Enhance your OWN Eyelashes With Super Strength Lash Serum!!

Medical aesthetics best kept secret is here and available at The Medished! I have to say I'm super impressed with this prescription eyelash serum (Latisse) that's been trialed by so many of my patients. This prescription lash serum is backed by science and produces noticeably longer, thicker and darker lashes in as little as 6 weeks. Now I know that many people have tried eyelash serums in the past and not seen much improvement however it's important to understand that all lash serums are not equal.

These super strength serums can not be purchased online, or over the counter as they need to be prescribed by a medical practitioner following a consultation. They contain an active ingredient that works on the actual GROWING cycle of your lashes leading to lashes that clinical studies have shown are 100% thicker, 25% longer and 18% darker! I know it works as I've been using it on myself for the last 3 months:) The results are guaranteed and give the strength, thickness and length that my patients will love!

The serum needs to be used once daily, and comes as a three month course. This is a great product for people who's lashes are thinning over time or for those who are missing their lash extensions! Full results can take 3 months however improvements are seen in as little as 10days! Available via The Medished subject to consultation at £130 for a three month supply.

Whats not to Love?

Dil x

New Products Launches At The Medished!

Within the last couple of weeks there's been not one but ..three new fantastic medical grade product launches at The Medished that I know my patients will love as much as I do! Let's take a closer look at them.

1) DAILY HYDRO-DROPS SERUM BY OBAGI

This new product is a weightless, moisture-preserving formula that has this revolutionary technology to provide an instant infusion of lasting hydration and skin radiance. It's also a visually appealing product ... so looks fab on your dresser with golden oil drops suspended in a gel-serum base! The delivery technology is very sophisticated as it has a self-filling dropper that dispenses just the right amount of product with each pump. Using this product is a real sensory experience and ideally suited to those with dry/normal skin. I'm really impressed as it provides an almost instantaneous but lasting glow. It also works well with all other products in your skincare regime.

The key ingredients include Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Abyssinian oil, and Hibiscus oil, phytosterols that are antioxidant-rich. Omega-9 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids also help to support and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

So what is Niacinamide? Well it's a potent cell-communicating ingredient that offers many benefits for impaired or ageing skin. Also known as Vitamin B3, it is a naturally occurring vitamin that can be found in foods such as meats, nuts and mushrooms. Assuming skin is being protected from sun exposure, niacinamide can improve skin’s elasticity, dramatically enhance its barrier function, help improve discolorations, and revive skin’s healthy tone and texture. AMAZING in my opinion!

So when can we use the daily hydrodrops in our skincare routine? I recommend applying one dropper to face/neck/décolletage in the morning after your Professional-C serum and under your SPF..and in the evening in the after cleansing and retinol. It provides a pick me up for any dull complexion and has a beautiful finish that's perfect for layering under makeup! It's suitable for all skin types.

Top tip!

Niacinamide works well alongside retinol as it reduces the the irritation to the skin. If your new to retinol use great great idea is to use the Obagi hydro drops am/pm for 10 days prior to starting your journey, and then continue as it acts as a buffer. I advise to use the retinol first at night and then 5 minutes late to use the hydrodrops.

2) ZO SUNCREEN AND POWDER SPF 30

I'm am so excited to announce the launch of the latest ZO skinhealth product. This new product’s easy application and versatility makes it an excellent addition to your skincare routine. The sunscreen + powder formula creates a unique bridge between your sunscreen and make up... the most important skincare essential for everyone is wearing a daily SPF. This new product comes in a gorgeous compact brushes offering on-the-go physical protection from UVA/UVB. Additionally it's enriched with vitamins A/C/E to protect the skin from free radical and infrared damage.

Key ingredients include Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide which protect against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains fractionated melanin which provides protection against blue light (HEV light) that is emitted from the sun and electronic devices.

Powder Flow Indicator. The side of the brush contains a ‘volume’ sign to indicate the flow of powder. Powder goes on sheer and the color can be built up to the desired saturation by applying more layers.

Benefits: It absorbs surface oil to minimise shine and maintains hydration. The product has a luminous glow due to the colour-enhancing pigments and light reflecting minerals leaving the skin feeling smooth. The best thing is that it can be re-applied over make-up throughout the day!

3) ELASTIderm FACIAL SERUM BY OBAGI

This new facial serum gives firmer-looking skin in as little as 24 hours with it's bi-mineral contour complex technology. This advanced ingredient technology harnesses two minerals, zinc and copper, with malonate. It is specifically designed to promote the three necessary stages of developing health elastin and is the most clinically studied Obagi Medical Product in 10 years!

As we age, we loose and damage elastin, as essential protein responsible for skin’s elasticity and ability to keep its bounce. Give your skin the power to bounce back with ELASTIderm Facial Serum! This product is suitable for any skin type and can be used AM or PM alongside favourite Obagi Eye Cream, I love it!

Yes, I know I always use the same music in my videos ..but it's my favourite jingle!

Feel free to visit my on-line shop:)

Lots of love,

Dil x

How To Treat Acne with Medical Grade Skincare

June is acne awareness month. Acne can be a tricky skin problem to treat, and can not only present in the teenage years but also in adulthood. In this blog I will talk about what medical grade skincare solutions are available to you here at the Medished. Certain products can help if you have mild/moderate acne, however it's important to say that you have to be committed as achieving skin health can take time. Seeking specialist advice from a dermatologist is important if the acne is severe and if more prescriptive products are needed.

WHAT IS ACNE?

Acne is the occurrence of inflamed or infected oil glands. Hormones can act on the oil glands in the skin to make them bigger thus leading to more oil production and blocking your pores. Bacteria can act on the skin surface and cause deeper seated spots. Acne comes in different forms when it comes to the pimples. The most common types are:

-Whiteheads These are pimples that stay under the surface of the skin.

-Blackheads These pimples rise to the skin’s surface and look black.

-Papules These are small pink bumps that can be tender.

-Pustules These pimples are red at the bottom and have pus on top.

-Nodules These are large, painful, solid pimples that are deep in the skin.

-Cysts These deep, painful, pus-filled pimples can cause scars.

Causes of acne are really unknown, but typically hormonal changes, heredity, the start and stop of medications, including birth control, diet, makeup, and use of products that clog pores are known factors. Triggers can vary from one person to the next. Diet can also play a part so possibly reducing your diary and sugar from your diet can be helpful.

For females acne can be more pronounced around the time of your period , first trimester of pregnancy, and also around the time of menopause. When it comes to skincare and acne I would advise certain key ingredients some of which below that can help in the fight against acne, so let's explore this further.

When a patient presents to me initially once we have gone through lifestyle issues, I tend to advice a simple regime to start with. Like all skincare protocols it all starts with cleansing.

Double cleansing is super important as first cleanse will remove makeup and second a cleanse will clean the pores.

Depending on level of acne this kit pictured below by Obagi is great for mild/moderate acne. Its gentle yet effective ingredients make it perfect for teens and adults alike. Unlike other acne treatment regimens, the CLENZIderm M.D. System will never over-dry. Instead, skin is left balanced and hydrated as blemishes heal and fade.

CLENZIDERM M.D. SYSTEM BY OBAGI MEDICAL

So what are the 3 products in this kit?

A) Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

This product contains 2% salicylic acid. This oil soluble compound penetrates deep into your pores, gently washing away and removing dead skin cells, as well as restoring the skin’s natural oils. Targeting blackheads and whiteheads as well as acne, the cleanser also contains soothing menthol that cools and calms any skin irritation. Overall your skin will be left feeling cleaner, clearer and healthier.

B) Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Pore Therapy

Working with a similar mechanism of action to the Daily Foaming Cleanser, this therapy cleans deep within the pores to clear skin with the aid of salicylic acid. By unclogging the pores and cleaning away dead skin cells, this product not only builds upon the cleansing action of the cleanser. I always advise patients to start with one daily application to ensure your skin does not become too dry.

C) Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion

This product is specially formulated with 5% benzoyl peroxide, which works its way deep down into the follicles beneath the skin where acne begins targeting the bacteria such as P.acnes.

VITAMIN A (RETINOIDS/RETINOL) PRODUCTS AND ACNE

Retinoids/Retinols are also essential in acne treatment since they treat acne by unclogging pores. They also work to normalise skin cell turnover and act as an anti-inflammatory. The most important side effect of Vitamin A products is an increased sensitivity to UV rays that can lead to sun damage . It's vital when using a retinoid to be vigilant about using sunscreen and my favourite mineral SPF's are pictured below.

The Oxygen Infusion Wash by SkinBetter Science is also an option with mild acne as it contains AHA'S. It great for normal to oily skin. I advise use 3/4 times a week as acids shouldn't be used too often as we need to guard the lipid barrier of the skin. A gentle cleanser can be used on other days.

Many patients will also have occasional breakouts, for which a milder protocol can be advised. One favourite product that I love is the Complexion Renewal Pads shown below by ZO Skin Health. They are moistened facial pads containing salicylic acid that help minimise surface oil while removing pore-clogging dead skin cells and dirt to leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed.

MANDELIC ACID is an antibacterial, it's really helpful in treating existing acne and preventing future breakouts. It's also oil-soluble, so it penetrates the skin's surface and helps to regulate sebum production by keeping pores clear of clogging oils and dead skin cells that lead to breakouts and oily skin.

AZELAIC ACID is a chemical exfoliator. Exfoliating is a way of removing acne blockages that have already formed within your hair follicles, such as whiteheads and blackheads. It is also a way of removing trapped skin cells, oil, cosmetics and other follicle-blocking substances from your skin, reducing your risk of developing acne in the future.

NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3) and ZINC are also must-have for battling breakouts. The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (great price tag!) regulates sebum production to minimise pores and reduce blemish-causing bacteria, keeping your complexion clear, calm and collected. Niacinamide boosts the skin’s immunity and improves moisture retention, while a brilliant shot of zinc works to repair damaged skin and promote the creation of collagen.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS in Omega 3 fish oil benefit skin by soothing your body’s inflammatory response to excess sebum and bacteria, they can also tackle the root of the problem by helping to regulate acne-causing hormones, such as testosterone and androgen.

HYDRATION

A good moisturiser is also essential for when treating acne as the oil levels are not a marker of the hydration levels. It has to be non comedogenic and a personal favourite is the Obagi hydrate pictured below.

I also advise patients use oil-free makeup, and not to use a vitamin C serum if acne is active. Finally acne treatments are also available to help. They can be medical micro-needling with SkinPen, medical grade facials, LED light treatments, and bespoke chemical peels, such as the Blue Peel Radiance by Obagi done in clinic.

Regimes are tailor-made for each patient so its really important to take advise as you may only need two or three products to help you achieve healthier skin! Hope you found this useful,

Lots of love

Dil x