MediCare Treatments

29/02/2016

Vitiligo Treatment

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterised by areas of the skin losing pigment, which occurs when the pigment cells in the skin die or are unable to function properly. The cause of this is still unknown, although research suggests it could have a relation to genetics, problems with nerves and the immune system, or if the skin has had contact with certain chemicals. Vitiligo often starts as small pale patches on the skin that can grow and darken over time. It can be non-segmental (symmetrical patches on different body parts), segmental (patches within a limited area on the body), or mixed (a mixture of both segmental and non-segmental). The white patches are permanent, but there are treatment options available to improve the appearance of the skin.

If you suffer from Vitiligo or know someone who does, Dr. Rennie can help. For more information on both the condition and treatment, follow the link to the Vintiligo section on our website: http://medicaretreatments.com/treatments/recell/vitiligo-treatment/

Problems with patchy skin pigmentation? Visit our site now to see if a Vitiligo Treatment could help you at our W1, Wimbledon, & NW London Clinics.

05/02/2016

Foot mask for cracked & tired feet

Happy Friday, everyone! Your feet have been carrying you around all week and now they deserve to be pampered! Here is our favourite recipe for a relaxing and nourishing foot mask that can easily be prepared at home:

Mix 2 cups of ground rolled oats with 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of honey, and ½ cup of olive oil. Adding a few drops of your favourite aroma to the mixture will make it smell amazing! Lavender for example is both calming and soothing. Once the mixture has been stirred, it should be thick and gooey; it might still be a bit lumpy, which is fine. It’s best to soak your feet in warm water first, and use a gentle scrub before applying the mask to your feet. That way your skin will be soft and ready to absorb the soothing, moisturising, pore-opening, and antibacterial ingredients of the foot mask. Soak your feet in the mixture for 20-30 minutes, then rinse them off with warm water and pat them dry. Your feet should feel softer and be less cracked and dry. If you want to take the pampering even further, apply a generous amount of moisturiser to your feet and wear the thickest pair of socks you can find. All of the above mentioned ingredients could also be added to a nice hot bath!

Do you have any recipes for a home-made face, foot, or hand mask to share?

Image by Healthambition.com

03/02/2016

Botox vs. Fillers

Botox temporarily relaxes facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles, and can treat medical conditions such as excessive sweating or chronic migraines. Dermal fillers replace the volume our skin loses as we age; they can fill, even out, and enhance skin and lips. It’s a common myth that Botox and fillers can only be used separately – they actually work best if used together! Botox treatments are for dynamic lines that appear when the face is moving, such as frown lines, crow’s feet or nasolabial lines (the ones that run from the corner of the nose to the mouth), and results usually last for 3-4 months. Dermal fillers are for static lines that are visible even though the face is at rest, and results can last for up to a year. Treatments that combine Botox and fillers will show the best results possible and are likely to last longer than individual ones!

For more information, visit the 'my concerns' section on our website here: http://medicaretreatments.com/my-concerns/

Visit our site if you have any concerns over beauty treatments that you may choose to receive at our clinics in W1, Wimbledon or NW London.

25/01/2016

Treating migraines with Botox

A migraine is a type of headache where the person often has an intense throbbing headache and additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or increased sensitivity to light, noise, or smell. A chronic migraine is defined as headaches occurring on 15 or more days each month, at least half of which have migrainous features. Botox can be used to treat those chronic migraines due to its nerve-blocking and muscle relaxing effects: injections made in the forehead, neck, and the side as well as the back of the head have been suggested to be most effective. Patients are most likely able to feel relief within just a few days, and the result will last for 3-6 months; after that, treatment can be repeated if necessary.

Are you interested in the treatment or have any questions? Then go ahead and book your free consultation with Dr. Rennie today! You can follow the link to our contact form here: http://medicaretreatments.com/contact/

Image by Totalbeauty.com

15/01/2016

How to get rid of blackheads

Blackheads occur when pores become clogged with excess oil (the one your skin produces naturally to protect itself) and dead skin cells. They are by no means caused by dirt and it’s never a good idea to scrub your face excessively to try and get rid of them, as this will only make it worse. Your skin will dry out and, as a result, produce even more oil, so it’s important to apply the at-home remedies listed below only a few times a week:

1) Apply a clay mask: Clay not only helps with circulation, but also draws out blackheads while supplying your skin with its healing minerals. It can be mixed with water and will both clear and tighten your skin as it dries
2) Apply an egg-white mask: The egg whites will naturally tighten your pores and both remove existing blackheads and reduce the chances of new ones developing. This mask will also nourish your skin and won’t dry it out
3) Honey and milk pore strips: Honey, with its antibacterial properties, and milk, known to keep skin soft and supple, make a great combination for this adhesive that can be used to remove blackheads. You will have to mix the two together and heat them up for a few seconds, then let the mixture cool down before applying it to your face and covering it with a strip of dry cotton. Let it dry for about 20 minutes, carefully peel the strip off, and rinse with water
4) ‘Shrinking’ your pores with lemon juice: Dip some cotton in freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply to affected area before going to sleep. The lemon will tighten the pores and reduce the risk of blackheads developing
5) Sweat it out: For this method it’s important to wash your face before and afterwards, and not to wear any make-up as it would be carried into the pores and make things worse. While sweating, the liquid will flow over your face and wash out pores, naturally clearing blackheads

Have any other tips to share? Let us know in the comments!

08/01/2016

Botox Myths & Misunderstandings

Happy New Year, everyone! We thought that the first thing we should do in 2016 is to clarify some myths and misunderstandings of Botox. We have gathered the eight most common ones, which you can find listed below along with their true facts:

Myth #1: Botox won’t let you express any emotions
Truth: If done naturally, it will allow you to look your best and still express emotions. Frown lines of angry expressions will be diminished, but there will be no restrictions of showing your feelings

Myth #2: Botox is harmful and poison to the body
Truth: Botox can actually be found in nature and as long as it’s administered in the right dosage by an experienced practitioner, is safe for your body and you’ll have nothing to worry about. A reputable doctor will never inject something dangerous into your body just for aesthetic appeal

Myth #3: Botox travels through your entire body
Truth: It’s designed to have a very localised diffusion and doesn’t move, so it will stay in the area it was injected in to and not go anywhere else

Myth #4: Injections hurt a lot
Truth: Everyone has different perceptions of pain, but if done correctly, a Botox injection should not be painful at all. It might cause a little discomfort, but it’s a quick procedure with little to no downtime

Myth #5: You will become a Botox addict
Truth: Chances are that you will enjoy the results and feel great about your new appearance, which makes it completely plausible to repeat treatments, however it’s impossible to be physically addicted to Botox and there are absolutely no side effects if you stop getting treatments

Myth #6: It’s always obvious that you’ve had treatment
Truth: If you’re worried about looking unnatural, it’s important to choose a doctor who you trust. He or she should be experienced, listen to you, know the right amount to inject, and not be afraid of saying no to a patient who has had too much

Myth #7: Botox is permanent
Truth: Botox usually lasts for no longer than three months, but can appear to last longer if the patient gets used to not furrowing their brows

Myth #8: Botox is only used for aesthetic reasons
Truth: Botox can be used in many ways for many reasons, and besides its cosmetic benefits also has medical ones. It can, among others, be used to treat migraines, muscle spasms, reduce excessive sweating, or even help your pet with arthritis

If you would like us to clarify any other myths you’ve come across, please mention them in the comments and we will add them to the list! Image by photostockgallery.com

14/12/2015

How to protect your skin from the cold

It’s mid-December and here is a weather warning: rough beauty conditions ahead! The low temperatures, cold wind, and heating-dry-air inside strips skin of its moisture and often leaves it dry and sore, sometimes red and itchy, and in rare cases even cracking and bleeding. Broken skin not only doesn’t look nice, but can also make you feel uncomfortable and be a recipe for infection, which is why we have gathered 7 tips for you to help protect your skin in the winter. Do let us know in the comments if you have any additional tips to share!

1) Cover up – cover as much exposed skin as possible before going outdoors. The skin on your fingers and toes is particularly susceptible to frostbite and windburn and often the first body parts to get cold and become painful. Make sure to avoid itchy and loose clothes and instead wear tight ones or, ideally, several layers
2) Moisturise – Use oil based creams and moisturisers daily, especially after taking a bath or shower and before going to sleep at night, to help your skin rehydrate. Look out for ingredients such as beeswax, squalane, petrolatum, and shea butter, and try to avoid products containing perfumes and lanolin
3) Pay attention to your indoor environment – central heating pulls the moisture from the air and dries skin out. The extreme temperature changes when coming in or going out also irritates the skin. It’s best to layer up instead of turning the heating on its highest setting, and you should think about investing in a humidifier, which would be most beneficial placed in the bedroom, to keep the air moist at night when your body tries to repair itself
4) Take short showers with gentle and small amounts of soap – the intense heat of long, hot showers and baths strips the skin of its natural oils and can break down its lipid barrier, resulting in your body losing moisture. The same applies to soap and shower gels, so try to use only small amounts of gentle products with natural ingredients
5) Don’t forget sun block – the skin needs protection from the sun all year round. We often don’t realise how important this is, especially in the winter, when there can be sun-reflecting snow on the ground. Sun block can be mixed with lotions and moisturisers and should be re-applied throughout the day if you are outside a lot
6) Exercise – regular exercise is important to stay fit and to keep up the body’s blood circulation, and it also gives the skin a healthy glow
7) Don’t forget to drink a lot and eat well – it’s just as important to protect your skin from the inside as it is from the outside. Make sure to drink lots of water and, although Christmas treats are tempting and certainly well-deserved, don’t forget your five a day: at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day to keep you nourished and healthy

Photo via Getty Images

07/12/2015

The beauty benefits of honey

Honey is not only healthy and delicious, but also fabulously versatile when it comes to body care, and can be truly pampering. We have put together a list of 12 quick and easy treatments for you to carry out at home using honey – for the best possible results, make sure to use a raw, unfiltered one!

Speaking of healthy body care, what’s your favourite natural body care product? Let us know in the comment section below!

1) Acne – Honey contains antibacterial properties, which makes it an excellent cleanser or facemask to fight acne
2) Face masks – Honey used on skin helps to hydrate and soothe it, and usually leaves behind a wonderfully youthful glow
3) Lip scrub – For softer and smoother lips, honey can be combined with lemon juice and sugar for a refreshing scrub
4) Scars – The bleaching effect of honey can fade scars, if applied regularly
5) Hair conditioner – To give some shine to dull hair, honey can be combined with olive oil and make a moisturising and softening conditioner. Simply massage the mixture into your hair and leave it in for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off
6) Hair lightener – If combined with water and applied regularly to your hair, honey can gradually lighten it, or at least leave behind a healthy shine
7) Hair removal – You can combine honey with lemon juice and sugar to remove excess hair. The mixture needs to be boiled until it turns brown, then cool down before it can be applied to the skin. You can then put a cotton strip over it, rub it gently until it warms up, and pull it off against the direction of hair growth to remove unwanted hairs
8) Razor bumps – If applied immediately after shaving and left on for 10 minutes before rinsing off, honey can prevent bumps and boils caused by shaving
9) Anti-ageing – Honey contains a big amount of antioxidants, which are known to delay cell damage, and therefore will keep you looking young and healthy
10) Nail conditioner – Apply honey to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes to strengthen your nails and soften your cuticles
11) Dark circles – You can apply a thick layer of honey below your eyes twice a week to gradually fade dark circles
12) Eczema – Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties help to calm skin conditions, such as Eczema, Rosacea, and Psoriasis. Apply it to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off

30/11/2015

Although we don’t remember having treated this smooth carrot, we do offer the Obagi Blue Skin Peel! The treatment is proven to reduce sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, blemishes, very dry or oily skin, and any uneven pigmentation. The peel is suitable for all areas of the body, including the face. It renews the skin by lifting dead cells off the surface and stimulating those healthy ones underneath. The results are a more even skin tone and rehydrated, softer, smoother, and more radiant looking skin.

Ready to look healthier and more youthful? Then go ahead and book your free, totally non-obligatory first consultation with Dr. Rennie!

More information can be found in the ‘Facial Peels’ section on our website here: http://medicaretreatments.com/treatments/facial-peels/

13/11/2015

Cacao & Coconut Facemask

We just discovered this wonderful cacao & coconut facemask recipe by Deliciously Ella. It’s easy to make, smells delicious, and 100% natural – a real treat for body and soul! It only contains three ingredients, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and skin-saving antioxidants, and will probably already be in your kitchen: Coconut oil, honey, and cacao powder. Follow the link to Ella’s website for the full recipe: http://deliciouslyella.com/cacao-and-coconut-facemask/

Let us know how you liked it, and if you saw or felt any improvements to your skin!

Natural facemasks are one of my favourite things, they’re just so much fun to make and they always leave you feeling amazing!

09/11/2015

When not to use Botox

If a Botox treatment is carried out by a trained and experienced practitioner, who is aware of your health status, it is safe for everyone but a few exceptions. You should not use Botox if:

1) You are allergic to any ingredients in Botox. Always tell your Doctor about any allergies you have, and let him or her know if you are concerned or unsure
2) You are allergic to another Botulinum Toxin brand, such as Mybloc, Xeomin, or Dysport, or have had side effects from any of those products in the past
3) You have ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, or another disease that affects your muscles or nerves
4) You have an infection, wound, or other condition in the injection area
5) You have breathing problems, such as Asthma or Emphysema
6) You have difficulty swallowing
7) You have bleeding issues
8) You have a heart disease
9) You plan to undergo surgery
10) You have recently had facial surgery
11) You have recently used a blood thinner, or been treated with an injectable antibiotic
12) You have facial muscle weakness, such as droopy eyelids or trouble raising your eyebrows
13) You are taking or have recently taken certain medications
14) You are pregnant or breast-feeding. Botox is not expected to travel far enough through the body to affect an unborn or breastfeeding child, however it is not known for sure, and always better to be on the safe side

Always talk to your Doctor if you have any concerns or are unsure whether or not it is safe to undergo treatment.Still have questions? Let us know and we will make sure to answer them!