If you are battling with acne, concerned about the signs of ageing, or just want to look like a more refreshed version of yourself, then you might have considered professional skin treatments. However, it can feel like a leap into the unknown and you might feel overwhelmed or confused as to which treatments would suit you best.
At our skin clinic in Birmingham, we offer a personalised approach to treatment to ensure that every client feels supported at every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final result. Here’s a look at how we can improve on over-the-counter treatments, and what to expect from your treatments.
Why over-the-counter treatments don’t always help
If you have a persistent issue such as acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea or lines and facial folds, you might already have explored the high street skin care options available. However, these are limited to low concentrations of active ingredients and most of them will have a limited and temporary effect on your skin.
Professional treatments such as laser therapy, microneedling and injectables are designed to simulate collagen or replace lost volume in a way that high street products cannot.
Step one: the consultation
The consultation is a conversation between you and a skin care professional about your skin, the concerns you want to address, and what you want to achieve from the treatment. Typically, you’ll be asked a few questions about your skin history and current skincare routine; and any lifestyle factors that might affect your skin.
They will also enquire about your medical background and allergies to ensure you are suitable for the proposed treatment, and discuss the specific issues that are being addressed, such as acne, rosacea, wrinkles, or loss of volume.
If appropriate, they may carry out a skin analysis and patch test. A bespoke treatment plan will then be tailored to meet your needs. You’ll be given realistic expectations about what results you will see, and how long it will take or if you may need repeat treatments in the future.
Step two: the treatment plan
At our skin clinic, we offer a range of treatments including microneedling, injectables, laser light and chemical peels to address various concerns. For example:
- Chemical peels for acne, pigmentation, or dullness
- Microneedling or CO2 laser for acne scarring
- Laser facials for rosacea or uneven tone
- Injectables such as Botox or dermal fillers for fine lines, volume loss, or facial contouring
- Skin boosters like Profhilo to hydrate and firm skin
Step three: the aftercare process
The aftercare process is just as important to protect your skin and ensure that you get the best results from the treatment. You’ll be given tailored aftercare advice about recovery time (if applicable; some treatments such as Botox do not involve any downtime), and any temporary side effects such as redness or flaking.
It might be necessary to have follow-up treatments to achieve the desired results: in this case, we will be transparent and realistic about what can be achieved from a single session.
So, there you have it: if you are tired of throwing good money after bad on over-the-counter treatments, maybe it’s time for a professional approach. This can save you time and money in the long run by targeting the root causes of your problems, rather than endlessly trying to firefight the symptoms.
A professional consultation can guide you towards the right treatments that deliver visible and lasting results, and also help prevent future damage. It’s even possible to address multiple concerns by combining treatments (at appropriate intervals) such as Botox and fillers to address the signs of ageing, and microneedling and laser to combat acne scars.
