Creating a Skincare Regime with Dr. Joney De Souza

From love to finances to a skincare regime, your 20s are all about learning who you are and   finding stability in your everyday life as you enter your 30s. This includes creating the perfect skin care regime for healthy, balanced skin. As phrases like "fine lines and wrinkles" and "vitamin C boosting serum" have penetrated my friend group's daily vernacular, I thought I'd go to the experts to find out exactly what I need to incorporate into my skincare routine. 

Last week I met with Dr. Joney De Souza in Marylebone, London to get the low-down on the preventative measures everyone should take to create a personal skincare regime for optimum results. Dr. De Souza studied medicine in Brazil and brought his craft (and years of experience) to the center of London. His clinic specializes in personalized skincare using state of the art equipment and tailored facials based off a facial assessment skin scan taken during your consultation. His pioneering work is shaping the London beauty scene by creating customizable treatments for every skin type.

In order to design a personalized facial, Dr. De Souza uses an Observ 520 skin scan which detects underlying damage beneath the top layer of skin years before it surfaces. This machine looks at rosacea (redness), clogged pores, skin inflammation and irritation, early signs of dehydration, the vascular system, pigmentation and discoloration (including sun damage), and levels of oils and congestion underneath the skin. By examining a client's results, his team is able to tailor a facial specifically for that person's needs. 

These are some photos from my skin scan & how what treatment Dr. De Souza suggests to counteract it: 

Oil levels: flow of oil beneath the skin and congestion

Treatment:  If you have oily skin like I do, try Dr. De Souza's Brazilian Zero Downtime Facial (description below). It cleanses and reduces excess oil on the skin, giving your face a fresh, natural finish. 

Underlying Vascular System: dermal structures, vascular (veins) system, inflammation, irritation, and pigmentation

Treatment: Dr. Joney De Souza encourages patients trying to reduce visible veins on the skin to use laser layering. This is a treatment that involves 3 different layers to even skin tone and the texture of the skin by targeting blood flow. 

Clogged pores, free oil flow, cream and SPF residue, sun damage, acne producing bacteria 

*you can see small pores (orange dots) on the right side of my nose 

Treatment: For people with clogged pores, Dr. De Souza suggest treating it with micro-needling, which results in a production of collagen and stimulation of elastin. If the matter is acne related, a chemical peel is an effective route to mitigate the symptoms. 

Dehydration levels and oiliness 
*skin should show up a milky white color if you're hydrated 

Treatment: Dehydrated skin can also be treated with the Brazilian Zero Downtime Facial. A sulfur mask can be applied during the facial to hydrate the skin and combat dryness. 

Underlying Pigmentation: sun damage in the skin, skin irritations, sensitive skin, hormonal pigmentation, rosacea (redness)

Treatment: Laser layering if a great way to combat underlying pigmentation and sun damage underneath the skin. The laser draws out the pigmentation in the skin resulting in a more even skin tone. 

Brazilian Zero Downtime Facial: This bespoke facial is created to address specific issues for the client. Dr. de Souza analyzed the results of my skin scan (as seen above) and found congestion and clogged pores in my nasal area as well as extremely dehydrated skin. I then met with facial specialist Rebeca Bodrilla who used these results to customized the following treatment and two masks to target these dermatological concerns:

First, a double cleanse was performed using a specifically selected product, in my case a hydrating cleanser was used due to dehydrated skin. A stimulator peel containing salicylic acid (this works deep down in the pore to exfoliate and decongest), lactic acid (this is a hydrating acid), and citric acids (this acid brightens the skin, while providing mild exfoliation) was used. This peel also helps to improve the skins tone and texture, mildly lightens pigmentation and aids in reducing acne. Rebeca then selected a microdermabrasion to exfoliate dead skin from the epidermis. This resulted in a brighter and smoother complexion and also works on the bodies lymphatic system which helps to eliminate any toxins that may be within the skin. The first of two customized facial masks were then created once again selected to target specific client concerns; first, Rebeca tailored an aloe vera and cucumber mask to help aid against my dehydration. Next, a sulphur mask was used on congested/acne prone areas to help purify pores and absorb excess oil which, if left untreated, could lead to future breakouts. This second mask also helped to combat dry, dull skin. Afterwards, a red LED was used to stimulate collagen and elastin within the skin which resulted in tightening. The LED aids in reducing inflammation and helps to supply oxygen to the face. A Galvanic machine was then used on a positive setting which deeply infused a specifically selected product into the skin, aiding in product penetration and efficacy. A high frequency machine was then used to provide the skin with oxygen, aid in healing acne and to help shrink enlarged pores. We then finish the facial using selected facial products from the ZO Skin Health Range. Not every facial includes all of these steps, as once again it is a very bespoke treatment that is tailored to the clients needs. 

After meeting with Dr. de Souza, I now know exactly what to look out for when it comes to my skin. I can therefore tailor my facial routine to the underlying problems of dehydration, clogged pores and congestion. I encourage everyone to get a skin scan and uncover exactly what your skin needs and is lacking. Whether you're in your 20s or far past 60, its never too late to start investing in your skin!