January 2014

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HAIR&BEAUTY
282 January14
#1 Review #2 Review
Way to Glow – Csutera LimeLight IPL
(intense pulsed light)
Brand New Skin – Fraxel Dual Laser
Treatment
Best for: Freckles, sunspots, melasma and other
uneven pigmentation. It also promises skin rejuvenation.
My problem: Broken capillaries on the cheeks,
freckles on the chest and general ageing.
Therapist: Patricia Sia
How it feels: Uncomfortable: “like the snapping of
a rubber band” is how they like to describe it. I don’t
mind. The more it stings, I reckon, the stronger the
effect it’s having. No pain, no gain.
Before she starts, Patricia applies a layer of icy-cold
ultrasound balm to slightly numb the skin. After pulsing
the applicator head over my entire face, except for
the eye area, she then zones in on the tiny broken
capillaries on my cheeks. Before each targeted pulse
in the problem area, she numbs the spot with the very
cold applicator head: simple and effective. It takes
about 20 minutes.
How it works: Where there is evident pigmentation,
like on my chest, the result can be immediately seen:
the zapped freckle darkens. That’s because the IPL
broadband light has destroyed the melanin; over
three to seven days, the spot fades and disappears
as the blasted melanin fragments are absorbed into
the bloodstream and naturally disposed of. The same
principle works for broken capillaries.
Cost: Special discount price of $193 for EL readers
(UP $321)
Points to note:
• Unlike laser, there are few restrictions on who can
use IPL; any salon can do it. Cutera LimeLight,
however, is delivered by a medical-grade machine
that can only be sold to clinics.
• As with any light-based treatment, it’s important to
avoid exposing the treated area to the sun for at least
two weeks afterwards; or use a high SPF product.
• LimeLight is one of their signature treatments; the
others are permanent hair reduction, and salicylic
acid peels for acne.
Vanessa Harvey
Best for: Large pores, lax skin, uneven pigmentation and
ageing.
My problem: General ageing and sun damage: fine lines, some
tiny broken capillaries and noticeable pores on the cheeks.
Therapist: Dr Patricia Yuen
How it feels: A topical cream applied 30 minutes before
the laser treatment makes the face feel cold and numb (the
feeling lasts a couple of hours). After removing the cream and
covering my eyes to protect them, Patricia vigorously pushes
the laser applicator over my entire face while simultaneously
blowing air onto it to cool the skin. After about five minutes
the skin feels hot and there is a noticeable tingling sensation,
but it is not especially painful.
The first round is done with the 1550nm laser, which
stimulates collagen-building; then Patricia adjusts the levels
and does a second round. For the third round, she uses the
1927nm laser, which targets pigmentation and evens out
the skin tone. The laser treatment takes about 20 minutes.
How it works: Fraxel Dual is a new laser technology
introduced to Singapore in 2013. Two different laser lengths
penetrate the skin in columns, creating a pixellated effect.
Treating only columns of the facial tissue, rather than the
entire skin, means less damage and quicker healing. This
treatment targets both deep and superficial skin layers and
can be used on any part of the body.
Cost: $4,500 for three sessions or $8,000 for six sessions.
Three to six treatments are recommended, depending on
the skin condition.
Points to note:
• The skin looks sunburnt for about four days after the
treatment, and the top layer gradually flakes off; so think
about scheduling sessions around business and social
engagements.
• Patricia will advise what cleansing and moisturising
products to use for two weeks following the treatment;
some brands need to be avoided.
• As with any light-based treatment, it’s important to avoid
exposing the treated area to the sun for at least two weeks
afterwards. Use sun protection with a high SPF.
Katie Roberts
GloAesthetics
10 Sinaran Drive
#09-30 Novena Medical Centre
6397 7012
Dermatology, Laser & Aesthetics Clinic
290 Orchard Road
#19-01 Paragon Medical
6883 6988 |
Two To Try