‘Maskne’ – acne from wearing a mask. How to prevent it and what to do if it flares up. Mandatory mask wearing in shops and public transport is taking its toll on many people’s skin. A quick poll by Harley Street Emporium found 48% of people said they were experiencing outbreaks and flare ups of their acne as a result of wearing a mask. the humidity and sweat can build up and block the pores, leading to outbreaks or what’s now commonly called ‘maskne’. So, how can you prevent it? According to Dr Unnati Desai, a GP with a diploma…
Can your gut health affect your skin? Nutritionist Sarah Carolides* explains the relationship between the two. Editor’s note: This article was first published by Aesthetic Journal and is republished with permission and gratitude. It is written for medical/aesthetic practitioners but is an interesting read for all who have an interest in gut and skin health. Science is increasingly showing us that if we want perfect skin on the outside, we need to look after our ‘skin on the inside’.1 A 2008 study of 173 participants found that patients suffering from rosacea were significantly more likely to have small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth…
What can you do about acne or pigmented skin when you’re pregnant? The experts explain. Pregnant women are faced with a long list of what they can’t do when they’re pregnant, but if you have acne outbreaks or pigmentation issues the big question is – what can you do? “Good question, and a difficult one as during pregnancy women are asked to avoid a lot of the products” dermatologist Dr Simon Zokaie says. Dr Paul Charlson, president of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) says the reason behind this is not necessarily because the ingredients in skin care products…
How to get rid of blackheads? Dr Kalpna Pindola explains. Blackheads are annoying right? They look like speckles of dust on the skin and look unsightly under bright bathroom lights. A clear complexion with flawless skin is a common skin goal, so blackheads can make us feel self conscious too. The good news is that everyone has faced this issue – and there are ways to get rid of blackheads, and to treat and prevent them. What are blackheads? You have about 5 million hair follicles on your body, including thousands of them on your face. Each follicle contains…
The temptation to be a pimple popper is great, but Dr Kalpna Pindolia explains why it isn’t a good idea & what you should do if you can’t resist. To all the pimple poppers out there – I get it! Debating the pop as you wait for the ripening of the pimple? The temptation toward the pop? Then the big occasion, which feels so damn good! The relief of the pop and whoa! Depending on how much is extracted and how far it shoots on the mirror…yuck…but whoa! The overall compulsion to pimple pop is powerful… What is a pimple? So…
Dr Max Malik, MB ChB, PG Dip Derm, MBCAM, MRCPsych, has more than 20 years experience in medicine and is acknowledged as a leading expert Cosmetic Doctor, Aesthetic Dermatologist and Hair Restoration Surgeon. As well as consulting on aesthetic and dermatological treatments, Dr Malik runs a dedicated Hair Restoration Clinic at Cranley Clinic on Harley Street. It offers men and women with hair loss concerns a range of non-invasive and surgical treatment options including both the latest Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) and Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) techniques. Dr Malik also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Practical Dermatology (Cardiff) and…
Breakouts on the beach? Not what you needed on your summer holiday. Dr Unnati Desai gives her solutions. You’ve gone on holidays hoping your skin will be looking great as you hit the beach, but then, within a few days you start seeing pimples appear – why? . According to a quick poll we ran 71% of respondents said this affected them and as GP Dr Unnati Desai explains, there are a few reasons for these annoying Summer spots and, fortunately, some simple solutions. Causes 1. Sweat – In hotter climes we sweat more and sweat can clog our…
Welcome to the world of Tebiskin®. This is an exclusive brand of ‘Cytoceuticals’ – that is products that are formulated and targeted to act effectively at a cellular level to ensure the best skincare results. Tebiskin® Cytoceuticals are prescription strength products that are medically tested, trialled and proven and as such are only available with the recommendation of a doctor. If you are interested in Tebiskin Products please take the Skin Care Test and our reviewing doctor will be able to recommend the best products for your skin concerns. The range of products includes products for rosacea sensitive skin acne…
Could a food intolerance be causing your acne and should you shell out for a test to find out? There is a seemingly endless stream of ‘cures’ and ‘quick fixes’ for virtually every skin condition on the internet and social media and acne is no exception. A new one is doing the rounds offers tests for food intolerances claiming they could be the cause of your breakouts. Some practitioners, including some doctors, are offering blood tests – but are they worth paying for? According to London-based Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto, the premise for prescribing these tests is that acne…
Loved by Hollywood stars, the Cool Laser has finally arrived in the UK. Dr Vincent Wong explains just how many things this treatment can do. Laser treatments can be great for so many things – acne, removing scars and stretch marks, not to mention skin rejuvenation, but there’s often a hefty price to pay in terms of pain and downtime with redness and peeling that can see you stuck indoors for days. Enter the Cool Laser. This nifty device that boasts a vast array of treatments works in a different way to many of the other lasers on the market…
Dr Shirin Lakhani explains why Oxygenetix is the best foundation on the market for treatments post procedure. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation is a breathable make up that represents a revolution in the world of foundations that was originally formulated by surgeons for use by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other aesthetic professionals after surgery and cosmetic procedures – but its great for everyday use too. Here’s why. It was first formulated as an oxygen-enriched, protective foundation to help promote healing and minimise the potential of scarring after surgery or certain aesthetic procedures. It was also designed to reduced inflammation, discomfort…
Retinol: Why is everyone’s talking about it, and do really you need it? Beauty writer Jade Moscrop explains. Each year brings with it a whole host of skincare buzzwords for beauty lovers to get their heads around, and one that’s been everywhere recently is ‘retinol’. Dubbed a ‘miracle’ product for fighting the signs of aging, retinol comes in so many forms and strengths, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to avoid going in too hard and doing some serious damage. Don’t fret! We’re here to give you the lowdown so you decide if it should…
We hear lots about the benefits of fasting diets, including that they can help you live longer, but new research shows they can help rejuvenate your skin as well. With Summer upon us you might be thinking now is the time to pull yourself together and shed some extra pounds. Diets like the 5:2 diet, which involves fasting for two days out of 5 are gaining popularity, and those who’ve done them often say they help with losing weigh and keeping it off and have the added benefit of making them feel more alert and improving their concentration. But, could…
Need skin care help? Aesthetic Nurse, Shirley Nicol answers some common skin care questions – and the answers may surprise you. One of the most common questions I get asked is ‘what can help my skin?’ The answer is more often than not a very simple one – concentrate on repairing your skin barrier. Once you get that in order a lot of other issues will fall into place. Pollution, stress and ageing all take their toll on our skin causing, amongst other things, dry and irritated skin, acne and fine lines and wrinkles. There are, however, some simple things…
Harley Street Emporium – Your Complete Aesthetics Guide Harley Street Emporium is your complete aesthetics guide. It’s a website where you can find a doctor, find information and buy the best anti-aging skin care products and the best acne products as well as information on how to treat various skin conditions. It features editorially independent information about skin care, skin conditions and cosmetic treatments. It also has a glossary of ingredients which tells consumers what each one does and if there are any safety concerns associated with them. It also has a shop section which showcases evidence-based products – mostly…
What is Tixel® Tixel® is a relatively new device which is used for skin rejuvenation. Launched in 2017 by the German company Novoxel GmbH it is based on Thermo-Mechanical Ablation (TMA) technology. This means it uses heat to create collagen production to enhance the appearance of the skin – reducing fine lines as well as deep wrinkles. It can also help reduce pigment spots and even the tone of the skin. It is suitable for use on the face, neck, decolletage, hand and around the eyes and, unlike laser or needling treatments, it can be used on the eyelid and tear trough…
Dr Simon Zokaie, BSc MBChB MRCP, is a cosmetic dermatologist and the medical director of the LINIA Skin Clinic on Harley Street. In addition to his private practice he continues to work for the NHS. His areas of interest include the treatment of acne, rosacea, pigmentation, psoriasis and eczema as well as skin lesions and skin cancer. He is a core member of the NHS skin cancer multidisciplinary team. In 2003 he graduated from the University of Manchester and underwent his medical training in London. He gained membership to the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and subsequently spent more than …
Acne scars can be difficult to get rid of. We spoke to Dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe about the treatment options. For some people, acne is way beyond just the odd pimple or two. Inflamed spots that cover the cheeks and jaw line – not to mention the back or chest, can be distressing. And, just to add insult to injury, it can in some instances lead to scarring. Obviously, prevention is better than cure so if you’re worried about your acne its best to speak to a GP as soon as it starts to flare up and get yourself some…
Dr Unnati Desai, founder of the Urban Aesthetix Clinic in Mayfair, is a highly skilled GP who has undertaken extensive post graduate training in aesthetics procedures, dermatology and women’s health. She is a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) and is actively involved mentoring and appraising doctors and nurses in both General Practice and Cosmetic Medicine. Dr Desai graduated from Birmingham Medical School in 2000 and Nottingham Law School in 2003. She completed her medical training in Birmingham and gained membership to the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2006. Shortly afterwards she moved to central London…
From aloe vera to green tea, laser to skin needling, Dr A Bolin takes a look at what really works when it comes to minimising and treating scars. Some see beauty in asymmetry and unique traits such as scars. Others obsess over symmetry as mainstream fashion norms and social media flood us with daily visuals where Photoshop filters out perceived imperfections. Scars are often overlooked and not considered an urgent medical issue. However, they can be itchy, red, dry, painful and lead to a myriad of emotional disturbances such as insomnia, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety. This can lead to distress,…
What is it? LED light therapy is a non-invasive, painless skin-care treatment that can help rejuvenate skin by boosting collagen production and may also aid in the treatment of acne by helping to reduce inflammation and oil production. It may also help reduce scarring. It is uses wavelengths of UV-free LED lights for the treatment of many skin conditions ranging from atopic dermatitis to acne. More evidence is required to say just how good it is in the treatment of acne, but some results have been promising. What is it for? “LED” refers to the light emitting diodes, which…
Exfoliating scrubs – we’ve grown up believing they’re the key to clear, beautiful skin. But can they do more harm than good? Dr Zara Kassam PhD finds out. Many of us have been utterly convinced, (well those of us who suffer the torment of hormonal changes), that in order to keep our faces free of oil and dead skin we must scrub ourselves regularly to keep lour skin looking fresh and blemish free. There’s no doubt exfoliating is an important part of skincare and is often touted as a ‘detox’ for our skin, but some products can be detrimental to…
There’s so much more to Botox that just smoothing wrinkles. Dr Zara Kassam PhD looks at some sometimes surprising uses for this injectable. Botox was once treated as a taboo subject: Everyone knew about it, but no one admit to using it. Now things have changed—so much so that Botox is regularly the subject of conversation. Botox is best known for smoothing out wrinkles, and is derived from one of the deadliest toxins known to man, but this magical toxin has repeatedly stunned the medical community for its seemingly endless and applications ranging from treating chronic migraines to excessive sweating.…
Peel off masks claim to unblock pores and leave your skin looking radiant, but in reality they can cause some serious skin problems. Dr Zara Kassam PhD explains. Social media is awash these days with the latest beauty obsession – the peel off face mask. There are adverts everywhere documenting the intense process of peel off masks that show the pores being unblocked as it’s ripped off the skin. And while the promise of smooth, blemish free skin is hard to pass up, we seem to be blissfully unaware of just how bad some of these masks could be for…
No one likes spots but we all get them from time to time. Find out why and what you can do to get rid of them. In order to get rid of spots, we need to know what we’re dealing with. So what is acne? Acne (Acne Vulgaris) is a common condition which causes spots or pimples to appear on the skin. They occur when the skin’s natural oil, sebum, blocks the skin’s pores – tiny holes out of which hairs grow. The spots usually occur on the face and neck, and sometimes on the back or chest. There are…
Acne can be hard to get on top of, but there are various things you can do to banish the blemishes. Dr Zara Kassam PhD explains. Do you suffer from acne? Here at Harley Street Emporium one of the most common questions we are asked is, “What is the best acne treatment?” To help resolve this issue, we evaluated some of the top acne treatments with the help of GP, Dr Bhavjit Kaur, from Health & Aesthetic Clinic in Greenwich, London, alongside the advice of dermatologist and acne experts, Dr Anjali Mahto and Dr Nick Lowe. The causes Acne can result…
Have you banished backless dresses because of ‘Bacne’? Dr Zara Kassam PhD looks at ways to help you clear you back of spots so you can strut your stuff. Backless outfits are a must these days — but if your back is covered in spots they may not be your first clothing choice. The back like the face and chest that has a hefty amount of oil glands and the combination of surface sweat, dirt, and oils can accumulate in the pores, clogging them and leading to those inflamed pesky spots known as ‘bacne’. Fortunately, there are a few ways to prevent…
From dry skin to hyperpigmentaiton, coloured skin has it’s own set of issues. Heather Stephen looks at some of the common ones and what you can do about them. Darker skin certainly has its advantages. You are better equipped to protect yourself from the sun which means later wrinkles and a lower risk of skin cancer. But having more melanin isn’t all good news as it can bring its own set of skincare issues. Here are some of the most common problems and what you can do about them. Pigment problems People with coloured skin have more pigment which means scars…
We are constantly being told that ‘we are what we eat’, so could diet be linked to acne? Helen Garston investigates. It’s pretty well established that everything we consume affects our health to some degree, and that includes our skin. But can cutting out foods like sugar and dairy help people with acne? Let’s take a look. What is acne? Acne (acne vulgaris) is a condition which is characterised by the presence of pimples and black heads around the face, shoulders, back and chest. In more severe cases, it can cause cysts or nodules. It affects around 3.5 million people…
It’s not just a drink anymore, green tea is increasingly found in skincare products. Dr Zara Kassam PhD finds out why. Green tea has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments from digestive problems to depression, but it’s also been revered for its beauty enhancing properties for generations. It’s an antioxidant which has the added benefits of being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and as a result various claims have been made about it ranging from its anti-aging and wound healing abilities to its anti-acne properties. What is it about green tea that makes it so…
Excessive alcohol can age your skin, but it can do other nasty things too. Dr. Haran Sivapalan explains. Most of us like a drink, whether it be a bit of wine with dinner or a nice aperitif beforehand. But have you ever stopped to think about what it could be doing to your skin? As much as you may like it, it could play a role in skin aging and various other skin conditions. One recent study from Brown University suggests that drinking white wine is associated an increased risk of rosacea – an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and…
Looking for ways to banish breakouts? Look no further than Dr Hannah Sweilam’s 10 tips to treat acne. Some might surprise you. Sterilise your mobile phone Mobile phones are usually host to a motley crew of bacteria, and when researchers at the London School of Hygiene swabbed 390 phones, they found bacteria on 92% of them. Holding a phone to your face transfers bacteria to your cheek and jawline. And not just bacteria, but dirt, oils and whichever weird and wonderful contaminants have accumulated on your phone. This increases the likelihood of skin irritation, blocked pores and spots. To help keep…
Oil cleansing is becoming increasingly popular, but is it suitable for everyone? Dr Hannah Sweilam takes a look and tells you how to do it properly. Ever considered cleaning your face with oil? The oil cleansing method is a hot topic right now but it seems a bit weird, right? When it comes to ridding your face of the day’s dirt and grime, chances are your inclination isn’t to reach for the cooking oil. There is method to the madness, though. The Ancient Romans were among the first to appreciate the cleansing benefits of oil, and a trip to the…
If you have acne you’ll try almost anything to get rid of it. Our experts look at some of the most common errors people make and what they should do instead. Most of us have battled with acne at some stage. Although your doctor can help it’s hardly surprising if you try your own zit-busting tricks too – but sometimes you might just be on the wrong track. What we do: Use facial oils Celebrities like Gywneth Paltrow and Emma Stone swear by natural oils to remove makeup and keep their skin clear but while some studies have claimed that coconut oil…
Dr Penelope Tympanidis, consultant dermatologist and owner of the Dermaperfect Clinic on Harley Street, is one of London’s leading dermatologists and has been a pioneer in minimally invasive anti-aging and body sculpturing techniques for the last 20 years. Dr Tympanidis is recognised by the European Board of Dermatology. She trained at Tufts in the USA and UCL in London, and has worked as a Clinical Research Registrar at the Department of Dermatology at UCL and the Royal Free/UCL Medical School Campus and as a Consultant in Dermatology at Mayday University Hospital in London, as as well as Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.…
We’ve all heard that probiotics are good for our gut, but now there are claims they can help your skin? Dr Hannah Sweilem looks at the evidence. Trends in skincare come and go as we know, but one that’s growing in popularity now is idea that probiotics – the good bacteria that live in our guts – can help improve our skin. But the idea is not new. Back in the day (in 1930 to be precise), two well-known dermatologists made a prediction: that gut health affects skin health. They predicted that an imbalance of gut microbes increases gut permeability…
What should you eat if you’re concerned about aging or your skin in general? Christine Bailey, Nutrition Expert for The Harley Medical Group shares her top ten ‘superfoods’ so you can add them to your shopping trolley. Christine, an award winning nutritional therapist, chef, author and broadcaster, with over 18 years of experience, says these ingredients won’t just get your skin glowing, they’ll also help to address other skin concerns you may have. Let’s start with her top tips for aging: Bone Broth A popular trend in 2016. Bone broth looks like it will become one of the top foods…
Dr Leah Totton was winner of the BBC TV series The Apprentice in 2013 and subsequently opened two cosmetic skin clinics with her business partner Lord Alan Sugar. Dr Leah is the facial aesthetic provider of choice for many, particularly celebrities and those in the city who value her excellent service, attention to detail and discretion. She is an award winning practitioner for Silhouette Soft skin lifts and the clinics offer a world-exclusive 3D bespoke fat-busting treatment. She has also pioneered the three pronged Dr Leah Lift. While she is a respected cosmetic skin specialist and also continues to work as…