Skin quality is affected by hormones, particularly oestrogen. The appearance of a woman’s skin changes throughout the menstrual cycle, appearing fuller and more radiant in the first half of the cycle, and becoming more dry and less hydrated just before the menstrual period. Perimenopause triggers many changes, including to the skin. Oestrogen deficiency accelerates loss of collagen, hydration and density of the skin. Women lose on average 30% of collagen within 5 years of her menopause. To add further insult, women age at a rate three times faster than men over this time, therefore often looking older than their male contemporaries.
Oestrogen replacement through menopausal hormone therapy (MHT or previously ‘HRT’) can help address the changes of fat pads shrinking, loss of skin density and elasticity, skin dryness and bone resorption. Collagen promotion at this stage can also help slow the effects of perimenopause on skin, and prolong the appearance of younger skin.
There are many methods of stimulating collagen, with varying efficacy. Oral collagen has clinical evidence supporting its use, though the cost is relatively high and the effect is modest. Laser, radio-frequency, needling, PRP and biostimulators all promote fibroblast activity, increasing collagen production. Our clinic offers selected methods based on clinical evidence and client acceptability and include:
Biostimulation: Rejuran ®
We are excited to be able to offer a method of skin rejuvenation that is derived from natural sources, is minimally invasive and lasts for months. Employing a non-inflammatory method of skin repair, DNA molecules stimulate rejeneration and repair of the dermis. Rejuran increases the proliferation of fibroblast cells, promoting long term elastin and collagen growth in the skin. Together with hyaluronic acid and amino acids, the result is a healthy skin barrier, hydrated, thicker, and more elastic skin.
By promoting the body’s own collagen production we aim to reduce the use of other rejuvenation products such as dermal filler, to retain a natural and authentic appearance.
Rejuran is injected into the dermal layer, forming a scaffolding that breaks down over time, continuously releasing its bio-stimulating effects. Repeated at regular intervals it is an effective way of maintaining thicker more resilient, less wrinkled skin.
Benefits of Rejuran ®
- Bio-active DNA derived from natural source
- Minimally invasive
- Stimulates the skin’s own reparative and restorative capabilities
- Sustained benefit
- Doesn’t cause sudden alterations in appearance
- Minimal risk of allergies or intolerance
- Suitable for all skin colours and types
- Can be used for acne whilst taking oral acne treatments
Rejuran ® is suitable for:
- Rosacea
- Eye aging
- Crepey skin
- Dark eye circles
- Large pore size
- Acne scars
- Surgical scarss
- Facial sagging
- Facial wrinkling
- Dry skin (particularly post menopause or after breast cancer)
- Poor skin tone and pigment
Procedure for Rejuran:
- The face is cleansed
- Numbing cream is applied for approximately 30 minutes
- Rejuran is injected into the skin via a very small needle and can take about 20 minutes
- Cooling with cryotherapy to reduce down-time
Duration of benefit
Improvements occur after approximately 4 weeks, but get better as you complete the second and then the third session.
Maintenance is advised at 4-6 monthly intervals after the initial 3 monthly sessions.
Risks
Rejuran ® is an injectable product. Tiny welts can form at the injections sites and these improve within 23-48 hours.
As will all injections there are risks of pain, infection, bruising, swelling, and allergy. With all regenerative products there is a risk of pigment changes. The rates of complications with Rejuran are low.
PDO threads
Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are fine hair-like strands that are inserted into the skin to stimulate collagen production. Taking 3-6 months for full effect, this treatment lasts for 9-12 months, tightening the skin and increasing skin thickness. PDO threads can be used in conjunction with other treatments to further enhance results.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP)
Platelet rich plasma uses the growth factors and biological mediators found in your own blood to stimulate collagen and correct scars and blemishes. After taking your blood (just like a pathology test), it is spun down to obtain the key components. These are then injected into your skin using specialised techniques. The result is natural skin stimulation which you can feel. The results last months and are best delivered in a series of 3 treatments at 4-6 week intervals, and repeated annually. PRP is used in many applications in medicine including joint injections, hair loss and even for in vitro fertilisation!
Radiofrequency (Pollogen Luminus Divine Pro)
Radiofrequency waves release electromagnetic energy that heat the deeper tissues of the skin. This low energy results in a healing response that improves the production of collagen and results in tightening of the skin. Radiofrequency also addresses ultraviolet (UV) light damage to the skin from extended sun exposure. The dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles caused by UV exposure can be corrected by radiofrequency which re-organises the damaged collagen. The treatment is comfortable and does not involve needles. Three treatments 2-4 weeks apart every 6 months are recommended.
Radiofrequency microneedling (Pollogen Luminus Divine Pro)
Microneedling uses micro-trauma to induce a healing response by the body, improving the appearance and quality of the skin. Radio-frequency micro-needling uses radiofrequency passed through the very fine needles to heat the tissues, enhancing the response and amplifying the results. Our device offers varying depth to target deeper dermal tissue, or more superficial dermis to increase volume or address surface imperfections. The treatment can be built up over time, and with the addition of radiofrequency muscle activation can tighten, increase volume and smooth imperfections. Treatments are usually administered in sets of 3, 2-4 weeks apart, every 6 months.
Skin needling and Mesotherapy
Skin needling utilises micro-trauma to stimulate fibroblast activity and resulting increase in collagen and elastin. The depth of the needles reaches the upper layers of the skin and is therefore more targeted at surface imperfections, scarring and redness. Skin needling is usually administered 2-4 weekly for 6 treatments, repeated every year.