Skills That You Can Learn From Cosmetic Dermatology.

Cosmetic Dermatology

Dermatologists examine and treat all manner of skin conditions, from appearance-related issues like wrinkles and age-spots, to more serious health problems like allergies and skin cancer.

Statistically speaking around half of the population will suffer from a skin condition at some point this year.

Certain skin conditions are extremely painful, some have serious health implications, and some can have a dramatic impact on a sufferer's self-esteem and body confidence.

 A worrying 85% of people suffering from skin conditions believe that their mental health could be compromised as a direct result of feeling insecure and unhappy with the way their skin looks.

Cosmetic dermatology is a branch of dermatology that focuses specifically on the appearance of the skin.

Combining medical knowledge with expertise in cosmetic trends, many dermatologists can help treat the effects of skin damage and ageing, including issues like facial flushing, thread- veins, wrinkles, moles, age-spots, dark eye-circles, sun damage and unwanted cellulite.

Skin health

To explore the skin's anatomy, learn about the causes of ageing and find information about common skin conditions dermatologists can help treat, please visit our Skin Health page now.

How can cosmetic dermatology help?

What if it's too late to prevent skin damage and premature ageing? Of course, the moment we desire smooth, firm, blemish-free skin is the moment we no longer have it.

As teenagers we were probably too busy lathering on the tanning oil to worry about what effect the sun's rays would have on our skin in 20 years time. At that age it's easy to imagine we'll remain smooth and wrinkle-free forever.

Of course, none of us really stay wrinkle-free forever. Even the most genetically blessed among us can't hold off the effects of time and gravity for very long.

Celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Madonna, who manage to look unbelievably flawless and youthful well into their 40s and 50s, are not genetic miracles: they have their dermatologists to thank.

Dermatologists are medically trained to administer a huge range of treatments designed to reduce the look of skin disorders, skin damage and ageing.

Combining medical knowledge with beauty expertise, cosmetic dermatologists treat the skin by:

Ø Reducing lines and wrinkles.

Ø Boosting volume and contour.

Ø Improving skin surface and texture.

Lines and wrinkles

Lines and wrinkles appear naturally over time as the skin's levels of elastin and collagen gradually deplete and dynamic wrinkles (the creases that form when we make facial expressions) become static wrinkles (lines and creases that remain visible even once the face has returned to the neutral position).

We all know lines and wrinkles are an inevitable part of getting older, and we also know from the age-defying celebrities in the media and the multi-million pound wrinkle cream industry, that lines and wrinkles unfortunately do not fit into the modern idea of beauty.

Dermatologists tend to view lines and wrinkles in terms of levels of severity, adapting the course of treatment for each individual's own needs. The levels are:

 Fine wrinkles that develop early on.

 Fine to moderate deep wrinkles accompanied by a moderate number of fine lines.

Class  Lots of fine lines and deep wrinkles all over the face.

Lines and wrinkles are not the only signs of damaged and ageing skin: gravity is as much of a culprit as time. As we grow older, our bodies gradually sink downwards, unfortunately giving us that hollow, sallow look associated with old age.

Skin surface and texture

Surface and texture is also important for the overall look and health of the skin. Researchers found that most people are able to accurately predict a person's age simply by looking at a single patch of their skin.

Irregular pigmentation (darker patches of skin) can make a person look older, less attractive and less healthy. Dermatologists use a wide variety of methods to improve the colouring, surface and texture of the skin to create a smooth, younger-looking complexion.

Dermatological treatments

There is a huge range of dermatological treatments available to treat lines, wrinkles, volume, contour, skin surface and texture. Here is a list of some of the most common dermatological treatments available:

Botox

Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin, a chemical that, when administered in extremely small doses, causes localised paralysis in facial muscles. Dermatologists inject botulinum toxin into particular areas of the face to limit the movements of tiny muscles that control facial expressions.

Because dermatologists very carefully select only certain areas to inject, the

untreated facial muscles are left free to move normally while the treated muscles remains paralysed - thus reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Botox is used to treat:

Ø Deep frown lines between the eyes at the top of the nose

Ø Expression lines on the forehead

Ø Crow's feet around the eyes.

To find out more about this form of treatment and whether it's right for you, please visit our Botox page.

Chemical peel

The chemical peel is a dermatological procedure involving the application of acid solution to the skin to remove the top layer and expose a new, healthier layer of skin beneath. Chemical peels can be used to treat:

Ø Acne scars

Ø Fine lines

Ø Sun damage (dark spots, freckles)

Ø Mild scarring

Ø Dark patches caused by pregnancy

Ø Dull skin.

Dermabrasion

Otherwise known as 'dermasanding', or 'dermaplaning', dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that 'sandblasts' the surface layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles.

The patient is usually given a localised anaesthetic and sedation before the dermatologist uses either a wire brush, or a tool containing diamond particles, to scrub away the top layers of the skin.

Dermabrasion can be used to treat:

Ø Wrinkles

Ø Pigment change from sun damage

Ø Raised or sunken scars from acne

Ø Chicken pox

Ø Surgical scars

Ø Tattoos.

Dermabrasion can treat small, select areas (e.g. the lines around the lips) as well as larger areas of the face.

The price of dermabrasion depends on the size of the treatment area but it can cost anything from

£1000 upwards.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a form of treatment involving the injection of salt solution into troublesome veins. Sclerotherapy is used to treat:

Ø varicose veins

Ø spider veins (enlarged blood vessels visible on the skin - especially the legs, face and nose).

It works by irritating the lining of the blood vessel so the walls swell and stick together, causing the blood to clot. Over time, this causes the blood vessel to become scar tissue that eventually fades from view.

Collagen injections

Over time, the skin's supporting structure (comprising mostly of collagen) begins to deplete, resulting in sagging and a loss of volume and contour.

Dermatologists can administer bioengineered human collagen injections straight into the dermis layer to revive the plump, youthful look of the skin.

Although the skin will normally accept the new collagen as its own the levels will still gradually deplete once again over time and you may be required to have around two to four treatments a year. Brand names for collagen injections include:

Ø Sculptra

Ø Restylane

Ø Juvederm.

Laser skin resurfacing

Dermatologists administer laser skin resurfacing to remove very precise areas of the skin with pulsating and continuing light beams. Laser skin Resurfacing is designed to treat:

Ø Wrinkles

Ø Warts

Ø Birthmarks

Ø Enlarged oil glands on the nose.

This procedure requires anaesthetic and sedation. The treated skin should take 10-21 days to heal fully.

Endermologie cellulite treatment

As well as wrinkles, age spots, dry skin and blemishes, 80% of woman8 also have the small matter of cellulite to deal with. Characterised by the 'orange-peel' effect on the skin of our buttocks, thighs and stomachs, cellulite cannot be tackled easily with diet and exercise alone.

Because cellulite forms in the hypodermis later of the skin, it is in fact down to dermatologists to rid us of this unwanted guest.

Endermologie involves a mechanical massaging process designed to improve circulation, improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

and transparency.

procedure' to get rid of bumpy noses, smile lines and slightly wonky teeth, living with an altered image caused by severe scarring, burns, skin conditions and disease can be incredibly difficult at times.

Skin camouflage is a temporary but practical technique used by both men and women to disguise non-infectious skin conditions such as acne, vitiligo and rosacea, as well as burns, scars and stretch-marks.

Most clients who choose to have skin camouflage just want to enjoy an ordinary life without the extra attention, prejudice and feelings of self-consciousness that often come with looking noticeably different.

Camouflage can be used for one-off occasions like weddings, public events and nights out, or it can be applied daily and worn at work, at the gym and even in the swimming pool.

What is skin camouflage?

Skin camouflage is the name given to a form of highly pigmented substance used to conceal non- infectious skin conditions and scars. The camouflage comes in three parts:

Ø Complementary colour - an undercoat designed for particularly hard-to-cover patches (including coloured tattoos).

Ø An oil-wax based cream.

Ø A loose powder that sets the cream in place.

The first step in the skin camouflage process is to book a consultation with a professional specialising in skin camouflage.

 During the consultation, the professional will match your skin as accurately as possible to a shade of camouflage, before teaching you how to apply the specialist products yourself.

Unlike regular make-up, skin camouflage products are designed to be water resistant, which gives the wearer the confidence to go swimming without it washing away.

However, no brand should be considered 100% rub proof - it is easily removed with detergents should the camouflage transfer to clothing or bed linen. Always pat the area dry when wet - otherwise you could disturb the camouflage.

What to expect during your appointment

Your skin camouflage appointment will take around an hour to complete. After an initial consultation, during which you will be asked to identify the area or areas you want camouflaged, your beauty professional will set about developing a colour match that blends perfectly with the rest of your skin.

Step one: apply

Once an acceptable skin match is agreed, your skin camouflage will be applied in one of three different ways:

Ø Finger tips are used to carefully wipe, dab or rub the cream over the affected area – this is quickly achieved, even over the largest of areas.

Ø A sponge is used when the skin is fragile or may quickly redden.

Ø A brush is usually used over fine scars (when a sponge or fingers would apply too much product).

After the cream has been applied, there are four or five more steps for your beauty professional to complete:

Step two : powder

Powder is required to fix the cream, which helps to prevent smudging. This is applied in a rolling-pressing motion. A powder mop or the reverse of the powder puff is then used to remove any excess powder, or the area can be blotted with a dampened flannel.

Step three: fix

The fixing stage ensures that the camouflage becomes water and smudge-resistant. Fixing is achieved with a fair quantity of powder, dabbed on with a puff in a pressing, rolling motion.

Step four: brush

A brush is then used (in the direction of hair growth) to remove any excess powder.

Step five: final cover and blot

Your beauty professional may find that another application of camouflage is necessary. After this is applied, he or she will dampen a flannel or sponge¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ and press it gently over the area in a blotting motion. This will remove any excess chalkiness from the powder and also help the camouflage cream to set.

Of course, you won't be expected to go to your professional every morning for reapplication - part of your initial appointment involves a tutorial in how to apply and remove the camouflage yourself - and you will be given a chance to run through the process under the supervision of your professional.

Maintaining camouflage

Be aware that any contact with oily substances such as sun-tan oil, aromatherapy massage oils, soaps and soap substitutes will remove the camouflage. Care must therefore be taken with any camouflage applied to backs of hands and fingers when using hygiene products.

Removing camouflage

Soap and water, or cosmetic wipes, or using a soap substitute will remove your camouflage (if necessary remove the soap substitute with soft tissue). Camouflage should be removed daily, especially from the face.

What can be camouflaged?

Skin camouflage is designed to conceal discoloration to the skin; however, it cannot alter its function or texture. The following non infectious conditions are commonly requested for camouflage application,

Skin conditions:

Ø Rosacea

Ø Flushing/blushing

Ø Freckles

Ø Hypo-pigmentation

Ø Age-spots

Ø Thread veins

Ø Stretch marks

Ø Cleft lip

Ø Acne

Ø Portwine stains

Ø Cafe au lait marks

Ø Plaque psoriasis

Ø Vitiligo.

If you notice changes in your skin, you are advised to consult a medical professional before continuing with your camouflage applications.

Scarring as a result of:

Ø Burn injury

Ø Skin condition

Ø Skin graft

Ø Surgical procedure

Ø Self-harm

Ø Car accident

Ø Other accident

Ø Disease

Ø Assault/violence/abuse.

Other:

 Radiographer's markings.

What can't be camouflaged?

Skin camouflage can only be used to cover healthy, diagnosed skin conditions. A beauty professional will never camouflage any of the following:

Ø Bacterial and fungal infections including ringworm

Ø Blistering or ulcerated skin

Ø Chill-blains

Ø Open wounds

Ø Moles (moles need to be monitored in case of changes indicating cancer)

Ø Infestations like scabies

Ø Stitches

Ø Varicose veins

Ø Warts/herpes/shingles and other viral infections

Ø Pustular forms of psoriasis

Ø Skin cancer

Benefits of skin camouflage

It is important to realise that many people live quite happily with their skin conditions and scarring without feeling the need to camouflage them - they view them as unique and natural parts of their own bodies. Unfortunately, we do live in a society that frequently stigmatises anything deemed 'different'.

This means that people who live with noticeable differences also commonly live with prejudice, intrusive stares, inappropriate questioning, name-calling and even sometimes physical abuse. It is for this reason that many choose to hide their conditions with skin camouflage.

People choose to have skin camouflage because it enables them to:

Ø Avoid extra attention

Ø No longer feel defined by their altered image

Ø Blend into the crowd when they want to

Ø Feel more confident.

Skin camouflage offers a simple solution to complex problems - its role immediately after diagnosis or at a later date can help clients regain their confidence and self-esteem and allow them to return to normal life.

Skin camouflage: General

What does skin camouflage feel like?

Some people imagine skin camouflage feels thick and heavy. This is not so - if the formula is applied properly it should be smooth to the touch with a non-greasy matte finish.

Does camouflage cream smell?

No. Camouflage creams are fragrance-free so, unlike products like fake tan, the smell won't give anything away.

I am female - can I wear normal make-up over my camouflage?

Yes, certainly - you can layer your usual products on over the camouflage - bronzer, blusher, highlighter, eye-shadow etc., to create the look you want.

What training and qualifications do practitioners need?

To ensure your skin camouflage practitioner works to the highest possible standard, you are advised to check whether they are a member of a professional body.