ALL-INCLUSIVE Innovation

Along the lines of inclusivity, scientists are developing products, equipment and treatments that are suitable for all skin types and work towards addressing all preferences and concerns. Aesthetic Medicine looks at the latest market offerings.

Regenerative power

Derived from stem cells, exosomes represent a groundbreaking approach to regenerative aesthetics. Tasosol has partnered with biopharmaceutical company ExCoBio to introduce a line of exosomerich treatments to the medical aesthetics market in South Africa. This range, clinically proven for skin and hair rejuvenation as well as intimate care, features ASCE+ Exosomes Patented Exosome Technology that harnesses the power of growth factors, peptides, co-enzymes, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins, to enhance collagen production, reduce inflammation and improve skin texture and tone.

Suitable for all skin types and concerns, the treatments offered include: ASCE+ SRLV (Skin Rejuvenation) for skin regeneration and revitalisation; ASCE+ HRLV (Hair Revitalisation) to normalise hair cycle and prevent hair loss; ASCE+ IRLV (Intimate Rejuvenation) to improve appearance and function of intimate areas; ASCE+ EXOBALM (Skin Repair and Nourishment) designed for rapid healing post procedure; and ASCE+ Soothing Gel Mask (Immediate Relief and Hydration) to soothe and cool sensitive, irritate skin following aesthetic treatments. 012 346 0656

Prescribed skincare

Esse introduces Esse Prescript, a personalised skincare prescription service. Under this program, a qualified practitioner, be it a doctor or skincare therapist, will work with the client to analyse their skin and build a personalised product accordingly. With an intuitive app interface, the practitioner can determine lifestyle considerations, skin needs, and tolerance levels for the applicable actives, and can then build an optimal, personalised skincare offering. The prescription process takes around 10 minutes to complete.

Following the consultation, the prescribed product is manufactured in the Esse lab and delivered directly to the client within 48 hours. With thousands of potential combinations available, the production process is largely automated, with machines directly linked to the app.

Founder, Trevor Steyn, argues that off-the-shelf products are designed for the average client, limiting the ability to maximise the levels of actives due to potential adverse reactions. Additionally, there are cases where clients pay for actives they don’t necessarily require. “Now it’s possible to create a product with optimal efficacy tailored to the client’s lifestyle, budget, and specific skin concerns,” he says.

Furthermore, Esse Prescript products can evolve as the skin improves. The initial consultation includes two re-order options, covering the first six months of use. Subsequently, clients revisit the practitioner for updated prescriptions, which are typically more cost effective and geared towards maintenance. 033 212 3506

Healthy gut benefits

The health of the gut can have a significant effect on skin health and vitality. Recognising this connection, Dermaclinical introduces Gut Reboot and Pre & Pro Biotic Elixir, a potent combination for fortifying and sustaining optimal gut health.

The Gut Reboot supplement tackles a spectrum of digestive issues that often manifest on the skin surface. From sluggish peristalsis to bloating, constipation to impaired digestion and parasites, this formula targets the root cause, fortifying gut and immune function while restoring the integrity of the gut wall.

Beneficial for all skin types, the product duo consists of a blend of key ingredients, each chosen to contribute to gut health and overall well-being. For example, whole psyllium husk provides relief from constipation and diarrhoea, while cinnamon powder offers antimicrobial properties to combat harmful gut bacteria. Aloe vera offers soothing relief and ulcer prevention. Peppermint also aids in digestive relaxation and pain alleviation.

But the benefits extend far beyond gut health alone. Dermaclinical’s Gut Reboot is a game-changer for individuals navigating skin woes, food intolerances, and systemic imbalances. By addressing underlying gut issues, it tackles a spectrum of symptoms, from unexplained headaches to musculoskeletal discomfort, low energy to cognitive fog, and even itchy skin. 071 317 5630

Foundational reset

Doctor Babor embodies the belief that skincare should be inclusive, accessible and empowering for all. Its products and treatments are developed with every individual skin tone, type and need in mind. The Signature Doctor Babor facial is formulated to visibly reconstruct and reset the skin’s foundation. This advanced clinical-grade treatment is designed to target a diverse array of skin concerns, regardless of skin tone. These include pigmentation, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, scarring, and dull, tired, or damaged skin. Penetrating deep into the skin’s layers, the treatment harnesses the power of retinol, peptides and other complementary ingredients to deliver results. 011 705 2220

Hot without the sizzle

The Tixel heat-based skin rejuvenation device distributed by Medi Aesthetic Solutions is designed to safely cater to individuals with darker Fitzpatrick skin types. It operates on Thermal Mechanical Action (TMA) technology that combines fractionated, pure thermal energy with mechanical action. Unlike traditional methods, it does not rely on humidity and chromphores, which eliminates risks such as ‘explosive’ ablation, coagulative necrosis or charring. Additionally, TMA significantly enhances the skin permeability of hydrophilic molecules, making it an excellent method for transdermal drug delivery in patients with keloid (more common in darker skin tones), hypertrophic, and burn scars.

Backed by more than 20 peer reviewed clinical papers and is both medical CE and FDA certified, the Tixel device features a grid of titanium-covered, pyramid-shaped cones that cover a 1 cm² treatment area with each pulse. These cones reach a temperature of 400°C, comparable to CO2 laser beams. Upon contact with the skin, the cones deliver controlled thermal energy, inducing a brief sensation of heat. This contact triggers enough inflammation to effect skin rejuvenation without major injury, akin to the reflex action that protects against burns from hot surfaces.

When compared to lasers and other invasive devices, this treatment produces significantly less energy. As a result, the skin heals faster, leading to shorter downtime – typically 1-3 days of mild redness or swelling.

From wrinkles and acne scars to pigmentation issues and lax eyelid skin, Tixel addresses a wide array of skin concerns. Its versatility allows treatment on various body areas, including the face, neck, décolletage, hands, and even the delicate skin around the eyes. It is also suitable for enhancing the penetration of hair rejuvenation products when treating the scalp. 083 382 5150

Direct collagen booster

Collagen, akin to steel rods in a concrete structure, play a pivotal role in maintaining skin firmness and softness. Distributed in South Africa by The Hitech Group, the recently launched RedTouch PRO fractional laser device by DEKA, Italy is designed to directly boost and regenerate collagen across all skin types.

Cutting-edge 675nm wavelength red light technology emitted through a 15x15 mm scanning system, allows this laser system to selectively target dermal collagen. The delivered energy can be managed through different parameters, such as power, pulse duration, and distance between microthermal zones. To ensure skin safety, RedTouch PRO features a contact 5⁰C skin cooling system, safeguarding the epidermis from heat-induced damage.

The depth reached at each emission has been precisely calculated at 400 microns. Consequently, a thermal column is formed, through which heat is conducted to the surrounding areas. This process induces immediate collagen shrinkage and denaturation, stimulating the formation of new collagen fibers and resulting in the smoothing of wrinkles. One of the key innovations of RedTouch PRO is its Moveo Technology, which ensures minimal or virtually no recovery time, even in individuals with dark phototypes. This technology, combined with the precision of the laser system, allows for virtually painless treatments with minimal side effects, making it suitable for a wide range of patients.

The treatment process is swift, with the entire face typically treated in just 20 minutes. While the duration of treatment varies based on individual concerns, two to three sessions spaced two months apart are generally recommended for optimal results. Although visible improvements may be noticed after just one session, the full effects of RedTouch PRO manifest approximately two months after the initial treatment, as newly stimulated collagen fibers mature. 082 749 5349

The power of four

Addressing facial and body concerns and intimate health issues, The BTL Exion is a versatile 4-in-1 platform, backed by 14 clinical studies, 11 evaluation methods, 1200 study treatments, and more than 20 investigators.

Its standout is the fractional RF applicator designed to revolutionise traditional, painful microneedling. Powered by AI technology, this applicator ensures precise energy flow for targeted penetration, promoting enhanced skin rejuvenation with minimal discomfort for face and body treatments. The maximal needle depth is intentionally limited just above the mechanical pain receptors, however, thanks to the innovative thermal gradient this applicator can reach a total depth of up to 8 mm. Furthermore, the applicator is complemented by two types of needle tips, ensuring a safe and effective solution suitable for all skin types.

Exion offers a non-invasive solution to boost skin hyaluronic acid levels, with a 224% increase demonstrated in clinical studies after just four treatments. By combining monopolar RF and targeted ultrasound, the device stimulates collagen and elastin production, enhancing skin texture and hydration. the device includees both face and body applicators, the latter for addressing stubborn fat and skin laxity. To provide comprehensive skin treatment options, Exion also includes the Emfemme 360 applicator, the shortest non-invasive radiofrequency procedure to treat vaginal laxity and sexual dysfunction. 076 232 8058

Spoilt for choice

Designed for face and body, the Endymed Pro offers effective, controlled, and focused 3Deep Radio Frequency treatments with minimal to no downtime, catering to all skin types.

Distributed by Radiant Healthcare, this flexible platform features 7 applicators, including 4 for facial treatments and 3 for body sculpting. From tightening and body contouring to radio frequency microneedling and fractional skin resurfacing, this device provides a comprehensive solution to address a range of aesthetic needs.

The Endymed Intensif applicator, equipped with motorised microneedle radio frequency technology and a patented pulse mode, delivers deep wrinkle reduction, lifting, tightening, scar and stretch mark reduction as well as improved skin texture. It can also treat hyperhidrosis and alopecia. The smooth operating mode of the applicator ensures there’s no risk of bleeding, bruising or downtime.

On the other hand, the Endymed FSR applicator, utilises unique 3Deep scanning and volumetric dermal heating technology for advanced skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatments. Safe for all skin types and with minimum downtime, this fractional applicator addresses various concerns, including deep wrinkles, acne, scarring, skin tightening and enlarged pores. 011 794 8253