Ask Dr Fiona

We will be running a regular series of articles answering your questions regarding women's health, skin care and cosmetic procedures.

If you would like to ask Dr Fiona a question, please email drfiona@chester.com, and just mention that you'd be happy to see your question answered on the site.

Of course, if you wish your question to remain confidential, Dr Fiona will still be happy to reply to you.

Sun Damage

We all love to lie in the sun and develop a lovely, golden tan... but how many of us stop to think exactly what damage the sun is causing to our skin?

Excessive exposure to the sun in early life - from lying on the beach or from using sun beds - can make a person look much older than he/she really is. Premature wrinkling and skin damage from sun exposure is called photoageing. Unlike normal ageing, photoageing results in coarse, dry skin, freckling, skin pigmentation, leathery skin and deep wrinkles.

There are many treatments available which can help minimize the effects of sun damage to the skin. Specific treatments should be determined by your Cosmetic Doctor. Their decision will be based on:
• Your age, general health and medical history
• Type of skin damage
• Severity of skin damage
• Your tolerance of specific medications, procedures or therapies
• Your preference

The types of treatment you may be offered to reverse the effects of photoageing are:

• Muscle relaxing injections. These involve an injection of botulinum toxin into specific muscles which makes them relax so the muscles no longer pull the skin into wrinkles or furrows.Treatments will usually last about 3-4 months.

• Dermal fillers. Most dermal fillers consist of of hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Perlane, Hydrafil, Juvaderm). They are injected within the skin in areas with facial lines, deep wrinkles or scars. They are designed to plump the skin out by replacing the body's natural collagen that has been lost over time. Fillers last on average 6-9 months. Longer lasting fillers are available. Evolence ( a porcine collagen ) will last about 12 months and Radiesse will last about 18 months before being completely broken down.

• Revolumising treatments (Sculptra) are very popular with people who have lost the fat from their face over time. This causes jowels and sunken cheeks. If you have this problem as well as photoageing, the treatment of choice would be a course of Sculptra. Results of this procedure should last about 3 years.

• Chemical Peels. Most peels that penetrate deep enough to minimize sun damaged skin, irregular pigmentation and superficial scars are TCA based. Depending on the depth of damage your doctor may advise one of the following peels : Easy TCA, Unideep, Phenol, Obagi Blue Peel. The top layer of skin is removed by the controlled application of acid. As the skin regenerated over the following 6 weeks, the skins appearance is dramatically improved.

• Microdermabrasion. There are two types of microdermabrasion. One involves using a diamond tipped probe plus a vacuum, the other small particles passed through a vacuum tube which is applied to the skin. Ageing skin cells are sucked off the surface of the face leaving the skin smooth and glowing. The vacuum also stimulates new skin to grow helping to remove fine lines from the face. This procedure works best on mild to moderate skin damage and a course of 6 treatments is usually required for maximum results.

• Tretinoin (Retin A) treatment. This is a prescription cream which is applied to the skin daily. It forms the basis of the Obagi Nu Derm skin system. It can reduce wrinkles, rough skin and help with skin discolouration.

• Pigmented lesions of the skin caused by sun damaged are best treated with prescription Hydroquinone cream. Some people may need a chemical peel as well as Hydroquinone if the pigmentation is extensive.

• Prescription Vitamin C treatments. As we age collagen formation is reduced and the skin's elasticity decreases. Exposure to environmental elements like sunlight, air pollution and smoke cause oxidative damage to the skin. Vitamin C is medically proven to increase collagen stimulation and is the skins most effective antioxidant. Excellent prescription skin care ranges to use are Aestheticare's Flavo-C serums, Obagi's Vitamin C range of creams and SkinCeuticals. These all provide essential anti-ageing treatment by their proven delivery of L-Ascorbic acid in highly effective concentrations. Your Cosmetic Doctor will advise which is the best range for you.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. This delivers multiple wavelengths of light with each pulse. It helps rejuvenate skin and stimulate collagen growth and can reduce pigmentation problems. Acourse of 4-6 treatments are usually required at 4 weekly intervals for best results.

• Laser skin resurfacing. This can be used to minimize wrinkles and remove scars. A newer treatment option is non-ablative resurfacing which involves using a laser as well as electrical energy without damaging the top layers of skin.

The main thing to remember however, is that prevention is the key to retaining a youthful appearance. Make sure that you always practice safe sun exposure habits. Use sunscreens correctly ( at least SPF 20 in winter and SPF30 in summer),stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear protective clothing and a hat. These things are essential to keeping skin healthy....and they may also prevent the development of skin cancer in later life!

Summer Is Here!

Summer is delightfully creeping up on us and how I rejoice in putting my winter woolies away and breathing in the fresh and bright designs we have on offer in our fabulous city of Chester.

Colours this season are brighter than ever, so be brave and be bold, lime green, lemon zest yellow and tangarine orange are all the rage..... from bold printed maxi dresses to those enviable long legged women who can carry off a jumpsjuit its there for the taking!

Frills, puffed sleeves and bows are huge this Summer bringing a truly feminine touch to your work or evening wear, femine tops teamed with high wasted wide legged trousers or an A-line skirt teamed with wedge heels and a luxurious lightweight handbag work beautifully night and day.

The look is feminine, it's very wearable and for every shape there is an opportunity to find a complimentary and flattering wardrobe, so enjoy the Summer, enjoy our fabulous City of Chester, feel sexy and feel fab about yourself!

Headmasters was started in 1989 by Alan Jefford and has established itself at the forefront of hairdressing in Chester and the North West and attracts clients from all over the country. In 2006 the salon was awarded a 'five star' status by the Good Salon Guide.

Consultation is a vital part of the Headmasters philosophy, we don't just let people walk in and cut their hair – we talk it through and design a style that is right for them as an individual.

All stylists are trained to the highest level and offer a standard of service that has become synonymous with the name HEADMASTERS.

Summer Hair 2008

Individual You!

The new bob and the ponytail are the hot looks for Summer. Together with short crops. You can make a bold statement with a fringe!

Throughout the summer, particularly if your hair is exposed to sun and sea, it is extremely important to maintain it's condition with regular haircuts and by using a good quality shampoo and conditioner. When hair is exposed to heat make sure that you use protective products.

New Bob – It's here again for the Summer

Strong outlines go sharp not choppy. Asymetric looks with a little back-combing to add volume – yes back-combing is back!

Fringes – Have a fringe to bring out the individual in you. Soft, choppy or solid. Make a statement!

Layers – Layers to create the natural look with soft highlights and if you have them tousled waves – very Summer '08.

Crop – Soft feminine, broken edges. Not solid, think volume and movement. Be individual.

Ponytail – worn to one side – back-combed roots to give volume. For added individuality work with funky accessories – for that only you look.

Be Individual!

If you'd like to see your business listed in the Ch1c Directory, please contact Claire on 01244 400007 or email claire@chester.com.