What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition characterized by an accelerated cycle of skin cell growth. This rapid proliferation results in the formation of thick, red, scaly patches on the skin’s surface. Affecting millions globally, psoriasis is not merely a cosmetic concern but a serious health issue that can impact a person’s quality of life.

It tends to start in early adulthood however can appear later in adulthood. Those of any age, gender or race can suffer from the skin condition and can either get progressively worse or better with age. Like other skin conditions it can affect the majority of places over the body, some more common than others.

Types of Psoriasis

There are a variety of types of Psoriasis, some more common than others.

• Plaque: 80% off Psoriasis cases.
• Scalp: 45%-56% of Psoriasis Cases.
• Nail: 50% of Psoriasis Cases.
• Guttate, Inverse, Erythrodermic and Pustular Psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis: The Most Common Form:

Plaque psoriasis, characterized by raised, red patches covered with a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells, is the most common type. These plaques often cause itching and discomfort.

Guttate, Inverse, and Other Varieties:

Other types include guttate psoriasis, marked by small, dot-like lesions, inverse psoriasis affecting folds of the skin, and pustular psoriasis, which involves pus-filled blisters.

Symptom Check for psoriasis.

If you’re concerned you may suffer from the skin concern, take our system check below:

• Rashes – Depending on person this can vary in characteristics from patches to scaling spots covering the majority of the body.
• Grey & silver scaling – This can appear in purple tone or pink/red depending on the skin tone.
• Dry, cracked skin – This can also bleed in more severe cases.
• Itching & tenderness.

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type but commonly include red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales, dry or cracked skin that may bleed, and itching or soreness. Psoriasis is often confused with eczema or dermatitis. However, its well-defined borders and the presence of thick scales can help in its identification.

How can we help?

Although the skin condition cannot be cleared or cured, Psoriasis can be managed and controlled when flare up’s occur or to help prevent. As a medical skin care provider, we offer a full complimentary initial skin analysis with our medical skin experts to begin your skin health journey to help your Psoriasis. We will assess, diagnose, treat and prescribe you through your full treatment plan, as well as reviewing your skin concerns progress. Psoriasis can be controlled with a combination of in clinic treatments and a home products.

In Clinic Treatments

IPL: IPL Skin Rejuvenation uses high powered computer controlled flash gun to deliver broad spectrum pulses of light. This treatment stimulates the skin to naturally regenerate whilst boosting collagen production.

LED Light Therapy: Incorporating professional-grade LED Light Therapy offers skin rejuvenation, reduces inflammation, breakouts, post inflammatory scarring as well as improving your overall skin health quality.

Calecim: Enhance your skin’s healing capacity with Advanced Stem Cell Technology, stimulating, repairing and regenerating damaged skin. Calecim professional serum can be in-cooperated into your Bespoke Treatment plan to help with skin regeneration and restoration.

At Home Treatment Plans

Your at home treatment plan is the basis to great skin health with long lasting results. At FTT we offer our Expert Obagi Skin Prescription Service to prescribe you with the right skin medication in more severe diagnoses cases, including a variety of topical creams.

FTT Skin Clinics – Hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis otherwise known as excessive sweating, is a common concern which can effect areas of the body, regardless of age, gender and sex. We sweat when our body needs to cool down. If you are sweating excessively when your body is of normal temperature you may have Hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating can be uncomfortable and make those self-conscious. Here at FTT Skin Clinics we offer treatment to control and manage your sweating.

Common Areas of Hyperhidrosis.

• Armpits (Axillary Hyperhidrosis).
• Palm of Hands (Palmer Hyperhidrosis).
• Palms of Feet.

Symptom Check.

Are you concerned you may suffer from Hyperhidrosis? Take our Symptom Check below.

• Suddenly begin to sweat more than usual.
• Excessive sweating when your body does not need to cool down (Is of a normal temperature).
• Sweating during the night – Not related to disrupted sleep.
• Excessive sweating in the palms when neither stressed or nerves.

Hyperhidrosis may be a side effect of an underlying health issue. We advise before coming to see us for treatment to check with your GP before.

Hyperhidrosis can affect people not just physically but emotionally, impacting self-esteem and social lives. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, our skin experts and nurses at FTT are here to help, support and advise you to make those next steps for improved skin health.

What can we do to help?

Here at FTT we offer in an in clinic treatment plan to help you manage and control your Hyperhidrosis.

Injections – Using injections will control and manage your excessive sweating in areas of the armpit and palms of feet and hands. This will control the over-active sweat glands in these common areas and in most cases stop the sweating all together. A non-invasive treatment safe treatment with 0 downtime. Results will start to show 2 to 3 weeks after your first treatment in clinic.

This treatment can improve patients overall physical and emotionally health as you no longer need to be conscious of the discomfort and smell of excess sweating. In some cases the treatment can eradicate the usage and need for deodorants.

FTT Skin Clinics – Skin Cancer Awareness.

As part of raising awareness for Skin Cancer, at FTT Skin Clinics we can assist and guide you on how to stay safe in the sun as well as carrying out skin health checks using a variety of specialist equipment in clinics. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of protecting and maintain your skin’s health as well as understanding signs. Please note at FTT we cannot diagnose types of skin cancer but can assist and help you recognise the signs of UV damage as well as guiding you on your self-check process.

How can we help.

By using a variety of specialist technology in clinic as part of your Skin Consultation, our Nurses and experts will guide you through our in clinic Skin Analysis, detecting severity of UV damage as well as any new or existing lesions which appear on the face or body. After your Skin Consultation with us, we will also devise your Bespoke Treatment Plan to help to maintain the best possible health and protection for your skin.

FTT Skin Analysis.

By using a variety of specialist technology in clinic as part of your Skin Consultation, our Nurses and experts will guide you through our in clinic Skin Analysis, detecting severity of UV damage as well as any new or existing lesions which appear on the face or body. After your Skin Consultation with us, we will also devise your Bespoke Treatment Plan to help to maintain the best possible health and protection for your skin.

Dermatoscope.

Our handheld Dermatoscope used in clinics allows for magnified inspection of new or existing lesions which may appear on the skin. By using this as part of your Skin Analysis we can check for any new concerns which may appear, including size, colour and shape. By coming into clinic for this check allows us to assess lesions which may be missed by yourself as well as referral for uncertainties.

Any new lesions or existing lesions which have been diagnosed as non-cancerous can also be removed in clinic with treatments including Plasma Lesion Removal. A non-invasive treatment with effective immediate results.

FTT Skin Protection.

One of the most common skin concerns we see in clinic is UV damage and pigmentation. After your in depth Skin Consultation with Analysis, our Nurses and experts will devise an in clinic and at home treatment plan for you. Don’t forget UVA waves can still penetrate through windows and clouds, this is why it is so important to stay protected all year round Including in all our at home FTT treatment plan.

FTT Skin Clinics – Melasma Skin Treatments.

Melasma is common skin concern, more commonly developed in Woman with darker skin tones. Melasma frequently develops due to a change of hormones during pregnancy and after. If your skin is susceptible to tanning, developing pigmentation whilst exposed to the sun, you may be more likely to develop this skin concern. Melasma is commonly recognised as brown/grey patches of pigmentation primarily on the face, but can also appear on the upper lip, bridge of nose, cheeks and the forehead. The skin condition is neither harmful nor painful but appearance of Melasma can bother those affected.

Types of Melasma

• Epidermal – Dark Brown patches with well-defined border.
• Dermal – Light Brown or Bluish Patches with a less defined border.
• Mixed – Most common type of Melasma, characterised with light and dark brown patches and bluish discoloration.

Symptom Check

Are you concerned you may suffer from one of the above types of Melasma? Take our Melasma Symptom Check.

• Discoloured Patches of Skin.
• Triggers to Sun Exposure.
• Skin Inflammation.
• Newly appeared during pregnancy.
• Appears on the cheeks, chin, upper lip, forehead and upper arms.

What can we do to help?

As a medical skin care provider, we offer a full complimentary initial skin analysis with our medical skin experts to begin your skin health journey. We will assess, diagnose, treat and prescribe you through your full treatment plan in clinic and at home, as well as reviewing your skin concerns progress. Our FTT In clinic treatment plans include IPL Skin Rejuvenation and Laser Treatments. Both treatments use a high powered computer controlled flash gun to deliver an intense broad spectrum pulse of light. Both treatments have minimum down time with results proven in 4-6 weeks.

As well as building your bespoke treatment plan in clinic, the basis for great skin health is your at home skin care plan. Combining your at home treatment plan with IPL treatment will maximize your desired skin results. As well as our FTT Skin Ritual depending on the severity of your skin condition, we offer our FTT Expert Skin Prescription Service to prescribe you with the right skin medication in more severe diagnoses cases including Obagi Nu Derm System, & Tretinoin.

Dark Circles Around the Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes are a widespread concern that can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. These unwelcome shadows make us look tired, older, and less vibrant. We understand the complexities behind dark circles and offer a holistic approach to diminishing them. Dark circles are a common skin issue that arises as a result of aging, tiredness, or a poor diet. At FTT Skin Clinics, we offer a wide range of both clinical, and at home solutions to tackle dark under eye circles and improve skin elasticity.

Understanding Dark Circles

Dark circles are more than just a sign of tiredness; they are a multi-faceted skin issue influenced by various factors, including aging, genetics, and lifestyle habits. The skin around our eyes is incredibly delicate, making it more susceptible to changes in pigmentation, loss of volume, and the appearance of shadows.

Why do we have Darks Circles?

• Increased Pigmentation: Melanin production can contribute to the darker appearance of the skin under the eyes.
• Volume Loss: Aging and environmental factors can reduce the fat pads under the eyes, exacerbating the look of dark circles.
• Allergies: Sinus congestion can cause blood to pool under the eyes, leading to dark, puffy eyelids.
• Skin Conditions: Eczema and other skin issues can lead to inflammation and darkening of the under-eye area.

Who is Affected?

Dark circles don’t discriminate. They can appear in adolescents as well as the elderly, impacting various ethnic backgrounds and those with a genetic predisposition.

Those prone to dark circles under the eyes include:

• The elderly (but they are also a common complaint in adolescents).
• People of non-white ethnic background.
• People with a genetic predisposition to dark circles under the eyes.

Dark circles can be attributed to by volume loss under the eyes. As you age, your skin naturally loses its elasticity and becomes more fragile due to loss of fat in the fat pads under your eyes. Volume loss can also occur prematurely in young people due to high UV exposure, poor diet and lifestyle, lack of sleep, or due to inherited traits.

The second leading cause of dark circles are allergies. Congestion in your sinuses leads to congestion in the small veins under your eyes. The blood pools under your eyes and these swollen veins dilate and darken, creating dark circles and puffiness.

Another cause of dark circles can be atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. When flare ups of itchy inflamed skin occurs under the eyes, damage can result from scratching and irritating the delicate skin tissue, results in dark patches under the eyes, in combination with pigmentation and natural thinning of the skin as you age.

What can we do to help?

Correct Diagnosis of Dark Circles

• Personal, Medical & Family History
• Physical Examination
• Wood Lamp Evaluation – Allows our clinicians to assess the depth of skin concern

In Clinic Treatments

• Pressotheraphy in Combination With FTT Bespoke Facial (Every 4/6 weeks).

 Combine our Iridium Eye Contour Mask into your FTT Bespoke Facial. Pressotheraphy, otherwise known as Lymphatic Drainage, is a non-invasive treatment to enhance the flow of your Lymphatics system around the eye area. This amazing treatment massages out any excess puffiness around your eyes as well as increasing the energy flow to give a brighter and less tired look.

• Dermal Fillers – Tear Trough Treatment.

Tear Trough Filler treatment will restore loss of volume, reduce dark circles as well as smoothing out any fat or tissue splits under the eye area. This treatment using minimal Dermal Filler will give you natural looking results with a fresher, less tired – looking appearance. Tear Trough filler treatment will last up to 12 months.

• Exilis Eyes – Radio Frequency

Radio Frequency a clinical treatment around the eyes using Exilis Exite heats the skin to cause collagenases to tighten and add volume back to under eye hollows. This non-invasive treatment helps get rid of any under eye crepe or crow’s feet lines. For your treatment plan we advise 4 sessions every 2 weeks to kick start your results.

At Home Product Plan

 At FTT we offer a number of skin care products to help tackle dark circles and under eye concerns to combine with your in clinic treatment plan.

• Topical Creams – Using twice a day AM & PM both from the FTT Skin Range and Obagi UK.
• Vitamin Based Creams – Vitamin A, E, K & C are all important to in cooperate into your skin care routine and all play an important role in repairing and improving your skin’s health. Vitamins and retinols will cause repair and rejuvenation of the skin.
• Collagen Stimulation Products – Using collagen and elastin stimulation products around the eyes will improve any snap reflex – where the skin pings back.

FAQs on Dark Circles

Can lifestyle changes reduce dark circles?

Yes, improving sleep, reducing UV exposure, and maintaining a healthy diet can mitigate dark circles.

Are dark circles always a sign of aging?

While aging can exacerbate dark circles, they can also result from genetics, allergies, and lifestyle factors.

How quickly can I see results from treatments?

Results vary based on the treatment type and individual skin conditions. Some treatments offer immediate improvements, while others require a series of sessions.

Can sleeping more reduce dark circles?

Improving sleep quality can help minimize dark circles. Lack of restful sleep often exacerbates the appearance of dark circles, making the under-eye area appear more hollow and discolored.

How do genetics influence dark circles?

Genetics play a significant role in the development of dark circles. If your family members have dark circles, you’re more likely to have them too, due to hereditary factors affecting skin pigmentation and under-eye structure.

Are dark circles linked to dehydration?

Yes, dehydration can cause dark circles to appear more pronounced. When the body lacks adequate hydration, the skin under the eyes becomes dull and sunken, highlighting dark circles.

Can diet affect dark circles?

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can impact the appearance of dark circles. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins K, C, and E, can worsen the visibility of dark circles under the eyes.

How effective are home remedies for dark circles?

While home remedies can offer temporary relief for dark circles, they often do not address the underlying causes. For lasting results, clinical treatments combined with a proper skincare regimen are recommended.

Do eye creams really work for dark circles?

Eye creams formulated with active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and caffeine can improve the appearance of dark circles by increasing collagen production, improving blood circulation, and reducing pigmentation.

Can sun exposure worsen dark circles?

Yes, excessive sun exposure can aggravate dark circles by increasing melanin production, leading to further darkening of the under-eye area. Wearing sunscreen and protective eyewear can help prevent this.

Is it possible to prevent dark circles?

While you can’t always prevent dark circles, especially if they’re genetically predisposed, you can minimize their appearance by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using sunscreen, staying hydrated, and following a targeted skincare routine.

How long does it take to see results from treatments for dark circles?

The time it takes to see improvements in dark circles varies depending on the treatment method and individual skin conditions. Some may notice changes within a few weeks, while others might require several months for significant results.

Are there any risks associated with treatments for dark circles?

As with any cosmetic treatment, there are potential risks involved. However, choosing experienced professionals for procedures like dermal fillers or laser therapy can minimize complications and ensure the best outcomes for reducing dark circles.

How do lifestyle habits impact dark circles?

Lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep can significantly impact the severity of dark circles. These habits can impair blood circulation and lead to skin damage, worsening the appearance of dark circles.

Are dark circles more common in certain skin tones?

Dark circles can affect all skin tones, but they may be more noticeable in people with lighter or thinner skin under the eyes. This visibility is due to the contrast between the dark circles and the surrounding skin color.

Can dark circles be permanently removed?

While some treatments can significantly reduce the appearance of dark circles, a permanent solution depends on the underlying cause. For some, combining professional treatments with lifestyle changes can offer long-lasting results, but maintenance may be necessary.

Can certain allergies exacerbate dark circles?

Allergies are a common culprit behind dark circles. They can cause the area under the eyes to appear darker and more swollen due to inflammatory responses and congestion in the nasal passages, which affects blood flow around the eyes.

Is it true that dark circles can be a sign of underlying health issues?

In some cases, dark circles can indicate underlying health concerns, such as thyroid problems. However, most often, dark circles are not a sign of serious medical conditions but rather a cosmetic concern related to lifestyle factors or genetics.

Conclusion

Dark circles are a complex issue, but with the right combination of professional treatments and at-home care, it’s possible to significantly reduce their appearance. At FTT Skin Clinics, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve brighter, more youthful eyes free from the burden of dark circles.

What is Menopausal skin?

The Menopausal skin time of life begins 12 months after a woman’s last period. This triggers changes throughout the body, hair but also your skin. Post-menopause changes and skin concerns are mainly all a result of the declining hormone Estrogen. When this hormone declines, water retention, hydration and collagen production also drops as a result. Here at FTT Skin Clinics we offer a range of in clinic treatments and at home skin care. To maximise your well-being and skin’s health during these unfamiliar changes.

Symptoms of Menopausal Skin Concerns.

• Loss of Volume and Plumpness of Skin – When our hormone levels drop, our collagen production decreases with it. We lose that youthful, hydrated bounce to our skin, most commonly around the cheek & jowls area of the face. Tissue & skin may start to sag as well as lose its tightness.
• Skin Irritation – Due to decreased skin hydration you may find your skin being more dry than usual, flakey texture as well as irritable. If your skin looks red or rashy, we advise seeing your doctor first.
• Dark Spots or Age Spots – Age & dark spots appear commonly after menopausal change. This may look like a change in pigmentation of your skin.
• Excess/Unwanted Facial Hair – Most commonly developed on the upper lip, chin, lower part of the face
• Post-Menopausal Acne Breakout – Unfortunately even if you are someone who has not suffered from acne prior, decreasing Estrogen can trigger Acne breakouts.

What can we do to help Menopausal Skin?

As a medical skin care provider, we offer a full complimentary initial skin analysis with our medical skin experts to begin your skin health journey to help your Menopausal Skin. We will assess, diagnose, treat and prescribe you through your full treatment plan, as well as reviewing your skin concerns progress. Post-menopausal skin can be treated with a combination of in clinic treatments and a home products.

Dermal Fillers – Dermal Fillers are used to add volume and structure to the face by restoring lost volume, smoothing out wrinkles ae well as reducing and reversing the signs of aging.

Ellanse – Ellanse naturally regenerates volume and restores the shape that time has taken away.

Exilis Skin Tightening – Radio Frequency skin tightening has become one of the most revolutionary developments in the world of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. This innovative, non-invasive treatment is ideal for treating mild to moderate sagging skin.

RF Microneedling – a combination of Radio Frequency and Microneedling, two treatments which have set the medical aesthetics industry alight helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin and stretch marks.

Electrolysis – A permanent hair removal solution which destroys the growth cells in hair follicles.

FTT Bespoke Facial Treatment – Discuss and devise the best Bespoke Facial treatment plan tailored to your skins health & needs. Our skin experts will, help, guide & advise the best skin plan for you.

As well as building your Bespoke facial and treatment plan in clinic, we have our FTT Expert Skin Prescription Service to prescribe you with the right skin medication in more severe diagnoses cases. Your at home treatment plan is the bases for great skin health and success.