit Face Mask
Dr Luvi Kaprani of Arya Clinic says, “Never forget the benefits of your favourite fruits. You can make a simple homemade face mask mashing together banana, papaya and mixing them with a tablespoon of cream. Add a few drops of lemon and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse this with warm water and apply once per week. Also, try this unique combination of potato, honey and rose water. Grate the potatoes and mix with a teaspoon of honey and few drops of water. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with cold water. It is safe to be used daily or alternate days.”
Gram Flour Pack For Oily Skin
Dr Luvi Kaprani of Arya Clinic says, “If you have oily skin and want the instant glow, the best combination would be gram flour with rose water. You need to mix both together in form of a paste and apply it along with rubbing onto your face in circular motion.”
Cleanse Your Face Regularly
Ann Persson of The Private Clinic says, “Dirt, oil and pollution particles can clog and cause dullness, wash your face morning and night by massaging your favourite facial wash with fingers in circular motions, working from the inside of the face out for full coverage. Over washing can lead to irritation and a lack of moisture. The rule is to use common sense: Always wash your face after a workout to prevent breakouts, and wash excessively oily skin morning and night.”
Hydrate Your Skin
Ann Persson of The Private Clinic says, “Drink at least 1.5 litres of water every day if you do sports double it up. Spoil your skin with hydrating serums and hydrating masks and always finish up your skin routine with SPF with both UVA and UVB protection. Even oily skin needs hydration - sometimes the skin breaks out just because of lack of hydration. If you have an oily skin don't be afraid to hydrate.”
Cleaning, Exfoliating And Toning
Dr Ahmed Rihan of Zo Skin Centre says, “Proper medical grade skin care starting from the basics facial cleansers, exfoliating scrubs and toners are the essentials of proper skin care. Your skin type and quality should be examined by your dermatologist to help ensure which products are right for you.”
Retinol Creams For Anti-Ageing Skincare
Dr Ahmed Rihan of Zo Skin Centre says, “Vitamin A derivatives such as retinoic acid and retinol are crucial in proper or anti-aging skin care. When used consistently it can dramatically improve the look and condition of any skin type. It helps to resurface your skin, encourages collagen production, combats free radicals that damage skin cells and delay the aging process."
Sun Protection
Dr Ahmed Rihan of Zo Skin Centre adds, “Sun protection is the most vital product in any skincare routine regardless whether outdoors or indoors. The sun’s rays contain ultraviolet (UV) photons. These UV photons are invisible to the naked eye, but cause severe damage to the skin.”