Vitamin C - Ingredients Spotlight.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid or ascorbate, is a vitamin found in several foods and is often sold as a dietary supplement or used in skincare. It is an essential nutrient for the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is also used in skincare due to its anti-ageing benefits, vitamin c is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals and toxins in the environment, which can lead to the breakdown of collagen, encouraging wrinkles and skin laxity.
Free radicals are essentially molecules of singular oxygen which can cause a lot of damage to proteins such as collagen and blood vessels and these can cause the skin to age. They are in high concentration in our bodies if we live in polluted areas, drink alcohol or smoke tobacco.
We cannot store Vitamin C in our bodies and do not produce it, so we must get it from our diet or apply it topically in skincare. Fortunately, it is readily absorbed in the skin and we can absorb more Vitamin C when applied topically as opposed to in dietary supplements.
What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
- Brightens and evens out skin tone
- Reduces pigmentation
- Shields skin from the visible impact of pollution
- Improves hydration
How does Vitamin C work?
When exposed to UV light the skin generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). These reactive oxygen species have a potential to start chain reactions that damage the cells, their DNA, and the cell membrane and cellular proteins, including collagen. Vitamin C is an ROS scavenger and mops up reactive oxygen species from the skins surface, preventing them from causing damage to the skin. This prevents the skin from damage caused by environmental toxins, and stops the breakdown of collagen, giving the skin and more full and brighter complexion.
Which of our products contain Vitamin C?
FTT C-10 – Professional Strength Vitamin C Serum
10% L-ascorbic Acid
Our advanced signature C-10 serum uses scientific and evidence based formulas, offering daily antioxidant protection. C-10 contains stabilized L-ascorbic acid – a form of Vit C which is easily and quickly absorbed by the skin for greater potency. Apply daily to cleansed skin before applying SPF or makeup, gently massage until fully absorbed. For external use only.
FTT C-20 – Maximum Strength Vitamin C Serum
20% L-ascorbic Acid
Clinically proven L-ascorbic acid at its peak concentration of anti-oxidant activity, which is quickly absorbed to remove free radicals to prevent skin damage, helping to brighten skin and maintain a youthful appearance. This formulation is supported with vitamin E and ferulic acid to create this light, effective day serum. Apply to clean skin on face and neck as required. Products containing more than 20% Vitamin C do not have any additional clinical benefits as this makes its half-life shorter
More Ingredient Spotlights will be coming to soon so keep an eye out to stay in the loop!
Obagi Professional C Serum – 20 %
Obagi Vitamin C serum is a gentle serum with 20% L-ascorbic acid. It is perfect for dry, sensitive and reactive skin.
Obagi Professional C Serum – 15 %
Obagi Vitamin C serum is a gentle serum with 15% L-ascorbic acid. It is perfect for dry, sensitive and reactive skin.
Obagi Professional C Serum – 10 %
Obagi Vitamin C serum is a gentle serum with 10% L-ascorbic acid. It is perfect for dry, sensitive and reactive skin.
Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex helps improve the appearance of firmness, and fine lines and wrinkles with Vit C and other important ingredients, such as kinetin and zeatin – synthetic forms of plant growth factors
Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish Mask is intended for clients who have fine lines, wrinkles. This rejuvenation and replenishing facial experience is perfect for those with aging skin concerns.
Coronavirus Clinical Update
The team at FTT Skin Clinics wish to assure you that all measures to ensure we continue to provide a safe environment for your treatments will be taken during this Coronavirus pandemic.
- Beyond the routine infection control measures we take as a matter of policy, staff will be extending disinfection to frequently touched surfaces which will be wiped down with alcohol or bleach between patients.
- All visitors will be offered an opportunity to wash hands and an application of alcohol hand gel on arrival and departure.
- If you are feeling unwell or if you have been in contact with anyone displaying symptoms, we ask that you don’t hesitate to reschedule your appointment until you are better.
- Staff who feel unwell will also stay at home, so we ask for your understanding if this causes any inconvenience to you.
- Our staff may be wearing face masks or other personal protective equipment during your treatment, this is just a precautionary measure to keep patients and staff well and you do not need to be alarmed!
- Appointments will be scheduled to minimise the number of patients in the waiting room and we ask that you avoid bringing friends and family along, unless absolutely necessary.
- Appointments via video call will be offered to new patients who would like to discuss treatment options and to existing patients that need advice or a review following treatment. Please contact the clinic for further information.
- Most products used at the clinic are sterile and single use so you will be protected if you do proceed with treatment.
- We are constantly reviewing and following the advice from Government and NHS Scotland and will keep everyone informed via our website and social media if the situation changes.
Aside from the above, we will be continuing to practice as usual and we would like to thank you for your support.
Of course, we will be monitoring coronavirus advice from authorities and will advise of any further measures we need to take. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to speak to us.
Current Department of Health advice is linked here.
Needle free Filler Results - Impending Necrosis
FTT Skin Clinics – Needle Free Necrosis Results.
IMPENDING NECROSIS
HAEMATOMA
VASCULAR OCCLUSION
This lady in the video was treated 12 hours previously by a beauty therapist with needle free filler resulting in potentially disastrous results. Both the therapist and the patient knew something had gone badly wrong, “it felt like a golf ball had been shot into my lip”, “the pain was excruciating” and “I knew she had no clue what to do”.
The lady presented to A&E after phoning up NHS24, because, as a nurse, she knew something was seriously wrong. She was told it was a bruise in A&E.
12 hours after her “needle free filler” treatment, her lip and surrounding area had no feeling, was massively swollen, and she couldn’t feel her gums and she could see discoloration tracking up her nose. She knew this was a bad situation and that it wasn’t a bruise.
This lady has had emergency treatment at FTT Skin Clinics with a successful outcome after 8 hours of intensive care. This lady was “lucky”, she could have lost her sight. This lady was “lucky” because she knew something was very wrong and took action to find us.
We know what to do in an aesthetic emergency. Frances Turner Traill of FTT Skin Clinics is one of the Experts of the Expert Consensus Group for AESTHETICS COMPLICATIONS EXPERTS – ACE.
Please do not get this treatment done. It’s just not worth the risk. Some points to consider…..
- If you are considering having dermal filler, why not consider a SAVE FACE and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) regulated clinic with a registered prescribing nurse, dentist or doctor (NMC, GDC, GMC)?
- How is a shot fired under pressure “safer” than a controlled depth injection with needle with aspiration or cannula by a prescribing nurse, dentist or doctor?
- What clinical evidence is there that it is safer?
- What happens if it goes wrong (what clinical pathways are in place)?
- What clinical papers have been published to prove the efficacy and safety of this procedure?
- Who is delivering the treatment?
- How does the pen work?
- Is it a sterile procedure?
- What training is undertaken?
- What is the volume of each shot fired, and at what depth?
- How does the operator control the depth of each shot?
- How much pressure is used to fire each shot?
Also the latest fad for no needle lip fillers training for non-medical personnel sounds like a great opportunity to make money without risk. Unfortunately, if it seems too good to be true, it certainly is in this case. We have seen catastrophic damage caused to people by unqualified to deal with complications from haematomas to infections, abscess and tissue necrosis (where blood vessels become blocked with filler leading the tissue in that area to die), there are so many consequences to consider.
People can be permanently disfigured if they do not get the expert treatment they require when it does go wrong. I have seen first hand too many horrific complications and I will always lead the fight for legislation whereby medical aesthetics is carried out by medics such as a prescribing nurse, dentist or doctor in Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) premises. The public deserve nothing less.
Salicylic Acid - Ingredients Spotlight.
What is Salicylic Acid?
It is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), phenolic compound, meaning that the hydroxy part of the molecule is separated from the acid part by two carbon atoms, instead of one (AHA). It is derived from willow bark and belongs to the salicylates. It is oil-soluble; therefore, it works on and below the skin’s surface, penetrating through the skin’s lipid layers with ease.
What are the benefits of Salicylic Acid?
- Unclogs blocked pore, dissolving blackheads and whiteheads.
- Anti-inflammatory, reduces redness in existing acne.
- Removes excess oil, preventing further breakouts.
How does Salicylic Acid work?
It unclogs block pores by breaking apart desmosomes (attachments between cells in the outer layer of the skin), this allows the contents of the blocked pore to loosen, and be dissolved by the salicylic acid, along with the excess oil in the pore. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, causing red inflamed spots to fade faster.
Which of our FTT products contain Salicylic Acid?
Reveal – Glycolic Wash
5% Glycolic Acid, 2% Salicylic Acid
Contains the natural clinically proven AHAs, glycolic and citric acid to gently remove the build-up of dead skin cells together with salicylic acid to remove impurities and excess oil. This combination will cleanse the skin and increase cell turnover revealing new younger looking cells while preparing the skin for the further application of recommended daily care. Massage one pump onto dry skin. Leave on the skin for a few minutes to get to work before rinsing with warm water and patting dry. Do not use as an eye make-up remover. Can be used once or twice daily.
FTT Rejuvenate – Stimulating Daily Active Serum
12% Glycolic Acid, 2% Hyaluronic Acid, O.5% Salicylic Acid
Contains the natural clinically proven AHA, glycolic acid to gently remove the build-up of dead skin cells. It increases cell turnover to reveal the fresh, younger looking skin and it is effective at controlling breakouts, reducing pigmentation and fine lines.
Hyaluronic Acid - Ingredients Spotlight.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) or sodium hyaluronate is a humectant, it is a hygroscopic ingredient, meaning that it draws moisture in from its surroundings. It can retain over 1,000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin, making it a brilliant moisturiser. The average human body contains 15 grams of HA, one third of this gets synthesised on a daily basis; 50% of the remaining is found in connective tissues throughout our bodies, the other 50% can be found in the skin as HA it is a major component of the extracellular matrix. Our naturally occurring levels of HA decrease with age therefore it is great to have hyaluronic acid in a skincare routine to help plump and hydrate lacklustre, dry skin.
What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?
- Improves skin hydration and production of collagen
- Fights free radicals
- Maintains skin elasticity
- Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help with wound healing
How does Hyaluronic Acid work?
When Hyaluronic Acid applied topically via skincare products the skin acts as a highly effective barrier and the hyaluronic acid molecules are too large to penetrate the dermis, which is where the moisture needs to be to help plump up fine lines and wrinkles. It sits on the skins surface and acts as a moisturiser due to its humectant properties, water is drawn into the skin from the surroundings, penetrating beneath the dermis, plumping up the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple. Hyaluronic acid is also an antioxidant, meaning it removes free radicals from the skins surface, preventing them causing damage to the skin.
Which of our FTT products contain Hyaluronic Acid?
FTT Prime and Protect SPF 20 – Daily Moisturiser with SPF 20
Organic UVA and UVB filters, 2% Hyaluronic Acid, 2% Vitamin E, 5% Aloe Vera
An ultra-skin nourishing and anti-ageing moisturiser, providing all day hydration and protection. Harnessing peptides, to tighten and firm whilst diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin loving antioxidants encourage cell re-growth and regeneration. Your skin will be thoroughly hydrated whilst looking fresher, firmer and tighter.
FTT Rejuvenate – Stimulating Daily Active Serum
12% Glycolic Acid, 2% Hyaluronic Acid, O.5% Salicylic Acid
Contains the natural clinically proven AHA, glycolic acid to gently remove the build-up of dead skin cells. It increases cell turnover to reveal the fresh, younger looking skin and it is effective at controlling breakouts, reducing pigmentation and fine lines.
FTT Recover – Active Night Cream
0.8% Retinyl Palmitate, 1% Hyaluronic Acid, Argireline (Hexapeptide 12)
Provides some much needed extra care for your skin to help it repair and renew from the stresses of the day whilst you sleep. It has been specifically developed to help rejuvenate through its antioxidant activity. It also re-hydrates your skin to allow overnight recovery and reveal a softer more youthful appearance for the new day ahead.
FTT Refine – Intensive Eye Serum
1% Lactic Acid, 7% Refined Silica, 4% Vitamin E, 1% Vitamin C
Refine is an intensive eye serum which actively works to rejuvenate and repair the signs of ageing. Containing a unique blend of ingredients including vitamin E to hydrate, almond oil to repair and protect against the signs of ageing and lactic acid which has gentle resurfacing properties to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet and visibly improve clarity and tone.
Retinol - Ingredients Spotlight
What is Retinol?
Retinol helps keep pores clear by reducing the build up of skin cells. Plus, it can block inflammation pathways in the skin. Retinol also helps speed up the cell turnover process and promotes brighter, smoother skin. It also goes deeper into the skin to encourage collagen production and further plump the skin. It is a type of vitamin A that naturally occurs in the skin, regarded the powerhouse of skincare ingredients. Retinol and Retin-A are very different but are both classed at retinoids; retinol is an over the counter vitamin A, Retin-A is a prescription only retinoid used to treat more severe acne, arguably 2 of the most popular Retin-A products are Tretinoin and Adapalene. Over the counter products range from 0.1% to 1% although not all products disclose their concentration sometimes making it difficult to tell the potency
What are the key benefits of Retinol?
- Encourages cell turnover
- Smooths skin texture by sloughing off dead skin cells and promoting the production of new ones
- Reduces dark spots and pigmentation
- Reduces fine lines
- Calms spot prone skin due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties
- Increases the natural production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin
How does Retinol work?
When retinol is absorbed into the skin, enzymes work to convert it to retinoic acid, which overtime stimulates the production of new skin cells, fading away skin imperfections such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation and fine lines. Once absorbed and converted to retinoic acid, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid levels increase; these perform as antioxidants, neutralising free radicals and prevent ageing inflammation.
Which of our FTT Skin Clinics products contain Retinol?
FTT R+ – 1% Liposomal Retinol Serum
A powerful and highly effective serum containing one per cent liposomal retinol, a stabilised vitamin A derivative which has been clinically proven to increase cell turnover. R+ will reduce pore size, resulting in firmer younger looking skin as well as reduce, visible signs of ageing including pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Obagi Challenge
Obagi Challenge
Would you like glowing skin? New skin in time for Christmas?
FTT SKIN CLINICS are looking for candidates to take the Obagi Challenge and be in the running for a first prize of £1000 holiday, second prize of £250 Obagi products, third prize of £100 worth of Obagi products.
What do I have to do?
Book in for a complimentary skin scan assessment and consultation. And if you are suitable we will then prescribe your 12 week Obagi programme to be used at home under the guidance of our Nurses. We will also register you for the competition.
Who can enter?
Obagi Medical is the perfect home care system for men and women wanting to
Reduce lines and wrinkles
Improve collagen
Reduce pigmentation
Reduce acne scarring
Even out their skin tone
For full information and full Terms and Conditions visit https://obagichallenge.co.uk/
What side of your face looks better?
Facial Symmetry – What side of your face looks better ?
Scientific research has shown that the left side of our faces is the most appealing because we show more emotion on that side.
Left Side
Original
Right Side
Have you ever pondered while looking in the mirror as to what your “best” side. Research shows that your left side probably looks better as after studying many mirrored images the “left side of the face” has consistently been rated as more aesthetically pleasing for both men and women regardless of age and race,
Nobody has a perfectly symmetrical face however it been proven that a degree of facial symmetry is what people find aesthetically pleasing to look at, or in other words “beautiful”.
At FTT Skin clinics we have an extensive treatment portfolio which will improve a number of issues and help improve facial symmetry.
Still pure loving myself
Still pure loving myself …..
Last night I popped on a new profile pic last night at #shaba19.
2017
2019
Still Pure Loving Myself – Turns out it was almost a year ago since I was last updated my profile pic in 2018. So I thought I’d dare to compare my 2017 profile photo.
I was quite taken aback, shocked almost, at the difference. I totally put my hands up, these are not clinical, like for like photos but neither are they filtered or photo-shopped.
2017 was a truly hellish year. I almost died after 2 massive strokes and a takotsubo cardiomyopathy. I survived and made changes ❤️
What really struck me from the 2017 photo was how much better I am now in 2019, not just how I look but how I feel physically and mentally. Some self love is a good thing, I feel. If it makes you feel good, happier in your own skin & look good then why not. Life’s hard enough at times. Thank you for all the lovely positive messages and comments and questions. I thought I’d answer questions here.
I honestly don’t spend anymore time on my face than any average working mum. Ask my family. I’m up and out in 30 mins, hair and makeup!!! What I do use everyday on my skin is highly effective and fast.
I’ve had Silhouette Soft thread lift earlier this year, also some Profhilo in my face and neck, some HIFU in lower face, some Exilis Ultra around eyes – There are some benefits of having your own clinic.
I do love a monthly bespoke FTT facial every 3 months.
That’s me – Still Pure Loving Myself!!!
FTT
FTT talks lip augmentations!
FTT talks lip augmentations - Frances Turner Traill is regarded as one of the most skilled and experienced medical aesthetic practitioners in the UK. She has over 25 years’ experience within the NHS, and is a leader in the specialty of Aesthetic Medicine for more than 10 years. Frances is passionate about aesthetics and the joy the results can yield. “It’s not about vanity, it’s about the confidence that our aesthetic treatments can give back”. Her skin clinics, in Glasgow and Inverness, offer a range of professional treatments including PERFECTHA dermal fillers. We caught up with Frances recently to get the low down on lip augmentations, this is what she had to say.
FTT talks lip augmentations - Why have fuller lips become such a big trend?
In the last few years’ fuller lips have become a massive trend because many younger women look to social media images of celebrities like Kylie Jenner as the ideal image.
What should a patient expect from a practitioner and treatment?
You should always do your research and make sure the practitioner is on the NMC, GDC or GMC register to prove their medical qualifications.
The consultation
At the consultation you will be asked medical questions to ascertain if you are suitable for lip augmentation treatment. Questions you would expect to be asked are; if you have ever had a cold sore, if you have any current prescriptions and if you have any past medical history such as allergies or previous adverse reactions. Your practitioner will take photographs of you smiling, pouting and at rest front and side on. They will also examine your teeth and discuss with you what you are hoping to achieve with the procedure. They should explain the lip ratio, the anatomy of the lip and what can and cannot be achieved with your lips. Finally, they will explain the risks and benefits, allowing you time to make an informed choice.
Which PERFECTHA products do you use for lips?
Perfectha products are perfect for lip augmentations. Perfectha Derm gives a lovely natural look for first timers, those looking for a subtle natural look and/or for patients require definition to the lip border, philtrum column’s, bleed lines. While Perfectha Deep gives a lovely long lasting fuller pout. A combination of the two Perfectha’s is perfect for patients who requiring staged lip augmentations of 2mls or more using Deep for body and Derm for finer details around the lip which are importance in the look and support of the lip.
What are the risks involved?
Bruising and swelling can occur and are not abnormal reactions, however, your practitioner will advise you at consultation about the risks involved and more importantly, how they are managed both effectively in the clinic and at home. We educate our patients about the arteries and veins which run closely to the lip, particularly the top lip. We also advise our patients that in the unlikely event of an adverse event what the care management would be.
What makes a suitable candidate?
In my experience I find that if I ask all my patients to grade their lips on photographic scale of 1-5 I can manage their expectations more effectively. Only a full medical consultation can determine if you are suitable for this treatment.
How long does it last and what is the recovery time?
Due to the motility of the lip area we find that dermal fillers last around 6 months. However, some patients may find that it lasts longer.
If you are interested in having the PERFECTHA pout with Frances in Glasgow or Inverness then please call 01698 458954.