What is acne?

If you have acne it means you get spots, lots of us have had acne as teenagers. But it can affect us at any age. It may appear briefly or last for many years.

Spots happen when you get a build-up of natural oil under your skin. Small glands in your skin make an oily substance called sebum. This stops your skin drying out.

Sebum comes out onto the surface of your skin through tiny holes called pores.

If a pore becomes blocked, sebum can build up. This can cause several kinds of swellings or spots on your skin.

• If sebum builds up just under your skin, you get white bumps called whiteheads.
• Blocked pores can get quite wide and open up. This causes small dark marks called blackheads. The black bit is a plug of oily sebum and protein from your skin. It’s not dirt.
• Spots can turn red and become inflamed. These are called papules. They happen if bacteria start growing in the sebum that’s built up.
• Some inflamed spots contain pus. These are called pustules.

What causes acne?

Acne is so diverse and can have so many aggravating factors.

• Stress
• Hormones
• Menstrual cycle
• Pressure/friction
• Picking
• Humidity/Climate
• Industrial Chemicals
• Drugs
• Cosmetics

Danne Montague-King

Danne Montague-King, DMK, is based on the principle that cells of the skin respond positively to chemistry the skin recognises; the chemistry it manufactures on its own. The DMK remove:rebuild:protect:maintain system matches the body chemistry within the appropriate botanical formulations, professional treatments and home prescriptives.

How it works

The remove:rebuild:protect:maintain system is a comprehensive four-step program designed to:

remove: Dead skin cell build-up, which leads to the appearance of dry skin, fine lines, and skin discolouration.

rebuild: The remaining living cells by providing protein, other amino acids and nutrients, thus enabling the cells to stay alive longer and perform at their healthiest, youngest.

protect: The skin from sun, free radicals, glycosylation and other environmental factors.

maintain: Enable the skin to function optimally with appropriate home prescriptives.  Developed to utilise the most pure botanical ingredients and incorporating our unique transdermal delivery to supply the cells and skin with the perfect environment in which it is continuously rejuvenated.

The DMK concept is a comprehensive approach to skin revision. In clinic treatments are used in conjunction with home prescriptive products to create an environment in which the skin continuously rejuvenates.

A typical regime to treat acne, in combination with treatments, would be:

AM: Acne Wash -  Herb and Mineral Mist – Beta Gel Serum – Moisture Balancer – Transdermal Sunblock

PM: Acne Wash -  Herb and Mineral Mist – Beta Gel Serum – Moisture Balancer

PM: Acne Wash -  Herb and Mineral Mist – Retosin or Revise-A

The results may take between one and twelve successive treatments to achieve, however you wear your skin every day, so bear in mind how short the treatment time is, compared to the rest of your life.

Check out the DMK latest YouTube clip for a true client testimonial from the official Danné Montague-King YouTube page:

For more information or to book a free consultation, please contact the clinic on 0113 282 3300.

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

We have recently introduced a brand new treatment in clinic, Obagi Blue Peel and one of our clients who took part in our trial sessions for the treatment has taken the time to let us know their thoughts. Take a look below, and continue to the bottom of this blog to find out about our special offer on Obagi Blue Peel:

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If, like me, your hands tend to give the game away then its time to take action. But first of all why do hands age so fast?

The backs of our hands are constantly exposed to the sun, wind and rain, and daily wear and tear from harsh detergents. Once ageing has been added into the mix, the thin skin on the back of our hands doesn’t stand much of chance. The skin there has few oil glands so it prone to showing the effects of minimum care over the years. Whilst we look for the latest anti-ageing skincare for the face we tend to forget our hands, having a dab of hand cream once in while just won’t do.

Is it possible that once the damage is done, we can reverse the aged look of the skin on the backs of our hands, the answer is yes, thanks to the Obagi Blue Peel. This is a strong Chemical Peel which uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as the active ingredient mixed with the patented Blue Base from Obagi. Where do I sign….

I went along to Face the future for my consultation and was advised that this was the treatment for me. First of all Kate, the Nurse, applied the Obagi Blue Peel solution to the back of my hands and waited for this layer to dry. Based on your level of skin damage and your desired level of transformation further layers can be applied which bring on a deeper peel. I had another layer applied.

The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and does not usually cause much discomfort.

A mild burning sensation can occur that generally lasts only a few minutes. That was it, I was able to leave the clinic. I had no discomfort, but the back of my hands had a bluish tint that usually washes off in 12 to 24 hours. I found a pair of fingerless gloves useful when out and about.

Within 2 to 3 days, my skin started to feel rough. I had been advised not to put anything on my hands, such as cream or moisturiser but just leave the dry skin to peel away. After 7 – 10 days the treatment is complete. My hands look so much better. The skin seems tighter, smoother and the age spots are less noticeable.

I am so pleased with the result that I am considering a facial peel, as the Obagi Blue Peel is also suitable for the face and neck, all I need is time when a blue face won’t look out of place… Any ideas on a postcard please…….

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Limted Special Offer – Obagi Blue Peel

RRP: £350, Offer Price £249 plus free medical sunscreen!

Call the clinic today on 0113 282 3300 for more information or to book a FREE consultation.

Although it can be said that red wine has been proven to help reduce the risk of heart disease containing the antioxidants to prevent the build up of fat around the inner walls of the arteries.

However having some health benefits the negative points of consuming alcohol outweigh the positives. The down side to alcohol are that it dehydrates the body causing a greater appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and body. This dehydration also can cause the body to hold on to any fluids it does have causing puffiness around the face and eyes and often making the stomach appear bloated (not a good look!). Alcohol can reduce the body’s intake of vital vitamins and nutrients along with this it can because the blood vessels in your body to dilate causing red bumps thread veins and spots. Often leading to Rosacea, which is a condition that can appear in the beginning as a tendency to blush and flush easily.

Two treatments that we offer here in clinic as a solution to these side effects are laser treatments and or advanced electrolysis for the thread veins ranging from £40- £80 per treatment and treatments for Rosacea range from our Danne and Jan Marini skin peels and other methods are the Obagi Rosaclear depending on the intensity of the issue we would recommend one of these methods. We would be able to establish within our free consultations, which would be best for you.

As well as the appearance of your skin excessive alcohol can also effect your blood sugar levels making your body crave the fast food take always, pizzas, Indians, Chinese all of which can play havoc with your waist line not to mention the calories in the drink itself!

I suppose the moral of the story is that a little bit of what you fancy is fine but the key to it all is everything in moderation! And if you cant resist that extra tipple or that takeaway after a night out or you feel you are ready to repair the damage you have already caused give us a call on 0113 282 3300 or come in and see the range of treatments we offer.

We wouldn’t think twice about spending money on a new dress or pair of shoes to wear on a night out but what good is a new dress or sparkly shoes if your skin is looking old, wrinkly or spotty. Don’t forget we try and protect our internal organs but skin is the bodies largest organ think about how you can protect that too and be happier in the skin your in!

This article was written by: Suzy, Face the Future

Most people who are in this situation feel as though they have no way of removing these mistakes and can often in a social environment feel embarrassed by something they may have done years ago. Especially now we are all getting early invites to Christmas Party’s and New Years Eve celebrations.

We are lucky here at Face the Future to have the latest in Laser technology the Q Switch Ruby laser which most celebrities are now turning to in order to remove those unwanted tattoos.

So how does it work?

The Q switch Ruby laser can remove Tattoos effectively in a controlled and safe way by heating up the pigment of the ink within the skin and breaking the ink down into smaller particles for your body to break down naturally. As the laser is so precise were can remove parts or all of a tattoo this is often advantage when working on Sleeves or tattoo’s where part of the artwork involves a name date or in some cases a spelling mistake!  Other advantages to the Q switch Ruby laser we have here are that all colours are responsive to treatment and with the Ruby laser we have a high success rate removing Greens, Reds, Blues that many other lasers fail to touch.

If you would like to discuss with our specialists a price for the removal of your tattoo please calls us on 0113 282 3300 and we will be happy to arrange a suitable date and time for you to come in. Alternatively send us a picture of the tattoo you wish removing to info@facethefuture.co.uk

This article was written by: Suzy, Face the Future

Causes of warts and verrucas
Warts are caused by HPV, (Human Papilloma Virus) of which there are over 100 different types. Warts can be contagious, but the risk of you catching them is low. Warts usually spread from direct skin contact or in damp places, commonly in swimming pools and communal showers. If you scratch a wart, the viral particles may spread to other areas of your skin.

People who have a weakened immune system, such as those who have HIV/AIDS, or those who are taking medicines that suppress the immune system, are more likely to develop warts and verrucas.

The Treatment
A full consultation is needed for this treatment with each treatment session lasting up to 30 minutes. The tip of a small probe is used with a electrical current. The aim is to cauterise the wart or verruca to stop the blood supply from the body feeding the problem area. The treatment itself depends on each individuals pain tolerance. There are minimal after effects, however the area may be feel slightly tender and some scabbing may occur.

The Results
A wide diversity of skin blemishes can be treated. With warts and verrucas the results will almost certainly depend on the length of time you have had a verruca and the previous treatments performed. The longer the verruca has been present the longer it takes for results to be apparent. Some warts and verrucas respond to treatment very quickly and others take a little bit longer. A rough estimate of how many treatments you as an individual would need, will be given at consultation.

Call us today on 0113 282 3300 for a free consultation, or visit the specialist Skin Blemish Website for further information on Wart Removal and Verruca Removal.

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

Hormones are rapidly changing as your body is working its magic to grow and develop the little one inside your womb with the changes in hormones come changes in skin.

The “pregnancy glow.” The glow that others notice isn’t just an old wives’ tale it is often caused by an increased volume of blood, which in turn can cause the cheeks to take on an attractive blush, because of the many blood vessels just below the skin’s surface. This flushed face on many pregnant women is similar to the one non-pregnant people experience when they are excited, cry, or increase their heart rate.

Along with a lovely glow to your skin another side effect of the hormonal in balance is Acne. This is not often as severe as that of adolescence, however you would benefit from a free skin consultation with our specialists to look at a safe routine in order to control the breakouts whilst pregnant and or breastfeeding. Fortunately, pregnancy is much shorter than adolescence; the bumps and pimples will subside shortly after the baby is born.  Due to the risk of birth defects, the anti-acne prescription drugs Accutane and Retin-A cannot be used during pregnancy and therefore it is important that you look at the products you are using and let us see how we can manage your skin without any problems for you or the baby.

During Pregnancy women can often find they may start to see patches of pigmentation this can often be chloasma or “pregnancy mask” which can appear anywhere on your face typically forehead, upper cheeks, upper lip and chin, Caused by the oestrogen and progesterone in the skin stimulating the melanin cells in the skin to produce more pigment. If you do find that during your pregnancy you do develop areas of pigmentation please don’t worry Chloasma cannot be prevented, but you can minimise the intensity of these blotchy, darkened areas by limiting your exposure to ultraviolet light (i.e., sunshine), which further stimulates melanin production and also it can be easily sorted with a consultation with Kate as a nurse prescriber she has able to prescribe the right treatment to help control the pigmentation that you may get.

It’s not all doom and gloom though where your skin is concerned although you may be restricted to certain foods you cant eat (some soft cheeses, prawns, runny eggs to name a few) you are still entitled to treat yourself and here we offer a few treatments that are fantastic for freshening your skin re-hydrating and leaving the skin feeling lovely and smooth and fighting any spots you may get in the process.

For more information on what treatments are available to you please call us on 01132 823300 and we will be happy to fill you in on what treatments are right for you. Don’t forget that while the baby is in your tummy you are entitled to treat yourself and it may not always be easy to just nip in when the baby is here so take full advantage of any maternity leave you have!

This article was written by: Suzy, Face the Future

Usually tattoos are a give away of age, or shall we say the ‘decade’ they were done. I suspect that a lot of us have been tempted at some time and some have indeed surrendered to at least one.

If you are wanting that old tattoo removed or (faded to have a different one applied), Face the Future has the answer in the latest laser technology in the Polaris Q-Switch Ruby Tattoo removal machine.

The laser has been in clinic now for about 18 months and proving very popular with both ladies and gents. It can remove all colours, black and greens being the hardest to remove.

The number of sessions needed is dependent on many different factors, including:

• If it has been done by a professional tattoo artist, or friend/self
• The colour(s)
• The age of tattoo
• If it has been a ‘cover up’ for previous artwork, (original tattoo covered by another tattoo at a later date)
• How your own body breaks down the pigment

Sometimes, it is difficult to assess how many sessions will be needed but generally its between around 4 and 20.  The more complicated and colourful the tattoo, the longer it will take to remove it.  That said, the results are great and well worth the time and effort. You will see the tattoo fading, session by session which is very satisfying.

Sessions are usually done every 6 weeks, as this gives skin type to heal before the next session.  In terms of comfort, it feels a little like an elastic band snap and can throb a little on the day of the treatment.  It usually settles nicely the next day though its common to get blisters.  This is great as it shows the laser is doing a nice job of breaking down the ink.

Cost is very dependent on the size of the tattoo and how many sessions you will need. Prices start at £29, which could be dots, or small font names, for example and increase in price in relation to size of the tattoo.

People choose to have their tattoos removed for lots of different reasons.  Often its job or relationship related or sometimes its because they want a new tattoo to cover the old.  Occasionally its an intoxicated mistake, (Oops did I just say that). Just a few good reasons to come clean.

Please note NEW TATTOOS must have been in situ for at least three months before any attempts can be made to remove them.

As a very special offer, you can come in to the clinic for FREE “try before you buy” consultation and to get you started, book 5 treatments in AUGUST or SEPTEMBER and we will give you TWO TREATMENTS FREE! This offer is limited, so book early!

If you would like to know more about TATTOO REMOVAL please contact the clinic on 0113 282 3300.

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

UVA
Makes up 95% of UV. UVA penetrates deep into the dermis and damages skin… even on a cloudy day or in winter!

Collagen, elastin and underlying skin architecture are all damaged by the release of free radicals or reactive oxygen which is caused by UVA.

UVA seriously reduces the skins natural defence mechanisms and can cause skin cancer, as well as causing pigmentation problems and skin reactions.

UVB
More prevalent on sunny days during the summer. It only penetrates the epidermal layer of the skin, and is what will give you a tan.

Whilst tanning UVB can cause reddening, burning and epidermal damage. Most importantly UVB also reduces the skins natural defence mechanisms and can cause skin cancer.

What you can do:

To keep your skin looking healthy and looking young all year round, we recommend the use of Heliocare Sunscreen.

Heliocare is a range of sun protection products that provide advanced protection on the skin and from within. The only UV protection range to contain Fernblock Photoimmunoprotection Technology.

The Heliocare range covers everything from a sun block gel to a make-up compact so it’s never been easier to introduce sun protection into your daily routine.

How to apply:

• Apply in the morning.
• Carry out your regular skin care routine.
• Apply a layer of Heliocare and massage gently until absorbed, ensuring complete coverage. For compacts apply using sponge provided.
• Followed by make-up if desired

The complete Heliocare Range is available to purchase at our online shop or in our clinic. If you’re new to Heliocare range and not sure which product to purchase, why not order a sample pack to see which you like best!

Looking for a special offer on Heliocare? Then take advantage of our Heliocare Bundles!

What is the Hydrafacial treatment?
The Hydrafacial is a comparatively new development to the facial aesthetic market. It is a gentle resurfacing facial, which unlike microdermabrasion,  leaves skin feeling both smooth and intensely hydrated. Traditional microdermabrasion methods use finely ground crystals or sand to exfoliate skin but don’t rebuild or hydrate skin, leaving skin open to damage of the acid mantle and upsetting the delicate balance of the skin.  The Hydrafacial treatment uses a uniquely designed spiral tip to exfoliate and water based serums to cleanse, exfoliate and rebuild, leaving skin perfectly cleansed and hydrated, without the need for harsh mechanical exfoliants. It is also a delivery system, ensuring that skin receives essential nutrients such as antioxidents and moisturisers such as hylauronic acid.

The fact that the Hydrafacial has the ability to moisturise the skin makes the treatment stand alone from other skin rejuvenating treatments and microdermabrasion procedures.

Is this treatment for me?
The Hydrafacial is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin. Your Face the Future clinician may choose specific treatment serums and/or customise the treatment for your unique skin conditions and needs. This procedure is ideal for those desiring facial rejuvenation with no downtime. We could even say it’s the lunch break facial!

Used as a series of facials it can be used to target minor skin problems, such as early wrinkles, mild acne and mild pigmentation.

What does the Hydrafacial treatment do?
The Hydrafacial treatment is used to remove dead skin cells from the epidermis, and extract any impurities from within the skin. At the same time serums are applied to the new skin, to cleanse, hydrate and moisturise. Hydrafacial effectively and safely improves the skin quality by increasing its thickness, helping repair the dermal matrix and delivering beneficial antioxidants.

Does the Hydrafacial treatment vary in strengths?

There are different packages available with the Hydrafacial and skin is assessed individually to ensure the appropriate treatment is prescribed.

The bronze package offers the Hydrafacial treatment. This consists of the exfoliation, cleansing, hydration and moisturising.

The silver package includes the Hydrafacial treatment, as above, but also includes a combination of red and blue light therapy. This allows the acceleration of skin repair and renewal of damaged cells, and also stimulates the production of collagen which will lead to improvement is skin texture and firmness.

Finally, the gold package includes a Hydrafacial followed by a gentle skin peel. The application of the mild peel product caused the dead skin to become brittle and pop-off, ready for removal with the spiral tip of the Hydrafacial technology. This is then followed by the red and blue light therapy.

How is the treatment carried out?
The Hydrafacial has a small tip on the end of a ‘pen-like’ device, which is brushed over the surface of the skin. Smooth, stroking movements allow the serums to be directed on to the skin and then gently vacuumed up, along with any dead skin cells and debris.

Does the treatment hurt?
The Hydrafacial does not usually hurt, and is non-invasive so creates no downtime. The feeling of treatment is often described as a cool paintbrush moving over the face. It is usual for the skin to feel tight, and possible red following the treatment. But usually the redness disappears a short while after.

How long can I expect results to last?
Immediate results may last 5-7 days, and sometimes even longer. If a series of treatments is recommended then long term improvements can be seen and   maintained on a monthly basis.

How much would the treatment cost?
Prices start from £39, depending on the package you choose.

What should I do now?
If this treatment sounds perfect for you then simply call the clinic on 0113 282 3300 or e-mail info@facethefuture.co.uk to book in for the Hydrafacial treatment. If you are unsure of what package you wish to have, then simply book an appointment for the treatment, and the clinician can give advise on the day.

If you are unsure if this is the right treatment for you, we offer a free skin consultation, where we can offer the best advice for your individual skin.

Radio Frequency is fast becoming a firm favourite in the Aesthetic Industry and can make a significant difference to problem areas on both face and body.

Typically facial areas include:

• Double Chins
• Fat or Flabby Cheeks
• Facial Sculpturing
• Sagging Jowels
• Crepey Necks

Typical body areas include:

• Bra Bulges
• Love Handles
• Post Pregnancy Tummy
• Inner Thighs
• Saddle Bags

Radio Frequency is a comfortable procedure with no down time afterwards.  Skin is a red, a little warm and tingly.   The number of treatments depends on the area to be treated and how significant the problem is.  Multiple areas can be treated in one session.  Typically 8 to 12 sessions are needed but if the problem is more pronounced, more sessions may be needed.

Our May and June Special Offer is just £69 per treatment for 1 area but if you buy 6 in advance, we will give you 2 free! Call the clinic now on 0113 282 3300 for more information or to book a FREE consultation.