News and Articles
What are warts and why do we get them?
Warts are benign rough growths on the skin. They are normally a similar colour to the skin, but can be slightly pigmented
The cause of warts
Warts are caused by a virus known as the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes the protein keratin in the top layer of the skin to grown too much.
Warts are usually acquired from person-to-person contact. The virus is not highly contagious but can cause an infection by entering through a small break in the skin. In the same way, warts can be spread to other areas on your body. The virus is rarely transferred by touching an object used by an infected person.
Hygiene must be of the highest importance to avoid cross infection and if not treated they may spread.
Unsightly and often painful, treatable warts can be safely treated with advanced cosmetic procedures, leaving no sign of the blemish. Warts can be stubborn and/or long-standing and may need several treatment sessions.
The wart family
There are various types of wart, the following are treatable with advanced cosmetic procedures:
Common Warts (raised)
This type of wart is raised in appearance and present as rough, thick, skin-coloured, pint or white bumps. The wart may feature a pattern of tiny black dots which are small blood vessels. Warts are round or oval-shaped, firm and raised and have a rough irregular surface similar to a cauliflower. They often develop on the knuckles, fingers and knees, and vary in size from less than 1mm to more than 10mm in diameter.
Common warts are actually an infection in the top layer of skin, caused by the human papilloma virus. When the virus invades the outer layer of skin (usually through a tiny scratch), it causes rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of the skin, creating the wart. A wart will usually resolve within 2-4 years without treatment, but some may persist for longer.
Verruca (planter)Warts
These usually develop on the soles of the feet. The affected area of skin will be white, often with tiny black dots (small blood vessels) in the centre, be flat rather than raised and sometimes painful if they are on weight-bearing areas.
Plane Warts (flat)
Is a small wart with a flat surface. They are slightly raised smooth skin coloured bumps which occur mostly on the face, backs of hands and wrists. Like many other types of wart, they are usually caused by a virus and are contagious. Although these warts will not usually cause any major problems they can itch and look cosmetically unsightly.
Plane warts can develop in clusters; it is possible to have between one and several hundred!
Filiform Warts
These types of wart are long and slender in appearance and are usually found on the face, neck, eyelids and nose. They present with multiple, tentacle-like projections and are a variant of the common wart.
Article written: Odette Brown (Owner of Electrolysis Solutions)
What are Skin Tags and Why do we get them?
Also described as:
Cutaneous papilloma
Acrochordon
Fibro-epithelial polyp
Fibro-vascular papilloma
Skin tags are a common benign fibrous skin growth commonly found in areas such as the armpits, under the breasts, groin, face or the neck. They affect around half of the population and form in single or multiple distributions, often the same colour as the surrounding skin or are hyper-pigmented making them look more obvious. These lesions typically grow to about the size of a grain of rice but can also be as big as a large raisin! They vary in attachment to the skin, some attach themselves by a peduncle and others may lie flat to the skin.
What are the causes?
Folds or creases to the skin – Areas where there are folds or creases to the skin, causing friction, such as the armpits, eye area or under the breasts.
Clothing & jewellery – Areas where clothing or jewellery can rub the skin, causing friction, such as a shirt collar, necklace, or bra straps.
Age – Skin tags affect people of all ages, however they are more likely to develop as we age. As the skin ages it loses elasticity, causing more lines and creases, and can contribute to the development of skin tags.
Weight gain – As body fat increases folds to the skin become more exaggerated, this together with heat and sweat causes more friction and irritation to the skin, and can contribute to the development of skin tags.
Genetic – A genetic disposition is unavoidable & comes on the list of causes.
Viral – Skin tags are viral in nature (human papilloma virus HPV). Whilst not infectious they can proliferate on the skin with some people suffering from hundreds of growths.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus – Increased blood sugar levels stimulate levels of insulin produced by the pancreas, this together with hormonal imbalances can result in weight gain.
Can advanced electrolysis treatments help the condition?
Absolutely! Using advanced electrolysis techniques the skin tags can be removed quickly, safely and successfully leaving smooth skin; once the area has completely healed.
Will the condition return after advanced electrolysis treatment?
Advanced electrolysis is very effective at removing skin tags, however, you must consider the cause of the problem. If the underlying cause is not or cannot be avoided it is highly probable that new skin tags will develop after treatment.
What can I do to prevent the condition reoccurring?
As mentioned, the most effective preventative measure is to address the underlying cause, this however is not always possible. Having said that some common measures may help to prevent or improve the condition:
Weight – We can’t avoid folds to the skin but if you are overweight aiming to lose some weight, lowering fat levels, will help lessen the deeper folds to the skin that can be a contributing factor to friction.
Clothing & jewellery – Try to avoid wearing jewellery such as a necklace every day and where possible wear loose fitted clothing that is likely to cause less rubbing against the skin.
Final thoughts:
- The condition is usually of a cosmetic concern and not considered a risk to health
- Advanced electrolysis can effectively treat the condition, in most cases, but won’t prevent new growths
- The underlying cause, if it can be addressed, is the most effective preventative measure
- If you have any concerns regarding the cause and treatment of skin tags, please ensure you contact your GP
Article written: Odette Brown (Owner of Electrolysis Solutions)
What is Telangiectasia?
Red veins
Normal capillaries which appear on the skin surface due to enlargement or the thinning of the skin.
Thread veins
Blood escapes from the capillaries, possibly due to damage.
September 2019
Telangiectasia is also described as:
Broken veins
Thread veins
Split capillaries
Red veins
What are the causes?
UV light – Over exposure to UV light, from the sun or sunbed, is extremely damaging. Continual exposure to UV can cause changes within the skin structure & capillary blood vessels can become weakened.
Allergies – The skin can ‘flush’ easily which can cause veins to develop. Suffers of hay fever & sinus allergies will find that constant sneezing & blowing the nose will rupture capillary walls. Allergies to foodstuffs/cosmetics/medication etc, can also result in thread veins developing.
Glasses – Can sit heavily on the bridge & sides of the nose, as well as along the upper cheek bones, & can encourage the development of thread veins.
Hereditary – An inherited weakness or susceptibility within the genetic family tree is unavoidable & comes high on the list of causes.
Skin damage – Minor knocks & injuries to the skin may result in developing broken capillaries. Recurrent careless nips with tweezers during eyebrow plucking often causes blood spots to develop.
Sporting activities – The problem here is being exposed to the elements usually if the activity involves ‘speed’ such as cycling/horse riding/skiing. Exposure to biting winds & UV radiation is extremely damaging & the risk of developing thread veins is higher.
Temperature – It is important to avoid extremes of temperature as rapid & continual vasodilation & vasoconstriction can result in the weakening of capillary walls. Care must be taken with saunas, steambaths, hot/cold showers etc.
Incorrect skin care – Poorly managed skin, especially if it is delicate, can result in thread veins developing. Overuse of harsh astringents/facial scrubs/lack of application of correct protection & splashing the face with ice cold water.
Comedone extraction – Repeated extraction of comedones, especially around the nose & particularly with too much fingernail pressure, can result in capillary damage.
Diet – Some foods are very stimulating such as very spicy curry, alcohol & the steam from hot beverages can cause vasodilation.
Occupation – Typically cooks working in hot/steamy kitchens or gardeners working outside at the mercy of the elements can develop thread veins.
Pregnancy – Natural changes occurring within a woman’s body at this time, it is not unusual for thread veins & spider veins to develop; commonly these disperse within a few months following the birth. A long & arduous labour may exasperate a telangiectastic condition.
Smoking – Reduces the oxygen supply to the skin & affects the tiny capillaries; skin regeneration is decreased & slower to heal.
Medication – For example: antibiotics, anti-histamines & topically applied steroid-based creams, such as betnovate (especially if used over a long period), can leave the skin delicate & fine, & thread veins can develop.
Rosacea – This is relatively common in which the dilated vessels is a hallmark & can form from a mild to severe condition.
Asthma – As a result of the air passages narrowing in the lungs, oxygen supply to the skin is impaired. Thread veins may develop on the cheeks & nose.
Circulatory disorders – Weakened capillary walls often occur, leading to thread veins.
Diabetes – The skin can become dry, thin & delicate, the blood is slow to coagulate, the skin can bruise easily & the blood circulatory system is also affected.
High blood pressure – The blood vessels dilate to accommodate the volume & rate of flow of blood in the skin.
Liver diseases – There is a tendency for the skin to bruise easily & develop thread veins.
Can advanced electrolysis treatments help the condition?
Using advanced electrolysis techniques the facial capillaries are destroyed by cauterisation, causing them to fade & reduce in appearance. Depending of the severity of the condition a course of treatments is often advised for telangiectasia so that treatments can be spaced out to prevent over-treating the skin.
Will the condition return after advanced electrolysis treatment?
Advanced electrolysis is generally effective at treating telangiectasia, however, you must consider the cause of the problem. If the underlying cause is not or cannot be avoided, or improved, it is highly probable that the condition will soon reoccur after treatment.
What can I do to prevent the recurrence of the condition?
As mentioned, the most effective preventative measure is to address the underlying cause. Some of the most common measures that may help to prevent or improve the condition are as follows:
Sun exposure – If you can’t avoid the sun, particularly during the day when UV is at its highest, it is important to wear sunscreen & cover up with a sun hat to protect the face. Even during the winter season it is advisable to apply a sunscreen to the face.
Extreme temperature – Care must be taken to avoid extremities of hot & cold environments such as in the sauna, steam room, hot/cold showers, washing the face with hot or cold water. These environments can cause rapid & continual vasodilation (widening) & vasoconstriction (narrowing) of the capillaries & can result in the weakening of capillary walls
Diet – Try to limit your consumption of alcohol & spicy foods; these can be extremely stimulating, causing vasodilation (widening) of the capillaries.
Cold weather exposure – To protect the face from ‘biting’ winds: wear protective equipment, barrier creams, a hat (to keep the head warm) & cover your face (such as wearing a balaclava).
Wearing glasses – Visit your optician to check the fitting of your glasses, or to purchase new; poorly fitted glasses can result in thread veins occurring on the nose & cheek areas.
Final thoughts:
The condition is usually of a cosmetic concern rather than a medical concern
Advanced electrolysis can effectively treat the condition in most cases, but won’t prevent it reoccurring
The underlying cause, if it can be addressed, is the most effective preventative measure
If you have any concerns regarding the cause & treatment of telangiectasia please ensure you consult your GP
Article written: Odette Brown (Owner of Electrolysis Solutions)
All clients are advised to apply a sunscreen after skin blemish & hair removal treatments to protect the skin whilst healing. But, what sunscreen do you choose?
Read this ‘eye opening’ article, extracted from the Guildnews, to find out more.
(Guildnews August 2019)
The protection factor
Tracy Tamaris, training director and co-founder of the iiaa Ltd, shares her advice on recommending SPFs
SPF’s have never been higher, but paradoxically neither has the rate of skin cancer.
Approximately 15,000 people in the UK develop malignant melanoma each year*, compared to around 1,800 in the 1970’s. So, what’s the story behind these scary statistics?
Free radical damage
The higher the SPF, the better the protection, right? What many of us may not realise is that this is only partly true.
Research has shown that if sunscreens are not re-applied every 90-120 minutes, the chemicals they contain can penetrate the skin and turn into harmful free radicals which damage cell DNA**. UV rays degrade the chemicals in sunscreens, causing them to morph into harmful compounds once they reach the lower layers. By re-applying frequently, the protection SPF barrier is being constantly replenished, stopping the chemicals which have already been absorbed into the skin from turning into free Radicals from UV exposure. Unfortunately, high SPFs often lull people into a false sense of security, making them think that they don’t need to re-apply them as often.
Another factor to consider is that SPFs only protect against UVB rays, which cause burning. They don’t defend skin from UVA rays, which are responsible for ageing. Therefore, it’s important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen which protects against both. Some brands have included a star rating system on their packaging which indicates the level of UVA protection, and if you use formulations which contain antioxidants and physical sunscreens, like titanium dioxide, those will automatically shield skin against UVA.
Using a medium SPF, rather than a high one, minimises exposure to harmful chemicals. “Scientists do not recommend anything stronger than SPF 15-20 because there is minimal advantage from the higher SPFs….stronger creams contain greater concentrations of sunscreen agents which turn into free radicals with exposure to UV rays”, says Environ Skincare founder, Dr Des Fernandes. Free radicals are bad news for skin because they de-stabilise cells and can accelerate the ageing process. Studies have shown that skin protection with common sunscreen ingredients contained more free radicals than skin which had no sunscreen*. Put simply, the risks of using high SPFs far outweigh the minimal extra protection they provide.
A recent American study corroborates the view that we should be wary of sunscreen chemicals. The findings showed that it took just one day for several common sunscreen ingredients to enter the bloodstream at high levels high enough to trigger a government safety investigation***.
To add to the confusion surrounding sunscreens, the numbering system is misleading. For example, it’s logical to assume that SPF30 blocks twice the number of UV rays as SPF15, but it actually only blocks 4% more (SPF15 blocks 93%) and has a higher concentration of potentially harmful chemicals. The higher the SPF, the lower the amount of additional protection and the greater the risks to skin and health.
The perfect formula
Chemical sunscreen alone will never be enough to protect skin sufficiently. They will stop you burning, if re-applied frequently and correctly, but the damage they do at a cellular level may not become obvious until many years later. A truly effective sunscreen should contain a wide range of antioxidants, as well as reflectant sunscreen which ‘bounce’ UV rays away from the skin and limited chemical sunscreens which absorb UV rays. For example, RAD from Environ is formulated this way, it was the first antioxidant sunscreen in the world and gives safe protection even though it’s ‘only’ SPF15. In addition, if you are using moisturisers with maximum vitamin A in retinyl palmitate form, for example the youth essential and skin essential ranges from Environ, they will have a natural SPF of around 20 because the retinyl palmitate absorbs UV rays.****
Know your enemy
Although we need to be wary of the high chemical content in high SPF sunscreens, it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy those glorious summer rays. In fact, a certain degree of exposure is essential for vitamin D formation. However, it’s important to be mindful of the kind of protection you use.
Covering up when the sun is at it hottest, using an SPF15-20 antioxidant sunscreen and re-applying it every 90-120 minutes (Or more frequently after swimming) is the safest way to soak up the sunshine.
Here are the top three things to look for in a sunscreen:
- Antioxidants to help minimise UVA and UVB ray damage that penetrates sunscreen filters and mops up free radicals.
- Low chemical sunscreen agents to absorb the radiation from UV rays, neutralising their damaging effects. They must be applied correctly – around two to three tablespoon for the body – and re-applied frequently. Avoid avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and octocrylene.
- Reflectants, also known as ‘physical’ sunscreen agents such as titanium dioxide, which reflect rays and scatter energy, causing them to ‘bounce’ off the skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens, these are not degraded by UV exposure, so they maintain the SPF level for as long as they remain on the skin. They are also more effective at protecting against UVA radiation than chemical filters.
Sources:
*British Skin Foundation
**Riverside Study, University of California
***Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: Murali K. Matta, PhD1;Robbert Zusterzeel, MD,PhD, MPH1;Nageswara R. Pilli, PhD1;et al
****Topical Vitamin A exerts a Photo-Protective Action in the Skin: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
Article written: Tracy Tamaris (Training Director and Co-Founder of iiaa Ltd)
Article issued in: Guildnews August 2019 www.beautyserve.com/guild-news.jsp