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.

It’s great to get feedback from our clients, and one of Julie’s clients recently gave her thoughts on her experience at Face the Future, please take a look below:

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Testimonial by Philippa W. December 2011

Philippa said:

After years of suffering with itchy, sore, hairy legs, I decided to have laser treatment and contacted Face the Future. I attended for an initial consultation with Julie and she advised that I was suitable for the treatment. I was told it would take between 6 to 10 treatments and the various laser options were discussed with me. I was not pressured into undertaking any treatment. I decided to go ahead. The treatment has been absolutely fantastic and took 8 sessions.

The staff at Face the Future were warm, friendly and welcoming and I was seen by Julie on each and every occasion. I am completely satisfied with my treatment and would recommend Face the Future to anyone thinking of undergoing laser hair removal.

Julie said:

Thank you very much Philippa for taking the trouble to write.  I try my best to be as honest and as straight talking as possible during consultation. I am so pleased that you found your experience with Face the Future an “absolutely fantastic” one Philippa, your legs look great now. I know from experience that once you have had treatment it is a bit addictive and you might want to have other areas treated. (Approx 80% of my clients have more than one area).

You know where we are.

Hope to see you again soon and thanks again for your feedback.

Julie – Face the Future.

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If you would like to provide a testimonial or feedback about your time at Face the Future, please email mark@facethefuture.co.uk with your thoughts or speak to the reception next time you visit the clinic.

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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.

So how can we help? If loosing weight is your main aim then Radio Frequency and Acoustic Wave Therapy treatments are a must have! Not only do they help to boost production of elastin in your skin and tighten and tone up any flabby skin you may be left with post diet but they can also help to remove the appearance of any cellulite something that just dieting alone will not combat. Many of our body hang ups are not always weight related often there is an area that no matter what exercise you do you just can’t tighten the skin often leaving us with wrinkly and saggy skin where it was once tight and smooth. Treatments for Acoustic Wave Therapy and Radio Frequency start from £59 and £79 respectively.

More often then not those who smoke will find they are more prone to fine lines and wrinkles both on their face and especially around the lips. There are a number of different treatments we can offer to reduce these issues. People also forget that while their face is taking a hit from smoking, fingers and hands can also look more wrinkled and sometimes stained. We have great treatments to rejuvenate hands and reduce the tell tale sign of smoking and aging using either the Q switch laser or mini peel treatments starting from as little as £39. For the face there are a number of treatments that we would suggest including Skin Peels, Genuine Dermaroller & Botox and Filler Injections. We offer independent unbiased advice on all sorts of treatments. We make sure you get the right treatment for you. You can also help to rehydrate your skin with our HydraFacial treatments and Danne Treatments just think of how amazing you will look!

Excessive alcohol generally leads to dry, dehydrated skin. This can be helped with plenty of water and Vitamin A and C can help to rehydrate and repair and protect the skin. Vitamin C comes in many forms either through food, in oral vitamin form or in a topical serum. Vitamin A although not legal in this country to be taken orally it is fantastic in a topical cream. Night and Day it will help to reduce any fine lines, wrinkles.

If you want the very best in skin care advice in 2012, contact Face the Future for a FREE consultation on 0113 282 3300.

This article was written by: Suzanne, Face the Future

In the mean time, and more realistically most of us will experience the “morning after” nightmare after a dream of a night out.  What follows is not advice on not drinking, but more on how to drink and avoid the hangover!!

Excess alcohol in our system causes intoxification (we like) and dehydration (we don’t).  When the liver’s can no longer detoxify the booze the body produces a toxin and it is this that causes the headache.  The advice that follows, if done after a “heavy” night will reduce the morning after symptoms.

Before going to bed drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of glutamine powder dissolved in it (it is a tasteless powder) and 1g (1000mg) Vitamin C.  If symptoms persist take again the following morning.

After all that have a great Christmas and a happy, HEALTHY New Year.

This article was written by: Sue, Face the Future

It’s the time of year that we all love until January arrives and were all trying to fit back into our clothes for work and those dresses and trousers that fit before no longer fit due to the fun you had over the last month or so. That’s when the Faddy diets start and promises to join the gym begin.

Here at Face the Future we have a product that you will definitely benefit from using! This product has been designed as an innovative appetite control spray favoured by many celebrities the sprays active ingredients will help you to stick to a low calorie controlled diet and can help you reach the weight loss goals you set without needing to give up early.  In the form of a spray FULLFast is now the market leader in diet aids due to the fact that the body can absorb the ingredients faster then any diet pill!

So what is the Science behind this magic spray?

Research shows that low levels of serotonin in the body can often leaving us feeling hungry, upset or down, and in turn can create negative feelings therefore the creators and scientists behind Full fast have introduced a spray that’s key ingredient is an amino acid called 5-Hydroxytryptohan this helps to promote and encourage the natural production of serotonin and helps to boost the feeling of being full helping to diminish those hunger pangs that we often feel when we are on a diet or “cutting down” after the festive period and ready for the year ahead!

A perfect time to try Full fast is over Christmas either to prevent picking at the wrong things or after Christmas for a proven way to help work off any damage or extra weight gained.

Benefit from REDUCED HUNGER, ENHANCED FEELINGS OF WELLBEING, DEVELOP HEALTHIER EATING HABBITS, STAY ON TRACK WITH YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS!

For more information or to purchase FULLFast please click here to buy online or call us on 0113 28 27744.

Studies have repeatedly shown that taking a daily supplement of 1 gram of Vitamin C or more reduces the incidence, severity and duration of colds. However, optimum nutrition, together with immune-boosting nutrients during cold epidemics, can produce even better results.

Diet advice
Avoid all dairy products, eggs and excessive meat or soya consumption, since these foods are mucus forming. This is a great time to give your body a high-energy pure food diet packed with fresh fruit and vegetables and their juices.

Advanced Nutrition Programme Vitamin C Plus is packed with all the required nutrients to boost and rejuvenate your immune system in such a way that you’ll glow with health every day.

Ingredients: Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), citrus bioflavonoid complex (min. 35% bioflavonoids), coating: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, glycerine; acacia, flow agent: magnesium stearate , anti-caking agent: stearic acid , anti-caking agent: silicon dioxide.

No added: Sugar, salt, starch, soya, wheat, gluten, maize, corn, yeast, lactose, dairy products, artificial preservatives, colours or flavourings.

So if you’re finding yourself reaching for those tissues, or woke with a sore throat try introducing a Vitamin C Plus supplement. Take 2 every 4 hours as well as a healthy diet to get you back on form for the festive season!

Advanced Nutrition Programme Vitamin C Plus are currently on special offer at £16.95 for a limited time in our online shop – click here to visit.

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