Time makes its mark on the skin, leaving any number of damages, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, hyperpigmentation (darker areas) and vascular lesions (broken capillaries).
Hyperpigmentation (age spots)
This a broad term that refers to discoloured or darkened skin. It can affect all skin types and is most commonly found in areas such as the face, décolletage and the back of the hands.
Hyperpigmentation is caused by the skin’s increased production of melanin, the pigment which gives skin, hair and eyes their colour.
Melanocytes, the cells responsible for the production of melanin can be forced into overproduction by external triggers such as:
- Sun damage
- Inflammation
- Acne and eczema scarring
But melanocytes also lose their ability to regulate production as we age.
Vascular Lesions (broken capillaries)
These enlarged blood vessels often appear as bright blood red marks just beneath the surface of the skin and can also appear in a spider or branch like pattern.
Most commonly found on the face and legs vascular lesions can be triggered by a number of factors:
- Genetics – People whose family members experience vascular lesions are more likely to have them too
- Sun Exposure – Sun damage can enlarge the blood vessels and draw them closer to the surface of the skin
- Changes in Temperature – Drastic changes in the weather, hot showers, spa pools, exercise and even spicy foods all effect the bodies circulation and can cause flushing or even burst blood vessels
- Hormones – Changes in hormonal levels especially related to pregnancy
- Skin trauma – Injuries to the skin, even a small skin injury like squeezing a pimple or external irritants such as chemicals
- Alcohol and certain medications
Our blood vessels have elasticated walls, designed to contract and expand, thereby increasing their surface area and allowing our bodies to cool. However frequent dilation can cause them to stretch out and remain enlarged. This too becomes more prevalent as we age.
At Clinic 42 we find one of the most effective ways to treat both hyperpigmentation and vascular lesions at the same time is with our Venus Versa IPL (intense pulse light).
Venus Versa IPL targets both melanin, and haemoglobin, which is found in blood (ideal for vascular lesions) while also helping to improve skin texture and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
By carefully filtering the light, selecting the correct amount of energy and how long the flash lasts, it treats specific sites such as hyperpigmentation and vascular lesions without damaging the surrounding tissue.
When the pigment and vascular lesions receive a flash of light, they absorb it, converting light energy to heat energy. This process is called ‘selective photothermolysis’.
Venus Versa IPL
- Treatment Time: 1 hour (minimal discomfort and is often described as feeling like having a rubber band pinged against the skin!).
- Treatment Cost: $1,050 for three treatments over two areas, normally $1,500 (choose from face, neck, décolletage and hands).
Venus Versa IPL is one of the most popular winter treatments as it’s ideal to address pigment during the colder months when we are not spending as much time outdoors.
If you would like to book a Venus Versa IPL treatment contact Clinic 42 on 09 638 4242 and to see before and after images of all our treatments head over to our website clinic42.co.nz
