Karuppiah Mahalingam, Sarah Cagney, Sharon Hough, Dr Hugo Santos, Prof Barry O Reilly of aNuMe. Photo: Mark Farrell Photography

New year, new skin?

Happy 2024! Now is the most opportune time to add a skincare resolution to the never ending list. The first thing is to book a consultation with a skin expert, and by that I mean someone that can help and advise you each step of the way to gaining a clearer and healthier skin barrier.

I recently found some pigmentation that wasn’t shifting and so I underwent some laser treatment with aNuMe Medical and I am glad to say that it has completely disappeared. The machine they have is unique to their clinic by the brand Fotona and is a machine designed especially for pigmented lesions. I found the larger skin tags and lesions left no scarring on my skin once they fell off and healed. There is some minor marking, followed by scabbing initially but this is totally normal. Sometimes it can be hard to find a clinic that removes these unsightly marks especially when they are larger and flatter in appearance. Nurse Sharon also gave me some clinical grade skin care by Skinceuticals.

Regardless of budget, a good antioxidant, SPF and retinol is a hard combination to beat. I would also recommend buying the best you can afford, but there are great options available in pharmacies also.

I don’t need to tell you that the most important skin care treatment is SPF. Here are the benefits of vitamin C and retinol.

The application of topical vitamin C provides several skin benefits. CE Ferulic, Phloretin, or Silymarin by Skinceuticals are recommended, depending on one's skin type, as their patented formulas offer exceptional quality. Vitamin C serves as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants, thereby reducing oxidative stress, preventing premature aging, and protecting the skin. Additionally, vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, promoting skin elasticity and firmness, ultimately reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Topical vitamin C also contributes to brightening and evening out skin tone by inhibiting melanin production, addressing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It can aid in mitigating damage caused by UV exposure.

Furthermore, vitamin C supports wound healing, helping repair damaged skin, including scars and sunburns, by promoting tissue repair and regeneration. It also assists in maintaining the skin's moisture barrier, ensuring hydration and improving overall texture.

On the other hand, topical retinol, a form of vitamin A, offers a range of benefits. Known for its anti-aging properties, retinol stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of aging. Regular use improves skin texture by promoting exfoliation and reducing roughness, resulting in a smoother complexion. Retinol also aids in achieving an even skin tone by fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Effective in managing acne, it prevents pore clogging and reduces breakouts.

Retinol boosts collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness for a more youthful appearance. It minimises the appearance of enlarged pores, providing a smoother look, and promotes skin radiance by improving overall skin cell turnover and renewal.