Noticing fine wrinkles in the mirror? Skin starting to lose its elasticity?
Did you know that up to 80% of visible ageing is caused by UV rays? Sun damage is very likely to be a major cause of those lines, uneven pigmentation and dry, thinning skin you’re starting to notice.
Prolonged exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays damages the collagen fibres in the skin, increasing the risk of cancer and causes premature ageing.
Prevent sun damage
Prevention is always better than cure, and Sleeping Beauty Director, Lilac Miller, talks about protecting your skin in her earlier blog here. She explores the science behind SPF (sun protection factor) and explains what’s best for you and your family. As Lilac points out, sun protection is not just for those two weeks a year when you toast on a beach; we’re exposed to the harsh rays every day of the year. Using sun protection daily is essential if you want to delay those tell-tale signs of premature ageing.
But what if you’ve already noticed those lines and age spots?
The good news is that there are non-invasive advanced skincare treatments which specifically target sun damaged skin, and in this blog Gemma Gilroy, our William Street Salon Manager, looks at some of the options available to you…
Reduce the visible signs of sun damage
“Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive advanced skin procedure,” explains Gemma, “that can improve the appearance of sun damage including wrinkles, fine lines and age spots through mechanical exfoliation.”
Results are seen after one treatment, although we usually recommend a course of treatments says Gemma. With regular treatments, the skin increases its collagen and elastin formation, to give you a naturally firmer and more rejuvenated look.
She suggests, “If you’re in two minds about the treatment why not book a Mini Flash Microdermabrasion for 25 minutes (£42) and see the results for yourself?
“Personally, I love our Deluxe Microdermabrasion treatment. After exfoliating the dead skin cells, we apply a powerful hydrating mask to plump out and calm the skin leaving you with a softer, radiant and more youthful appearance. We combine this with a collagen firming eye treatment and a truly relaxing face, neck, upper back and shoulder massage.”
Microdermabrasion is not painful, and there is little or no downtime with it. Just remember your newly revealed skin can be more sensitive to the sun for a few weeks after treatment so it’s important to protect with a high SPF sunscreen.
Why not take a look at our Microdermabrasion menu here. The treatment is offered at all Sleeping Beauty salons (except the Melrose Spa, Edinburgh).
Exfoliate. Exfoliate. Exfoliate.
“Incorporate exfoliating body treatments into your weekly beauty regime to encourage new skin cells and help remove any dead or damaged skin,” recommends Gemma. “I always prep my skin two or three times a week by using a body exfoliator which leaves my skin looking more even, moisturised and bright.
The Sleeping Beauty Signature Salt Glow is perfect to kick-start your exfoliation routine. The Rose and Jasmine scrub is my favourite – and I have tried a few in my time – as it always leaves my skin baby soft, healthy looking and nourished.”
Soothing and hydrating sun damaged skin
We achieve some brilliant results for clients with uneven skin tone and fine lines with our advanced ELEMIS BIOTEC Skin Resurfacer treatment explains Gemma.
“Your treatment begins with an in-depth consultation and facial mapping analysis. First, an ultrasonic peel lifts dead skin and stimulates production of collagen. We use a combination of actives including Lactic and Hyaluronic acids, Sandalwood, Thyme and Lemon oils to reveal a smoother complexion.
“Next a steam and extraction to deeply cleanse and detoxify before a gentle massage restores equilibrium.
“Your treatment finishes with light therapy with a combination of anti-bacterial blue light and re-energising red light to deeply treat your skin.”
- Deep cleanses the skin
- Resurfaces and increases skin smoothness
- Balances uneven skin tone
- Visibly smoothes superficial scarring and treats blemishes
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin looks more healthy
Our Biotec Skin Resurfacer is available at all our salons £70. Call 0844 445 7771 or book online.
Condition, rejuvenate and moisturise
To rejuvenate sun-parched skin and detoxify the mind, body and soul why not book yourself our Oriental Body Wrap?
While you’re cocooned in this moisturising wrap we give you a blissful super-relaxing scalp massage. We then massage you from top to toe with a stimulating cream of zingy spearmint, lime and lemongrass.
“Perfect for conditioning and calming the skin after sun exposure,” adds Gemma. “It’s 50 minutes of pure relaxation.”
Non-surgical treatments for sun damaged skin
Sleeping Beauty in Margaret Street Inverness also offers two non-invasive advanced treatments for photo-ageing (AKA sun damage): CACI and COMCIT technology.
CACI for anti-ageing
Beloved by Hollywood stars and A-listers, CACI is known as the ‘non-surgical facelift’. The technology offers anti-ageing, rejuvenation’ lift and hydration and is very effective for combating sun damage.
“CACI is amazing.”
COMCIT for photo-ageing
The ultimate rejuvenation treatment, COMCIT (Cryo Oxygen Microchannelling Collagen Induction Therapy) combines Cryo Oxygen with the unique Microchannelling Roller says Gemma. The roller creates hundreds of microscopic channels in the skin’s layers enabling us to drive powerful invigorating actives deep into the skin.
The COMCIT system is unlike any other as the use of oxygen really refreshes and revitalises the face. The active ingredients target the signs of ageing and sun damage by plumping and smoothing fine lines.
Gemma adds, “COMCIT works from the ‘inside out’ and promotes new collagen growth leaving your complexion instantly firmer and noticeably more youthful-looking.
We recommend a course of 6 treatments, 2 weeks apart to truly see the benefits. To learn more read our blog here or book a complimentary consultation with our specialist team on 01463 217985 (the treatment is only available at our Margaret Street salon, Inverness)
Complimentary consultation
If you’re starting to notice fine lines, age spots and uneven skin tone why not book a complimentary consultation with one of our skin care specialists who can advise you on the best treatments for your skin. Call 0844 445 7771 to book.