Skin Health Magazine Issue #4 / Summer 2017 | Page 33

Q&A Ask Yvonne E very issue, we pose some of your biggest complexion queries to our res- ident aesthetic nurse and dermatology expert Yvonne Senior, so that she can shed some light on how to best care for your skin. Here, she talks first-time fillers and unneces- sary neck creams. What advice do you have for someone having fillers for the first time? All aesthetic treatments respond better if the skin is in the best possible condition prior to the treatment. In the weeks running up to your treatment, think about including a product that contains a high dose of Vitamin C, as this promotes healing. Ensure the practitioner you use offers a no commitment consultation al- lowing you time to consider all the information. The consultation should include explanations of who the practitioner is, what their qualifi- cations are and an in-depth explanation of the treatment you want to have. They should also talk to you about any side effects or possible complications and an aftercare plan. If you proceed with the treatment, make sure you eat prior to the procedure. You should also ensure you have a good sunscreen to use in the weeks after your treatment and you may want to take some mineral-based make-up with you to apply afterwards, to hide any inflammation. How long do the results of a p eel last and what can I do to maintain the results? It can be hard to say a definitive time as there are many variables and every person is differ- ent. Firstly, chemical peels are divided into three categories: superficial, medium and deep. Most peels that are performed are either su- perficial or medium in strength. If the skin is in good condition prior to the peel, the im- proved glow and texture from a superficial peel can last up to two months, while the results from a medium peel can last up to several months more, however this type of peel re- quires more downtime. To maintain the results of any peel, make sure you apply a gentle yet high-factor sunscreen every day to prevent cell damage and avoid using exfoliants or scrubs (especially ones that contain acids) as these will irritate the skin. Do I need to use a separate neck cream or can I use my face moisturiser? Although the skin on the neck is thinner, you can treat the face, neck and chest as one unit so you don’t need to buy separate products. Invest in high quality formulas, preferably ones that include Retinol, that are designed to improve the texture of the skin by stimulating collagen production. Don’t forget to apply your sun protection down onto the neck as well. Got a question for Yvonne? Send them to [email protected] and yours might be in the next issue. ISSUE #04 | 2017 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 33