Skincare Consultation
"A good daily skincare regime is one of the best investments in your skin's future."
Dr Stefanie, MD, Dermatologist ®
A good daily skincare regime really can work wonders for your overall skin quality and texture, while improving elasticity, irregular pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. Cosmetic Scientists distinguish two groups of over-the-counter skincare products - 'cosmetics' and 'cosmeceuticals'. Cosmetics are officially defined as "articles... applied to the human body... for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." Examples are simple moisturisers. Strictly speaking, cosmetics are not supposed to contain any ingredient that changes the skin's structure and function. This means that if you want real anti-ageing benefits, such as increased collagen synthesis in the dermis, traditional cosmetics can't offer them. On the other hand, 'cosmeceuticals' - or 'functional cosmetics' - are non-prescription products which contain biologically active ingredients and have benefits beyond traditional moisturisers, such as the ability to influence changes in collagen metabolism and, to some extent reduce wrinkles. The term 'cosmeceutical' is a fusion of 'cosmetic' and 'pharmaceutical' and demonstrates the blurring of boundaries between these two areas of today's Cosmetic Science. We should stress though, that although the distinction between 'cosmetics' and 'cosmeceuticals' is recognised by other countries' legislation, the difference does not officially exist as yet according to EU legislation.
Often during a skincare consultation, patients tell us they are unsure about their skincare regime. That's understandable. You yourself may be wondering if your current skincare really works, or if it's all an elaborate marketing gimmick. We all know that although persuasive, marketing bumf can be misleading. Other common questions we're asked include 'what's best for my lines and wrinkles?' and 'which is the best age-prevention strategy for younger skin?' Then there are more specialised questions, such as 'is my moisturiser's SPF15 a sufficient sun protection?' Or 'is an over-the-counter vitamin A cream good enough, or do I need a prescription tretinoin (vitamin A acid) cream?' Many of our patients suffer with skin problems such as breakouts or hypersensitivity and wonder which skincare regime would have a good anti-ageing effect without upsetting their skin. Or perhaps they need a treatment prescribed for a skin condition and wonder what skincare is best to use with it. Our Dermatologist is more than happy to answer all your skincare questions in clinic.
Why not make an appointment with our Dermatologist to have a relaxed chat about your skin and learn about what's best - and what to avoid - to maintain a healthy, younger-looking complexion. As a medical doctor, a Dermatologist and a Cosmetic Scientist, Dr Stefanie is in a unique position not only to diagnose and treat skin diseases, but also to advise you personally on all your skincare and cosmetic concerns. We really are a genuine one-stop clinic for skin. We can advise you which over-the-counter skincare is scientifically proven to work for your skin type and if over-the-counter skincare isn't enough, we can provide a prescription cream or other medical treatment. It's important to us that you're happy in your own skin.
Costs:
Consultation with Dermatologist (new patients) - £195
Consultation with Dermatologist (returning patients) - £150
