Skin Maintenance

Why choose Centre Of Dental Excellence?

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Your health is our priority. Our years of medical education mean we are experienced in skin care and know how to minimise any complications. We have thoroughly researched the market looking for products that actually work and have scientific evidence for their use. We have chosen products with the highest quality ingredients for best outcomes and will guide you safely through every step of the procedure. Our extensive experience in anti-ageing medicine means we can achieve dramatic improvements in your skin health safely.

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How are they used and do they really work?

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• Prevention & Protection

• Correction & Treatment

• Hydration & Moisturisation

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Prevention & Protection

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These products aim to protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals generated by UV exposure, stress and poor nutrition and include antioxidants and sunscreens.

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Antioxidants are the most important part of any skin maintenance regime. They protect the skin from any future damage while improving the tone and health of the skin. The most potent antioxidants in skincare are Vitamins C & E but these can also be combined with other ingredients to enhance their effectiveness.

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Sunscreens – both physical (mineral-based) and chemical – are found in many skincare products and most protect against UVB and UVA rays. As a guide, the sun protection factor (SPF) should be at least 25 in summer and at least 15 in winter, however the higher the SPF the better. Ideally, they should be re-applied several times during the day if you are in the sun. We recommend you use at least SPF 40 at all times, but SPF 50 after any treatments.

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Correction & Treatment

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Cosmeceutical skin care products have formulations with the ability to treat and correct the following conditions :

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PHOTODAMAGE

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These are physical changes in the skin: thinning, broken capillaries, fine and deep wrinkles, yellowing and de-pigmentation. Prevention of photodamage is important in previously untreated patients but is essential in those who have had rejuvenation treatments such as chemical peels. Sunblock should be used daily to avoid photodamage.

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Topical retinoids have been shown to significantly reduce signs of photodamage including de-pigmentation, lines and thinning of the skin. Retinoids include weaker products – retinol (vitamin A) – or potent products – tretinoin. To obtain the full benefits of these products they should be used for at least a year.

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HYPERPIGMENTATION

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This may be superficial or deep. Superficial hyperpigmentation may be a result of photodamage, but can also be caused by melasma. In both cases the excess melanin is contained within epidermal melanocytes and so can be accessed easily by topical agents. The most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation is hydroquinone which works by inhibiting the conversion of tyrosine to melanin. In the UK it is a prescription only product and limited to 4% concentration. Products containing hydroquinone may be combined with a topical steroid and/or topical retinoid and/or sunscreen to enhance the effect.

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FACIAL REDNESS

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This may be a sign of photodamage, rosacea or both. Patients with rosacea typically notice facial flushing with heat, exercise, alcohol, spicy food and stress. Often these patients also have 'sensitive' skin which is intolerant to many products. Certain soothing botanicals including aloe vera, allantoin, bisabolol, green tea extract and gingko may be suitable for patients with facial redness.

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For patients with diagnosed rosacea, the most effective topical products are topical metronidazole (Rozex cream) and topical azelaic acid (Finacea cream). It is important to avoid topical steroids with rosacea as they produce only a temporary improvement followed by a rebound which is worse that the original problem. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is an anti-inflammatory agent that can also be used to reduce facial redness.

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WRINKLES

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Fine lines and wrinkles can be improved with cosmeceuticals. The most important products are retinoids – Vitamin A derivatives. Evidence suggest that retinol and related natural compounds are weakly effective and that synthetic retinoids such as tretinoin have greater efficacy. However, the effectiveness of synthetic retinoids needs to be balanced with their irritant potential which causes redness.

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Hydration & Moisturisation

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Nourishing and hydrating the skin is important to preserve collagen health and restore elasticity. Moisturising products that contain hyaluronic acid and vitamins such as B5 are effective as these attract and retain water, maintaining skin plumpness and helping to heal and regenerate the skin.

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Things to consider…

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Some of these products take time to work. They are not quick fixes. However, with patience and perseverance they will alter the quality and appearance of your skin.

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Side effects cannot always be prevented but we are fully trained to recognise and treat any issues early and safely.