At the Victorian Dermal Group, we see all sorts of skin concerns on a daily basis. While some are more obvious than others, all skin concerns can knock our confidence and leave us feeling a little underwhelmed by our appearance. Here we'll explore the most common skin concerns we see and share the secrets on how best to treat them.
What is a skin concern?
A skin concern is anything that causes you anxiety or concern about how your skin looks. This can be anything from acne breakouts and scarring to fine lines and wrinkles to sun damage and pigmentation.
If you're noticing changes in your skin that are making you feel self-conscious, it's important to seek professional help.
Victorian Dermal Group has a wide range of effective treatments for skin concerns. If you're interested in improving your skin, book a consultation with our qualified dermatologists. We'll conduct a thorough assessment of your skin, discuss any skin concerns you may have and recommend a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve beautiful, clear and glowing skin.
Why do I have skin concerns?
There are many reasons why you may start to experience skin concerns. Hormonal changes, such as puberty, menopause or taking contraceptive pills, can cause skin concerns.
Genetics can also play a role - if your parents or grandparents had certain skin concerns, you might be more likely to develop them too.
Other common reasons for developing skin concerns include:
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
Most Common Types of Skin Concerns
Here is a list of the main skin concerns that we see at Victorian Dermal Group:
Acne
Acne (acne vulgaris) is a very common skin concern, especially among teenagers and young adults. Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads or pimples.
Acne can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, poor diet, stress or certain medications. While acne is not a serious health concern, it can be very upsetting and cause anxiety and low self-esteem.
Common Treatments for Acne
Acne can be treated with a number of different methods, including topical creams and gels, oral medications, light therapy and chemical peels.
Topical Creams
Topical Creams can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. They work by killing the bacteria that cause acne, reducing inflammation and pimple size.
Light Therapy
Light therapy uses light waves of different wavelengths to kill the bacteria that cause acne. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as topical creams.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a highly effective treatment in which an acidic solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This can help to improve the appearance of acne scars and pigmentation.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness, inflammation and visible blood vessels in the face. It is characterised by skin discolouration that appears as redness, flushing, bumps and pimples. It most commonly affects middle-aged women with fair skin, though it can occur in men and women of all ages and skin types.
Rosacea is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, alcohol and hot drinks.
While not a serious condition, the facial redness caused by rosacea and some other skin disorders can be very upsetting and cause low self-esteem.
Common Treatments for Rosacea
There is no cure for rosacea, but the symptoms can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes.
Laser therapy
We use laser therapy to reduce the appearance of redness, inflammation and visible blood vessels. Depending on your requirements, we may suggest either Candela's GentleMax Pro dual laser or Candela's Vbeam Prima laser. Each works by targeting different depths within the skin to provide optimal results.
Medication
There are several oral and topical medications that can be used to treat rosacea. These include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and beta blockers.
Lifestyle Changes
Avoiding triggers, such as sun exposure, stress, alcohol and hot drinks, can help to control rosacea flare-ups. Wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors is also recommended.
Lines and Wrinkles
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic. This results in the formation of lines and wrinkles, particularly on the face. Other factors contributing to the formation of lines and wrinkles include lifestyle factors such as sun damage, smoking, and poor diet.
While lines and wrinkles around the face are perfectly natural, some people prefer to minimise their appearance. Lines and wrinkles can age the face prematurely and affect our self-esteem.
Common Treatments for Lines and Wrinkles
There are a number of different treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, including dermal fillers, neurotoxins and laser therapy.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injected into the skin to plump out lines and wrinkles. They can also add volume to the face, such as the cheeks or lips.
Neurotoxins
Neurotoxins, such as Dysport, are injected into the muscles around the face to relax them temporarily. This can help to soften lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and forehead.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Depending on your desired results, we may recommend the Fraxel laser, which is a fractional laser that works by creating microscopic wounds in the skin. This process triggers the body's natural healing process and the production of new collagen.
Skin needling
Skin needling can also be used to stimulate collagen production. A device with fine needles is passed over the skin to create microscopic wounds, prompting new collagen production.
Enlarged pores
Enlarged pores can be caused by many factors, including genetics, sun damage and ageing. Enlarged pores can give the skin a rough texture and make it more difficult to apply makeup evenly. It is often seen in combination with oily skin.
While enlarged pores are not harmful to your health, many people choose to reduce their appearance for aesthetic reasons.
Common Treatments for Enlarged Pores
There are a number of different treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of enlarged pores, including laser therapy, skin needling and radiofrequency.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is highly effective at reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. It targets the deeper layers of the skin, where the pores are located. We may recommend the Fraxel laser or the Clear + Brilliant laser to treat enlarged pores.
Skin needling
As well as stimulating collagen production, skin needling can improve the appearance of enlarged pores. At Victorian Dermal Group, we offer a range of skin-needling methods, including dermal rollers and the derma pen.
Skin Peels
A great way to kick off your treatment for enlarged pores is with our range of chemical peels, which will work to cleanse and tighten your pores.
Leg veins
Leg veins are a common concern, particularly for women. They can be caused by several factors, including genetics, pregnancy and sun damage. Leg veins can affect both the appearance and the health of the legs.
While leg veins are not harmful to your health, they can produce some discomfort, such as aching, heaviness and cramping. In some cases, they may also lead to skin changes, such as eczema or ulcers.
Common Treatments for Leg Veins
There are a number of different treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of leg veins, including laser therapy, sclerotherapy and radiofrequency.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a highly effective treatment for leg veins. It works by targeting the vein with a beam of light, which causes the vein to collapse and fade from view.
At Victorian Dermal Group, we use the Cutera Excel V laser, which is a vascular laser that is specifically designed for the treatment of leg veins.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a type of injection that collapses and fades away leg veins. A solution is injected into the vein, which irritates the walls of the vein and causes them to stick together. This forces the blood to reroute through other veins, and the treated vein fades from view.
At Victorian Dermal Group, we use the Asclera solution for sclerotherapy, a highly effective medication that produces excellent results.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency is a type of energy that is used to heat the skin. This can help to improve the appearance of leg veins by causing the vein to collapse.
At Victorian Dermal Group, we use the Vascular Radiofrequency device specifically designed to treat leg veins.
Melasma
Melasma is a type of skin pigmentation caused by an overproduction of melanin. It can affect both men and women, but it is more common in women, particularly during pregnancy or when taking certain types of hormonal contraception. Melasma can produce skin discolouration, which appears as patches of brown or grey skin on the face, neck, chest and hands.
Common Treatments for Melasma
Several different treatments can be used to improve the appearance of melasma, including laser therapy, chemical peels and topical medications.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a highly effective treatment for melasma. It works by targeting the melanin with a beam of light, which breaks down the pigment and causes it to fade from view.
At Victorian Dermal Group, we use the Cutera Enlighten laser, which is a pigment laser that is specifically designed for the treatment of melasma.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a type of exfoliation that uses a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin. This is a highly effective method of improving the appearance of melasma and works by lightening the skin.
At Victorian Dermal Group, we offer a variety of chemical peels, including glycolic acid peels, lactic acid peels and trichloroacetic acid peels.
Topical Medications
There are a number of different topical medications that can be used to improve the appearance of melasma, including hydroquinone, tretinoin and corticosteroids.
Hydroquinone is a type of bleaching agent that lightens the skin. Tretinoin is a type of retinoid that increases skin cell turnover and helps to fade pigmentation. Corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory medication that can help to reduce swelling and redness.
At Victorian Dermal Group, we offer several topical medications, including hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.025% and triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%.
Unwanted Hair Growth
Unwanted hair growth is a common problem that affects both men and women. It can be caused by several factors, including hormonal imbalances, medication side effects and genetic conditions. Unwanted hair growth can occur on any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on the face, chest, back, buttocks and legs.
Common Treatments for Unwanted Hair Growth
There are many different treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of unwanted hair growth, including laser hair removal, electrolysis and waxing.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a highly effective treatment for unwanted hair growth. It works by targeting the hair follicles with a beam of light, which destroys the follicle and prevents it from growing new hair.
At Victorian Dermal Group, we use the Cutera Coolglide laser, specifically designed for and highly effective at treating unwanted hair growth.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a type of hair removal that uses electrical impulses to destroy the hair follicle. It is a highly effective treatment for unwanted hair growth but can be painful and time-consuming.
Waxing
Waxing is a type of hair removal that uses hot wax to remove hair from the root. It is a relatively quick and easy treatment that can be performed at home or in a salon.
At Victorian Dermal Group, we offer many different waxing services, including facial waxing, body waxing and Brazilian waxing.
Dull skin
Dull skin is a common problem caused by many factors, including sun damage, dehydration and ageing. Dull skin can occur on any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on the face, neck and chest.
Common Treatments for Dull Skin
There are a number of different treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of dull skin, including microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing and chemical peels.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a type of exfoliation that uses a diamond-tipped wand to remove the top layer of skin. It improves dull skin by revealing new, healthy skin cells.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a type of treatment that uses a laser to remove the top layer of skin to reveal a more youthful and bright complexion.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin revealing new, healthy skin cells underneath.
At Victorian Dermal Group, we offer a number of different chemical peels, including glycolic acid peels, lactic acid peels and salicylic acid peels.
Scarring
Scarring is a common problem caused by several factors, including injury, surgery and acne. Scarring can occur on any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on the face, neck, chest and back.
Common Treatments for Scarring
Several available treatments can improve the appearance of scarring, including laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion and chemical peels.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses a laser to remove the top layer of skin and improves the appearance of scarring by revealing new, healthy skin cells.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses an exfoliating diamond-tipped wand to remove the top layer of skin. New, healthy skin cells are revealed, improving the texture and creating a more even skin tone.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are highly effective, and we often recommend this method to improve the appearance of scarring.
How can I treat my skin concerns?
The first step is to seek professional help. At Victorian Dermal Group, our dermatologists are experts in skin concerns and will be able to develop a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve clear and beautiful skin.
If you're unhappy with your skin and would like to explore treatment options, book a consultation with us today. We'll be able to provide you with expert advice on how best to treat your skin concerns and get you on the path to clear and beautiful skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Victorian Dermal Group repair the appearance of skin after skin cancer from sun exposure?
Cancer is a serious concern, and treatment can often be difficult. However, at Victorian Dermal Group, we have several options available that can help improve skin appearance after receiving skin cancer treatment. These include:
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser Resurfacing
- Chemical Peels
If you've been affected by cancer and would like to explore treatment options, book a consultation with us today. We'll be able to provide you with expert advice on how best to treat your skin concerns and get you on the path to clear and beautiful skin.
Can you treat skin diseases like atopic dermatitis and eczema with chemical peels?
Atopic dermatitis and eczema are two common skin conditions that can often be difficult to treat. However, at Victorian Dermal Group, we offer several different treatments that can help to improve the appearance of these conditions, including:
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser Resurfacing
- Chemical Peels
If you're unhappy with your skin and would like to explore treatment options, book a consultation with us today. We'll be able to provide you with expert advice on how best to treat your skin concerns and get you on the path to clear and beautiful skin.
Should pregnant women and people with darker skin avoid chemical peels, or is that a myth?
There is a common misconception that pregnant women and people with darker skin should avoid chemical peels. However, this is not the case. At Victorian Dermal Group, we offer a number of different chemical peels that are safe for use on all skin types, including:
- Glycolic Acid Peels
- Lactic Acid Peels
- Salicylic Acid Peels
If you're unhappy with your skin and would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch. We can provide you with an in-depth consultation and expert advice for your skin concerns to help you reveal your most beautiful skin.
Can you use chemical peels to treat under-eye bags?
Yes, at Victorian Dermal Group, we offer various chemical peels that can help improve the appearance of under-eye bags and sagging skin. These include:
- Glycolic Acid Peels
- Lactic Acid Peels
- Salicylic Acid Peels
These treatments improve skin tone, making the skin supple and more youthful-looking. We may also recommend a skincare routine to help you manage your skin concerns at home.
