Glossary Of Skin Concerns

Acne

Acne is a very common skin condition that most people are affected by at some point in their lives. Acne can appear on the face and body and is caused when the tiny holes on the surface of the skin (known as hair follicles) become blocked by dirt, oil and other impurities, which can then become infected by the normally harmless bacteria living on the surface of your skin. HydraFacial and Chemical Peels can be used to exfoliate these follicles, removing impurities and preventing blockages, while LED Facials help to destroy the bacteria on the skin’s surface, reducing the chance of the follicles becoming infected. Acne is commonly caused by the increase in testosterone levels among both boys and girls during puberty, and can also be brought on by pregnancy and other hormonal changes, as well as certain medications or lifestyle habits. Sometimes, the cause of acne is unknown, and it can be genetic.

Acne scars

More severe cases of acne can cause permanent scarring. Scarring occurs when the skin in a certain area is broken and the body’s natural healing processes produce an excess of collagen to quickly heal the wound. Usually, over time this collagen is broken down by the body, but for more severe scarring this doesn’t happen. When more serious types of acne spots burst or rupture, it can impact on the surrounding area, creating small scars, often on the face. Medical Skin Needling can be used to encourage wound and scar healing in the skin, reducing the appearance of acne scars, that can often cause insecurity or discomfort in your appearance long after the active acne has been treated. Chemical Peels can also help improve the appearance of acne scars by exfoliating the top layer of skin and promoting new, healthy skin growth around acne scars.

Ageing skin

Ageing skin is one of the most common reasons individuals choose to have aesthetic treatments. As we age, collagen production in our body begins to slow down, leading to a loss of elasticity in the skin. As we age, we start to see this through the appearance of sagging, fine lines and thinning of the skin. Our skin also tends to become more dehydrated as we age, exacerbating these issues, and sun spots sometimes begin to become more visible. There are a wide variety of non-surgical skin treatments available to combat ageing skin in many different ways. Dermal fillers, for example, can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin and the loss of facial fat buy providing volume underneath the skin, smoothing out fine lines and lifting and adding structure to the face. Treatments that work to tighten the skin, reducing sagging and fine lines, such as Exilis Face Skin Tightening and Silhouette Soft Thread Lift are also effective, as are Anti-Wrinkle Injections, which ‘freeze’ the muscles in the face, stopping the skin from creasing and fine lines and wrinkles from forming, reducing the appearance of the signs of skin ageing. Treatments that help boost collagen production in the skin, such as Vampire treatments like the Vampire Facial and Vampire Facelift, which help to improve collagen production by activating stem cells in the body are also excellent for treating the signs of ageing skin.

Age spots

Age spots are commonly caused by sun exposure, and are sometimes also known as sun spots or liver spots. Age spots aren’t dangerous and don’t cause any health problems, but some people find them unsightly and may seek treatment for the appearance of age spots. Treatments like Chemical Peels and HydraFacial work to exfoliate the top layers of skin, removing the damaged skin and bringing fresh, new skin to the surface. Other treatments, such as the Vampire Facial and Medical Skin Needling promote the healing of skin and increase the process of natural skin turnover to improve the appearance of the damaged skin. These treatments work to reduce the appearance of age spots and even out the tone of the skin.

Blackheads

Blackheads are formed when the hair follicles on your face become blocked by a combination of natural oils and dead skin cells. This combination of substances is pushed to the surface of the skin and oxidises in the air, turning dark brown or black, creating a blackhead. Exfoliating treatments such as HydraFacial can be used to reduce blackheads, while blue light LED Facials can help reduce oil production in the skin, stopping pores from becoming clogged. By exfoliating the skin regularly, the incidence of blackheads can be reduced.

Cellulite

Cellulite is the appearance of lumpy or bumpy skin, usually on the body. Cellulite commonly appears on the legs and buttocks, but can appear in other areas of the body too. Tightening the skin, such as with 3D Lipo or Exilis Body can smooth the skin in areas with cellulite and reduce the appearance of cellulite in certain areas. The exact cause of cellulite is unknown, though it predominantly affects women over men, and is believed to be due to the relationship between the layers of fat, skin and muscle in women’s bodies.

Chronic

Chronic skin conditions are those that are persistent and severe. Chronic conditions do not usually resolve on their own over time, and will require treatment to improve symptoms. Rosacea and acne can both be considered chronic in the most severe of cases, requiring medical or aesthetic intervention.

Collagen deficiency

Collagen deficiency is usually caused by ageing, but can be related to pollutants, a lack of vitamins in the body or an underlying medical condition. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and is present in skin, bones, muscles and a variety of other connective tissues. Collagen helps to give the skin elasticity and bounce, stopping wrinkles from forming and keeping skin plump, preventing sagging or drooping. A deficiency in collagen in the body leads to an increase in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as an increase in sagging and excess skin.

Combination skin

Combination skin is skin that is dry in some areas, and oily in others. This can make it difficult to find skincare products or makeup that works for you. The different areas of your skin will require different levels of care, making it difficult to care for your skin as a whole. LED Facials can help reduce oil production, making skin easier to care for, while HydraFacial exfoliates dry areas and helps to effectively give these areas of the skin moisture. Combination skin is usually caused by your genetics, but can be exacerbated by poor skincare or environmental factors.

Congested skin

Congested skin is skin that has large, visible pores and is prone to acne and blackheads. It may look dull and feel textured and bumpy. Congested skin can be caused by a variety of factors such as skincare or makeup with comedogenic ingredients (ingredients that block pores in the skin), insufficient exfoliation, hormonal factors or a poor diet. Exfoliating treatments such as HydraFacial and Chemical Peels help to clear dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, while clearing out pores and reducing the amount of oil and sebum in the skin. Microneedling treatments help to reduce the appearance and size of pores by promoting skin renewal and allowing effective skin clearing products and serums to penetrate the skin.

Crow’s feet

Crow’s feet are a very common type of wrinkles which appear as horizontal lines at the outside corner of the eyes. Crow’s feet can be treated using Anti-wrinkle Injections, which paralyse the muscles in the surrounding area, stopping the skin from creasing and preventing wrinkles from forming. For more severe cases, Plexr Non-surgical Blepharoplasty can be used to tighten the skin around the eyes using plasma treatment. This treatment causes the skin in the area to tighten and contract, reducing the appearance of deeper folds or wrinkles around the area.

Dark circles

Dark undereye circles are caused by the expansion of blood vessels beneath the thin skin under the eyes and swelling in the area. The appearance of dark circles can be made worse by a lack of sleep, dehydration and allergies, as these all cause blood vessels to dilate and swelling to occur under the eyes. As we age, the skin under our eyes thins, causing dark circles to become more visible. Dark circles can also be genetic, and some groups with darker skin tones are more predisposed to having pigmentation and dark circles under the eyes. Dark circles are also often confused with tear troughs, as tear troughs also cast a shadow under the eye, leading to a darker, more tired appearance.

Double chin

A double chin can be caused by a variety of things – genetics, face structure and shape, weight, posture and the ageing process, and, while harmless, can make you feel self conscious when smiling or laughing. In some cases a double chin can create a more aged appearance, making many people feel uncomfortable with how they look. The appearance of a double chin occurs as an extra layer of fat forms below the chin. In these cases we can improve the appearance of a double chin using Dermal Fillers in the chin and jawline to balance the appearance of the area. A double chin can also appear when the skin below the chin and in the front of the neck starts to sag as part of the ageing process. In these cases we can use skin tightening treatments like Exilis Face Skin Tightening or Thread Lift to lift, smooth and tighten the skin in the area, reducing the appearance of sagging, excess skin and fat.

Dry skin

Dry skin is usually genetic, though in serious cases can be brought on by eczema or other skin conditions. For most people however, it is brought on by a variety of factors, including cold or dry weather, not drinking enough water, soaking in hot water, washing with harsh soaps or astringent skincare, including those containing alcohol, or a variety of other environmental factors. HydraFacial treatments can help improve the appearance of dry skin by exfoliating dry flakes, as well as intensively applying hydrating serums and moisturising ingredients to the skin.

Dull skin

Dull skin is most commonly caused by poor circulation, or a lack of exfoliation. Poor circulation to the skin is often due to lifestyle factors such as smoking, dehydration, alcohol or a poor diet. Poor skin exfoliation – often brought on by the ageing process as the rate of skin turnover decreases – can cause dullness as the dead skin cells rest on the skin’s surface, stopping light from reflecting on the skin properly, causing skin texture and preventing new skin cells from being fully visible. Cells on the surface of the skin can be removed using exfoliating treatments such as HydraFacial and Chemical Peels. Dull skin can also be prevented by increasing skin cell turnover, using treatments such as LED Facials and the Vampire Facial, which trigger the increased turnover of the skin cells.

Enlarged pores

Pores are the hair follicles on the face, and can easily become blocked due to the oil they produce. This oil can mix with impurities on the skin’s surface, which can cause blackheads, whiteheads and skin congestion. However it can also lead to the appearance of blocked and enlarged pores, creating uneven skin texture and tone. The appearance of enlarged pores actually comes from the pores being blocked, so cleansing and exfoliating regularly with treatments like HydraFacial can help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Medical Skin Needling also helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores by creating micro-injuries to boost, clear and brighten the skin.

Eye bags

Eye bags often appear in conjunction with dark circles and tear troughs, but they are actually three different conditions. Eye bags are the pockets of fat and loose skin that appear under the eye, casting a shadow beneath the eye, creating a similar appearance to dark circles and tear troughs. Exilis Face Skin Tighteningcan be effective for treating eye bags as it tightens the skin under the eye, reducing the volume of the fat pockets.

Fine lines

Fine lines are one of the most common signs of ageing, and happen to almost everyone. While they are a completely normal part of the ageing process, many people feel they make them look older than they feel. They are caused by the skin folding and reducing in volume as the collagen which gives it volume and elasticity reduces. Fine lines can be treated in a wide variety of ways, depending on skin type and other concerns. Anti-Wrinkle Injections can help treat and prevent fine lines by freezing the muscles in the area, preventing creasing, while Dermal Fillers can help add volume to the skin beneath the area, smoothing the area out. Collagen boosting treatments like the Vampire Facial, HydraFacial and Vampire Facelift also help to combat the appearance of fine lines by triggering the skin to produce more collagen, creating volume and elasticity naturally.

Free radicals

Free radicals are uncharged particles in the air that can come from smog, dust, pollution and even the sun. Free radicals can break down the skin’s collagen over time, increasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which can be treated using Anti-Wrinkle Injections or Dermal Fillers. Free radicals can also create brown spots and pigmentation, which can be effectively treated using a Chemical Peel or HydraFacial.

Frown lines

Frown lines are the small vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows. They may be present on your static expression due to genetics, or may develop as part of the ageing process and due to repeated movement. They can lead to an aged appearance. Frown lines can be treated very effectively using Anti-Wrinkle Injections, which helps to stops the muscles in the area from moving, preventing the folding of the skin in the area and eliminating the appearance of lines.

Hooded eyelids

Hooded eyelids are an eye shape which is characterised by excess skin folding down from the brow bone to just above the lash line, obscuring the crease of the eye and the upper eye socket. Plexr Non-Surgical Blepharoplasty can be used to tighten the skin on the eyelid to lift the excess skin and reduce the appearance of hooded eyelids. Hooded eyelids are very often genetic, and are prevalent among people of East Asian descent, but can occur in people of any ethnicity. However they can also be caused by the skin of the eyelid drooping with age.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a usually harmless skin condition characterised by patches of skin that become darker than the surrounding skin. Sun spots and age spots are examples of hyperpigmentation, though it can also occur for hormonal reasons, and is particularly common among pregnant women. Treatments like Medical Skin Needling and LED Facials help to reduce hyperpigmentation on the skin’s surface, while Chemical Peels reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the upper layers of the skin.

Marionette lines

Marionette lines are vertical wrinkles that appear from the outside corners of the mouth downwards towards the chin. They can contribute to the appearance of a ‘sad mouth’, as they pull the corners of the mouth downwards. Marionette lines are treated very effectively using Dermal Fillers to lift the area and plump the tissues under the skin, smoothing out the wrinkles and fine lines on the surface.

Moles

Moles are usually harmless round growths on the skin. They are most commonly brown or black, and most people will have several moles somewhere on their body. However, they can be unsightly if they are in a particularly prominent area on the body, such as the face, arms or hands. In these instances, they can be removed non-surgically with the help of Plexr Soft Surgery, a treatment that uses medical plasma to treat very specific areas of the body without affecting surrounding tissues.

Oily skin

Oily skin, like dry or combination skin is usually genetic, but can be exacerbated by environmental or dietary factors. Oily skin occurs when the pores in the skin produce too much oil, which can also cause congestion, acne, blackheads and whiteheads. LED Facials help to reduce oil production in the skin, while treatments like HydraFacial help to cleanse the skin of oils and apply serums to combat oil production.

Photoaging

Photoaging is when the signs of ageing are exacerbated by exposure to sunlight and UV rays. Photoaging is the number one cause of premature aging, and can cause fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots and drooping or sagging skin. While the results are similar, photoaging is different from the natural aging process, as the skin structures are actually changed over time by exposure to UV rays. The best way to prevent photoaging is to use a broad spectrum sunscreen every day, but for skin that is already showing signs of photoaging, treatments like HydraFacial and LED Facials can reduce pigmentation, while Dermal Fillers, Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Silhouette Soft Thread Lift treatment can help reduce volume loss and drooping in the skin.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition which primarily affect people with fairer skin tones, and causes intense redness in the skin, triggered by dilated blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. Rosacea sufferers also often see textured skin and small, pus filled spots that appear similar to acne. HydraFacial is an excellent treatment to reduce the symptoms of rosacea, however rosacea is considered chronic and doesn’t tend to go away on its own. The causes of rosacea aren’t always known, but genetics, the immune system, and environmental factors may all play a part, as well as sun exposure, diet and alcohol consumption, which can cause rosacea ‘flare-ups’.

Sagging skin

As we age, sagging skin becomes increasingly common, and occurs as collagen production in the skin decreases. Collagen gives the skin plumpness, volume and elasticity, and when collagen production slows, this volume is lost, leading to sagging of the skin, creating a drooping and aged appearance. Sagging skin can be treated non surgically using Silhouette Soft Thread Lift treatment, Exilis Face Skin Tightening and Dermal Fillers to tighten skin and restore volume under the surface of the skin, or with treatments like the Vampire Facelift, to boost collagen production in the skin naturally.

Skin laxity

Skin laxity refers to the elasticity of the skin, and how tight and supple the skin is. We all experience an increasing degree of skin laxity as we age, due to a lack of collagen and elastin in the skin. Treatments like the Vampire Facial and Vampire Facelift help to rejuvenate collagen production in the skin and reduce skin laxity, creating a smoother, tighter and brighter complexion.

Skin tags

Skin tags are small, skin coloured growths. They usually hang off the body and are most common around the chest, under the breasts, in the armpits or other areas where the skin often rubs together. They are completely harmless but can be unsightly and impact on your self confidence. Skin tags can easily be removed non-surgically using Plexr Soft Surgery treatment, which uses plasma to treat very precise areas on the body, making it perfect for skin tag treatment.

Skin texture

Skin texture is caused by clogged pores on the face, including the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads and acne. It is also caused by a lack of exfoliation, leading to a build-up of dead skin on the skin’s surface. The best treatments for textured skin are treatments like HydraFacial and Chemical Peels, as they are exfoliating treatments that help to remove excess dead skin, clearing the skin and creating a smooth canvas for new skin to show through.

Smile lines

Smile lines, also known as laugh lines or nasolabial folds are wrinkles that appear between the nose and the corners of the lips. Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Dermal Fillers are effective options to treat smile lines. Anti-Wrinkle Injections work to freeze the muscles in the area and prevent lines from appearing, while Dermal Fillers gently plump and fill the area, smoothing out the surface of the skin.

Smoker’s lines

Smokers lines are lines that appear vertically around the top lip as we age. These lines are especially common among smokers due to the repetition of a ‘pursed’ lip shape while smoking. Frequently drinking using a straw can have a similar effect. Like many wrinkles, smoker’s lines can be treated using Anti-Wrinkle Injections or Dermal Fillers, depending on the desired results. Anti-Wrinkle Injections stop the muscles from tensing and the lips from pursing, stopping the wrinkles from appearing, while dermal fillers create volume under the skin, smoothing the skin on the surface and alleviating the appearance of smoker’s lines.

Spider veins

Spider veins or thread veins are very common among older women, and are tiny red veins that are visible on the surface of the skin. They are usually caused by a weakness in the valves of the veins, causing blood to remain stagnant or flow backwards. Spider veins are usually not anything to be worried about, but you should see your GP if they are causing you pain or discomfort.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches rapidly, and are incredibly common among pregnant women. They can also appear during puberty as the shape of the body changes, or during weight gain. Stretch marks are usually small, silver, grey or purple marks, and commonly appear around the legs, buttocks, breasts and stomach. Stretch marks are a harmless and common phenomenon, but can make many women feel insecure about their appearance. Plexr Soft Surgery can treat stretch marks using plasma to target very precise areas of the skin, tightening the skin fibres to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Sun damage

Sun damage is caused by UV rays impacting on the skin. Similarly to photoageing, sun damage can cause the appearance of brown sun spots on the skin, as well as exacerbating the ageing process of the skin, and contributing to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Treatments like HydraFacial and Chemical Peels are ideal for treating the appearance of sun damage as they help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as exfoliating the surface of the skin to remove the damaged skin. The Vampire Facial is also a great treatment for sun damage as it promotes the growth of new skin cells, to renew and rejuvenate the skin.

Tear troughs

Tear troughs, often confused with dark circles and eye bags, are usually a genetic trait, though they can be exacerbated by the symptoms of ageing. Tear troughs occur when the skin under the eye is actually tethered to the muscles and bone underneath, which naturally form a groove. This causes the skin and muscle to be pulled into the dip, creating a depression which can cast a shadow that makes you look tired or aged. By injecting dermal filler into the area using an advanced technique known as Tear Trough Rejuvenation, this depression can be filled out, smoothing the area and reducing the shadow effect.

Uneven skin tone

Uneven skin tone is usually the result of hyperpigmentation or age spots, creating inconsistencies in the pigmentation of the skin. Redness and rosacea can also create the appearance of an uneven skin tone. Treatments such as the Vampire Facial, HydraFacial, LED Facial and Medical Skin Needling can all be used to even out skin tone, while providing many other skin benefits.

Whiteheads

Caused by the buildup of oil and sebum in the pores, whiteheads are a very small, localised infection which occurs when bacteria on the surface of the skin gets into a blocked pore. This creates small, white spots which aren’t usually painful, but are difficult to cover and can cause some insecurity about your appearance. Cleansing the skin, like with a HydraFacial treatment, or using and LED Facial to reduce the production of oil on the skin are good treatments for preventing whiteheads, as they reduce the likelihood of oil clogging the pores and creating whiteheads.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles are an inevitable part of the ageing process, and happen to everyone over time. However there are a wide variety of treatments available to reduce the impact of wrinkles on the face. Anti-Wrinkle Injections help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and prevent the appearance of new lines by paralysing certain muscles to prevent the skin from moving and folding. Dermal Fillers treat wrinkles by adding volume underneath the skin in the areas wrinkles appear, boosting, hydrating and smoothing the area. Collagen boosting treatments like the Vampire Facelift and Medical Skin Needling help to trigger the skin’s own regeneration processes to help lift and boost the skin from within. While skin tightening treatments like Exilis Face Skin Tightening and the Silhouette Soft Thread Lift, physically lifting and tighten the skin on the face, smoothing the appearance and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.