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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Join Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex for our open evening on October 31st 4pm – 8pm.

Find out more about PRP skin rejuvenation and Silhouette Soft thread lifting at our open evening

You and a friend are welcome to join our lovely team at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex for an informal social evening on October 31^st 4pm – 8pm.

Our Open Evening is an ideal opportunity for you to meet Sue Ibrahim and her team and have a chat with our new award-winning GP, Dr Alex Tran and Amy, our laser therapist.

You will be able to find out more about our new, highly effective facial rejuvenation treatments, PRP stem cell injection therapy and Silhouette Soft Thread Lifting.

There will also be a free prize draw to win a selection of our exclusive DermaActive products.

There’s no need to book – we look forward to seeing you at our intimate and cosy Rayleigh skin clinic.

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Platelet Rich Plasma skin therapy is now available at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh, Essex and central London.

Soften wrinkles, smooth your skin’s texture and tone, and promote the growth of collagen with Platelet Rich Plasma skin therapy at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh, Essex and central London.

PRP skin therapy is the latest rejuvenation technique to be added to our comprehensive list of facial treatments. As well as skin rejuvenation, PRP stem cell injection therapy is ideal for curbing hair loss and treating osteoarthritis of the shoulder, knee and ankle joints.

We are delighted to introduce our experienced, award-winning practitioner who will be performing PRP therapy at Elan Medical Skin Clinic. Dr Alex Tran has been a GP for 17 years and over the last five years he has developed a keen interest in aesthetic medicine.

Dr Alex says: “I believe when my clients look better, they feel better – which makes it all the more worthwhile to strive for the best results. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to aesthetics and my primary aim is to enhance a client’s beauty without compromising safety and always striving for the most natural-looking results.”

What does PRP stem cell injection therapy involve?

A small amount of blood is taken and placed into a centrifuge to separate the red and white blood cells from the platelets and plasma. Platelets help tissues heal and regenerate and when injected into specific areas, encourage your own collagen to grow, tissue to regenerate and your skin to tighten and rejuvenate.

For patients with thinning hair, PRP may actually stimulate the hair follicles to grow and produce thicker and healthier looking hair. Patients with osteoarthtitis of knee, shoulder and ankle joints may also benefit from PRP therapy as injections of stem cells into the worn joint have been shown to encourage regrowth of cartilage and reduce pain and stiffness. Success rate in improving osteoarthritis joints is around 80-90% and the results are long lasting.

For skin rejuvenation, PRP therapy may also be combined with mesotherapy where a cocktail of vitamins and minerals are injected under the skin to obtain even better results.

How long does Platelet Rich Plasma skin therapy take?

The procedure usually takes around 15 minutes and because your own cells are used, there is very little chance of a negative reaction. There’s no downtime and most people experience no pain during treatment as a numbing cream is used. Results are usually seen within three to four weeks.

What happens next?

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 Clinics in London and Essex, all new patients receive a thorough consultation and medical assessment prior to treatment.

How do I request a consultation?

You can either give Elan Medical Skin Clinic a call on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to book and pay for your consultations via our online store. One of our reception team will then confirm your appointment by phone or email, whichever you prefer.

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Award-winning GP, Dr Alex Tran, joins Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Essex and offers Silhouette Soft thread lifting

Silhouette Soft thread lifting at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Essex and central London offers transformational, natural results – without the surgery, scars or time off work. This facial rejuvenation technique is non-surgical, minimally invasive and redefines your facial contours immediately and with lasting results.

Treatment reduces the appearance of sagging around the jaw line and is ideal for men and women looking for a safe, convenient alternative to traditional facelift surgery. You will enjoy subtle changes around your eyebrows, cheeks, jaw line neck and facial contours and the Silhouette Soft thread lifting treatment is carried out by our fully qualified, award-winning GP, Dr Alex Tran.

Special threads discreetly hold the repositioned skin and facial tissue in place and because you are awake throughout the treatment you have greater control over the final result. Silhouette Soft thread lifting is usually completed in less than an hour.

The Silhouette Soft threads – which are 100% re-absorbed by your body over time – attach to your skin tissue and are then gently pulled back to lift and smooth the face. The treatment uses a double action effect to restore smoother, more toned skin and a more shapely face with a gradual regeneration of collagen.

Can anyone have Silhouette Soft thread lifting?

The special thread is made from the same ingredient used in dissolvable medical stitches and is completely biodegradeable. The procedure is suitable for all skin types but should be avoided by people with a history of autoimmune diseases. Almost immediately the treated areas will be lifted slightly giving you a more rejuvenated appearance.

Does Silhouette Soft skin rejuvenation hurt?

No, a local anaesthetic is used at the insertion points to make this procedure more comfortable.

A few words from Dr Alex…

I have been a GP for 17 years and for the last five years I have developed a keen interest in aesthetic medicine. I’m naturally gifted in the Arts and am a portrait painter in my spare time, which was my main artistic pastime until I took up medical aesthetics.  I apply my artistic eye in my work with aesthetic clients to achieve the best results each time.

Over the years of aesthetic practice I have learnt many varying techniques, which together give the most naturally looking and pleasing results. I am passionate about aesthetics and firmly believe that with a little artistic intuition, a little constraint and a lot of care and attention to detail, fabulous results can be achieved without a scalpel in sight.

I believe for my clients, when they look better, they feel better – which makes it all the more worthwhile to strive for the best results. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to aesthetics and my primary aim is to enhance a client’s beauty without compromising on safety and always striving for the most natural-looking results.

What happens next?

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 Clinics in London and Essex, all new patients receive a thorough consultation and medical assessment prior to treatment.

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Summer offer – for your £10 discount, please quote Elan Summer Facial. Call our Rayleigh skin clinic on 01268 770660 to book. Hurry – offer ends 30.9.17.

If you’ve only ever had a facial at a beauty salon or spa you will be totally blown away by the medical grade facials at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex.

The fully qualified team at Elan Medical Skin Clinic use clinically evidenced ingredients and protocols for their prescription-based facials that are tailored to your specific needs.

Elan’s medical grade facials are performed by our aesthetic therapist Amy and the protocol is prescribed by Sue Ibrahim, our nurse consultant in dermatology.

There are facials and there are Elan facials!

Our medical grade facials cost £95 and last around 45 minutes. They normally include LED Phototherapy as part of the treatment. For clients with acne, the prescription products used will normally consist of azelaic acid, salicylic acid and bio-sulphur.

For clients with rosacea, anti-inflammatory ingredients are utilised to calm irritated skin and ingredients such as azelaic acid help to protect the skin from the demodex mite, which is now thought to be the trigger factor behind the exacerbation of rosacea.

Clients prone to facial dermatitis will find Elan’s DermaActive DermaCalm Treatment Facial beneficial. And for those with ageing skin a combination of prescription strength retinoic acid and stem cells help stimulate collagen production and boost the skin’s repair processes.

Longer lasting effects

Each medical grade facial is designed to kick-start your home care regime, which may include prescription only medications, so clients do not have to return every few weeks for another treatment. Treatment will continue at home, resulting in photographic improvements in your skin within 6 -12 weeks!

Dermatology consultation with Sue Ibrahim

Clients will require a full dermatology consultation with Sue Ibrahim prior to a medical grade facial as they contain medical elements that can only be prescribed following a face-to face-consultation.

Special summer offer

For your £10 discount, please quote Elan Summer Facial. Please call our Rayleigh skin clinic on 01268 770660 to book. Hurry – offer ends 30.9.17.

Great Essex location

Our Essex medical 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. 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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With her guidance and knowledge you can expect transformational results. But don’t just take our word for it – take a look at these impressive before and after photos!

Treated with Restylane skin fillers by Sue Ibrahim. Photos taken 3 weeks apart

Reviews for skin fillers and Botox from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Essex

“I cannot believe what Sue Ibrahim at Elan has done for me! Much less painful than my many previous experiences of fillers & Botox. Due to your skill with the injections, for the first time in my life my eyebrows are level!! I can’t believe it & I can’t thank you enough! Thank you, Sue, you have changed my life!” Hazel

“Sue is great – gives great advice – trust her totally.”

“Wish I had come years ago. I’ve been made to feel so special by all the staff and so happy with results of my treatment.”

“Very satisfied & exceeded expectations.”

“I had fillers last year in London and was left with horrific results. I lost all my confidence and didn’t leave the house for days. I was so desperate for my lips to go back to normal. I was then recommended Elan Medical. Sue was amazing; she calmed me down and told me it will all be fine and was also shocked to see my botched job. Sue injected product into my lips and within minutes I had my normal lips back. Sue gave me my confidence back and I was able to get my life back. Sue is so genuine and realistic and is not there to take your money like other clinics from previous experience, she will only treat you if she feels you need it. Amazing!”

“A very friendly but professional service. The treatment was explained to me in full and did not hurt a bit. The results were better than I had hoped for and I would certainly recommend this clinic.”

Request a consultation

You can either give Elan Medical Skin Clinic a call on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to book and pay for your consultations via our online store. One of our reception team will then confirm your appointment by phone or email, whichever you prefer.

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Dermal fillers – trust skin expert Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Essex

You wouldn’t let a builder near your teeth or a plumber perform laser eye surgery, so why would anyone let someone unqualified and inexperienced near their face with a needle for dermal fillers?

In the UK anyone can perform dermal fillers. Yes, anyone. It makes you shudder doesn’t it? The skin expert at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh and central London knows only too well the after effects of letting unqualified beauticians carry out delicate dermal fillers. Sue Ibrahim is often called on to carry out filler reversal treatments and Botox re-treatments due to botched attempts.

Price should never be the determining factor for dermal fillers – experience and qualifications should. This is your face we are talking about: the thing that everyone looks at when they see you in person.

Experience

Beauticians and hairdressers often say they have X years experience but in that time they may have only carried out a few dermal filler treatments. As well as having more than 20 years’ experience, Sue Ibrahim has performed dermal filler treatment on a daily basis for over 15 years! Sue is a nurse consultant in dermatology, so she really does deserve the title of skin expert and in July 2016 she received a Safety in Beauty Diamond Award. Sue knows skin, so you’ll be in safe hands.

Using advanced injection techniques, most clients report that facial and lip filler treatments with Sue Ibrahim are quick, painless and produce instant results. As an expert in her field, Sue will carefully consider your facial structure and profile to naturally enhance your appearance.

Leading products – with excellent reputations

As we all know, there’s white wine and there’s white wine! The same goes for dermal fillers. Skin fillers can provide truly excellent results – when carried out by the right person – and Elan Medical Skin Clinic is delighted to offer a new generation of dermal filler that is more comfortable and can last up to 18 months in the skin.

At Elan Medical Skin Clinics we use Restylane and Juvederm – the very best products on the market. With Restylane and Juvederm we know the product will perform consistently every time we use it. It is carefully monitored and tested and we are assured of the outcome.

Yes there are cheaper products on the market but when it comes to injecting a product into your face, we want the best – and so should you. We have all seen the photos of what happens when cheaper products are used by unqualified beauticians.

A combined, holistic approach

Sue is a firm believer in getting the right outcome, rather than being focused on specific treatments. In order to get the best result the skin needs to be in tiptop condition. The treatment is then the icing on the cake and your recovery time is quicker.

Request a consultation

You can either give Elan Medical Skin Clinic a call on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to book and pay for your consultations via our online store. One of our reception team will then confirm your appointment by phone or email, whichever you prefer.

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Elan Medical Skin Clinic’s aesthetic therapist, Amy (pictured with Charlie when he was tiny) is returning in April

Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh and central London is delighted to announce that Amy, our aesthetic therapist will be returning from maternity leave in April. So get in quick before her book fills up!

Amy is an experienced aesthetic therapist and her fields of expertise are:

Laser hair removal

We have 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 most intimate areas, painlessly, quickly and effectively. Underarms can be treated in less than 15 minutes and a full Hollywood takes less than an hour.

Facial and body skin tightening

The highly successful range of body tightening and skin contouring treatments offered at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Essex and central London can help re-shape, contour and tighten your skin. We use the latest technology that is designed to produce long-term results with minimal downtime. There are only a small number of clinics in the UK that provide the dual technology of fractional skin rejuvenation and near infra-red laser technology as a pain-free way to re-contour and boost your body.

Stretch mark removal

The Endymed 3Deep is the most technologically advanced radiofrequency treatment therapy available to revive and rejuvenate the natural production of new collagen and elastin. Treatment with the Intensif head triggers the skin’s natural healing process, reducing the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles, acne and trauma scars. Your skin will also continue to improve up to a year after your last treatment session.

How do I request a cosmetic consultation?

Please call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can complete the online booking request form and pay your consultation fee online via PayPal. One of our reception team will then confirm your appointment by phone or email, whichever you prefer.

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