Todays men & women want to look as good as they feel

St John Clinic Newsletter September, October, November 2014

 

Lady St John of Bletso MBChB MRCOG

Lady St John of Bletso MBChB MRCOG

Let me start this newsletter with some remarkable news. Latest research shows that by 2020 the global facial aesthetics market is set to double in size from £1.5 billion in 2013 to £3.1 billion by 2020. This represents a staggering growth rate of over 10% year on year. You may be surprised to hear that over 80% of this rapidly expanding market is the non surgical sector such as Botox® and dermal fillers which St John Clinics have been offering for the past 15 years.

My personal belief in the growth of this industry has been reflected in the expansion of the St John Clinic brand into the High Street in London over the past year.

Despite these encouraging statistics, many are still wary of undergoing cosmetic injectable treatments, no doubt due to concerns fuelled by sensational tabloid images of celebrity treatments “gone wrong”.

At St John Clinic, my primary objective is to identify and to prioritise treatments in order to create a fresh, natural look within each client’s budget. I encourage check ups in order to optimise results. All consultations and Botox® top ups (if necessary) are free.

All appointments dr@stjohnclinic.co.uk or 020 8946 9694

 

New Wimbledon Park Clinic – downstairs at “Strands” 171, Arthur Road, SW19 8AD

Hamlet House has now been sold and the Wimbledon Clinic has now moved to a premises almost opposite Wimbledon Park tube station (no more panting up that steep hill!)

I’ve chosen “Strands” because of :

  • its proximity to Wimbledon Park tube (a 1 minute walk)
  • easy parking (ample metered bays on Arthur Road operate from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday at £1.60 per hour. Side roads 11am to 3pm). Outside these hours parking is free
  • discretion – the reception area and treatment rooms downstairs are hidden from view

 

Hairdressing and beauty at Strands

George and his team are offering St John Clinic clients 20% off their first treatment at Strands (please mention St John Clinic upon booking).

Bookings –
St John Clinic dr@stjohnclinic.co.uk or 020 8946 9694
Strands Hair – 020 8944 8006 Monday to Saturday
Beauty – 07824 831 821 Tuesday to Saturday

 

Skin peels – What are the benefits?

Special Offer – Buy a course of 3 Vitamin C Obagi Radiance Peels half price (£150 instead of £300).

 

The skin is constantly changing. As we age and as a result of environmental influences, the cell renewal process becomes sluggish leading to the build up of layers of dead cells on the skin’s surface. The skin looks dull and no longer glows. Other problems such as patchy pigmentation, open pores and sagging are usually caused by sunlight induced damage of the deeper structural layer of the skin.

Peels vary in the type, concentration and volume of acid used but their common goal is to remove the topmost layer of dead skin cells (keratinocytes) and to even out patchy pigmentation. The stronger peels will penetrate more deeply, addressing problems such as skin laxity, open pores and more ingrained pigmentation.

A word of caution – the controlled injury caused by these stronger peels can aggravate pigmentation in certain skin types, particularly in those unprepared by regular use of hydroquinone and tretinoin containing skin products.

My own mantra “little and often” holds true here in that a series of lighter peels (as in this particular offer) is, I feel safer and appropriate for all skin types. Peels are recommended at a minimum of 2 weekly intervals. No prior skin preparation is necessary.

Offer available at all clinics until 22.12.14.
Courses payable in advance at the first peel.
Gift vouchers available.

 

Education feature: skin cancer and moles – what you should know

Skin cancer is increasing in the UK. You may be shocked to read that:-

  1. There are more people dying of skin cancer in the UK than in Australia.
  2. More than two young adults aged 15-34 are diagnosed with malignant melanoma every day and this is the second most common cancer in this age group.

 

Skin cancer is divided into two categories:-

  1. Non melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
  2. Malignant melanoma (MM)

 

Non melanoma skin cancer is most common and lesions are not always pigmented. Any non pigmented skin lesion that fails to heal within 2 months or has persistent scabbing/ulceration should be checked by a GP or skin cancer specialist. The table below is a seven point checklist for suspected malignant melanoma and should be used as a screening tool for suspected abnormal moles:-

 

Major signs Minor signs
1. If an existing mole gets larger or a new one is growing 4. If the mole is bigger than the blunt end of a pencil
2. If the mole has an irregular outline 5. If it is inflamed or has a reddish edge
3. If the colours are mixed shades of brown or black 6. If it is bleeding, oozing or crusting
7. If it starts to feel different for example itching or painful

 

Risk factors for skin cancer

Whereas chronic cumulative sun exposure is more associated with the development of SCC and BCC, sun burn when younger is linked to the development of malignant melanoma.

Sun beds merit separate mention as they deliver intense concentrated UV radiation and there is NO place for their use – a report by Cancer Research UK demonstrates an increased risk of melanoma of 75%. Sobering news for those chasing a year round tan….

 

What can we do to protect ourselves:-

  1. The cornerstone of skin health includes sun protection factors and minimising sun exposure.
  2. There is a wealth of evidence supporting daily use of topical anti oxidants (vitamin A, C and E) to reduce the carcinogenic potential of UV exposure. I recommend Skin Ceuticals Vitamin C serum and vitamin A in the form of tretinoin 0.05% or 0.1%.
  3. Regular exfoliation of the skin promotes a clearer complexion, more even skin tone and can be used to treat actinic (sun) damage.

 

Several reports suggest that regular chemical peels may help prevent skin cancer development. Intuitively this makes sense but larger studies are required to substantiate these claims.

All appointments dr@stjohnclinic.co.uk or 020 8946 9694

 

Forthcoming Clinics

Wimbledon Park – Monday and Friday mornings/ Wednesday evening
Fulham Broadway – Monday afternoons/ Wednesday mornings/ Friday evenings
Harley Street – Friday Lunchtimes
Kingston – Tuesday afternoons/ Thursday evening/ Saturday mornings
Richmond – Tuesday afternoons/ Thursday mornings/ Saturday afternoons
Bath – Sunday afternoons – 21st Sept/ 26th Oct / 23rd Nov / 14th Dec / 25th Jan
Glasgow/Edinburgh EH3 – 6th Sept / 4th Oct / 8th Nov / 6th Dec / 17th Jan
Edinburgh EH13/Aberdeen – 7th Sept / 5th Oct / 9th Nov / 7th Dec / 18th Jan

 

I look forward to seeing you at one of the St John Clinics soon.

 

With all best wishes,

Lady St John of Bletso MBChB MRCOG

dr@stjohnclinic.co.uk
Tel 020 8946 9694
www.stjohnclinic.co.uk

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