Body blitzers: the summer skin prep to start now

Most people look forward to warmer weather, but for some, the summer months are a time of feeling self-conscious and hesitancy to step into skimpy sundresses, shorts, and swimsuits. Whether the bugbear is dry skin, cellulite, thread veins, or lumpy bits, the good news is there is plenty of time to tackle and transform any potential problem areas.

“There are advantages in prepping your body before summer gets underway,” says EV Expert and Aesthetic Doctor Dr Vincent Wong. “It means you can set realistic, achievable goals by combining aesthetic treatments alongside embracing healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and proper skincare.

"Whether you choose body contouring or skin rejuvenation, bear in mind that specific procedures may require recovery time, or multiple sessions for the best results. So, early planning is essential.”

Cellulite

If you have dimpled, orange peel skin or lumps and bumps on buttocks and thighs, you may be reassured to know that cellulite affects around 85 per cent of women. “There’s no one cause of cellulite, although hormones, genetics, weight gain and poor circulation may be contributory factors,” says Gemma Clare, Holistic Skin and Wellbeing Expert. “While you may not be able to completely eliminate cellulite, you can reduce its appearance with treatments and lifestyle changes.”

Cosmecutis Body Sculpt 
This holistic body contouring treatment targets areas affected by cellulite and fluid retention. It includes stimulating skin brushing to support lymph drainage, toning vacuum massage and fascia blasting. “Fascia is a sheaf of connective tissue that surrounds every part of your body.” says Clare. “When fascia tighten and become stiff (eg: due to stress or lack of exercise) this causes congestion and poor circulation. The fascia blaster (a hand held device) helps to improve circulation, oxygenation and release tightness.”  The treatment also stimulates collagen production, and lengthens and tones the connective tissue, for a leaner, firmer, more sculpted appearance. A course of eight, 25 minute treatments (over 1-2 months) can help to improve skin texture.

Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) 
“This treatment uses high energy acoustic sound waves to break down fat deposits and improve circulation in the affected areas,” says Dr Wong. AWT improves blood flow and activates fat cells, which are removed via the lymphatic system. Poor circulation may lead to an increase in fat deposits and fluid retention, and a sluggish lymph slows down elimination. AWT also stimulates collagen production, for improved skin firmness and elasticity. “Patients may notice improvements after a series of sessions, generally over a few weeks.”

Stretch marks

Stretch marks may occur when skin has been stretched suddenly, most commonly after pregnancy, during growth spurts or through rapid weight gain. “Stretch marks may fade, but they usually don’t go completely,” says Dr Wong. “Products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and centella asiatica may help to improve skin elasticity and tone.”  
 
Sylfirm X (RF Microneedling) 
This treatment combines radio frequency energy with microneedling to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin. “Sylfirm X can help improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks by promoting deeper skin rejuvenation,” says Dr Wong. “You can expect to see results within four to six weeks after the first treatment, with optimal results usually visible after three to five sessions spaced about a month apart.”

Chemical peels 
“Superficial chemical peels may help improve the appearance of stretch marks by removing the top layers of skin and encouraging the growth of new skin cells,” says Dr Wong. “Results may take several weeks, with optimal effects visible after a series of treatments.”

Fractional laser therapy 
A skin resurfacing treatment that uses a laser to create tiny, microscopic wounds on the skin. “This targets the deeper layers of skin to promote collagen development and improve the colour and texture of stretch marks,” says Dr Wong. “You should notice improvements within three to six months.”

Thread veins and pigmentation 

Thread veins, broken capillaries, dark spots and patches of hyperpigmentation can make you feel less confident about the way you look. Thread veins are generally harmless, although they may in some cases be a sign of poor circulation. Dark spots and pigmentation are caused by an increase in melanin which may be triggered by inflammation, hormonal fluctuations (eg: during pregnancy) or sun exposure.

BBL Heroic
If you’re looking to see results fast, this super advanced light therapy treatment can treat multiple skin problems including thread veins, broken capillaries, pigmentation, age spots, acne and rough skin. The world’s first smart IPL (intense pulsed light) device uses broadband light to deliver broad-spectrum visible and infrared light energy into the skin, to regenerate cells and improve skin health. What makes the BBL Heroic so unique is that it’s nine times faster than other IPL devices, yet patients require fewer treatments.

Body acne

“If you’re prone to acne and skin outbreaks, there may be underlying factors,” says Clare. “I would always recommend functional medicine testing to check hormone levels, inflammation, digestive, nutrient and cortisol status to pinpoint any issues, combined with in clinic treatments to improve skin health.”

BBL Heroic
A combination of blue and yellow light destroys acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation and redness. The device can be used on any part of the body, with face, back and neck being the most common treatment areas.

Chemical peels 
“Professional chemical peels using acids such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid can effectively treat body acne,” says Dr Wong.  “They exfoliate the skin, reduce oiliness, and improve overall skin texture, helping to minimise breakouts.”

Aviclear 
This FDA-approved laser treatment is useful for all types of acne. It works by selectively targeting sebaceous glands to produce less oil—this improves and reduces the appearance of acne and lowers the incidence of future outbreaks.

Skin texture issues

Do you dread revealing arms and legs because your skin is dry, dull and rough?  Or, perhaps you’ve got keratosis pilaris, a common condition that causes unsightly acne-like bumps, like ‘chicken skin’ on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks?  Certain treatments can help to improve skin texture.

Microdermabrasion
Skin is exfoliated with a special diamond tipped wand, leaving it smooth and soft. This improves texture and tone, making it a great option for preparing the skin for summer.

Oxygeneo Body treatment
This 3-in-1 treatment, available at Gemma Clare in London, includes exfoliation, infusion and oxygenation—the practitioner sprays a stream of high-pressurised oxygen onto the skin, leaving it firmer and smoother.

AlumierMD Chemical Peel 
Ideal for keratosis pilaris, this customised treatment uses medical grade products including acids, antioxidants and brighteners, to gently resurface and brighten the skin.