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Dermology expands: celebrating success and innovation in Ballito

A year after opening its fourth branch in Ballito, Dermology, a leading skincare clinic, continues to make strides in the industry. The latest milestone in its journey is the introduction of the state-of-theart Sciton BBL Hero & Moxi Mjoule laser, the fourth of its kind in Dermology. This technology reaffirms Dermology’s commitment to providing top-notch skincare solutions to its clients.

Lourette du Toit, the CEO of Dermology, shared her excitement about the new addition to the Ballito branch. “We are thrilled to bring the Sciton Mjoule to our Ballito clinic. This technology allows us to offer even more advanced treatments, ensuring our patients receive the best care possible,” she said.

Lourette du Toit’s journey with Dermology began in 2013 when she joined as clinic manager and laser assistant. Her dedication and vision for the brand quickly became apparent. “From day one, I ran Dermology as if it was my own,” she recalls. Her hard work paid off, and she eventually became CEO and owner, driving the expansion of Dermology across South Africa. Today, Dermology boasts branches in Sandton, Pretoria, Paarl, and Ballito, each dedicated to creating healthier skin for all South Africans.

The concept behind Dermology is simple yet powerful: to provide gold standard technology that caters to everyone, treating all skin types safely and effectively. With over a decade of experience in Sciton lasers, Lourette has not only advanced her skills but has also inspired her team to reach their own dreams within the brand.

Reflecting on her journey, Lourette emphasizes the importance of timing and patience. “Timing is key. I’ve learned that patience and timing go hand in hand,” she says. She acknowledges that both successes and failures have shaped her path, contributing to the achievement of her goals.

Dermology stands out for its dedication to treating all Fitzpatrick skin types safely and effectively. Over the years, the clinic has developed highly experienced protocols using a wide variety of laser and light devices, complemented by proper pre, during, and post-care. As the only Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for Sciton in Africa, Lourette travels the world to present at various congresses and train other providers in Sciton’s laser and light devices.

The decision to open the fourth Dermology branch in Ballito was driven by demand. “We have had people flying in from KZN to Dermology Sandton for many years,” Lourette explains. Extensive market research and patient demand made it clear that a Dermology branch was needed in KZN, and the Ballito branch has been thriving since its opening over a year ago.

Lourette has ambitious plans for the future of Dermology. “International growth is at the top of my list,” she reveals. She aims to bring Dermology’s experienced laser and light protocols to the rest of Africa and overseas, creating more awareness of safe laser treatments for higher phototypes.

New study highlights link between scars and body image

A study recently conducted at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Kids and University College London has been presented to the British Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS).

The results have provided significant insights into the assessment of scars from the perspective of children and young people, between eight and 18 years old. The study highlighted that patients with keloid scarring had significantly lower scores than people with other types of scarring.

Led by Ms Patricia Neves, a plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in scar management, the research aimed to determine the validity of ‘SCAR-Q’, a patient-reported measurement for scars, and its association with body image perceptions, especially in younger patients.

Nine out of 10 acne sufferers say insecurities impact their daily lives

Approximately 50% of adults with acne report avoiding social interactions due to their skin condition, which can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, according to AviClear by Cutera’s ‘Acne Impact Report’. Acne is one of the world’s most widespread skin conditions, affecting around 742 million people globally – that’s almost 10% of the Earth’s population whose daily life, mental wellbeing and confidence are at risk of being impacted by the effects of acne. Around 70% of acne sufferers report a negative impact on their self-esteem and self-confidence, with 50% even saying their condition affects their overall life satisfaction. Almost 35% of those affected reported experiencing bullying or teasing due to their skin, which could further exacerbate feelings of isolation and low self-worth, and over 30% said it had strained personal relationships, making them feel less attractive or desirable. People with acne are 63% more likely to develop depression, over 50% of acne sufferers worry they will never have clear skin and six in 10 say the struggle of trying to treat acne can be worse than the acne itself.

Virginia tech researcher creates “invisible tweezers”

Assistant professor Zhenhua Tian and his team have created ‘invisible tweezers’ to move tiny bioparticles, and the work has been published in Science Advances.

Because robotic-assisted tools can be smaller, cuts also tend to be smaller than traditional surgeries, making robotics a preferred choice. Tian’s team has taken this idea a step further by developing a method of moving small targets, such as cells, and medicine within a body in a non-invasive way, with no cuts required.

The secret is found in acoustic energy emitters that Tian’s team uses to surround and capture particles, working like invisible tweezers. The emitters create 3D acoustic vortex fields that can pass through barriers such as bone and tissue, crossing over one another to form tiny ring-shaped acoustic traps.

Two-thirds of TikTok influencers are making skincare mistakes

Booking software Fresha has identified the most common skincare mistakes made by TikTok creators across 100 of the most-viewed videos tagged #GRWM (get ready with me) and #skincareroutine.

The most common issue across skincare routines was pulling on the skin too harshly when applying products, with 60% of creators found guilty of this. The second-most prevalent skincare mistake was skipping essential steps or not using products in the correct order, with more than half (54%) of creators caught doing so. The product most of these creators skipped was toner, while almost as many missed cleanser. Rounding out the top three most common skincare mistakes is not applying products to the chest or neck alongside the face, with just as many (54%) influencers skipping this.

CMAC shows its commitment to reducing complication rates in South Africa

The Complications in Medical Aesthetics Collaborative (CMAC) Association has rapidly emerged as a global authority in the field of medical aesthetics, with significant strides made in South Africa under the leadership of Dr Alastair Clark.

As an international non-profit organisation registered in the UK, CMAC is dedicated to reducing complications in aesthetic medicine and educating practitioners worldwide on best practices.

CMAC’s reach extends from the United States to Australia, encompassing some of the most medically advanced countries. It boasts an international expert board with representation from all over the globe. This broad-based expertise ensures that CMAC stays at the forefront of medical aesthetics, continuously updating protocols to reflect the latest advancements and research. Dr Clark, the current international chair of CMAC, has been instrumental in its development in South Africa. As the President of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Society of South Africa (AAMSSA), Dr Clark has integrated CMAC membership into the benefits of AAMSSA membership, ensuring that aesthetic doctors in South Africa can have access to CMAC’s resources without additional membership costs.

Joining CMAC offers numerous benefits, including access to a wealth of information on managing complications in aesthetic medicine. Members can tap into resources such as protocols on the use of hyaluronidase, laser complication management, and handling adverse reactions to injectables and toxins. The CMAC website (cmac.world) and social media platforms provide continuous updates and a platform for practitioners to seek advice and share experiences.

For aesthetic practitioners in South Africa, the simplest way to join CMAC is by becoming a member of AAMSSA. Membership fees cover access to both AAMSSA and CMAC, granting full rights and privileges, including access to the CMAC members portal. Interested individuals can visit www.aestheticdoctors.co.zaor contact Karen at meetsoc.co.za for more information.

For those wishing to explore CMAC before committing to membership, the CMAC website – cmac.world– offers comprehensive information and resources. The CMAC Facebook page is another valuable tool, where members can engage with experts, ask questions, and learn from real-world case studies.

CMAC provides 24-hour helplines for emergency support, ensuring that practitioners can access expert advice at any time. The organisation also hosts an annual conference in London every October, offering a unique opportunity for members to engage with international experts. These conferences are unsponsored, ensuring unbiased content and discussion. AAMSSA members benefit from significantly reduced rates for attending these events, enhancing their professional development and network.

Upon assuming the presidency of AAMSSA three years ago, Dr Clark made it his mission to reduce the incidence of complications in aesthetic medicine. His efforts to integrate CMAC’s resources into AAMSSA have provided South African practitioners with the tools they need to manage complications effectively and enhance patient safety.

Exclusive Beauty Solutions Unveils Skincare Line: EB Med Solutions

Geared to redefine skincare, Exclusive Beauty Solutions announces the launch of EB Med Solutions, an innovative line of medi-ceutical skincare and body products. This new addition to its current portfolio addresses a critical gap in the market, catering to diverse skin health needs by addressing concerns both internally and topically for best results.

“Our inspiration stemmed from a deep commitment to helping clients achieve optimal skin health through personalised formulations and advanced clinical treatments,” states Dalize Havenga of Exclusive Beauty Solutions. “We developed the most effective Doctor Grade formulas to address a spectrum of concerns, including acne, pigmentation, aging, inflammation, and gut health.”

What sets EB Med Solutions apart in the crowded marketplace is its unique focus on gut health and systemic inflammation—key factors exacerbated by modern lifestyles—before addressing skin concerns. This holistic perspective ensures comprehensive care and lasting results, ensuring radiance from the inside out.

EB Med Solutions offers eight comprehensive ranges: Cleanse, Basics, Protect, Ageless, Clear, Heal, Bright, and Nutri-Body. Each range is designed to tackle a wide array of skin and body concerns, providing a 360-degree approach to skincare and wellness. “This complete solution, tailored to the needs of modern clients, is what the market has been missing, and we are confident it will cultivate lifelong loyalty among our clients,” adds Havenga.

EB Med Solutions embraces a four-level methodology that transforms skin and body: Home, Gut, Clinic, and From the Inside. “Home” focuses on skin health, targeting the epidermal and dermal layers for condition transformation and management. “Gut” involves parasitic cleanses, gut repair, and microbiome management. “Clinic” includes treatment methods specifically tailored for each client.

“From the Inside” promotes body and skin support, along with age prevention.

“Our promise is skin health first – the skin’s transformation begins with re-building the health of the skin. Our aim is to revolutionise skincare and wellness with this professional skincare offerings,” Havenga concludes, “Our EB Med Solutions products bring a unique, science-backed approach that delivers extraordinary results.