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Well, I woke up this morning feeling very excited.  You know the feeling you get in your stomach a mixture of excitement and nervous energy.  Why, what was happening to make me feel this way.  I was having a new treatment at Face the Future called MyCells, sometimes known as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) or more frighteningly called Vampire Therapy!

PRP, when injected into the skin, is a completely NATURAL and effective way to re-construct facial skin including the tissues around the eyes, and as there is nothing synthetic in the blood then the treatment has no side effects.

I read about the treatment and previously had a consultation with the Nurse at the clinic who explained the benefits of the treatment and all that it involved (more of that later), and personally the thought of having my own blood cells used to regenerate the skin made perfect sense.

I arrived at the clinic in plenty of time, and firstly had an anaesthetic cream (numbing cream) applied to the areas to be treated.  In my case this was all over the face, in for  a penny in for a pound was my reasoning.  PRP is effective for hard to treat areas such as eyelids, under the eyes and above the top lip, all areas I decided to go for.

After the cream had been on for around half an hour, a small amount of blood was taken from my arm.  This blood is then processed in clinic to separate the platelets and harvest key cells and proteins found in the blood so that they can be injected back into the skin to regenerate the skin and tissues underneath.

The numbing cream was removed and the procedure began.  My hands were a little sweaty I have to admit as I didn’t know what it would feel like, but once the procedure was underway I began to relax.  The treatment itself is not painful at all, some areas felt like little nips but it was easily tolerated and lasted around half an hour in total as I had the full face done.  After treatment I felt fine, but had a little redness and swelling and later in the day I noticed a couple of areas had bruised, so definitely something you need to have done when your diary isn’t full of important engagements, fortunately mine wasn’t, so no change there then!

I was informed that any improvement during the first few days after treatment would be temporary and actual improvement could take up to 6 weeks and the treatment could last from 18 months to 2 years.  Improvement will be seen after one session but a total of 3 sessions, 6 weeks apart will give optimal results.

Will it be worth waiting for… Check back in 6 weeks and I will let you know!

So what is the best routine for eyes?

We hear lots of Beauty Therapists telling us that the eyes need extra support to prevent the signs of ageing and that we should all be using a specific ‘eye cream’ for this fragile area.  Is this true or is it just a ploy to sell an extra product from their own specific skin care range?

Most skin care professionals will treat the skin tissue around the eyes in the same way as the rest of the facial skin.  In terms of product ingredients, its best to stick to the ones based on sound scientific and medical research, that we know have proven benefits to cellular repair and skin health.

So what skin care ingredients are of benefit to the eye area?

Most of the ingredients we need for the eye area are based on those which help maintain structural integrity of the skin and help with thin skin density.

Vitamin C (generally known as Ascorbic Acid) is used by the body to produce collagen.  It is also a great anti oxidant and helps fight free radicals, which are responsible for cellular inflammation and damage.  Vitamin C helps with collagen synthesis to create a thicker, firmer more compact skin and is essential as a skin ingredient in any age management routine.  Vitamin C can also brighten the skin and is often a key ingredient in the fight against dark circles and skin discolouration.

Vitamin A is arguably the most important ingredient used to fight the ageing process. It comes in different forms, (Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, Beta Carotene and Retinol).  It increases DNA activity and helps to ‘normalise’ skin cells.  Like Vitamin C it helps to neutralise free radicals.  Vitamin A is essential to create a thicker skin density and a healthier, more compact skin.

Peptides

Peptides again help with collagen synthesis and are really useful in the the early stages of wound healing and can also help improve scar tissue.  These are great to add into any age management routine where the use of more invasive therapies are involved (such as Dermaroller).  Matrixyl is probably the best known peptide and is now found in many good, medically based skin care products.

Growth Factors

Growth Factors are really ‘the new kid on the block’ and are beginning to make a major impact on skin care ingredient.  Growth factors are again necessary to replace or repair collagen.  Originally used for wound repair their effectiveness has now been recognised for their healing ability within the age management arena.  Again they are a must when utilising more invasive techniques such as Dermaroller, as they help lay down new collagen and elastin growth, as well as new cells and blood vessels.  Interestingly, one of the newest treatments hailed as the ‘best treatment’ for the delicate eye area is ‘MyCells‘, where platelet rich plasma (PRP) is injected into the eye area to improve tightness, soften lines and wrinkles and reduce skin pouches.  PRP is full of growth factors and the positive reviews for this product are spreading fast.

So, there we have it, the top four ingredient for treating the eye area.  Are they any different to treating the rest of the facial skin, well no not really, though most of us will continue to buy the obligatory ‘eye cream’ as it makes us feel we are doing our bit to preserve this delicate are.

So, top treatments for eyes at the moment is definitely MyCells.  Home Dermaroller should be added in 4 to 5 times a week for those of us who want to make a significant and continued improvement.

Top Products is an interesting one but my choice would be Danne Montague King Beta Gel, Direct Delivery Vitamin C and Retosin (Vitamin A) as standard for all the facial skin, including the eye area, with a growth factor product of choice (Mesoestetic Stem Cell Active Growth Factor (plant based growth factors), Environ Bovine Colostrum or TNS Recovery Complex (the only FDA approve human growth factors, which is also packed with peptides).

This article was written by: Kate, Face the Future RGN

What is MyCells?

MyCells uses a purified and concentrated portion of your own blood to rejuvenate your facial skin.

Cells and proteins found in your blood can be utilized to rejuvenate your skin and the tissue underneath.  This effective part of the blood is known as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and is capable of naturally accelerating normal healing pathways. PRP is full of growth factors and cells responsible for healing and repair.  PRP can stimulate the regeneration and recovery of ageing facial tissue in order to permanently reduce wrinkle pouches and improve skin tone.

The PRP is not only rich in platelet cells but also contains important growth factors and even some of your own stem cells to further stimulate the restorative process.  When the PRP is injected, it provides a completely natural and effective way to re construct your facial skin including the tissues around the eyes.  Because MyCells uses your own blood, it contains no foreign or synthetic chemicals and has no side effects.

After years of experience, the recommended regimen for MyCells is a total of 3 injections over an 18 months period, showing results for up to 2 years.

MyCells promotes growths by using your own bodies blood cells.

MyCells is the only therapy that can safely regenerate wrinkles under the eyes.

MyCells has limited side effects due to the fact the bodies own cells are used.  In fact the only side effects are minimal bruising and swelling.

MyCells is an effective treatment for:

• Lines and Wrinkles
• Under Eye Bags and Crows Feet
• Skin Folds and Pouches
• Open Pores
• Scarring
• Skin Tone
• General improvement in texture and tightening of skin

MyCells is effective for men, who want to see a visual improvement without the use of Botox and Fillers.

MyCells is effective for women who are looking for a more natural alternative to Botox and Fillers.

MyCells is effective for younger patients who want to take care of their skin and fight the ageing process without the use of Botox and Fillers.

MyCells is a great alternative to surgery as it naturally improves and rejuvenates the skin. Up to six sessions can be undertaken in a year for maximum improvement, for those wanting to avoid surgery.

If you would like to know more about MyCells, call us today on 0113 282 3300 and feel free to book a no obligation consultation.

The growing concerns for men to take care of their appearance have led to a development in the cosmetic industry of many products designed just for men. Before rushing to buy this line of products it is important to understand a couple of characteristics of male skin.

Men’s hormones and testosterone are responsible for male skin characteristics.

• Male skin is 24% thicker than a female skin, and the texture is more rough
• A higher quantity of collagen and elastin are found in men’s skin
• Men’s skin is more oily, with open pores and is prone to spots, blemishes and acne
• Shaving irritates and dehydrates the skin

It is important for you to learn about your skin type if you want to take good care of it.  You can have normal skin, oily skin, dry skin, or a skin that is a combination. There are many products designed for oily, dry, and normal skin, so be sure to find out what skin type you are.

Everyday here at Face the Future we treat men of all ages, for a variety of skin problems and general advice on how to look their best. We offer a free impartial consultation whereby you can spend time with one of our skin aestheticians, to discuss all your skin concerns.

Men want to look good, young, attractive, and healthy… why not? We wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether you are looking for in-clinic treatments, home care products or just advice, call now to book your free consultation on 0113 282 3300.

Face the Future have also have a website dedicated to male skin care – http://www.facethefuturemen.co.uk/

This article was written by: Natalie, Face the Future Clinician

We are always being asked about the skin treatments we offer.

We don’t have ”a list” as such to take away, this is because we are always keen to keep up with the latest products and technology which turn up via magazines and the media. We trial them at clinic first and find out if they really work…….. and do what they say they will do!!

So having lists for all would soon be out of date as we are adding new products all the time.  We have many, treatments for sun damage, wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, scarring, ageing etc. Some of our treatments are for more problematic skin conditions and usually involve a weekly or fortnightly treatment.

This time of year though we find clients want a good facial for the festive season. Skin problems or not, we all want to look as good as possible! It’s not too late to book a refreshing clinical facial to really make your skin stand out from the crowd.

The facials listed below are great for a good deep clean freshen up to get rid of dead skin build up with gentle exfoliation, re-hydration and re-address excess oily skin.

To make it easy for you we have put together a list of a few facial treatments which you could have before Christmas. These treatments have no real ”DOWN TIME” maybe a day of slight redness at most, so can be done before your party!!!

1. 3 for 2 Mix & Match on the following facials, HydraFacial, Jan Marini Facial and Mini Peel. Our special 3 for 2 offer means you can get 3 amazing facials for just £118, and look amazing for the festive season!

2. Jan Marini Skin Zyme Facial – Just fancy a single treatment? You can still save £20 on an individual Jan Marini Facial! RRP £79, OFFER PRICE £59

3. Dermaroller Home Meso-rejuvenation – Buy a Home Use Genuine Dermaroller and get an in clinic Meso Facial plus a lesson on how to use the roller from a clinician! SPECIAL OFFER PRICE £129

These special offers are available from the 21st November to the 21st December 2011, so book early to avoid disappointment! Contact the clinic on 0113 282 3300 to find out more and to book your appointment.

This article was written by: Julie, Face the Future Clinician

As part of our Countdown to Christmas blogs, take a look at how you could have amazing hands ready for the festive period:

As we age, our skin can develop dark brown or black pigmentation marks, these are called Solar Lentigines, more commonly known as age or sun spots. They are a constant reminder that our skin has seen better days, but it doesn’t have to be. Science has developed new treatments which are able to renew and improve our skin by reducing or even removing them, and if we remember to use sunblocks effectively, they will not reappear. Remember, when dealing with any suspicious spots, moles or discolouration’s, the first step should always be to consult with your GP.

We tend to spend a lot of time, effort and money looking after the skin on our faces and more often than not the hands are forgotten.  Damage can occur as the hands are always on show, be it in and out of water, making them dry and of course exposure to all weathers and can even get sun damage when driving.

A successful treatment in clinic is the Q Switched Ruby Laser which targets the pigmentation in the skin.  The pain is minimal and the procedure may need to be repeated a second time. In general we find that laser removal of age spots is permanent, however people do sometimes see new spots appear if they go back out into the sun if they do not use the correct sun protection. These are new spots forming as a result of sun exposure, not a recurrence of the old, removed spots. Protect your hands with a good SPF 50 sunscreen (we recommend Heliocare) if you wish to see your skin free of sun spots.

After a hand rejuvenation treatment, we can combine this with a Jan Marini skin peel which will be carried out first to clear any dead skin cells from the surface of the hands before the laser treatment commences.

Approximately 30 minute appointment will be required for treatment. Please note Laser treatment leaves a small trace, usually some redness and small grazes to the surface of the skin. These will crust over, heal and shed off after around a week, leaving better looking hands………….. all ready for the festive parties!!!!

Don’t let your hands give away your age. Contact Face the Future today on 0113 282 3300 for a FREE consultation with a trained clinician.

This article was written by: Julie, Face the Future Clinician

The HydraFacial™ is the most cutting-edge hydradermabrasion technology on the market and through a multi-step process, it enables everyone to achieve healthy skin. The Vortex-Fusion™ technology coupled with our skin specific solutions offer the absolute best results by leaving skin glowing, feeling silky smooth, and especially healthy! With no downtime, the HydraFacial™ is an efficient treatment, gentle enough for all skin types, and reveals immediate results that help you attain healthy skin.  It combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with no discomfort or downtime.

HydraFacial targets fine lines and wrinkles, congested and enlarged pores, oily or acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation and brown spots. This treatment is great as a “one off” for that special occasion, but even better results can be achieved with a series of treatments.  To help you on your way to better skin Face the Future has put together a special package to get your skin ready for the Autumn & Winter months.

• HydraFacial Bronze £39
• HydraFacial Silver £49
• HydraFacial Gold £69

For a limited period book a block of 4 bronze treatments and receive an upgrade on your 4th treatment to a GOLD Hydrafacial with our compliments.

Call us today on 0113 282 3300 or please ask at reception for details or to book your treatment.

This article was written by: Sue, Face the Future

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After a rainy day inside with the children over the summer holidays I could see that after 6 weeks off I was ready for the kids to back to school. Although I love spending time with them the rain had kept us in and it was taking its toll on my skin too!

I decided I needed sprucing up and saw on the Face the Future website they were offering some trial slots for a new facial, to anyone who “liked” their Facebook page. I have visited the clinic previously for laser hair removal and my husband goes there for tattoo removal so we have always felt happy to go for other treatments as and when they come on special offer. And unlike the Groupon offers, I know experience specialists, not “trainees”, do the treatments.

Being a fan of the Facebook page gives access to special offers and invites to try new treatments, and I noticed I was one of the lucky few to be invited in to the clinic try out their latest facial peel!

My skin was feeling dry and dull and I needed a bit of tightening here and there so this sounded perfect and as working mum was well within my budget of £59! Quick phone call and I was booked in with Julie the next day.

As Julie took me into the treatment room she explained how the facial worked using a papaya enzyme to eat away at all the dead skin on my face it reminded me of the fish eating the dead skin on your feet but without having the weird experience!

Julie first cleansed my face and then applied the green mask over my face and neck. It tingled slightly as it worked its magic. Next Julie left me for about 10 minutes while the enzymes we working as she came back in she neutralised and rehydrated my skin, already I could feel the difference.

Following that Julie applied 2 more serums and creams, this still tingles and I felt a little flush and really clean and energised.

My favourite part of the treatment was the fact I felt lovely for the weekend and my skin felt bright and clean. My husband could really see a difference and this is a big thing for him to notice!

I loved my facial and would probably have one for special occasions or at the end of the holidays. After I had the treatment I decided to buy the cleanser and the mask so that I could do parts of the treatment at home. After a busy week with work, children, husband and a dog, I have “me” time which requires no babysitter as I can do it at home when my husbands working late and the kids are in bed.

I’d definitely recommend this to all of my friends and being super organised have bought vouchers for my mum and mother in law as an early pre-Christmas treat. I also bought one for my sister who is pregnant as it’s one of the only treatments she can have while she’s pregnant, perfect!

Skin is prepared using an enzyme cleanser to really get into the nooks and crannies of skin and make it squeaky clean.  Enzymes are almost like little pac men, munching away at oils and debris on the skin and removing any build up of loose dead skin that makes the complexion look dull and sallow.

Once clean, a deeper enzyme mask is left on the skin for 20 minutes, to continue the good work, removing unwanted build up and helping to create a smooth, glowing skin.

The treatment is finished with micro mask, a hyaluronic acid mask, that acts as a hydrator.  Hyaluronic acid acts like a little water magnet, drawing water towards it and aiding in firmness and hydration.

The result, plump, firm skin with an amazing glow!!!

This facial is available at an introductory price of just £59 this week only (usually £79) so what are you waiting for? Call the clinic today to book a treatment on 0113 282 3300!

Stay tuned tomorrow for a blog from one of our lucky “trial” customers to see her thoughts on the treatment were from when we were initially trialing it back in September!

This article was written by: Kate, Face the Future RGN

While the Autumn weather may encourage outdoor activities, your skin will retain less moisture because of the cooler, drier air. The same happens indoors as the heat goes on and up. Key symptoms of “Autumn Skin” include dryness, fine lines, dull and sallow skin tone, sun and age spots, flaking and irritation. Your skin can remain beautiful and glowing, however, if you treat it correctly and make some minor adjustments to account for the change of seasons.

During the cooler months, the skin needs extra nourishment and protection. Three things that everyone should do to protect their skin in the Autumn include drinking lots of water to remain hydrated, applying moisturiser before going outside to give it time to be absorbed and, importantly, continuing to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50.  Despite the waning sun, it is still important to use sunscreen in autumn. Moisturising is more important than ever, regardless of skin type. In fact, even oily skin needs a moisturiser. If you need advice on which moisturiser or sunscreen you should be using, call our online shop team for free advice on our products on 0113 282 7744.

Moisturiser that is applied when the body is slightly damp after bathing is one of the most important things we can do to improve the condition and feel of our skin, A body oil or cream should be applied over the whole body, concentrating on rough spots including the elbows, knees and feet. Moisturisers with an alpha hydroxy acid help exfoliate the skin’s outermost layer. Exercise is also a good moisturiser, as sweat provides a natural way of releasing toxins.

Sun damage over the years can result in localised spots of hyper pigmentation that appear on the most exposed parts of the body, generally the hands, shoulders and face. Known as age spots or liver spots, these flat, grey, brown or black marks are harmless and don’t need treatment.  For cosmetic reasons, age spots can sometimes be lightened with skin-bleaching products or completely removed with the use of lasers. However, preventing age spots — by avoiding the sun and using sunscreen — may be the easiest way to avoid these spots.

It is not uncommon for nails to start cracking or peeling. Avoiding harsh soaps and the more frequent use of moisturiser is usually the answer.

A major problem associated with the skin of the feet upon Summer’s end is dry, cracked heels caused by wearing open backed shoes during the Summer. Cracked heel problems can be relatively mild, with dry or flaky skin, to very severe and painful, with hard skin and deep fissures that are prone to bleeding and make walking uncomfortable. Cracked heels can be improved by taking care of the feet by using a natural foot scrub and pumice stone to slough away dead skin and moisturising with a special foot cream.  If there is stubborn hard skin then a Medi-Pedi treatment could help.

Lets embrace the change in season with a few small changes in our skincare regime.

This article was written by: Sue, Face the Future