From September 2010 each month a our computer will select a random winner for a monthly prize draw – the winner will receive vouchers against all treatments excluding injectables

Names entered will be generated via e-mails sent to the www.northwestlasers.co.uk website via consultation requests ,newletter sign ups , and testimonials and site feedback. 

So don’t forget to tell your friends and  e-mail  and give us your feedback -good or bad.

Start e-mailing today and you could be the winner of £50 treatment vouchers by the end of the month!

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What is rosacea and what are the symptoms?

Rosacea is a skin condition that affects parts of the face. It is sometimes called ‘acne rosacea’ as it can look similar to acne. However, it is a different condition to acne. Symptoms of rosacea include one or more of the following:

Frequent flushing of the face, similar to blushing. This is often the first symptom and may be the only symptom for months or years before anything else develops.

 Redness (erythema) of parts of the face. This can look similar to sunburn.Small lumpy red spots (papules) and small cysts (pustules) on the face. The spots and cysts look similar to acne. These may ‘come and go’ in some cases, but remain long-term unless treated in others.

Telangiectasia on the face. These are tiny blood vessels under the skin which you can see and can become quite prominent on the face.

Eye symptoms (also called ocular rosacea) occur in about half of cases, but are often mild. They can include:

• A feeling of something in the eye
• Burning, stinging or itchy eyes
• Dryness
• Sensitivity to light
• Eyelid problems such as cysts, styes or eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)

Inflammation and infection of the cornea (the front of the eye) is an uncommon but serious complication that can affect vision. See a doctor urgently if you develop eye pain or visual problems.

 Thickening of the skin occurs in some cases. The most well known example of this is called a rhinophyma (a bulbous, bumpy nose). This is uncommon.

Rosacea pic for blog
   The symptoms are usually just on the central parts of the face – on the cheeks, forehead, nose, around the mouth and chin. Skin on other parts of the head is sometimes affected. Rarely, skin on the arms or back is affected. The first picture shows the typical pattern of redness in rosacea. The second picture shows telangiectasia on the nose and cheeks. Both pictures are of fairly severe rosacea. In many cases it is much milder than as shown.The third picture should spots on the forehead 

More pictures can be found at www.dermis.net/dermisroot/en/30526/diagnose.htm

Rosacea is not usually painful or itchy. However, in some cases there may be a burning feeling over the affected skin. You do not usually feel ill with rosacea, and serious complications are uncommon. However, rosacea can be unsightly and distressing. People with rosacea are often accused of having a drinking problem because of their red face.

The symptoms can vary from case to case. For example:

• Some people only ever get one or two of the symptoms. These may be just mild and not too troublesome. For example, some people just have facial flushing and/or mild redness of the face and never develop any other symptoms.
• Some people may develop several symptoms, but one symptom may dominate.
• Spots are a prominent feature in some cases, but not all.
• Rhinophyma is uncommon, but may occur even without any other symptoms.
• Eye symptoms occur in some people before any skin symptoms develop.

In short, the development and severity of symptoms can vary greatly.

Who gets rosacea?

Around 2 to 5 in 100 people in the UK are thought to develop rosacea. This is a lot of people, but many cases are mild. Symptoms may first appear in your early 20s, but the usual age that symptoms appear is in your 30s-50s. Rarely, rosacea can affect children. Women are more commonly affected than men. However, rosacea is often less severe in women than in men. Rosacea is more common in fair-skinned than dark-skinned people.

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is not known. A number of factors may be involved. However, none of these factors has definitely been proven to be the cause. For example:

• Tiny blood vessels under the affected skin may become abnormal or ‘leaky’.
• Sun damage.
• A tiny mite called demodex follicularum may be involved. It lives harmlessly on the skin of many people but has been found in higher numbers in those with rosacea.
• Abnormal immune reactions in the skin which leads to inflammation.
• Genetics may also be involved as rosacea may run in some families.

Long-term use of steroid creams on the face can cause a condition identical to rosacea. This used to be quite common. However, the danger of overusing steroid creams is now well known, and this is now an uncommon problem.

How is rosacea diagnosed?

Northwest laser skin clinics usually diagnosed Rosacea by  typical symptoms and its typical appearance on your face. There are no specific investigations that are needed to confirm the diagnosis of rosacea. However, sometimes your doctor may do a test such as a blood test to help exclude other problems that may cause redness of the skin such as systemic lupus erythematosus (a separate blog will give more details on this condition). 

What are the common treatments for rosacea?

Northwest laser skin clinic would say there  is no permanent cure for rosacea. There is nothing you can do to prevent rosacea from starting. However, treatments can ease the symptoms. The treatments used may vary, depending on what symptoms develop. Treatment may need to be adjusted over time depending on your response to treatments, and if you develop different symptoms.

General measures

Avoid strong sunlight to the face. Sunlight is thought to make symptoms worse. Use a sun-block cream on the face with a high protection factor (30 or higher and with UVA and UVB protection). It is difficult to say what is ‘strong sunlight’. Therefore, many doctors would advise that you apply sun-block every day before you go out, whatever the level of sunshine. A wide brimmed hat will also help to protect your face from the sun.

If you have dry skin, you can try a hypoallergenic, non-perfumed and non-greasy moisturising cream. Also, you should generally avoid using any steroid creams (unless advised by your doctor) or other abrasive creams on your face. Men may also find that using an electric razor rather than shaving with a blade helps their symptoms.

Treatment for facial flushing

There is no medicine that can prevent or stop flushing. However, some people find that certain things aggravate the skin and trigger flushing or make the flushing worse. The most common things reported that may ‘trigger’ the skin to flush are: extremes of temperature (in particular excessive heat), alcoholic drinks, strenuous exercise, stressful situations, sunlight, spicy food, hot drinks. If any of these seem to trigger bouts of flushing, or make the flushing worse, then avoiding them is sensible.

Some medicines used for other conditions may also trigger flushing. For example, calcium-channel blockers. If you suspect that a medicine is making the flushing worse, then discuss this with your doctor. An alternative medicine may be available.

Treatment for facial redness (erythema) and telangiectasia (tiny blood vessels)

There is little evidence that medication has any effect on clearing erythema or telangiectasia. However, a treatment for spots (listed below) may be advised to prevent spots from developing if you have persistent erythema.

Also, people with erythema often have sensitive skin which can make erythema worse. Therefore, it is best to avoid using anything that may sensitise the skin. For example, cleansers containing acetone or alcohol, abrasive or exfoliant preparations, oil-based or waterproof make-up, perfumed sun-blocks, or those containing insect repellents.

Camouflage creams can help to cover and conceal erythema and telangiectasia. Northwest laser Skin clinic prefer to treat this with a class 4 Nd Yag laser. Briefly, the laser can destroy tiny blood vessels under the skin but without damaging the nearby tissue. This can remove telangiectasia and improve erythema. We  will advise if this is an option for you at consultation

Treatment for spots and cysts (papules and pustules?

Certain antibiotics are the usual treatment. They usually work well, but it is not clear why they work as there is no proven bacteria (germ) that causes rosacea. Some antibiotics reduce inflammation in the skin as well as killing bacteria and this may be why they work for rosacea. A topical (rub on) antibiotic called metronidazole is the common treatment if you have just a few small spots. If you have many spots or cysts then antibiotic tablets such as a tetracycline or erythromycin may be used.

Some improvement may occur after 2-3 weeks of treatment. However, it commonly takes a 6-12 week course of antibiotics to clear spots and cysts. One reason why antibiotic treatment fails is that some people give up on treatment after a few weeks without completing the full course.

When a course of antibiotic treatment is finished, the spots or cysts commonly return at some point. Therefore, repeated courses of treatment may be needed from time to time. As an alternative, once the spots have cleared, some people take a regular ‘maintenance’ dose of antibiotics or use a topical antibiotic (regularly or intermittently) long-term to prevent the spots and cysts from returning.

Topical Azelaic acid is an alternative to topical antibiotics to treat mild to moderate spots. However, some people find that it can cause side effects such as burning, stinging, itching, scaling, and dry skin.

Treatment for eye problems

Eye symptoms, if they occur, are often mild and may not need any treatment.

• If dryness of the eyes is a problem then regular use of artificial tears will help. If eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) is a problem then regular eyelid hygiene will help. If eye symptoms become troublesome, a course of antibiotic tablets (as described above) will usually settle the symptoms.
• If a more serious eye problem occurs then you will need to be referred to an eye specialist for treatment. For example, steroid drops may be advised by a specialist to treat inflammation of the cornea (an uncommon complication of rosacea).

Treatment for rhinophyma

Rhinophyma (an unsightly bumpy nose) is an uncommon symptom of rosacea. If it occurs, surgical or laser treatment usually works well to ‘trim back’ the thickened skin. However, these treatments are not generally available on the NHS.

Further help and advice

Please book a free of charge consultation without obligation at either of our clinics we are open until late most evenings

References

• Rosacea, Clinical Knowledge Summaries (2008)
• van Zuuren EJ, Graber MA, Hollis S, et al; Interventions for rosacea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Jul 20;(3):CD003262. [abstract]
• Wolf JE Jr, Del Rosso JQ; The CLEAR trial: results of a large community-based study of metronidazole gel in rosacea. Cutis. 2007 Jan;79(1):73-80. [abstract]
• van Zuuren EJ, Gupta AK, Gover MD, et al; Systematic review of rosacea treatments. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Jan;56(1):107-15. Epub 2006 Nov 7. [abstract]
• Butterwick KJ, Butterwick LS, Han A; Laser and light therapies for acne rosacea. J Drugs Dermatol. 2006 Jan;5(1):35-9. [abstract]

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Interviewer: What are some options to reduce facial lines for women who prefer to avoid office treatments or surgery?

Northwest laser skin Clinic’s: There are a wide range of very effective anti-aging treatments readily available that work to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. Using creams, lotions and/or serums that include the recommended percentage of clinically proven active anti-aging ingredients is an excellent start.

Do-it-yourself facials and home spa treatments on a weekly basis will also produce results in diminishing lines, wrinkles, and age spots over time. A few effective options for DIY facial treatments include facial steaming, home microdermabrasion, facial masks, skin peels, and home laser treatments.

 
Interviewer: What office treatments can offer subtle positive changes as opposed to dramatic results — for those of us who don’t want to look like Joan Rivers one day?

North West laser skin Clinic’s:  Would anyone wish to look like Joan Rivers? She certainly shows the classic symptoms of addiction to cosmetic surgery.

The office cosmetic procedures that offer excellent rejuvenating results for more subtle changes are the less- invasive laser treatments, such as IPL (intense pulse light therapy), skin peels that utilize a stronger concentration of fruit enzymes than over-the-counter products, microdermabrasion, collagen injections, and Botox, RF Thermalipo and Nd Yag rejuvenation.

However, a word of caution: Anti- ageing Injectables can easily be overdone, cheapest is not always the best when shopping around for prices ask who will be administering the injections are they fully trained and insured and do they have experience and how much ,finally what product is being injected and how much of it will b e used . If you have to return for a top up will there be an additional charge. You don’t want a forehead so full of Botox that your eyebrows are raised in a state of wide-eyed amazement, severely compromising your new look!

 Interviewer: What should women in their 20s and 30s be doing now to protect their skin for the future?

Northwest laser skin Clinic’s: Sunscreen! Lots of frequent applications of a good quality sun-screening product that includes both UVA and UVB with at least 30-50 protection the 15 that is in your make-up simply will not protect your skin from sun damage throughout the day. It goes without saying that although eliminating over-exposure to the sun is preferable, any sort of protection—whether it be a hat, sunscreen, or umbrella—is essential to protecting the skin against sun damage in order to preserve younger, healthier skin in the future.

Interviewer: What steps can women in their 40s and 50s start taking now to prevent major aging problems down the line?

North west laser skin Clinic’s: Beginning a daily comprehensive anti-ageing skin-care regimen that includes a range of active rejuvenation treatments that target fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin (along with sunscreen, of course) is key to treating and preventing the signs of aging. A few of the most beneficial ingredients to look for on product labels are vitamin A (retinol), glycolic acid, DMAE, Matrixyl, vitamin C, peptides, and vitamin K.    
 

Interviewer: What is one simple thing women can add to their daily routine that will give great benefits?

North West laser skin Clinic’s: Consistency! Most women expect immediate results when in actuality it takes weeks and even months to see visible results, new collagen takes three months to surface!

 In the meantime, avoiding overexposure to the sun and using a sunscreen every day along with good quality skin- care treatments that have a significant percentage of an active antioxidant will result in younger, healthier-looking skin in the long term.
 

Interviewer: What can be done to treat eye problems that cause women to appear older, such as puffiness or dark circles?

Northwest laser skin Clinic’s: Dark circles and puffy under-eye bags take patience to treat effectively. One of the more effective treatments is a super vitamin K cream that works to reduce the appearance of bruising under the eye.  Other active ingredients that work to reduce that under-eye-bag-lady look are Eyeliss, Haloxyl, stem cells from plants, and the flowering plant Arnica montana.

A few simple but effective treatments to reduce under-eye puffiness are ice. Apply frozen green-tea bags or just an ice cube to the under-eye area for 5 to 10 minutes every morning. Then, right after your shower, when the skin is warm and moist, apply a super vitamin K cream or serum. Lightly tap the under-eye area repeatedly to help disburse the fluid that has collected during the night.

Interviewer: Do you see a benefit to using to all-natural or organic products?

North West laser skin Clinic’s Without a doubt, natural products play a vital role in providing the skin with the nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. Making your own anti-aging skin care treatments is an incredibly quick, easy, and inexpensive way to harness the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential skin-rejuvenating properties of organic ingredients at the peak of their potency.   

What could be easier than brewing up a simple mixture of green-tea leaves with a squeeze of fresh orange juice and a teaspoon of coconut oil? You’ll create an anti-aging feast that infuses aging skin with the essential nutrition it needs to promote skin-cell turnover, neutralizes free radicals that work to destroy the cellular activity that keeps the skin healthy, and promotes rejuvenation all at the same time.

There are literally hundreds of common natural ingredients right in anyone’s kitchen pantry with powerful anti-aging attributes that promote skin health, diminish wrinkles and, age spots, reduce pore size, and firm sagging skin, along with other symptoms of ageing skin.

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Northwest laser Skin Clinic knows there are so many acne products out there to choose mine field, each claiming to be the best so how do you choose? What works wonders for one may not work at all for another leaving many acne sufferers very confused when it comes to choosing the right acne product that will work best for them.

How do you choose the acne product best suited for you?

Acne sufferers have one thing in common, acne. What they don’t have in common is there skin and using the wrong product on the wrong skin type reduces the  effectiveness of their chosen product. Skin type can be very important; someone with very dry skin should avoid the products used by those with oily skin and vice versa.

Consulting a dermatologist or skin clinic such as Northwest laser skin clinics can often make a huge difference in your search for the right acne product. Not all acne is created equal, there can be more than one cause for acne breakouts and a dermatologist can help in finding that cause and point you in the right treatment direction.

Active ingredients in many acne treatment products

• Alcohol and acetone – Alcohol is used as an antimicrobial agent; acetone is used to rid skin of excess oil.
• Alpha hydroxy acids – AHAs include citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid and tartaric acid and work to peel away the outer layers of dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Glycolic acid is said to be the most effective, it also has moisturizing qualities.
• Alpha lipoic acid – Antioxidant which is naturally occurring, it protects skin at the cellular level.
• Benzoyl peroxide – Attacks the bacteria that causes acne but can be irritating and drying to the skin. Helps loosen white and blackheads.
• Eucalyptus leaf oil – This natural oil has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to fight bacteria and sooth skin.
• Salicylic acid – This beta hydroxyl acid helps rid the skin of dead skin cells, it can lead to dry irritated skin in some cases.
• Sulfur – Works to kill bacteria. Sulfur softens skin and aids in peeling away the outer layer, also helps remove excess oils.
• Tea tree oil – A natural alternative for acne treatment. Works similarly to benzoyl peroxide.

When choosing an over the counter acne product it’s important to look for ingredients that will work best for your skin type. If you notice your symptoms worsening discontinue use and try something new. If you haven’t seen improvement after 2 months it’s a good idea to make an appointment with Northwest laser skin clinic’s.

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]]> http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/important-ingredients-to-know-about-in-acne-products/feed/ 2 http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/northwest-laser-skin-clinic-special-offers/chemical-skin-peels-special-offers/ http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/northwest-laser-skin-clinic-special-offers/chemical-skin-peels-special-offers/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:39:10 +0000 phampson http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/?p=316 Continue reading →]]> Chemical Skin peels special offers at Northwest laser and aesthetic skin clinic

Chemical Skin Peel special offers
Pay for 5 treatments
Get a FREE Homecare kit! (Open eveing – Frodsham 23rd September)

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]]> http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/northwest-laser-skin-clinic-special-offers/chemical-skin-peels-special-offers/feed/ 0 http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/men-and-laser-hair-removal/ http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/men-and-laser-hair-removal/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:56:54 +0000 Jan Williams http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/?p=296 Continue reading →]]>

From experience since opening Northwest Laser Skin clinic I have found there are several reasons for men wanting to remove facial and body hair by class 4 laser. The reasons can be as basic as it hurts and causes rashes when shaving or simply that men want to look good and to follow the trend for male models, movie star and sports stars who are usually depicted with perfect shape beards with bare breasts, bare legs and sometimes even the bare back!

 It seems it is simply not good to have a hairy chest anymore – although fashion may change, and who subsequently reversed their chest hair may regret their decision in  the future as a man goes back to being hairy  years although I cant see this happening for some time .

So why not waxing? Well, in essence, the methods are suitable for both men and women, but the trouble with waxing it’s a never ending cycle of growing the hair for weeks for a short term hair free period which as a side effect can also cause unwanted ingrown hairs and in lots of cases with men spots !!!

The main problem with waxing is painful as the treatment may be leaving skin red and sore for a couple of hours, but it is good that you only need to wax again after 4 weeks of being smooth. Fortunately you get used to the feeling over time. (Hair seems to be a bit ‘too low) is less expensive than laser treatment, but the costs will mount if you’re always professional hair removal treatments each month for a very large part of your life (add up your time and the treatment costs against laser and laser may not be as expensive as it first seems). Cost it will be cheaper if you use a home waxing kit you still have to buy supplies of wax on a basis and it can cause unwanted ingrown hair and blocked pores which can turn into large septic spots

 What about Shaving?  Actually main difference is in the shaving of facial hair; both men and women shave body areas and this is found completely acceptable (over the last twelve months we have seen an increase in men’s bikini line treatments in both gay and heterosexual males)you heard it here first ‘men are now going completely bare or designer bikini lines’.

Men having facial designer stubble is still considered to be manly and so shaving is almost only method of hair removal for this look ( although getting the perfect shape by laser is now becoming popular) females shaving their face is found to be a taboo subject but why one in five females suffer with the problem?

Then there are depilatory creams? Depilatory cream is the least painful (no pain the method of waxing is more painful, depilatory creams are also the cheapest method (at least in the short term) and laser treatment more expensive but can be a  permanent method of hair removal. Unfortunately, the treatments smells awful and the effects of depilatory creams do not last more than a couple of days before treatment must be repeated, but are perfect for a rapid transformation, with no pain or lasting effects.

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]]> http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/men-and-laser-hair-removal/feed/ 0 http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/q-switched-tattoo-removal/ http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/q-switched-tattoo-removal/#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:59:48 +0000 Jan Williams http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/?p=271 Continue reading →]]>

Some people like tattoos when they are younger , for reasons such as fashion ,found memories to hide birthmarks  and sometimes for stupid reasons.

Later they can become bored with the tattoo, or just decide they don’t want it any more. There are many reasons that a person may want to have a tattoo removed. Perhaps they have a named of an old lover tattooed on them, or they have a gang tattoo that there are no longer belong to. Some people have tattoos on their face, hands which can later effect their chances of employment or something that symbolizes hate or racism, and they no longer feel this way. Whatever the reason is, Northwest laser skin clinic’s can help to remove the unwanted tattoo.

Laser tattoo removal is the most safest and popular option for people considering the removal of a tattoo.

At Northwest laser skin clinic we use class 4 q switched lasers all staff are highly trained and experience in tattoo removal and regularly attend refresher training courses to offer the most up to date treatments in the North West

Laser removal involves targeting the tattooed area with pulses of concentrated light that will in turn break the ink fragments up into tiny particles which are then removed by your immune system. The Tattoo removal process does not happen after one session, however, and the more treatment you have, the more likely the laser will destroy the ink. However, the more treatments you have also means heightened damage done to your skin.

However’ you should also be aware of the risks of skin damage which are minimal as technology has improved a vast amount, many experts say it is very rare for skin to be scared permanently. Patients should also note Laser tattoo removal can be quite painful, as some have described it as feeling like being splattered with hot oil, or sratched by a sharp pin.

Here at Northwest Laser Skin Clinic we use cool air ( Zimmer cool air systems) to minimize patient discomfort. Laser tattoo removal can be expensive depending on the size and detail of your tattoo Northwest Laser Skin clinic offer’s pay as you go to spread the costs out prices start from as little as £50 per treatment.

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]]> http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/q-switched-tattoo-removal/feed/ 0 http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/northwest-laser-skin-clinic-news/affirm-erbium-anti-ageing-laser-comes-to-st-helens/ http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/northwest-laser-skin-clinic-news/affirm-erbium-anti-ageing-laser-comes-to-st-helens/#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:37:03 +0000 Jan Williams http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/?p=261 Continue reading →]]>
Newly arrived at Northwest laser and Aesthetics skin clinics we have the new Cynosure, Affirm laser: ERBIUM.

Fantasic results for

• Anti Ageing
• Stretch marks
• Scar Reduction
• Ance scarring
• Tightening lax skin

A Complete Treatment—In a Fraction of the Time

From pre-treatment preparation through post-treatment outcomes, the Affirm dramatically improves all aspects of the anti-aging application for you by leveraging Cynosure’s exclusive CAP, MultiPlex and XPL technologies.

• A comprehensive solution.
  By uniquely combining three leading-edge technologies, the Affirm offers you  total skin rejuvenation that targets all layers of photodamaged and aged skin. Using 1440-nm CAP technology, the Affirm targets superficial layers of photodamaged tissue. Our state-of-the-art XPL technology enhances clinical outcomes associated with the treatment of redness and pigmentation. And the Affirm’s newest technology targets deep layers of collagen structures for skin laxity and tightening.
• Superior technology.
  Unlike other skin clinic’s who  provide only one level of heat intensity, which can fail to optimize collagen production, we offer CAP Technology a specialized optical lens array that redistributes laser energy into varied levels of heat intensities to simultaneously stimulate and remodel collagen. Since lower energy levels can be delivered to the skin without compromising effectiveness patient discomfort is significantly decreased while the healing process is rapidly accelerated.
• Efficacious results.
  The sequential emission of two wavelengths in one pulse from the same delivery system. enabling us to use lower energy levels during treatments, reducing patient discomfort and recovery is accelerated—for faster, more effective results compared to single-wavelength technologies.
• Treatments that are 400% faster.
  By delivering approximately 1,000 diffractive micro-pulses in a 10-mm spot, CAP technology provides greater pattern density and requires fewer passes over a given area than competitive offerings—resulting in significantly faster treatment sessions. The absence of pre-treatment topical dyes also results in faster sessions. This translates into less pain for you and less time between treatments.

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]]> http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/northwest-laser-skin-clinic-news/affirm-erbium-anti-ageing-laser-comes-to-st-helens/feed/ 0 http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/253/ http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/253/#comments Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:29:03 +0000 Jan Williams http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/?p=253 Continue reading →]]> Epilation by laser was performed experimentally on various skin types for about 20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1970s. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) epilators, though technically not a laser, use xenon flash lamps that emit full spectrum light. Laser and light-based methods, sometimes called phototricholysis or photoepilation, are now most commonly referred to collectively as “laser hair removal“. One of the first published articles describing laser hair removal was authored by the group at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1998.

The efficacy of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in the dermatology community, and laser hair removal is widely practiced. Many reviews of laser hair removal methods, safety, and efficacy have been published in the dermatology literature.

How Does It Work?

The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter, (melanin), in the area that causes hair growth, (the follicle), while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin (but with much more speed and intensity). This dark target matter, or chromophore, can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced.

Hair removal lasers selectively target melanin:

• Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin (it gives skin and hair its color). There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color). Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed.

Laser works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target dark black hair even in patients with dark skin. Northwest laser skin clinic specialises in light and dark skin hair removal

Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and has been approved for “permanent hair reduction” internationally since this .

Permanent hair reduction is defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime. Indeed, many patients experience complete regrowth of hair on their treated areas in the years following their last treatment. Laser hair removal has become extremely popular because of its speed and efficacy, although some of the efficacy is dependent upon the skill and experience of the laser operator, and the choice and availability of different laser technology at the clinic which is performing the procedure. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of 6-8 treatments. It has also been observed that some people seem to be non-responders – this is not confirmed and reasons are not known, and may in fact be due to lack of skill on the part of many laser operators and/or the type of machine and settings they are using.

Comparison with electrolysis

Electrolysis is another hair removal method that has been used for over 135 years. At this time, it is the only permanent option for very fine and light-colored hair. Currently  the term Permanent Hair Removal can be used for electrolysis only. Unlike laser epilation, electrolysis is effective on all hair colors.

A study conducted in 2000 at the ASVAK Laser Center in Ankara, Turkey comparing alexandrite laser and electrolysis for hair removal on 12 patients concluded that laser hair removal was 60 times faster, less painful and more reliable than electrolysis

Laser parameters that affect results

Several wavelengths of laser energy have been used for hair removal, from visible light to near-infrared radiation. These lasers are usually defined by the lasering medium used to create the wavelength (measured in nanometers (nm)):

: 488 nm (DeepSkyBlue) or 514.5 nm (Cyan) (no longer used for hair removal)

Ruby laser: 694.3 nm (OrangeRed) (no longer used for hair removal; only safe for patients with very pale skin) [10]

Alexandrite: 755 nm (Red) (most effective on pale skin and safe on some darker skin types on mild to moderate  settings) a class 4 laser  used Northwest laser skin clinic

Pulsed diode array: 810 nm (Near-Infrared) (for pale to medium type skin)

Nd:YAG laser: 1064 ) (made for tr Argon treating darker skin types, though effective on all skin types nm (Near-Infrared) Used at northwest laser & Aesthetics skin clinicvery effective on Asian and darker skin tones and leg & facial veins

Pulse width is an important consideration. Longer pulse widths may be safer for darker skin, but shorter pulsewidths are more effective in disabling hair follicles. Repetition rate is believed to have a cumulative effect, based on the concept of thermal relaxation time Shooting two or three pulses at the same target with a specific delay between pulses can cause a slight improvement in the heating of an area. This may increase the “kill rate” for each treatment.

Spot size, or the width of the laser beam, affects treatment. Theoretically, the width of the ideal beam is about four times as wide as the target is deep. Hair removal lasers have a spot size about the size of a fingertip (8-18mm). Larger spot sizes help laser light penetrate deeper and make treatments faster and more effective, we would use 10mm – 15mm depending on the skin and body area

Fluence or energy level is another important consideration. Fluence is measured in joules per square centimeter (J/cm²). It’s important to get treated at high enough settings to heat up the follicles enough to disable them from producing hair.

Epidermal cooling has been determined to allow higher fluences and reduce pain and side effects, especially in darker skin. Three types of cooling have been developed:

• Contact cooling: through a window cooled by circulating water or other internal coolant
• Cryogen spray: Sprayed directly onto the skin immediately before and/or after the laser pulse
• Air cooling: forced cold air at -34 degrees C (Zimmer Cryo 5 unit)

Number of sessions

Multiple treatments (typically 6-8 spaced 4-12 weeks apart) depending on the type of hair, body area and skin color have been shown to provide long-term  hair reduction.

The number of sessions depends on various parameters, including the area of the body treated, skin color, coarseness of hair, reason for hirsutism, PCOS and sex. Coarse dark hair on light skin is easiest to treat. Hair on darker skin is harder to treat. Finer hair is only sometimes affected. Certain areas (notably men’s faces) may require considerably more treatments to achieve desired results. In addition, since hair grows in several phases, (anagen, telogen, catagen), and laser can only affect the currently active growing follicles, (anagen), several sessions are needed to kill hair in all phases of growth.

It’s important to note that most lasers do not work on light-colored hair and most fine and vellus hair (“peachfuzz”) of any color, however we have achieved reduction by using the Alexandrite laser in several patient cases . Electrolysis is the only permanent solution for those types of hair.

Intervals between sessions

Usually treatments are spaced 4–12 weeks apart depending on the body area and the hair cycle length for that area. For example, faces usually require more frequent treatments, whereas legs require less frequent treatments.

Instead of following an arbitrary schedule, one should wait until they have experienced shedding of the treated hairs, which should complete within 2-3 weeks, and see enough hair come in after the hair-free period to have another treatment.

Other uses

Hair removal lasers are effective treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae (commonly called ingrown hairs or “shaving bumps”). For darker skin patients with black hair, the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a cooling tip can be safe and effective when used by an experienced practitioner.

They have recently been reported as helpful treatment for pilonidal cysts, since they eliminate the ingrown hairs that produce the troublesome foreign body reactions in this congenital malady.

Side effects and risks

Some normal side effects may occur after laser hair removal treatments, including itching, redness and swelling around the treatment area. These side effects should not last more than three days. Some level of pain should also be expected during treatments. Numbing creams are available at most clinics, usually for an additional cost. Icing the area after the treatment helps relieve the side effects faster.

Unwanted side effects such as hypo- or hyper-pigmentation or, in extreme cases, burning of the skin call for an adjustment in laser settings. Risks include the chance of burning the skin or discoloration of the skin, hypopigmentation (white spots), flare of acne, swelling around the follicle, scab forming, purpura, and infection.

N.B. These risks can be avoided when being treated by an experienced operator using the  appropriate laser type and at appropriate settings for the individual’s skin type.

Some patients may show side effects from an allergy to either the hair removal gel used with certain laser types or to a numbing cream- Northwest laser skin clinic uses the Zimmer air cooler to offer greater patient comfort , reduce skin damage and allergies. Always consult the clinic where you were treated if  should be  if an allergic reaction presents itself after the treatment

References

• Liew, S.H., Laser hair removal: guidelines for management. Am J Clin Dermatol, 2002. 3(2): p. 107-15.
• Aldraibi, M.S., D.J. Touma, and A. Khachemoune, Hair removal with the 3-msec alexandrite laser in patients with skin types IV-VI: efficacy, safety, and the role of topical corticosteroids in preventing side effects. J Drugs Dermatol, 2007. 6(1): p. 60-6.

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]]> http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/laser-hair-removal-and-laser-skin-treatments-in-the-northwest-uk/253/feed/ 0 http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/northwest-laser-skin-clinic-news/learn-about-chemical-skin-peels/ http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/northwest-laser-skin-clinic-news/learn-about-chemical-skin-peels/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:01:47 +0000 Jan Williams http://www.northwestlasers.co.uk/laser-hair-blog/?p=231 Continue reading →]]> Northwest Laser and Aesthetic skin Clinic will be holding an opening evening for those of you who would like to learn more about chemical skin peels. We would like to invite you along to our Frodsham Clinic on Thursday 23 September 2010 to dis-spell any myths about chemical skin peels which are beneficial for acne, rosacea, pigmentation and anti-ageing.

Later enjoy a 2 course meal and cocktail for £9.99 in the Queens Head pub. Please call us on 08458331583 to confirm your attendance.

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