With the release of the amazing new Thalgo Exception Ultimate Range and in salon treatment (please read product focus for more treatment information) I have decided that this issue should focus on turning back the clock. In this article we are going to look at the importance of the 4 T’s – texture, tone, tightness and topical’s.

There are three significant aspects linked to the morphology of the aging face, primarily the loss of tone, texture and tightness.

However, when looking to rejuvenate the appearance of the face, one facet cannot be considered independently of the others. This is why someone with a firm, taut face following a surgical facelift will look incongruous if the skin still displays pigmentation, dryness and enlarged pores. In addition to addressing the tone, texture and tightness of the skin, a fourth T can be added to the mix – topical. A daily skin care routine is the basis for skin health and cosmetic treatments and procedures will not achieve optimal results without one.

Tone – Uneven skin tone can be due to a number of factors. Some examples are; sun damage, hormonal melesma or post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation (PIH) which can occur following trauma to the skin. Clinically, sun damage and age spots are treated with IPL and peels, aestheticians find IPL has the fastest results. With regards to peels, I prefer lactic acids over phenol, TCA and high levels of glycolics. We use Pelactiv, which contains lactic acids. It is an Australian product specifically designed for Australian conditions.

When treating uneven skin tone, topical treatments are usually a good starting point. Examples of this are the Aspect Dr Pigment Punch $114, the Thalgo Exfoliant Cream Unizones and their Whitening Range $83. These products work on reducing the surface pigmentation.

Redness as found in conditions like Rosacea and Poikilodema also present in uneven skin tone. These can be addressed using LED light and with salon products such as the Aspect Red Less and the Thalgo Protective Sensitive serum. These topical treatments and products can reduce redness and inflammation as well as promoting healthier blood vessels.

Texture – During the aging process surface texture changes also occur. Pores become larger and fine lines also develop, particularly around the eyes, nose and mouth. The skin may also appear dry and flaky due to the loss of function by the skin surface to act as a barrier. Texture changes are primarily due to loss of collagen, elastin and natural moisturising factors such as cermide and hyaluronic acid.

There are a number of clinical treatments which may successfully improve skin texture. Two of the most popular are IPL and microdermabrasion. These treatments are very successful in reproducing collagen in the skin and removing old, dull skin allowing topical products to work to their maximum potential. Anti-aging treatments are also recommended to assist these treatments. Topical ingredients to improve the skin texture include products that stimulate collagen and replenish moisture levels in the skin. A fantastic example of this is the new Thalgo Ultimate Time Solution in both cream and serum.

Tightness – As human faces age, there is a loss of volume. The fundamental architecture of the skin is intimately linked to the contractile force of the fibro blasts - ‘Youthfullness’ cells which generate dermal fibres. Over the years, this force diminishes and the fibroblasts lose their youth function. Wrinkles will become deeper and the skin loses its natural density and facial contours begin to sag.

But wait, there is more good news!! There is also loss of volume due to the fat and bone loss.

Volume can be effectively restored with hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers and fat transfer. At Le Beau we use radio frequency, this is a tightening treatment designed to bulk treat the lower dermis to stimulate large scale collagen remodelling. Surgical facelifts concerned with volume replacement is the most effective, long term method of reversing elasticity. The modern facelift is not designed to achieve natural results where the surgeon will work on the underlying muscles and ligaments rather than just tightening surface skin.

The latest, major scientific discovery in cosmetology has just been released. After 10 years of research Thalgo have patented and released the all new Anti-aging revolutionary products and treatments.

In the breakthrough, patented ‘Age Reverse’ complex, Thalgo have found a new scientific way to fully restore the contractile force of the fibro blasts and their youth functions, with the aid of the ancient Egyptian Fig Leaf. A study was carried out on 40 women aged 49-69 and there was proven effectiveness with the in-salon treatments, assessed by an evaluation study conducted by a firm of independent experts after one treatment and then after two treatments at a rate of one session per week.

After just one session there was a 31% reduction of the depth of the wrinkles. After two treatments they measured facelift effects, 30% repositioned volumes, 26% redefined facial contours.

Topicals – The single most damaging element to the human light and sunscreen should therefore be your insurance policy against premature aging. Ensure you choose an effective broad spectrum sunscreen either in the form of a base lotion or a high quality mineral makeup containing high levels of zinc oxide and nano phased titanium dioxide.

Skin care is fundamental to maintaining youthful, healthy skin. Unlike clinical treatments, products are used 365 days a year and therefore have significant bearing on a good skin. Whatever range you choose to use, ensure they have a scientifically proven active ingredient with effective delivery and high stability.

Today the cosmetic industry has modalities and products that will address the 4 T’s. At Le Beau we have the latest, not to mention excellent treatment and skin options available and our trained skin specialists will advise and educate you on the correct procedure and products to address all your concerns. It is imperative that our clinical therapist educates you, the client, to ensure that realistic outcomes are achieved.