#AskID : Prof Niki Ralph about enlarged pores, pigmentation and deepening wrinkles

We asked Prof. Niki Ralph:
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‘There are many individual treatments such as laser (IPL and fractionated laser), Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Exilis Ultra 360 (face and body treatment which lifts and tightens the skin) which can target specific skin concerns such as enlarged pores, acne scarring, broken capillaries, fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, as well as irregular skin pigmentation. However, if you’re looking to try and treat as many of these skin concerns as possible, within a certain budget, then Photofractional Rejuvenation would be the treatment of choice.

ResurFX® by Lumenis is a fractional, non-ablative laser which targets damaged skin with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin without damaging the surface layer. It is used to treat scarring, including acne scarring, stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles and irregular pigmentation due to UV damage and ageing. It minimises fine lines and wrinkles and the appearance of age spots/uneven skin tone. It therefore corrects UV-induced photo damage.

Benefits of the M22 ResurFX® are that, unlike other fractionated lasers, the downtime is minimal, (especially important to someone who is new to cosmetic/laser treatments), more rapid healing and reduced risk of infection.
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ResurFX® emits targeted heat to the dermal layer of the skin, stimulating cells called fibroblasts which produce new collagen and elastin. The result is thickening of the dermis (2nd layer of the skin) which manifests as plumper, more youthful looking skin. IPL on the other hand targets dyschromias (colour abnormalities such as brown spots and red broken capillaries). The combination of both IPL/ResurFX in Photofractional rejuvenation means we can address multiple skin concerns with a single treatment modality, thereby reducing time spent having procedures performed and also reduced cost by not having to do 2 separate treatments.
The added benefit is that you also have a numbing cream applied before the treatment to reduce any discomfort during the therapy.
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Post laser treatment it is vital that you also use a daily zinc/titanium dioxide containing (physical) sunscreen such as @eltamdskincare to protect the skin which is now more sensitive to sun post treatment. Without the regular use of broad spectrum SPF, you are more at risk of reversing the effects of the treatment and development of altered pigmentation.