Spironolactone is a medication that has been around since the 1950s. It functions as a diuretic medication (promotes water loss) and is licensed in the UK for the treatment of blood pressure and heart failure.

So what does this have to do with acne?

As with many medications, they often come onto the market for a specific medical problem and then we realise the drug itself has a number of other actions. In otherwise fit, young healthy women, without a background of kidney or heart problems, it is also an extremely effective drug for adult acne.

Acne can be distressing if you suffer from PCOS

How does Spironolactone work for acne?

Acne is caused by an interplay between hormones and genetics. Hormones known as androgens drive oil production in the skin which is part of the process in acne development. Spironolactone is an ‘anti-androgen’ drug and reduces the level of androgen hormones in the skin. The knock-on effect is reduced activity of the oil glands. Scientific studies have shown that it is able to reduce oil production at starting doses of 50-100mg daily.

Who is Spironolactone useful for?

Spironolactone is often a good treatment for women with PCOS

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we often use Spironolactone in the following circumstances:

1. Post-teenage women with acne
2. Acne that flares up with menstruation
3. Women with acne that aren’t suitable for Roaccutane or do not wish to take it
4. Women with a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Who should not take Spironolactone?

It is not a suitable treatment for male patients with acne, as it is not a good idea to reduce androgen hormones in men. It is also not suitable for those with underlying heart or kidney problems. It should also not be taken if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What happens next?

If you would like to discuss this or any other treatment for acne, we provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your dermatology consultation.

How do I book an appointment?

You can either call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to fill in a contact form and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. You will be asked to pay your initial consultation fee by credit or debit card on confirming your appointment.

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Suffering with acne? Call Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex for help and advice.

Despite being one of the most widespread skin conditions affecting teenagers AND adult men and women, acne is one of the most poorly understood. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding acne and its causes. In this month’s blog, our skin expert and nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim, helps separate fact from fiction.

Myth: A poor diet high in fat and dairy causes acne

Scientific research has not found any foods that directly cause acne, so far. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for your overall health and wellbeing.

Myth: Acne is caused by having dirty skin and poor hygiene

NHS scientists suggest that most of the biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin, not on the surface, so the cleanliness of your skin has no effect on your acne. And Sue says that washing your face more than twice a day could actually aggravate your skin.

Myth: Squeezing spots gets rid of acne

Although tempting, squeezing spots, blackheads or whiteheads can actually make your acne symptoms worse – and may leave you with scarring. Here are some of the acne treatments that we may recommend at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh Essex:

1. Prescription medications to reduce the outbreak of spots
2. Elan Medical Skin Systems for acne
3. LED Phototherapy to reduce facial redness
4. Elan Medical Skin Peels for superficial blemishes and scars
5. Intralesional Cyst Injections
6. Fractional Skin Resurfacing for deep acne scars
7. Surgical scar revision

Myth: Acne is infectious

This is a particularly nasty and hurtful myth that’s totally incorrect. You cannot pass acne to other people or catch it from close contact with someone with acne. The psychological effects of acne are often underestimated by GPs and friends and those affected can suffer from reduced self-esteem and confidence issues.

What causes acne?

The British Association of Dermatologists has a very helpful leaflet about acne, which explains:

The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of certain hormones, which are present in both men and women. These cause the glands to produce an excess of oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build up of oil, producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil and dead skin is visible) and whiteheads.

The acne bacterium (known as Propionibacterium acnes) lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems, but in those prone to acne, the build-up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.

Click here to read the full leaflet

Testosterone

Teenage acne is thought to be triggered by increased levels of testosterone, which occurs during puberty. The hormone plays an important role in stimulating the growth and development of the penis and testicles in boys, and maintaining muscle and bone strength in girls.

The sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. It’s thought that increased levels of testosterone cause the glands to produce much more sebum than the skin needs.

We can help

If you suffer from acne, get advice early – please don’t suffer in silence. If you would like to ask our medical director & nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim a question, by all means do. We provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your consultation. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, all new patients receive a thorough consultation and medical assessment prior to treatment.

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Essex skin expert from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh debunks the myths not based on scientific evidence

Before you reach for yet another glass of water, Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim would like to shed some light on some of the skin fads out there.

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh we do not offer new technology or recommend certain skin care regimes until there is a wealth of clinical evidence to show they are safe and the results are clinically proven. Here are some myths that have no evidence base behind the advice.

Skin fad no.1 – drink 2 litres of water a day

It is claimed that drinking two litres of water a day is the amount we should drink for optimal health. This much water is said to benefit us in many ways from flushing away harmful toxins from our bodies, reducing lines and wrinkles, clearing acne, to helping us lose weight and fighting infections, among others.

But according to American paediatrician Aaron E. Caroll from Indiana University, there’s absolutely no science to back up the idea that we should be drinking eight glasses of water a day, and there never was.

In the New York Times in 2015 he wrote: “Contrary to many stories you may hear, there’s no real scientific proof that, for otherwise healthy people, drinking extra water has any health benefits.

“For instance, reviews have failed to find that there’s any evidence that drinking more water keeps skin hydrated and makes it look healthier or wrinkle free.”

The myth is widely believed to have started way back in 1945 in a food and nutrition board recommendation that was misquoted. News reports at the time – and since – seem to have left out the vital part that explains that the prepared foods we eat are likely to include most of the water we require.

Just think of all the foods we consume that include fluid, from fruit and veg, to soups and juices. And that leads us to the next myth…

The fluid we drink must be water

Nope, also not true. In fact there is loads of evidence to suggest that tea, coffee, fruit juice, alcohol, soup, stews all add beneficial fluids to our bodies. Yes, you did read that correctly – that includes tea, coffee and alcohol (in moderation).

We had previously been told that drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol would dehydrate us and were diuretic. This means that they cause our bodies to expel more liquid than we have taken on. Science has debunked that myth time and again but it is firmly rooted in our beliefs.

If we feel thirsty it’s too late

In fact, a 2002 review by physician Heinz Valtin from Dartmouth University in the US found that we feel thirsty exactly when we are supposed to. So, if you feel thirsty listen to your body and drink something. And please remember that if you are exercising or battling an illness, you may very well need to drink more than usual in order to alleviate your thirst.

Contact us

For skin care advice that is firmly back by scientific evidence, contact Elan Medical Skin Clinic.

Coming soon – Read our next blog for more myth debunking…

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Worry not, for most you will find that these skin issues resolve themselves following the birth of your baby.  Here are some of the most common skin problems women encounter during pregnancy—and what you can do about them.

Pregnancy should be a time of excitement

Skin Sensitivity

Go easier on your skin now that you’re pregnant. You might get red more easily if you use a facial scrub, your normal facial might verge on painful, and the perfumed lotion you wear might irritate your skin (and make you nauseated, but that’s a different story). That’s why many mums-to-be switch to unscented products and start choosing products that do not contain harsh chemicals, preservatives and fragrances. “You certainly don’t want anything causing micro-tears on your skin,” says Sue Ibrahim, our dermatology nurse consultant.  “The more cuts and wounds on your skin, the easier it is for chemicals to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Ingredients to stay away from in soaps and body washes include sodium laureth sulphate, parabens and fragrance.” These ingredients aren’t just potential irritants—some say they could pose health risks to baby. We say believe it, because (not surprisingly) a lot of products aren’t tested directly on pregnant women. If you are using prescription topicals on your face you need to tell your doctor that you are pregnant as most prescription creams are not licensed for use during pregnancy either. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we advise our patients to use our Elan Medical DermaCalm range during pregnancy, because they are free from fragrances and preservatives. They also contain mild anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe irritated skin.

Acne breakouts during pregnancy

During pregnancy your hormones are all over the place, and that might mean pimples like you had when you were a teenager. The cruel joke, of course, is that many of the treatments that are prescribed for acne cannot be used during pregnancy. Prescription medications like Tetracyclines, Isotretinoin (Roacutane(R)) and the anti-androgen hormone therapies are definite no-nos. And the jury’s out on over-the-counter creams, since they haven’t been tested specifically on pregnant women (yup, you find that a lot with products). Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be absorbed into the bloodstream, so they’re not worth the risk either. “You can safely use lactic acid and biosulfur to treat acne,” Sue Ibrahim says. Don’t touch, pick or squeeze pimples— just wash with a mild cleanser twice a day. “A lot of women find Acne Phototherapy beneficial during pregnancy and it is perfectly safe for both you and the baby.

Sun Sensitivity

Sorry, mums-to-be, but “pregnancy glow” does not refer to a bronzed, sun-kissed complexion. You should actually try to stay out of the sun as much as you can while you’re pregnant. That’s because your surging hormones make you susceptible to dark patches on your skin—known as melasma, or the ‘mask of pregnancy’, which is triggered by sun exposure. So pull out the big floppy hat, find a beach umbrella and be diligent about wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. If you are unlucky and do get Melasma during pregnancy it may resolve on its own following the birth of your baby, if not then you will need the help of a dermatologist I’m afraid.

Stretch marks

Now you’ve got another big skin concern: stretch marks. Anytime someone’s body grows quickly, they’re at risk for stretch marks, so the fact that baby is growing exponentially in there puts you right in the high-risk zone. Of course, not every mum-to-be gets stretch marks. “For most people, whether or not they get stretch marks has to do with genetic predisposition,” says Sue Ibrahim. But you can do your best to head them off by gently exfoliating and thoroughly moisturising your belly, boobs, stomach, hips and thighs as much as you can. As for what moisturizer to use, it’s hard to make a recommendation. “A lot of products make claims,” Sue Ibrahim says. “Some may help but aren’t really proven to prevent stretch marks.” If you are left with troublesome stretch marks following the birth of you baby, it is worth looking into the skin tightening treatments we offer at Elan Medical Skin Clinic.

Skin rashes during pregnancy

If you’ve got red, itchy skin, it’s important not to ignore it. Itchy feet and hands could be a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy, a scary complication that can cause liver problems for baby. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to make sure that’s not causing your rash. Another common pregnancy rash is PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy), which often starts in the abdomen and spreads from there. PUPPP is actually harmless to baby, but it will be completely aggravating for you. Book in for a Dermatology Consultation if you are concerned.

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Acne can vary in severity from a few spots on the face to quite a significant problem on the face, chest, shoulders and back.

It is not just the acne that can have a significant impact on self-confidence, the scarring and altered skin pigmentation that is left behind when the spots clear up can also cause a lot of distress.

Acne, you don’t have to live with it!

Unfortunately, many doctors can trivialise the effects acne can have on a person’s confidence, self-esteem and quality of life. Having spent over 30 years working within medical dermatology, Sue Ibrahim is passionate about treating acne early and effectively as she fully understands the consequences of living this spots on a daily basis. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, we take the time to listen to your concerns and devise a management plan to get your skin looking great again!

What causes acne?

The oil-producing (sebaceous) glands are particularly sensitive to certain hormones present in both males and females. These hormones stimulate the production of excess oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores clog up the follicles. As a result, there is a build up of oil, producing blackheads and whiteheads. Acne bacteria lives on everyone’s skin and in those prone to acne, the build up of oil creates an ideal environment in which the bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red, pus-filled spots that can be quite uncomfortable.

Some acne can be caused by medication given for other medical conditions or by certain contraceptive pills or injections. Some tablets taken by body-builders contain hormones that can trigger acne and other problems.

How will your acne be diagnosed?

There are several varieties of acne that Sue Ibrahim will be able to diagnose at your dermatology consultation. We have extensive experience in dealing with all types of acne. We will discuss the treatment options available to you that can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring.

How can acne be treated?

Acne treatments fall into the following categories:

• Treatment with topical creams (prescription and/or non-prescription)
• Treatment with oral antibiotics alongside topical creams
• Treatment with oral hormones that counteract the hormones that can trigger acne
• Isotretinoin tablets (Often referred to by the trade name Roaccutane (R))

There are also a number of cosmetic dermatology treatments that can help, although these treatments are not usually offered on the NHS:

• Intralesional steroid injections
• Acne Phototherapy
• Certain chemical peels
• Surgical cyst removal

And there are treatments that can help with scarring:

• Fractional Skin Resurfacing
• Medical Micro-needling
• Plasma soft surgery

Many thousands of people have been treated by Sue Ibrahim for their acne at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex. It is our philosophy to work alongside your own GP, or a Consultant Dermatologist to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.

If you are fed up with suffering from acne or any other skin condition, why not book your dermatology consultation now!

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Fit your own oxygen mask first in 2018. If you have a skin condition that is causing you distress, talk to Sue from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex.

In a mid-air emergency, we are always told to fit our own oxygen mask first. This is to ensure we are able to help our loved ones in a calm, considerate and efficient manner – whilst being able to breathe ourselves!

It may sound selfish but it is absolutely essential – and not just in a life or death situation. If our own wellbeing isn’t being cared for, our ability to give our love to others is diminished, says nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim.

If we are dealing with a skin condition on top of all of life’s other stresses and strains, chances are the skin condition will worsen if it is ignored or put to the bottom of our list of things to sort. Does this sound familiar?

The health of our skin can be a good indicator of our current mental state and wellbeing because our skin very often reacts to stress. And anyone with skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, excessive sweating and psoriasis will tell you that their symptoms are exacerbated at these times.

If you have a skin condition that is causing you distress, talk to Sue from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex.

If you would like to leave Sue a message, by all means do. We provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your consultation. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, all new patients receive a thorough consultation and medical assessment prior to treatment.

Finding Elan in Essex

Our Essex clinic is situated in Rayleigh, a lovely a market town about 32 miles east of central London, located between Chelmsford, Hockley, Canvey, Rochford and Southend. Elan Medical Skin Clinic can be found on the High Street and if you’re looking for parking, the nearest car parks are in Bellingham Lane, the Market car park in Hockley Road, Websters Way and Castle Road.

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London skin expert, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Essex, soothes your skin this summer

Skin rashes, itchy skin and general lumps and bumps seem all the more noticeable and irritating during the summer when our skin is bared to the world.

The team at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh, Essex and central London is led by Sue Ibrahim, a consultant nurse with more than 30 years’ dermatology experience. Sue knows skin, simple as that. She understands how certain health and skin problems can make you feel unhappy and self-conscious and what can be done to help alleviate your symptoms.

From acne, acne scarring, rosacea, melasma and psoriasis, to mole and cyst removal and treatments for dealing with excessive sweating, Sue uses the latest technology and up-to-date approaches to ensure the best results.

Dermatology consultation

If you have a skin concern, a dermatology consultation is your first step to resolving the problem and it is our hope that when two committed parties work together, desired results are achieved.

Most consultations last between 30 to 45 minutes and you will leave feeling fully informed and assessed. If you have an existing medical skin condition, your dermatology consultation includes a general assessment of your needs and a discussion about the range of treatment options available, both at Elan Medical Skin Clinics and those available elsewhere.

If you have a skin lesion, such as a mole, cyst, wart or lump that concerns you, this will be inspected using the latest dermatoscopic instrument so that a diagnosis can be made.

There is an £85 fee for an initial dermatology consultation with Sue Ibrahim and a private prescription, if required. Dermatology follow-up appointments are £35, inclusive of the repeat prescription fee.

Great, central London location

Our central London medical skin clinic is just five minutes from Barbican and Old Street tube stations and a 15-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station. We are situated almost on the corner of Old Street and Whitecross Street, an area famous for its lively food stalls – in fact a lot of our clients work in Clerkenwell and Moorgate and spend their lunch hour visiting the food market in Whitecross Street. So, if you’re in the area, pop in and meet our welcoming team. Until then, check out our website for lots more information.

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The Science behind the sugar debate

Sugar has no essential nutrients and simply contributes kilojoules.  Dietary Guidelines from the NHS Choices website recommends we limit sugar from our diet as it adds unnecessary calories, and like refined starches, it increases dental decay. However, there is no evidence that a totally sugar-free diet is needed. The World Health Organization advises limiting added sugars to less than 10% of total energy to prevent dental caries, obesity, and chronic disease. NHS Choices recommends that added sugars should be limited to less than 5% of total energy intake as a strategy for preventing excess weight (which is a risk factor for heart disease).

Sugar is the enemy of the skin

There is no scientific support for avoiding fruits and vegetables because of their natural sugar content. These foods also provide dietary fibre (which is nature’s obstacle to over consumption) as well as minerals and vitamins. Research also shows that consumption of fruit and vegetables helps control weight.

Research shows that fructose is problematic only in excess, and the basic problem in most cases is simply the extra kilojoules from a high intake of fructose. Research also shows that anyone who exercises regularly and pre-menopausal women, will be unlikely to have problems with fructose.

Sugar does not fulfil any official definition of ‘addictive’, although once our taste buds become used to sweetness, some people will overindulge in sweet foods.

Sugar or high-glycemic foods quickly convert to sugar. This in turn raises insulin levels and puts unnatural demands on your body to deal with the food you just ate.  Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, white bread and soda, cause your insulin levels to spike, which leads to what our skin expert, Sue Ibrahim, states as “Inflammatory responses in the skin”. Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. Digested sugar permanently attaches to the collagen in your skin through a process known as glycation. 

Sugars – Acne, insulin resistance, pigmentation and facial hair growth

Aside from increasing the effects of aging, glycation can also exacerbate skin conditions like acne and rosacea. Plus, the more sugar you eat, the more likely it is you’ll develop insulin resistance, which can manifest as excess hair growth (hirsutism) and dark patches on the face, neck and in body creases.

Should I eliminate sugar from my diet altogether?

The most extreme form of a sugar-free diet restricts all foods that contain added sugars as well as fruit and any vegetables that contain natural sugars such as peas, carrots and parsnips. The less extreme form of the diet permits fruit (but not juices) and vegetables and restricts all added sugars, honey and processed foods that contain sugars such as sugar-sweetened drinks, confectionery, sweet snacks, biscuits, cakes, pastries, ice cream and desserts, sweetened yoghurt, most breakfast cereals, sauces, soups and marinades.

Some sugar-free diets claim that sugar is addictive and must be totally eliminated to ‘cure’ the addiction. However, there is no scientific support for avoiding fruits and vegetables because of their natural sugar content. These foods also provide dietary fibre (which is nature’s obstacle to over consumption) as well as minerals and vitamins. Research also shows that consumption of fruit and vegetables helps control weight.

Research shows that fructose is problematic only in excess, and the basic problem in most cases is simply the extra kilojoules from a high intake of fructose. Research also shows that anyone who exercises regularly and pre-menopausal women, will be unlikely to have problems with fructose.

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From acne to ageing, wrinkles to blemishes, sugar has a lot to answer for. Sugar and high GI (glycemic index) foods lead to a spike in insulin levels and this causes inflammation throughout our bodies. Sugar also binds to collagen making the skin stiff. The technical term for this is a process called glycation. It’s simple really: less sugar equals better skin – and the results can very often be seen in just a week.

Insulin spikes are linked to acne breakouts and can cause the skin to appear red and inflamed. This is because inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles.

As well as increasing the effects of ageing, glycation can also exacerbate skin conditions like acne and rosacea. There’s also a cumulative effect of eating too much sugar – the more we eat, the more likely it is we’ll develop insulin resistance, and this can lead to excess hair growth and dark patches on the neck and in body creases.

The good news is…

The team at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh in Essex can help with many of the downsides and effects of eating too much sugar. Our award-winning nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim, has more than 30 years’ experience in dermatology. She is an expert in skin conditions and her friendly and professional manner will instantly put you at ease.

Acne

We have a wide variety of treatment options to help control acne and prevent scarring. Evidence suggests that a combination of treatments can produce a better outcome and help keep acne under control. Here are some of the acne treatments that we may recommend:

• Prescription medications to reduce the outbreak of spots
• Elan Medical Skin Systems for Acne
• LED Phototherapy to reduce facial redness
• Elan Medical Skin Peels for superficial blemishes and scars
• Fractional Skin Resurfacing for deep acne scars
• Surgical scar revision

Wrinkles

Sue Ibrahim, has more than 15 years’ experience in advanced wrinkle reduction procedures. Done properly, no-one should be able to tell you’ve had wrinkle reduction or dermal fillers. Elan Medical Skin Clinic is dedicated to providing the safest, most effective cosmetic treatments on the market today, which is why we use the revolutionary Soprano Near Infrared. This effective cosmetic procedure safely and effectively produces thermal heat to warm the inner layers of the skin, promoting the formation of collagen and causing the skin to contract, which is essential for a smoother, firmer and younger look.

Rosacea

We use a combination of treatments for rosacea and do our utmost to provide the best outcome for you. These include:

• Prescription medications to reduce the outbreak of spots
• Elan Medical Skin Systems for rosacea
• DermaCalm Treatment instantly calms skin that has been affected by a trigger
• LED Phototherapy to reduce facial redness
• Veinwave treatment to close down any visible thread/spider veins
• Fractional Skin Resurfacing to treat uneven skin texture

Excessive hair growth

Elan Medical Skin Clinic has invested in one of the very best laser hair removal machines available to ensure that people of all skin types, skin colours and hair types can achieve hair-free skin. The Soprano ICE can treat every part of the body, including the face and most intimate areas, painlessly, quickly and effectively.

If you would like to find out more, please contact us today.

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If you have acne scars, speak to Sue Ibrahim, nurse consultant in dermatology at Elan Medical Skin Clinic to find out how she can help.

As if having acne wasn’t bad enough, the scarring left behind can cause as much upset as the acne itself. The medical micro-needling and fractional skin resurfacing treatments at Elan Medical Skin Clinic will significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, allowing you to feel more confident and happy with your complexion.

Acne can lead to scarring when the most severe types of spots – nodules and cysts – burst and damage the overlying skin. Scarring can also occur if you pick or squeeze your spots, so it is important to avoid doing this.

Treatments for acne scars

Micro-needling at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh, Essex increases the production of collagen and elastin to create smoother skin. Sue Ibrahim, our nurse consultant in dermatology, says treatment can be used on the face, neck and back. Treatment is safe, comfortable and suitable for all skin types.

• Safe for all skin types
• Virtually pain free
• Fast, visible, impressive results

Micro-medical needles are used to penetrate into the dermis of the skin. Treatment does not induce skin sensitivity to UV light and there is no risk of permanent skin discolouration.

After a medical micro-needling procedure your body will start to naturally regenerate and repair the skin, working below the surface in the dermis. This takes time as new collagen is formed, new skin cells are generated and blood supply is enhanced. It can take up to 6 weeks before visible signs of regeneration and repair are seen. The process will continue over the following months, providing you with a natural and long lasting enhancement.

Be warned about home micro-needling devices, warns Sue Ibrahim

Micro-needling can also be used on thin skin that has been formerly treated with chemical peels and laser. You will experience little or no pain and a topical anaesthetic can be applied to make the procedure a pleasant experience. Treatment also enhances the penetration of skincare products by up to 40 times compared to normal application of cream on the surface of your skin. For more about our exclusive range of DermaActive skincare products, click here.

Sue Ibrahim warns patients not to use home micro-needling devices as they are of an inferior quality and should only be used once as the needles can become blunt. Apart from being painful, using blunt needles can cause lasting skin damage and infection. Micro-needling should only be carried out by qualified professionals at medical clinics, where patients will also receive local anaesthetic for their comfort.

Fractional skin resurfacing

Elan Medical Skin Clinic is very proud to be one of only a few clinics in the UK to offer fractional skin resurfacing. Fractional skin resurfacing combined with radio frequency skin tightening can help to improve the texture and quality of your skin. It successfully boosts the appearance of individual scars and treats acne scarring. It can also be used to treat deep winkles, stretch marks and other conditions requiring skin tightening.

Elan Medical Skin Clinic is dedicated to providing the safest, most effective cosmetic treatments on the market. This is why we use the EndyMed 3Deep Intensif Fractional Micro-needle Skin Remodelling System. EndyMed is a machine operated micro-needling system – that uses 25 gold needles – combined with radio skin frequency. Very often patients only require two treatments, making it a cost effective solution.

Outstanding treatment experience

EndyMed is committed to providing an outstanding treatment experience that is quick, and comfortable with no downtime. It delivers amazing immediate results that continue to improve for months after the completion of treatments.

Throughout the course of the Intensif treatment and for 3-5 months afterwards, the treated skin will be replaced by new, healthy and younger looking skin. The treated skin will become smoother, tighter and more vital. As most of the energy is delivered directly into the inner layer of the skin, you will experience no downtime. You may resume normal activities immediately after treatment – a considerable advantage over surgical interventions.

For more information about treating acne and acne scars please contact us or visit the Acne Academy and the British Association of Dermatology for details about the conditions.

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