Our Resident Expert

Amanda Pook

Amanda has been working in the hi-tech aesthetic beauty industry for the past ten years. 

Amanda enjoys the challenge of making people feel better about themselves, whether this is improving a hair problem or poor quality skin, or a client wanting to look better for their age. She does all this with dedication, compassion and concern.

Why does our skin change as we get older?

As we age the skin thins and loses its youthful texture. The main reason
for this ageing process within the skin is the decline in levels of circulating
growth peptides which causes a decline in collagen. Lower levels of
growth peptides allow the skin cells to fall asleep and production of cells
and essential building structures such as collagen is significantly reduced.

What is the difference between a wrinkle and a fine line?
A wrinkle is defined as a crease or furrow in the skin caused by the natural process of aging, by excessive exposure to the sun's damaging rays, or environmental insults. For example, if you look in the mirror and see crow’s-feet around your eyes - these are wrinkles. If you stretch a wrinkle in the crow's-feet area, you will still see it.

However, a fine line (or “expression line“) is a small wrinkle that may be caused by the contraction of facial muscles during smiling or frowning. When you stretch the skin of a fine line, the lines are barely visible. When these muscles contract, they pull the skin in, causing a line. And the muscles controlling frown lines between the brows may contract even when the muscle is resting, causing deep lines — which could result in the start of a wrinkle.

What's the best general care for my skin?
Here are a few simple steps that most people can take to care for and protect their skin:

• Use a gentle, non-drying Alpha Hydroxy Acid cleanser twice a day "i.e Cosmedix Benefit Clean for all normal skin types, and Purity Clean for more problematic, acne or oily skin types
• A corrective product can then be applied if needed i.e Cosmedix Affirm or Refine 4%, AgeraRx Prolifisyn 35 for high strength anti ageing.
• To reduce the risk of premature skin-aging and skin cancer, protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun by using asunblock (SPF 15 or higher) when outside every day, wearing protective clothing outdoors, and avoiding overexposure to the sun and tanning beds/salons.
• Homecare is very important but is only part of serious care.  Salon maintenance utilizing high strength chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Titan Skin Tightening and Future-Tec ultrasound all play a part in greatly improving a skin's appearance.