The Skincare Pyramid

We are committed to providing you with the most advanced procedures in aesthetic medicine. By integrating the latest cutting-edge lasers and skin devices into our treatments enables us to be ahead of the curve in so many ways and the results we are achieving for our patients really do speak for themselves.

Let’s break it down…

Daily:

Vitamin C + ferulic acid- ferulic acid fights free radicals to prevent and correct skin damage, and extends the life and effectiveness of vitamin C.

Retinol – From acne-fighting to anti-aging, there aren’t many topical skin care ingredients that can compete with the benefits of retinoids. I recommend them to nearly all my patients, However, retinoids, retinols, and other vitamin-A derivatives can lead to some redness and flaking when you first start using them. Some patients can have a hard time tolerating them (at first). I generally suggest using hyaluronic acid to compliment the vitamin-A derivative. It’s both hydrating and soothing, without standing in the way of the retinols ability to do its job.

Sunscreen- When picking out a sunscreen, you need to think about the sun protection factor (SPF), ingredients, and whether you need a specialty sunscreen for your skin or your activities. You should also keep in mind factors like safety and potential toxicity, allergies to any of the ingredients, and whether the sunscreen you choose might disrupt your hormone balance. Sunscreen is the most-important skin-care step because it protects from free radical damage that can cause skin cancer and premature aging.

Look at the ingredients: my personal preference remains a mineral or physical sunscreen – ones containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (non-nano thought to be better for the environment). These have good safety data, are safer for the environment including being ‘reef-safe’ and do not degrade with UV exposure. 

If your skin reacts badly to the type of sunscreen that you have been using, there are other types you can choose from. Many people have a sensitivity to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is a common ingredient in some sunscreens. If you are sensitive to that ingredient, look for sunscreen labels that say “PABA free.”

As a general rule of thumb, apply in order of thickness, starting with the thinnest and working your way up. If using vitamin C and a physical filter sunscreen, I recommend applying the vitamin C first, then your sunscreen. When using hyaluronic acid and retinol, apply retinol first, then hyaluronic acid.

Monthly:

• Chemical peels can be done on a monthly basis to smooth out the skin texture and smooth out the skin. Because of it decongesting and anti-inflammatory properties, chemical peels like our Pumpkin Retinol peel combined with our BBL acne laser- Forever clear, is a very effective treatment to help combat breakouts and acne prone skin.
• Nano laser peels– is also a type of skin peel but without any chemicals or acids. This peel uses laser light to simultaneously remove the top layers of the skin while heating up the layers of skin as it works. This produces a smoothing, tightening effect that is even suitable for treating sensitive skin on the neck and décolleté.
• Dermapen Micro-needling. Tiny micro- injuries are created with this treatment. Forcing a wound healing response within the skin and leading to increased production in collagen. This treatment helps fight wrinkles and is effective for treating acne scars and trauma scars as well. I often combine the Nano laser peel and Demapen micro-needling in one session, as this creates a smoothing and regenerating effect simultaneously and produces an even better result when done in combination. A few monthly sessions are needed to start off with, thereafter 2-3 annual Dermapen sessions are recommended for maintenance.

Every 3-6 months:

• BBL- Broad band light Is our hero treatment! This powerful high- tech device uses light to clear up the complexion, reduce pigmentation, sundamage, redness, acne breakouts and even promotes an increase in collagen, leading to firmer skin. BBL can done on its own or in combination with our other high-tech laser treatments.
• Microlaser peel – This medium depth laser peel uses only light to gently remove the top layers of the skin. A series of these deeper peels can assist with reducing deeper lines around the mouth and eyes. Recovery is on average 7 days of peeling and flaking.
• SkinTyte laser– can be done on a monthly basis to begin with and then every 3-6 months for maintenance. SkinTyte is a form of radiofrequency and stimulates collagen in the deeper layers of the skin. This treatment does not have any downtime and can be done in your lunch hour. This ideal for firming up the jawline, neck, under the eyes and stomach (post pregnancy)
• Botox– Of course, the main reason Botox is popular is that it works. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repetitive facial movements, resulting in permanent creases for example “frown lines.” Botox works by gently relaxing the facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. Once the injections have had time to work, the creases relax and smooth out the face.

Every 6-12 months:

• PRP (platelet rich plasma) uses your own platelets to trigger new collagen production, resulting in tighter, smoother and younger-looking skin. One of the main advantages of this procedure is that there is no risk for allergic reaction because it uses your own blood. PRP Facial is a highly effective treatment for both men and women with little to no side effects.
• Filler– Facial fillers are used to refill areas of the face where volume is lost over time. When using dermal fillers, the objective is to restore volume based on a patient’s specific needs. Fillers can be placed in various areas locally such as the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, deep glabellar rhytids, tear troughs, and the nasal bridge.
• Restylane Skinboosters work from the inside out to replenish the body’s natural reserves of HA. What I love about Skinboosters are the subtle and natural results. Overall improvement of skin tone, hydration and firmness can be noted, with a reduction in lines around the eye and mouth area. The treatment involves hydrating microinjections of the soft, gel-like substance hyaluronic acid (HA) into the skin. This means that Restylane Skinboosters work to improve the skin’s quality by boosting hydration levels deep within the skin, for results that can be seen on the skin’s surface everyday — effectively increasing overall smoothness, elasticity, firmness, and radiance.

Once-off procedures:

Laser resurfacing – aka “the laser facelift”. When facials and micro-needling are just NOT cutting it … then it might be time to look into fully ablative laser skin resurfacing. This skin procedure involves more recovery time, BUT it typically involves having ONE SESSION ONLY…. and has the ability to take at least 10 years off ! If you think you might be a candidate for this type of procedure : read the full article here which explains how skin resurfacing works and who is typically a good candidate! 

Written By Skin & Laser Specialist Cherie Cochrane

“I love witnessing the incredible transformations in my patients as the improvements in their skin reveal their true self-confidence.”

Cherie Cochrane is the co-founder of Atlantic Dermatology & Laser. With her international qualifications, awards (including winning the worldwide Best Results Laser Competition by Sciton) and over a decade of experience  in the most advanced non-surgical cosmetic procedures available today, Cherie’s results-driven approach has helped her become a leader in the industry as well as the owner of two successful aesthetic clinics in South Africa.

Having performed over 12 000 laser & aesthetic treatments, skin rejuvenation is one of her greatest passions. Throughout her career, Cherie has worked closely with doctors, dermatologists and plastic surgeons and regularly provides training for medical practices.