Best Beauty Treatments To Try Now That The Sun Has Gone Down

Almost overnight, we have traded back-to-back heatwaves for storms, wind and rain. But cooler temperatures does have its benefits - one being that it’s an opportune time to re-think your skincare routine to hold on to your summer glow, or indulge in some clinical treatments which may otherwise be too irritating under the hot sun. So now in the throes of seasons changes, here is a handy list of skin therapies worth considering.

Lumecca

Lumecca is a form of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment using light as an all-around skin powerhouse. High intensity pulses are delivered to the skin, targeting sun damage, redness, and vascular lesions across most parts of the body you should require. Lumecca IPL uses multiple wavelengths to treat several concerns at once, making it a versatile option. It is generally best suited to fair to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I - III), where the contrast between the targeted pigmentation or redness and the surrounding skin allows for more effective treatment. Following Lumecca, skin tone should improve, along with reduced redness, faded sun spots, and increased collagen production. As the skin can be more sensitive to UV exposure following treatment, limiting direct sunlight and being diligent with SPF is essential, so you can leverage the lower temperatures and combat the consequences of summertime sun exposure. When choosing Lumecca, people can enjoy returning to daily activities quickly since redness and swelling should be minimal. 

PICO Sure Pro

Within 3-6 sessions, PICO Sure Pro uses pressure waves rather than heat to break down pigment particles without causing thermal damage. Pulses travel in trillionths of a second to target pigmentation, freckles, acne scarring, fine lines, Nevus of Ota, Hori’s Macules and other texture concerns. Suitable for those with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types III - VI), it is favoured by professionals if your skin is feeling congested or uneven, with users also benefitting from collagen stimulation. Downtime is minimal, with any redness or swelling typically subsiding within a few hours, allowing most people to resume usual activities the same day. Early improvements may be visible within one to two weeks, with results developing over several sessions and skin quality continuing to improve over the following months. Consistent sun protection is strongly advised throughout the treatment course, alongside following your practitioner's aftercare instructions.

Lactic Acid Peels

For those new to exfoliants and peels, lactic acid is the ingredient to look for. The milder of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), lactic acid does not penetrate the skin to the depths of other hardcore exfoliants, instead, suitably hydrating and brightening without too much of a shock to the skin barrier. Flat, dull winter skin takes kindly to this water-loving molecule, drawing hydration into the skin while smoothing the surface in a comfortable fashion. Starting at a lower strength (taking note of acid percentages and instructions on packaging) this peel can be done at home. You can opt for lactic acid daily toners or more concentrated, rinse-off solutions once or twice a week. With consistency, this is a gentle and refreshing treat, with users achieving smoother, softer skin, refined-looking pores, a brighter complexion and a more even skin tone, while helping to soften the appearance of fine lines and post-blemish marks over time.

Skin Boosters

The cold weather is harsh and drying for skin, making hydration a matter of urgency. But packing on the moisturiser sometimes cannot contend with the pressure of dropping temperatures. This is where skin boosters come in. These are micro injections typically containing hyaluronic acid (HA), a molecule naturally found in the skin, administered directly into the dermis (middle layer of skin) across the face, neck, decolletage and/or hands. The results boast increased hydration, thanks to the HA drawing in water deep into skin, along with improvements to skin texture and quality. Some boosters include accessory ingredients such as Polynucleotides which can promote skin regeneration to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (though less exaggerated results compared to ‘freezing’ fillers such as BOTOX®). Others may include amino acids or peptides, each supporting skin health and promoting collagen synthesis for firmer, lifted and radiant looking skin. However, results are gradual rather than immediate, often requiring multiple sessions to achieve the desired effect, and are intended to improve skin quality rather than provide the more noticeable volumising effects of dermal fillers. Though it should be noted: those with active skin infections, certain allergies or bleeding disorders may be unsuitable candidates, so a professional consultation is needed to ensure it is right for you.

Softwave 

This innovative treatment uses advanced Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam SUPERB™ technology to help those with mild to moderate skin laxity by lifting and tightening the skin. A non-surgical approach to anti-ageing, Softwave’s ultrasound sends heat to the mid-dermal layer of the skin, heating the tissue and stimulating the body to produce collagen and elastin - each going hand in hand to give us the youthful-looking skin we’re constantly chasing. Lower UV levels this time of year can make sun protection post-treatment easier while collagen production continues over the following six to twelve weeks, helping you achieve firmer and smoother skin in time for spring and summer. It is also considered safe for melanin-rich skin, making it an option for all Fitzpatrick skin types who may not be suitable candidates for other light-based treatments. Needless to say, an attractive option for those seeking solutions for early signs of skin ageing.