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I recently attended a round-table discussion with Dr Clare Neser, a female plastic surgeon specialising in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery in Cape Town.
She was very impressive to say the least. The epitome of professionalism, she is super knowledgeable, straight-forward, and no-nonsense. The exact person I would want to be my surgeon if the time ever came. She also does non-surgical cosmetic procedures like micro-needling.
So, venturing into the world of Dermas - most popular at the moment, the -pen and now recently, the -planing option, I wanted some clarity with regards to what I should try for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
I haven't tried either, and after visiting Dr Clare, I might not ever try Dermaplaning.
Dermapen on the other hand, I want more of. I had one session with her, and yes, my face was slightly lit straight after. This is completely normal for most patients, but as my face tends to present tomato red even just when a cute guy smiles at me - my face was extra flushed.
Kind of wished I had this at hand - SkinCeutical Phyto Corrective Masque - Intensive Calming Botanical Masque, R1150. (Beauty blog All Dolled Up has sworn by this after doing micro-needling).
Before I went to bed I cleansed my face using a very mild cleanser and applied a super hydrating serum and night cream, as Dr Clare advised. And in the morning, as if awoken by Cinderella's helpful bird friends, my face felt rejuvenated and refreshed. My skin still felt a tiny bit flushed, but it had turned into a glow instead of a full-face blush.
How the treatment works
Dermapen uses 12 microcneedles, which is used on the surface of the skin.
(See right-hand side, the left is the Derma roller)
READ MORE: The dos and don'ts of Derma rolling
Dermapen takes about 15 minutes, that is after the face is numbed with a numbing cream for about 30 minutes.
The pen creates micro-trauma in the skin, which allows the skin to produce collagen faster than before. Like a wound healing itself except it's on a very micro level.
This treatment is great for treating issues related to skin ageing such as sagging, fine lines and wrinkles and it can be used to treat scarring, and even pigmentation.
You can also use the treatment on your hands, décolletage and neck. It is recommended that you do it about once every month, but it is all up to you and your doctor, as patient needs differ.
In terms of aftercare, be sure to keep out of the sun. Keep your face moisturised and do not schedule a Tinder date for straight after.
And Dermaplaning?
I briefly discussed Dermaplaning with Dr Clare, a new 'exfoliation facial treatment' that seems to be making the rounds on social media in particular. In what I have seen, the treatment involves a surgical blade being used to remove dead skin cells and those little peach fuzzies from the face.
But would it help fine lines and wrinkles or it it more just about presenting a smooth face?
"Should we be taking a tiny blade to the face, Dr?," I asked Dr Clare.
She said, "No." "It's basically just shaving the face," she added.
There you have it.
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