The importance of cleansing your skin

When cleansing you skin, you are removing any make-up, impurities, dead skin cells, sweat, and sebum that have accumulated during the day. Our skin is also a very easy-to-reach dumping ground for dust and other environmental pollutants.

Remove your make-up

If you forget to remove your make-up before going to sleep, it will be more difficult in the morning to remove that stubborn mascara and stay-on-forever lip colour.

 At night, the skin also secretes sebum and sweat and if you are in the habit of sharing your bed with your furry friends, you will probably have some pet hair and other scary stuff on your skin as well. Water alone will not successfully remove this.

Your daily cleansing and make-up removal routine need to start with good products which are suitable for your skin type and lifestyle.

Your skin should always feel clean, soft, and balanced (not too dry or too oily) after any cleansing routine.

The routine usually follows 3 basic steps: cleanse, tone and moisturise.

Please read our article “What is in a good cleanser?” for guidelines about choosing the correct cleanser for your skin.

How to get the best results from your cleansing routine.

Start with your eyes. Always use damp cotton wool, as some of them feels like abrasive pads on the skin when dry. Soak the cotton wool in the make-up remover and place over the eyelids. Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the make-up to softens, then gently stroke the eye lashes from base to tip to remove the mascara. Then, using clean cotton wool in need, stroke from the inside to the outside corner of the eye until all make-up has been removed.

Move on to the rest of your face. First wet your face slightly with tepid water. Place some of the cleanser in your hands and gently apply to your whole face and always include the front and back of your neck, as well as you décolleté area. . Work from the center of you face and with your fingertips perform small circular movements. Remove with water, damp cotton wool or a face cloth. Tone and moisturise.

No matter what products you use, or how you go about cleansing your skin, always be gentle, do not over cleanse, do not rub and scrub and you should reap the benefits by having a clear complexion and soft, glowing skin!

Some of my favourite cleansers:

Vitaderm Pre-Cleanse 150ml R 255

This popular Pre-Cleanse is essential for a deep pore-cleansing effect without leaving a taut feeling on the skin.

This water-soluble, oil-based gel is incredibly effective in dissolving all oil-soluble impurities on the skin. With the addition of water, this formulation turns into a milky cleanser and rinses away impurities.

It is suitable for all skin types and may be used prior to normal cleansing.

For oily skin types, it is recommended to use one of Vitaderm’s Gel Cleansers afterwards. For dry skin types, the Pre Cleanse may be used instead of the normal cleanser. This formulation is preservative free.

Vitaderm Gentle Eye Make-up Remover 50ml R 85

A mild formulation which gently removes eye make-up.

It contains no aromatic extracts and is therefore highly recommended for sensitive eyes and is ideal for contact lens wearers.

It contains Vitamin B5, which keeps hair healthy! It will not damage your false eye lashes either!

This product is ideal for the removal of water resistant and smudge proof make-up. It is not recommended to remove water-proof make-up. 

If you need any further information on how to choose your home care products, please contact us at 082 398 9817 or agb111@mweb.co.za for an appointment.

If you want to know more about the products that we stock in the salon, please visit our website @ http://www.agbeautysalon.co.za/

Different Skin Types, Different Treatments

At Beauty College, I was taught that skin types can be classified as normal, dry, oily, combination, mature and sensitive. Skin types are seen as intrinsic factors that we are born with and these cannot change during our life time. Skin conditions are classified as dehydrated, acne, allergic, seborrhoeic and oedematous. Skin conditions are seen as temporary problems that we experience at any given time due to factors such as environment, diet, stress, hormonal imbalances, etc.

We were also taught that when you analyse a client’s skin you need to hold up a mirror, point out and tell her absolutely everything that was wrong with her skin. Imagine me sitting there and showing her every spot, pimple, wrinkle, freckle, dry patch, red patch, oily patch and every other patch you can think of. I never do this in my salon, as I am quite sure that this would end up in disaster.

Various beauty products

In various training manuals and beauty books, that I bought and read since then to try and make sense of this varied and complex subject, the classification of skin types differ depending on the author’s believes, training and experience. According to Florence Barrett-Hill in her book “Advanced Skin Analysis” only three basic skin types exist: Permanent Diffused Redness, Lipid Dry and Lipid Oily. 

What I now rely on, in conjunction with my very long and detailed questionnaire, when analysing a client’s skin, is to ask her how she experiences her skin and what her concerns and expectations are. Listening to her and taking it all into consideration, is as important as all my skin analysing techniques and training.

Here are short descriptions of the different skin types as used in most salons and these are terms that the clients are most used to and familiar with:

Normal skin: This is the ideal skin type and you should thank you stars, your mother, father and their forbearers for gifting you with these genes. It is fine and even textured, firm, supple and has a good balance of moisture and oil secretions. The skin looks clear, without any impurities or blemishes and slightly warm to the touch. Pale skins will be pink in colour, and darker skins will have a mauve hue.

Vitaderm has an Introduction Kit for every skin type

Dry skin: This skin type is caused by too little oil secreted by the skin. It has a very fine texture with no visible pores and may have a thin, almost transparent look. It will often feel tight and slightly hot and is prone to early, very fine lines and expression wrinkles. It is often sensitive to cold and wind, air conditioning and needs lots and lost of moisture/ oil combination creams.

Oily Skin: This skin type is caused by too much oil secreted by the skin. The skin texture may look shiny and uneven, having large pores with black heads (comedones) or even pastules (inflamed spots). It is difficult too keep clean but also very important not to over clean and dry out the skin. The good news is that oily skin tends to age slower because the sebum (oil) naturally prevents water loss. 

Essel Range of Products. 

Please contact the salon for prices

Combination skin: This type of skin has both oily and dry patches. The oily part usually forms a “T” zone across the forehead and down the nose and chin. There may be enlarged pores over the oily part but the rest of the face and neck will be dry or normal.

Phytomer CityLife for environmental stressed skin.

Mature skin: This, to me is not a skin type but a skin condition as we were not born with mature skin but this (as we all surely know) develops slowly over time as we grow older. I will 
describe the ageing process in another blog post.

TheraVine™ Products

Sensitive/ allergic skin: There is still a bit of debate going an about the difference between these two. However, I have always been able to contribute this problem to the use of incorrect products and it always disappears when the client uses the correct home-care products! It is usually dry with fine pores and may have red patches over the cheeks and nose. It may react to heat, cold, pressure, irritation or nervous conditions. It often responds to an allergic stimulus.

The quick route to do-it-yourself analysis:

In his book “Facelift at your fingertips”, Pierre Jean Cousin, analysed skin as follows: 

• Clean your skin with warm water and cotton wool balls. 
• Dry lightly with a towel and wait 30 minutes. 
• Cover you face with one layer of paper tissue, press lightly and leave for about one minute. 
• Remove and examine it. 

Results:
Oily stains over most of the tissue: your skin type is oily
Oily patches at side of nose, around mouth and forehead: Your skin type is combination
Faint oily traces over most of the tissue: your skin type is normalNo oily traces: your skin type is dry

Although this is far simpler than we were taught, and my lecturers will surely miss a few heartbeats by me mentioning this, it is a good start for those who need to know their skin type and can’t be bothered with lengthy and sometimes costly salon skin analysis.

Please keep in mind that when you have a skin problem like acne, very sensitive, allergic or pigmented skin, rather consult a good beautician to guide you about the care and the correct take-home products that will treat the problem and keep your skin in excellent condition. 

Whatever you skin type and condition, please treat your skin gently and remember: no tanning allowed!

For a consultation contact me at gerda@ agbeautysalon.co.za, or for more information visit our website at http://www.agbeautysalon.co.za/ .

Thanks to the following authors for their hard work in writing the books that helped me to be a better skin analyst:
Florence Barrett-Hill, Advanced Skin Analysis, Virtual Beauty Corporation Ltd, 2004
Pierre Jean Cousin, Facelift at your fingertips, Quadrille Publishing Limited, 1999
Ann Hagman, Aesthetics for the Therapist, Stanley Thornes ( Publishers) Ltd 1991
William Arnould-Taylor, Physical Therapy, Stanley Thornes ( Publishers) Ltd 1997

Get your Bikini Body Now with NuContour Diamond Pro!

NuContour Diamond Pro-Contour your dreams.

This treatment can be used in conjunction with Lipogon Lipolysis Mesotherapy.
Suitable for men and women.

This is a  mesotherapy lipolysis product that enables the breakdown of fat and helps with skin firming. It is an innovative, gentle non-surgical method to target specific regions of the body, improving the effect of diet and exercise.

The science behind NuContour Diamond Pro

A mixture of Phosphatidylcholine (PPC), a component of Soy Lecithin and Deoxycholate (DC), in powerful combination with L-Carnitine and Orthosilicic Acid for the most effective treatment of the problem areas of your body.

The NuContour Diamond Pro difference comes into play due to the fact that L-Carnitine may increase the fat burning capacity of the body and Orthosilicic Acid stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, leading to firmer and smoother skin, the repair of scar tissue and the improvement of the appearance of stretch marks.

It is necessary to emphasise that this procedure is not an alternative to a healthy diet or exercise, but helps to target areas not easily affected by regular exercise and dieting.

Who is eligible for Nu-Contour Diamond Pro Treatments?

Anyone with excess skin after pregnancy of weight loss.

Anyone who wants to improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Who should not use it?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Anyone who is allergic to soy

Anyone who has medical histories of;

Stroke, cancer, blood clotting, heart disease.

How long does the treatment take?

The initial consultation takes about 30 minutes, followed by the administration of the mesotherapy treatment.

How often should one have it administered?

4-6 sessions in the salon every 3-4 weeks.

For maintenance we recommend one session every 4-6 months.

Which areas can be treated?

What is the cost per injection?

It is R120 per injection.

What makes NuContour Diamond Pro different to ordinary Lipolysis?

The exceptional mixture of ingredients could contribute to the reduction of fatty deposits and may also improve skin firmness. With our optional NuContour Diamond Pro Homecare Kit, perfect results should be achieved with a once weekly treatment at home on its own, or faster results may be obtained in combination with a once monthly salon treatment.

Ingredients:

Note: We, at NuContour, believe that these ingredients may have the following beneficial abilities. We are not making any medical claim.

NuContour Diamond Pro is made up of:

Phosphatidylcholine (PPC)- It may have the following beneficial abilities:

To thin the membranes of the fat cells in the treated zone, dissolving the fats and toxins.

Making the membrane permeable

Leading to the outpouring if the dissolved contents into the interstitial fluid surrounding the fat cells.

Deoxycholate (DC) saline:

Keeps the PPC in a soluble state

L-Carnitene- It may have the following beneficial abilities:

Increased fat metabolism

Increased fat burning

Pure Orthosilicic Acid: It may have the following beneficial abilities:

With its anti-oxidant effects it fights premature ageing

Stimulates the formation and up-keep of elastin and collagen fibres.

Firms and strengthens the skin.

Enables the breakdown and removal of fat without disturbing cell metabolism.

It stimulates and improves micro-circulation.

In-salon administration- NO NEEDLES

Non-Invasive Mesotherapy with the Inojex 30

Virtually painless

No scar tissue or nodules which can be experienced with needles

Without risk of injury or infections from needle injuries

Fast, easy and safe

Eliminates cross-contamination

 People who are committed to a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise and a balanced diet should experience long term improvement.

After Care

No strenuous exercise for 72 hours after the treatment.

Avoid extremely hot showers and baths for 12 hours after the treatment.

No sun bed session for 72 hours after the treatment.

Drink 2-3 litres of water daily

Take Lipogon Tincture twice per day

Use Lipogon Liniment an all major lymph nodes daily

Use Nu-Contour Diamond Metaboost once a week at home

Take NuContour Diamond Metatone twice per day

NuContour Diamond MetaBoost Retail Kit

At home care

Take control of your body contouring needs in the privacy of your own home.

Includes;

Bag with 1mm Dermo Roller and 10ml NuContour Diamond Metaboost

Not a certified medical product.

Additional Retail Products to enhance the effects of the Nu-Contour OR Lipogon Mesotherapy Treatments.

NuContour Diamond Metatone

May enhance metabolism.

Diamond Metatone Capsules

NuContour believes that these ingredients may have the following beneficial abilities. We are not making any medical claims.

Due to modern day stresses the natural weight loss hormone of the body (cortisol) is increased and results in the storage of excess fat.

The following ingredients mat help to reactivate the metabolic system to ensure fast slimming results.

Ingredients: Guarana, Citrus Aurantium, Yerba Mate, Alpha Lipoic Acid, L-Tyrosine, Vit B1(thiamine HCL), Vit B6 (pyridoxine) Green tea, Willowbark White Bark, cayenne Pepper, Ginger Root, Chronium Picolinate, Vanaduim ACC, Dandelion Root.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals.

For best results use together with NuContour Diamond Pro or NuContour Diamond Metaboost treatments.

Please read about all the other treatments and products that are in the Lipogon Range or contact me at gerda@agbeautysalon.co.za or on 082 398 9817 for more information.

Stretch Marks- one of the most frustrating skin care issues-Essel HumanKind CelluStretch Serum

What is stretch marks?

Enjoy the beach

Stretch marks (striae) are a form of scarring (indented streaks) that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs.

Stretch marks occur when skin is abnormally stretched and expanded for a period of time. Commonly it happens during pregnancy, weight loss or weight gain, or during periods or rapid growth in teenagers.

How is it formed?

Stretch marks are formed from the inside out rather than scarring that forms on the outside after an external skin injury.

Recent findings have shown that the initial stage in stretch mark formation is primarily an inflammatory process and at that stage it is still invisible on the surface of the skin. The inflammation then triggers the mast cells to degranulate, which damages the elastin and collagen fibres in the skin. This results in the thinning of the outer skin, which then leads to atrophy of the skin. It then appears as indented streaks or lines in the skin than can be pink, red, black, blue or purple streaks.

The following factors can accelerate the problem:
·         The excessive use of topical or systemic glucocorticoid drugs (steroids),
·         Cushing's disease (overproduction of glucocorticoids by the adrenal gland), 
·          Marfan's syndrome
·         Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
·         
It is estimated that 90% of women who are or have been pregnant, 70% of adolescent females and 40% of adolescent males, have stretch marks!

Stretch marks rarely are a sign of a significant medical problem and are generally painless.

How does one treat it?

Since damaged collagen fibres are at the root of this problem, it stands to reason that any treatment option should include a way of stimulating new collagen fibre growth. One of the easiest and cost effective treatments is Collagen Induction Therapy.

Collagen Induction Therapy has the incredible power to naturally stimulate elastin and collagen production in the top layers of the skin and is an almost side-effect free concept for skin (facial and non-facial) rejuvenation. It can be used by men or women of all ages and is used to improve stretch marks, the signs of aging, acne scars, surgical scars, pigmentation,  lines and wrinkles. Used in conjunction with an excellent Anti-Stretch Mark Cream it will lessen the visibility and size of the scars.

Essel HumanKind Cellu-Stretch Serum R560 for 200ml

This anti-stretch mark serum has been formulated to suit all skin types, and is SAFE during pregnancy! It not only helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but may also prevents them from appearing on the skin.

HumanKind CelluStretch serum helps reduce stretch marks and prevents them from appearing on the skin.
200ml

Description
CelluStretch combines an exclusive ingredient Dermastril™ which consist from:
• A green bean extract (Phaseolus lunatus) inhibits cutaneous degradation and repairs a damaged extracellular matrix, antagonizes the enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin.
• Rutin –bioflavonoid, that is found in certain fruits and vegetables, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, antagonize elastase and stabilize mast cells.
• Bio-peptides in the serum stimulate the neosynthesis of the extracellular matrix.
• An enzymatic exfoliant based on a protease obtained by fermentation helps to promote skin renewal.
• Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) speeds skin renewal and repair the tissue.
• Allantoin has soothing, anti-inflammatory effect.
• Ethoxydiglycol is a trans-epidermal penetration enhancer of actives to ensure their high efficacy.

Essel Anti-Stretch Mark CIT Treatment

The treatment consists of 1 CIT Treatment plus application of Essel Cellu-Stretch Serum

1 Treatment  R550

3-Month  Essel Anti-Stretch Mark CIT Treatment   R 2 210

You pay for 3 x CIT treatments plus a 1x 200ml Essel Human Kind CelluStretch Serum for home use. You get 1 x AHA Intensive Exfoliations on the affected areas to the value of R300 FREE.

6-Month  Essel Anti-Stretch Mark CIT Treatment   R 3 860

You pay for 6 x CIT treatments plus a 1x 200ml Essel Human Kind CelluStretch Serum for home use. You get 2 x AHA Intensive Exfoliations on the affected areas to the value of R600 FREE.

Sensitive skin-the good news!

If you describe your skin as sensitive, whatever the reasons may be, do not despair!  We have a product range that will assist you in getting rid of the redness, the patchy spots, the itching and burning.

What is sensitive skin, exactly? Although there is no dermatological definition for sensitive skin, the term is used to describe the skin condition of people who easily break out in rashes and get blotchy, itchy, or stinging sensations.

Our skin is a wonderful organ that protects our bodies from the outside elements, but in order to do so, it needs to be kept healthy, moisturised and oiled. However in our daily lives our skin is exposed to various conditions and products that affect the healthy barrier that makes our skins happy.

Once our skin’s natural protective barrier is damaged and compromised, it warns us by breaking out in rashes, itching, redness, swelling and pain. Finding out exactly what is causing the “skin freak-out” can be very difficult and a large number of conditions, beauty and/or cleaning products can be the culprit.

A compromised skin condition usually refers to damage of the outer epidermis due mechanical (physical) injury to the skin.

A client with a truly sensitive skin is someone who genetically has been predisposed to sensitivity. By this we refer to an easily stimulated, irritated, thin and translucent skin.

A sensitised or reactive skin is not necessarily a sensitive skin.  Sensitised skin usually has its origin in an overexposure to a chemical product, for example a chemical peel, etc.

What causes these skin conditions?

Medication and medical treatments-sensitised
Chemotherapy-sensitised
Cancer radiation-compromised
Cholesterol medication-leads to reduced oil production-sensitised
Diseases like diabetes-sensitised/compromised
Over-exposure to chemicals-sensitised
Nutritional deficiency-sensitised/compromised
Stress-sensitised

If the skin is then already compromised, the choice of skin care products becomes problematic and it is difficult to find a skin care range that will not aggravate the problem

The good news…
Wesson Therapeutics (the manufacturers of Vitaderm) has launched a range specifically formulated for sensitive, reactive and compromised skin.

The Wesson Therapeutics Range of products is ideal for treating all these conditions:
• It has an instant soothing effect
• The formulations have been screened for all known irritants including colourants and fragrances
• It contains specific botanicals to soothe-the main active ingredient is Cotton Seed Extract which promotes skin healing
• Ideal for Roacutane users.


The Retail Range consists of the following products:

Product                              ml Retail Price
Emollient Gel Wash              100 119
Calming Facial Mist              100 123
Repair Serum                        30 280
Recovery Cream                50 270
Squalane Complex                30 260
Micro Exfoliant                        50 180
Hydrating Gel Mask                50 240
Sunscreen SPF30                50 103
Multi-purpose Cream      100 115
Multi-purpose Cream      100 115
Ozone Balm                        15 135
Soap Bar                         150gm   43

Wesson Sensitive Facial Treatment 60 minutes R 400
This treatment offers the ultimate care for sensitive, re-active and sensitised skin conditions. Containing Cotton Seed Extract, this treatment will promote skin healing and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. It will calm and sooth dehydrated and very dry skin. It is an ideal treatment for Roacutane users as it will not sensitise the skin .


Prices correct as at 1 May 2016

Please contact me at agb111@mweb.co.za

or 082 398 9817 for more information.
Please also visit our website at: http://agbeautysalon.co.za

Hyper-pigmentation, a 3-step treatment success

Autumn is the perfect time of year to give serious attention to hyper-pigmentation as the sun’s power is on the wane and the UV radiation weakens. The sunlight hours are also getting shorter and this all helps to make the treatment of all pigmentation problems so much easier.

All skin types are effected by hyper-pigmentation

Pigmentation is a pesky problem that normally has its origin in overexposure to the sun, hormonal imbalances or some medical conditions.  I am not going to go into all the medical reasons for pigmentation, but will concentrate on sun exposure and hormonal issues.

This is the short version of how our cells react to sun exposure:
Skin colour is determined by the amount, distribution and type of melanin.  Melanin is the dark pigment that one’s skin produces, in the melanocytes, that shows up as a “tan.”  The “tan” that so many of us desire, is a result of a chain reaction that occurs to protect our skin from the harmful UV damage by forming a protective layer over the chromosomes in the cell and therefor protects the cells’ DNA.

The longer version is a bit more, well longer, and involves explaining all the chemical processes, enzymes, proteins, amino acids, hormones and much more that are involved in the chain reactions that form pigmentation.

I always refer to a tan as a CRY-OUT for help from our skins to “please stop the damage and get out of the sun!”

How do we tackle this complex problem?
Before starting an anti-pigmentation treatment course, one has to accept that it will take time, patience, determination and above all an understanding that one’s skin does not react overnight to any treatment protocol, no matter which product range one uses.

The best way to treat hyper-pigmentation is a 3-Step approach that:
1. Treats and corrects most of the causes of pigmentation- removes and minimises visible pigmentation
2. Restores the damage to the skin-hydration and strethening the skin
3. Protect the skin from future damage-anti-oxidant care and UV Protection

“A time has come where a scientifically advanced, cosmeceutical skin care brand such as TheraVine™ produces innovative skin care products formulated to address skin concerns related to pigmentation while promoting luminous, even skin tone and effective controlling hyperpigmentation caused by the natural ageing process, sun damage, excessive UV exposure and hormonal imbalances”-Lisa Smith, creator and CEO of L.S.Enterprises.

The TheraVine™ MelanoVine™ range addresses hyperpigmentation by making use of 2 cutting edge melanosome inhibiting peptides, a combination of 5 active ingredients comprised of Advanced Hydrating Systems and Anti-Oxidant Phyto-Chemistry as well as the nano-encapsulation technology of a revolutionary bilayer liposome leaving the complexion brighter, younger and more uniform.

The TheraVine™ MelanoVine™ range consists of the following products:

MELANOVINE™ BRIGHTENING MILK CLEANSER          250ml R        331.00
MELANOVINE™ BRIGHTENING CONDITIONER                  250ml R        311.00
MELANOVINE™ SOLUTION+ CONCENTRATE                  30ml R        595.00
MELANOVINE™ BRIGHTENING C+ DAY PROTECTION  50ml R        564.00
MELANOVINE™ RECOVERY+ NIGHT TREATMENT          50ml R        585.00
MELANOVINE™ BRIGHTENING C+ DAILY MATTIFIER  50ml  R        574.00

MelanoVine™ Brightening C+ Daily Mattifier Treatment Cream

MELANOVINE PRO-BRILLIANCE BRIGHTENING FACIAL  30 min
Normally R500  Now only R350 until end of May 2016 

Combining advanced technology with the latest skin brightening research advances delivered a unique facial treatment using specialised skin care techniques to provide effective and visible brightening results.

Ideal for a dull, devitalised skin with discolouration concerns, this treatment is specifically aimed at diminishing uneven skin tone while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Targeting hyperpigmentation at various levels with scientifically advanced actives and natural lightening plant extracts, this treatment will aid in a rehydrated complexion, leaving your skin
looking luminous and feeling radiant.
Prices correct as at 19.4.2016


For more information or to book a consultation, please call Gerda on 0823989817 or contact us agb111@mweb.co.za

The Ultimate Skin Rejuvenating Treatment with Vitaderm

The new Collagen Induction Pen is taking the skin care industry by storm. This revolutionary anti-aging device makes use of fine, disposable micro-needles to penetrate the skin’ surface, stimulating the elastin and collagen production in the top layers of the skin. It is a simple, minimally invasive, virtually side-effect free concept for skin (facial and non-facial) rejuvenation. The result is firmer, younger looking skin.

Special Offer for March and April 2016:

Normal cost of a Collagen Induction Therapy Treatment R650 -R1500

Special Offer Price R350 ONLY!

CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) can be used by men and women and may be used to improve the following:

• Fine lines
• Large pores
• Acne scars,
• Surgical scars
• Pigmentation
• Wrinkles
• Stretch marks
• To even out skin texture
• To even out skin colour
• To firm loose body and facial skin.

How does it work?
The micro pen uses very fine needles to pin-prick the skin’s surface sufficiently enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Resulting micro-channels also aid in absorbing therapeutic serums for greater penetration and increasing overall efficacy.

Clinical studies from Europe, U.S. and South Korea have proven that serum absorption is increased by as much as 1,000 times when applied after CIT.  Clinical studies have also shown that treatment with CIT is more consistent in increasing the thickness of the skin than IPL and other resurfacing treatments.

Key Points
• There are no known negative side-effects
• Extremely high absorption of skin care products
• It can be used on thin skin
• It can be used on face, neck and body
• Realignment of old collagen bundles
• Complete preservation of the epidermis during the procedure
• No permanent damage to the skin, little or no pain during procedure
• No or pin-point bleeding bleeding, infection, discoloration or other complications on the treated area
• This type of needling can be done on people who have had laser resurfacing
• Can be used on areas of the skin where laser resurfacing cannot reach
• Only 12-24 hours healing period, no down-time needed.

You can expect the following to happen:
• Fine lines and wrinkles are softened
• Skin is thickened, tightened and elasticity restored
• Acne scarring and minor scarring is reduced
• Pigmentation marks are lightened
• Stretch marks are improved
• The disappearance of dilated blood vessels is encouraged

FAQ’s
Q: How is the treatment administered?
A: The CIT treatment usually last 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.  The skin is cleansed and a topical numbing agent is applied. After 20 minutes the numbing cream is removed and a gliding gel is applied. A new, sterile needle is used in the pen to treat the area. Thereafter an anti-inflammatory gel is applied followed by the correct aftercare. The client will receive homecare instructions as well.

Q: Will there be a difference after one CIT treatment?
A: Yes. The first treatment will show some improvement, however each client’s skin will react differently. Treatment effects are cumulative and a softening of fine lines and wrinkles will usually be seen within 2-3 weeks of each treatment.New collagen fibers can take up to 90 days to mature, so optimal results from any one treatment might only be seen after 2-3 months.

Q: When should one start micro needling to prevent ageing?
A: The best time to start is at 30 years for prevention of ageing, as the skin still has a great ability to rejuvenate. If the skin shows loss of elasticity earlier, the sooner one starts the better.

Q: Can all skin types be treated?
A: Yes. Micro needling can be safely performed on all skin colours and types. There is no risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, since the epidermis remains intact.

Q: What conditions/ problems cannot be treated?
A: CIT cannot be done on any of the following conditions:
• Active inflammatory condition including active acne, cold sores etc.
• Chronic skin disorders
• Blood clotting disorders
• Moles or warts
• Sever Solar Keratosis
• Poor healing conditions such as diabetics

Please contact us at:
Cell: 0823989817
Website: agbeautysalon.co.za
Email: agb111@mweb.co.za