Now that we’re basking in the peak heat of summer, it’s time to get out there. Having the confidence to go out and enjoy yourself makes all the difference. Skin Renewal understands the importance of being comfortable with your skin and is committed to providing the best service for treating your skin concerns.
Amy and I were excited to experience a treatment programme with their experienced team. The Umhlanga branch of Skin Renewal is welcoming and bright; we were both greeted by pleasant smiles and guided to one of the therapy rooms where we spoke with one of their concierges who noted our skin concerns. All patients are required to see a doctor for a consult to discuss their skin concerns. For me, my concerns were my acne and the resulting scarring, which the therapist informed me was PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) and was treatable. Amy’s skin concerns were fine lines around the eye area, dark circles under her eyes, and a bit of congestion under the skin. Our skin was prepped, using a gel cleanser to remove any build-up or make-up, then we got one of the best neck and shoulder massages we have ever experienced, and lastly, she took close-up images of our skin from multiple angles.
The consult session ended with a detailed breakdown from the doctor of what our treatment plan was going to consist of. They prescribed five treatments each for Amy and me to undergo with them, and home care to do while we were doing the treatments. We both received the Skin Renewal Azelaic 10% Cream to use daily two weeks before our first treatments and throughout the journey. Personally, I was given the Heliocare SPF 50 Gel sunscreen, and supplements to balance out internal factors contributing to my acne. I was to take the Skin Renewal Acne Aid 2-in-1, Omega 3, and Probiotic (Ultra Pro 20) supplements.
Our first treatments were both a PDT (Photo Dynamic Therapy) facial. This treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to rejuvenate skin, heal wounds, and treat various skin conditions. Using blue, red, and yellow light, PDT stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, leading to softer, smoother, and more vibrant skin. This versatile and non-invasive therapy can be tailored to address a wide range of concerns, especially acne and ageing.
Next, I had an Azelaic peel with Couperosis Cream and the PDT added on. This treatment is a low-pH combination peel, targeting all the main signs and symptoms of acne, like oiliness, congestion, breakouts, PIH, and inflammation. I could already see the inflammation in my skin subside. My next few treatments focused on reducing inflammation in my skin and promoting cell turnover to lighten the dark marks. The SAMA peel, something new for me, consisted of a self-neutralising peel. Once applied, it tingled on the skin for a while before settling down. The therapist was helpful in fanning my face to help with the tingling sensation. The unique peel combination is excellent for acne, PIH, pigmentation, sun damage, inflammation, fine lines and wrinkles as well as anti-ageing. I was advised that some peeling will occur after this session and to replace the Azelaic cream with a more moisturising cream, and to stay out of the sun.
My next session included Laser Genesis™ Rejuvenation, it felt like little drops of water on my skin as she moved over my face. It helped relieve my acne scars and gave me a refreshed appearance without the need for invasive procedures. My last treatment, the Radiance Peel with a retinol overlay, exfoliated my skin to give me healthier-looking skin and allow better peeling to remove the skin with the PIH.
Amy’s series of treatments focused on tightening and reducing the congestion she was concerned about. The peel, with Carboxy Therapy (two injections on either side of the forehead, one under each eye and one just below each eyebrow) felt like a brain freeze and lasted for about a minute. The Endymed 3DEEP RF (Radio Frequency) machine created heat through a roller as she rolled it around her eyes to get the skin up to 40/41℃ to reduce facial wrinkles, lift and tighten the eye area.
Her fourth treatment, a combination of the Onyx, Azelaic peel, Laser 10k, Couperosis Cream and RF, all worked together to promote skin tightening, brightness, and reducing inflammation. Being hydrated was imperative for the RF treatment as the local heating causes an immediate contraction of the collagen fibres and at the same time increases the metabolism of the fibroblasts.
The last treatment consisted of a Hydratouch 3 phase, Carboxy Therapy, and Dysport 40 unit (botox). This session served to treat congestion and pigmentation with the Hydratouch, another round of Carboxy Therapy, and then the Hydratouch machine again to revitalise the skin. They then added a session of PDT to target sensitivity and congestion. Once done, Amy was fetched by the doctor for the Dysport, which was not painful at all, as she described—despite being terrified of needles and not using numbing cream!
After weeks of treatments, our skin showed remarkable improvements—reduced concerns and a fresh, glowing look that only got better over time. Our journey with Skin Renewal was as educational as it was transformative, giving us the confidence to embrace summer with glowing skin and renewed self-assurance!
https://www.skinrenewal.co.za/skin-renewal-umhlanga
Words: Cristina Govender