Breaking down Aesthetics into layman’s terms

Aesthetics, which, means a set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, is a field which has vastly grown over the last few years. Nowadays there is very little that cannot be “fixed” or improved with the immense number of treatments available. Aesthetics has become more accessible and more affordable than ever before.

Eyelash extensions are by far a best seller at Quinzelle Snyman Aesthetics, a local salon that is centrally located in Hartbeespoort at Little Paris. The salon has two full-time lash specialists. Eyelash extensions can be done by applying single or multiple hairs. These are individually applied to your own eyelashes. If correctly applied the extensions do not cause harm to the natural lashes. The key is time. Applying a full set of lashes takes two hours and it’s crucial not to rush this process.

Another very popular treatment is permanent make-up. Eyeliner, eyebrows – solid or using a micro blade technique whereby pigment is scratched into the skin in fine, short strokes resembling hair – and lip colour are the most common applications. Make sure that you are working with a qualified technician who uses medical grade products. Again, timing is crucial. A longer treatment time suggests that adequate numbing is being done. If done correctly, permanent make-up can be virtually painless. Other lesser-known applications of permanent make-up includes scalp micro pigmentation (hair tattoos), vitiligo coverage and areola reconstruction.

Skincare has become more important than ever before, and we are seeing a renewed awareness of proper home skincare. QSAesthetics is a proud stockist of DermExcel, a medical grade skincare range with remarkable results that has taken the country by storm. DermExcel offers some of the highest-grade actives at very competitive prices.

For customers ready to invest in in-salon treatments, there are various options:

Micro needling

Also known as derma-needling or collagen induction therapy, is a treatment in which small needles are used to cause controlled injury to the skin thus tricking the brain into thinking that repair is needed. The brain then sends fibroblast and blood factors to the affected area and guess what they contain? Collagen and elastin cells! This thickens the dermis, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and adding youth and elasticity to the skin. Numbing is applied so this process is painless. This same technique can be applied to treat scars, stretch-marks, and hair loss.

Chemical peels

Address various skin concerns and can vary in invasiveness depending on the type of peel given. Chemical peels generally have less downtime than other treatments and can be done at smaller intervals. They work well for acne (chemical peels are comfortable enough for clients as young as 10-12 years). Peels also work well for exfoliating to get rid of sun damage and dead skin cells. (Advanced peels, such as TCA peels, are available but should be performed under the care of a qualified doctor.)

Dermaplaning

This is a treatment that has become popular more recently. This involves using a surgical blade to gently scrape away the outer layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hairs (peach fuzz) on the face. This is a fantastic option right before big functions or events where you want a flawless make-up application and healthy glow.

Intense Pulsed Light – IPL

This is another firm favourite often grouped with laser treatments IPL uses controlled heat and light to address various skin concerns. It works especially well for acne and pigmentation as well as hair removal. Downtime is minimal and treatments can be done every two to four weeks for rapid results.

Plasma treatments

These definitely deserve an honourable mention. Plasma fibroblast technology is used to remove skin lesions such as moles, warts, or skin tags. This can also be a very effective treatment for age sports or fatty liver deposits and also works a charm for skin tightening, especially around the eyes.

That’s a mouth full! But wait! There’s more. For the brave-hearted, medical aesthetics opens a whole other world…

The key words here are anti-wrinkle injections, fillers, and threads. Anti-wrinkle injections take care of frown lines. They can also be used to treat various other concerns such as migraines, teeth grinding (Bruxism) and excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis). Again, make sure your doctor is qualified to perform these treatments. Fillers are used to add volume to areas that we may feel are lacking, such as lips, cheeks, or the jawline. Lastly, Threads are a brilliant treatment option to provide lifting of sagging skin. It stimulates collagen and elastin, and effects can last up to 2 years. There are procedures that allow for thread lifting on the body as well. Speaking of bodies, for stubborn fatty deposits, ask your aesthetic doctor about another favourite on the market… Cecarelli fat dissolving injections. QSAesthetics works exclusively with Dr. Yvette Lamberts, founder of YVT Medi-Spa, YVT_Aesthetic, KOL and trainer for Tasosol and spokesperson for Slender Wonder, which is also now available at QSAesthetics in Hartbeespoort. Another buzz word that you will be hearing more of is ProFhilo skin boosters. Profhilo is an excellent anti-ageing treatment, clinically proven to help with a wide range of ageing symptoms. It acts as a hydrator rather than a traditional dermal filler, and is therefore fantastic for those with tired, dull, and ageing skin, as it provides overall more plump and luminous skin.

It’s clear that there is much to say about beauty and aesthetics. For more information on any of these treatments, feel free to contact QSAesthetics on 079 920 2082.