Moving beyond trends to evidence-based skin care

In clinical aesthetic practice, the priority should never be to introduce a new treatment every month simply to keep up with industry trends. Instead, treatments should be extensively researched, scientifically validated and trialled over time before being offered to patients. This ensures both safety and efficacy — two non-negotiables when it comes to managing ageing skin.

Patients today are increasingly seeking natural, age-appropriate results. The goal is not to chase unrealistic ideals, but rather to restore a healthy glow, strengthen skin structure and build inner confidence. Achieving this begins with a thorough consultation process, where practitioners take time to understand a patient’s concerns, lifestyle and long-term goals.

The importance of combination therapies

One of the most effective approaches in modern aesthetic medicine is the use of personalised combination therapies. Rather than relying on a single modality, combining complementary treatments allows practitioners to address multiple layers and mechanisms of ageing simultaneously.

A key focus in anti-ageing is the restructuring of healthy tissue, particularly stimulating collagen production and improving dermal integrity. Treatments that target both skin quality and structural support can deliver more balanced, sustainable results.

One example is the MicroFirm protocol, which integrates microneedling radiofrequency with advanced topical biotechnology known as isolated cell regulators. This combination enables highly targeted tissue rebuilding. The microneedling component creates controlled micro-channels often described as “drilling for collagen” — triggering a wound-healing response that stimulates new collagen formation. Radiofrequency energy further enhances tightening, lifting and contouring, offering an immediate visible improvement while supporting long-term regeneration.

Managing inflammation for long-term skin health

Inflammation plays a crucial role in skin rejuvenation. A controlled inflammatory response signals the skin to repair itself, leading to improved firmness and texture. However, excessive or repeated inflammation from aggressive or poorly timed treatments can lead to cellular burnout, which we sometimes refer to as “inflammaging”.

For this reason, modulating inflammation after treatment is essential. The use of isolated cell regulators such as AQ Recovery Serum helps to restore balance within the skin. These advanced formulations are designed to recruit stem cells to the treated area, accelerate healing and create harmony in the tissue environment. This approach protects long-term skin health while optimising treatment outcomes.

Tailoring intensity to individual needs

Combination protocols can also be adapted in terms of intensity. For example, gentler stamping techniques can be used for more sensitive patients or for maintenance, while more ablative options such as microplasma resurfacing may be introduced when deeper dermal remodelling is required. When supported with appropriate post-treatment care and inflammation modulation, these more intensive treatments can deliver results comparable to erbium laser resurfacing, but with significantly reduced downtime.

Importantly, advanced technologies such as radiofrequency and microplasma are suitable for a wide range of skin tones when performed correctly. However, they should only be administered by highly trained medical aesthetic therapists or doctors with extensive experience in advanced laser and energy-based treatments.

Confidence through healthy, resilient skin

Ultimately, successful anti-ageing is about restoring vitality, strengthening skin resilience and enhancing a patient’s natural confidence. By prioritising personalised combination therapies rooted in scientific evidence, practitioners can deliver results that are not only visible, but also sustainable.

Healthy skin is beautiful skin and when treatments are thoughtfully tailored, patients can age gracefully while feeling empowered in their own skin.

The post Expert Commentary: Why Personalised Combination Therapies Are the Future of Healthy Ageing Skin appeared first on Pulse Dermatology & Laser.

What is collagen? 

Collagen is an important building block for the skin. It makes up to 30% of the protein in our body and 70% of the protein within our skin. Collagen helps our skin stay toned and supple. The dermis, which provides the foundation for the skin, is closely involved in the skin’s elasticity and flexibility, and the main source of collagen in the skin. Getting an adequate amount of collagen help to ensure our skin looks glowing.

What causes collagen to deplete or break down? 

In our skin we have an abundance of cells called Fibroblast cells, fibroblasts cells are directly responsible for the production of collagen. As we age this production slows down so for example if one fibroblast cell can produce collagen let’s say 50-100 times in its life span, as we age these cells get lazy and go to sleep( become dormant) this cell may have only produced collagen 20 times and so has not reached its full potential. The dermis  becomes thinner, showing a marked loss of collagen and other fibres. Changes in the dermis are in large measure responsible for the loss of elasticity and wrinkling that is the hallmark of aging skin. In addition, wound healing slows with age. Aging is particularly sensitive to environmental influence in the skin: skin exposed to the sun (ultraviolet light) ages much more rapidly than sun-protected skin.

Why is it so important to regenerate collagen supply and what does it do? 

In our skin we have an abundance of cells called Fibroblast cells, fibroblasts cells are directly responsible for the production of collagen. As we age this production slows down so for example if one fibroblast cell can produce collagen let’s say 50-100 times in its life span, as we age these cells get lazy and go to sleep( become dormant) this cell may have only produced collagen 20 times and so has not reached its full potential. The dermis  becomes thinner, showing a marked loss of collagen and other fibres. Changes in the dermis are in large measure responsible for the loss of elasticity and wrinkling that is the hallmark of aging skin. In addition, wound healing slows with age. Aging is particularly sensitive to environmental influence in the skin: skin exposed to the sun (ultraviolet light) ages much more rapidly than sun-protected skin.

How do aesthetic treatments build collagen? 

Most aesthetic treatments from mild skin peels, to laser treatments and skin needling treatments at some level work on the bodies wound healing response. They place the fibroblast cells under attack by causing a micro injury( in a controlled manner, please don’t try this at home) when this happens the fibroblast cells need to protect themselves and can only do so by waking up and creating more collagen , therefore unlocking their full potential. 

What treatments do my patients find most effective and why do we chose them over other treatments? 
Skin Needling 

There are many forms of skin needling but I definitely have 2 firm favourites, the Dermastamp when I’m looking for a lower inflammatory response and the Eclipse Micropen Elite when I’m looking for a treatment that will be a little more intense. To understand needling I usually explain it like this; You get 2 types of healing in the skin,

•  Healing by primary intention– I take all the skin off the back of my hand and its red raw a and painful, I then heal by producing new cells (collagen) from underneath. This is a slow process with lots of down time, that can be compared with Fractional ablative lasers. 
• Healing by secondary intention– I cut the back of my hand and heal from the sides and underneath. This can be compared with skin needling. This way I have less downtime can go deeper and get a double hit of collagen supply a fraction of the down time. 

Skin needling treatments are extremely popular and when done correctly can effectively treat advanced ageing, Acne scarring and even reduce pore size.

Laser skin tightening  

The treatment uses a safe infrared light that heats the skin and the tissue immediately under the skin’s surface. The heat produced during the treatment stimulates the infiltration of fibroblast and the formation of new collagen, while also tightening the existing bundles of collagen and elastin in the skin. This “double” stimulation both thickens and tightens the skin, strengthening the natural “scaffold” that gives our skin structure. This treatments really shines when tightening body areas and the jowls and neck. 

IPL 

Photo Rejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment that provides an effective way to correct and treat skin damage without disruption of the skin’s surface, producing younger and healthier looking skin on the face, neck, chest and hands. This treatment is best when wanting to also even out the colour of the skin as it treats sun damage and broken capillaries too 

LED Light therapy 

LED sends light rays into the Fibroblast cells, which in turn excite the Mitochondria into producing in some cases up to 10 times more ATP(fuel for cells), but usually 2 to 4 times. This fuels the cell’s activities, which causes more of the needed Collagen and Elastin to be produced, as well as other needed materials for the skin. 

Do collagen creams build collagen? 

Collagen creams have been around for decades. At the first glance, they seem useful. After all, the skin is made of collagen; so if you put on a cream with collagen, the skin should absorb it and thereby improve. This does not work. Let me give you an analogy. Imagine you live in a brick house and your neighbour is throwing bricks at it. Will your walls become stronger or smoother? Of course not: those bricks will simply lay scattered on the ground. Same happens when you apply a collagen cream. Collagen is a large molecule, it does not penetrate the skin but stays idly on top of it, only to be washed off during your next shower. Traditional collagen creams are not entirely useless because collagen can hold moisture and makes a decent moisturizer. But do not expect these creams to strengthen your skin. I prefer topical treatments that work on regenerating your own skin like Retinol, vitamin C and the crème de la crème, Human Growth Factor started in the treatment of burns victims when applying skin grafts) as these are the only ingredients proven to aid in collagen formation in the skin. That is not to say that proteins etc aren’t useful but they may aid the skins hydration levels more than actually rebuilding it 

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Recovery Serum Benefits 

• Effective combination of Growth Factor technology and antioxidants to achieve younger looking skin 

• Supplements the skin to address signs of aging 

• Can encourage healing after skin resurfacing procedures 

• May calm inflammation and irritation caused by some skin treatments 

This highly concentrated formula is excellent for helping to improve the appearance of aging, damaged and post-procedure skin. The formula may enhance the natural restorative processes of the skin, which can repair and regenerate skin tissue by stimulating collagen production, circulation, antioxidant activity and cellular renewal. 

Do collagen supplements really work?  

If you want a true collagen supplement that works for your skin, look for one that contains Type 1 Hydrolyzed Collagen with High Bioavailability. n anti-ageing super Hero with multivitamin additives. The main constituents of collagen, glycine, proline, alanine and hydroxy; replenishing these amino acids which are be needed to maintain the amount of collagen at healthy levels and thus prevent skin ageing. What’s exciting is that you can directly influence the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin, by supplementation with BioDermal Hydrolysed Collagen. Peptides generated by hydrolysis of a large collagen molecule can have great benefits on health and can improve skin properties. 

Biodermal Hydro-Collagen is formulated to improve fine lines and wrinkles, boost skin hydration/firmness and post-operative healing and improve aesthetic treatments results like micro-needling. Other benefits: Improves hair condition, enhances bone health, repairs ligament injuries/ wear and tear of muscles, aids in weight management and boosts muscle growth. 

The post Busting the myths and understanding the facts about collagen  appeared first on Pulse Dermatology & Laser.

The joy of hormonal changes, inflammation but also the pilo-sebaceous unit, the hair follicle and sebaceous unit are joined and many times I see patients with acne who suffer with facial or back hair, a good trick to improve and speed up in clinic and at home acne treatment is to do a few sessions of laser hair removal.

What to use?

Retinoids…. As well as being super anti-ageing , Vitamin A has long been used around the world for the treatment of acne breakouts, it is excellent at not only regulating the oil gland and resurfacing the skin but is also fantastic at minimizing scarring. Things to note with the use of vitamin A… phase it in to avoid skin sensitivities and also as soon as you stop using vitamin A the skin goes straight back to base line so best to combine it with an allogenic Growth factor to regulate the cells long term- my clinic favourite Vitamin A for acne patients is: Acne One- by Mesoestetic

Glycolic acid, an excellent fruit acid (AHA) that has the ability to dissolve the build-up of dead skin cells “plugs” blocking the pores that cause open and closed comedones (blackheads and white heads) our gentle but effective answer: Brightening Peel Booster- Mesoestetic

Acne and inflammation are best friends so the best way to counteract that inflammation and re- educate the skin to heal itself is by introducing an isolated allogenic Growth factor. Why do we want this? Cause they are Anti-inflammatory, healing, anti-microbial, cell regulators and scar healing – Active Serum AQ Skin Solutions is our ultimate fave!!

What to avoid

Dirty pillowcases, drying your face with a dirty towel and dirty facial sponges…. These are the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria (remember Acne is caused by a build up of the P-Acne bacteria) studies have shown that simply avoiding these 3 areas can reduce acne breakouts in patients by as much as 12%

Never ever go to bed with makeup on!!!!!

Vitamin C- I have found that vitamin C used topically on acne patients can actually cause the skin to break out, so best to avoid it till the breakouts are under control.

The post EXPERT OPINION: Focusing on Adult acne appeared first on Pulse Dermatology & Laser.

Action against ageing, getting rid of acne or hyper pigmentation once and for all. If you need reasons to become a medical grade convert, we’ve put together six of the best benefits of using medical-grade skincare, with expert tips from a leading Aesthetic Doctor in Cape Town!

1. Skincare results are quicker 

Medical grade skincare is formulated by highly experienced physicians, biochemists and chemical engineers to target skin conditions and restore skin health in a major way. This means results can be achieved super quickly. The activity that medical grade skincare can generate in the skin means it must be purchased under the professional care of a skincare expert, who will ensure you’re using the right products in the right way. With a personalised medical skincare routine, you may notice results in as little as 6 – 8 weeks.  

2. Skincare results are longer-lasting 

The skin is a complex organ and acts as a waterproof barrier to external elements. Our skin doesn’t absorb everything we place onto its surface – if that were the case, it would absorb all our makeup, washes and products. Due to the depth of research that medical-grade skincare brands commit to product development, they can often utilise intelligent delivery systems that assist the ingredients in getting to where they need to go. Furthermore, they are formulated with bioavailable ingredients, which can be used immediately by the body and are able to have an active effect in the skin.  

The combination of delivery systems and bioavailable ingredients means medical grade skincare can deliver longer-lasting aesthetic results. This is particularly important to bear in mind when purchasing products with Growth Factors. Not all products containing growth factors are created equal or have the ability to change the skin as we want them to. For the best bioavailability and therefore longer-lasting results, Growth Factors needs to be recognised by the skin as its own, therefore it has to be derived from Humans, and not plants or bacteria.  AQ Skin Solutions patented their growth factor range, it has a halal certificate and the growth factors are cloned and replicated to be absorbed by the skin as it is a protein made by the human body. 

3. Medical-grade skincare is surprisingly affordable 

There is a misconception that medical-grade skincare is expensive, but the reality is that investing in it will likely save you money in the long run. While you may have to pay a little more upfront, using medical-grade skincare that is tailored specifically to your concerns means you’ll get the visible results you’ve been seeking. Also, because they are highly concentrated with active ingredients, you only need to use a small amount to get your results. Therefore, medical-grade skincare products may last up to 4 months so you could be replacing your skincare less often. 

You will be building up your skin health by using medical-grade skincare, that you will hopefully prevent future skin issues from occurring. Therefore, you won’t need to have aggressive (and often costly) treatments in order to resolve them. 

And finally, many skincare clinics offer great deals such as free skincare consultations which you should take up! For example, some clinics that stock AQ Skin Solutions offer free consultations that can be done in person or via Zoom, Video or Teams call. The easiest way to book is to visit the “find a stockist” tab on the AQ Skin Solutions SA website. Stockists | AQ Skin Solutions 

4. Medial-grade skincare products can be clean, too 

We have known for many years that skin problems can be caused by some ingredients. Now science has highlighted the toxicity of them, the general public is becoming more aware that a lot of ingredients found in traditional skincare products (face washes, lotions, sunscreen, etc) have been linked to health issues.” 

A key benefit of using certain medical-grade skincare brands is that their products are often made with the highest quality of ingredients, at the right concentrations and percentages, with their clients’ safety in mind. For example: The Active ingredient in AQ Skin Solutions, Human Growth Factors, are colour blind, meaning any and all skin types and complexions can use it, all ages and for any atopic skin condition like eczema, dermatitis etc. By using products from a skincare brand that is open about its ingredients and results – it takes the confusion and worry out of which products to buy.

5. You’ll be under the care of a professionally trained skincare professional 

The beauty of buying certain medical-grade skincare brands, like AQ Skin Solutions, is that you give your skin concerns to a professional aesthetic doctor or somatologist meaning that you will only be recommended products that are suitable to your needs and ideal aesthetic outcomes and desired results, so you don’t end up wasting time and money on products that aren’t right for you. 

Another plus side of supported shopping is that your skincare professional will constantly be monitoring and adjusting your skincare regime based on your progress! 

6. Buying medical-grade skincare is super convenient 

With advancements in technology and online shopping, buying medical-grade skincare has never been easier or more convenient. When you notice your product is running low, you can either pop into your nearest skincare clinic to pick up another, or order online with delivery coming straight to your door. Either way, you are supporting a local business in the process! 

The post Why Medical grade skincare?  appeared first on Pulse Dermatology & Laser.

When is the best time for a bride to come in to start her skincare program before the big day? 

There are two types of brides; the planners who come in the day after they get engaged, wanting top-to-toe mega programmes – and the panickers who arrive with just weeks to spare and want miracles……at Pulse Dermatology and Laser we can treat both! The best would be to come in for a consultation 3-6 months before the big day so that we can put a program together that covers around 3-6 full skin cycles. This will ensure that you get the most out of your treatments and obtain the best results. However, I do understand that with how busy life can be this is not always possible for all the brides I see and so I have developed treatment that delivers real results within 1 skin cycle (4 weeks), allowing even our last minute brides to have luminous and radiant skin.

What is your most popular pre wedding facial treatment? 

There are definitely 3 treatments that take centre stage! Firstly , being that we live in cape Town many brides come in looking to treat unsightly sunspots and broken veins on the face, wanting a more even skin tone without having to wear layers of Foundation. 

 Our PDL laser facial is excellent for this, starting off with a papaya and pineapple enzyme treatment to soften dead skin cells and deep cleanse while still being gentle and followed by a combination of IPL laser and Radiofrequency to address, enlarged pores, pigmentation, thread veins, acne breakouts and fine lines! 

Next up will be our USP Medfacial, tailor made to each individual bride, this includes a ‘no peel’ peel or Crystal therapy to retexturize the skin , followed by extractions, high end treatment serums  and Anti Stress treatment and LED light therapy to heal and repair the skin. 

Last but not least the MesoGlow, this uses high frequency mesotherapy to infuse a cocktail of vitamins and hyalouronic acid (natures top hydrator)into the Dermis.

What ingredients should we be using on our skins at home to ensure that our skins are the healthiest they can be?

A  good Growth factor and SPF 50+ during the day for brightness and protection and a glycolic treatment  or vitamin A complex for the evenings to smooth texture and unblock pores!

When it comes to the body… how do we get rid of the dreaded orange peel? 

We have many cellulite treatments at Pulse but the Rolls Royce is our NIR laser from London, this smooths and lifts making sure our brides feel fully confident in their gorgeous lingerie on the night of their wedding!

What  body treatments would you advise for fatty pockets on the back should the bride want to wear a dress exposing her back? 

We do an excellent treatment called Ciccarelli which involves treating the fatty pockets directly with natural Vit C and Iron  using injections.

And what about mum? 

Our most popular treatment for mother of the bride would either be our lifting NIR face laser that has no downtime but delivers fast results and some ladies also choose to have a little bit more with soft fillers and muscle relaxers, but please remember less is more and we strive to achieve a more natural look rather than looking ‘done’! 

Do you ever see the Groom before the wedding? 

Yes of course 40% of our patients are male! Mostly they come in for our state of the art Pain Free Laser Hair removal and also the PDL facial has proven most popular! 

The post Expert Skin Care Advice for Brides on Their Wedding Day   appeared first on Pulse Dermatology & Laser.

For this reason, treatment should never be “one size fits all”. The most effective results come from a tailor-made, combination approach that addresses both skin structure and skin quality.

Radiofrequency tightening for lifting and long-term collagen support

One of my favourite non-invasive options for neck and chest rejuvenation is advanced radiofrequency skin tightening. Technologies that combine deep unipolar radiofrequency with patented bipolar delivery allow us to treat multiple tissue layers at once.

The deeper energy targets fatty tissue and structural laxity, while the more superficial energy stimulates fibroblast activity within the dermis. This results in an immediate tightening effect, but more importantly, with a course of around six treatments the skin begins to build new collagen for longer-lasting firmness and contour.

A major benefit of modern RF technologies is that they are safe for all skin tones and involve no downtime, making them ideal even before an important event

Growth factor microneedling to strengthen thinner skin

Because the skin on the neck and chest is naturally thinner and more delicate, ongoing stimulation is often required to maintain resilience. Growth factor microneedling is particularly effective in this regard.

Rather than being a once-or-twice-a-year treatment, microneedling in these areas should ideally be performed regularly over the course of the year to continuously encourage healthy tissue renewal. Advanced isolated growth factors help recruit stem cells to the treated area, supporting regeneration and improving overall skin quality.

Combination treatments for more advanced ageing

When skin thinning, laxity and crepiness are more pronounced, combination protocols can deliver more impactful results. Treatments that combine microneedling, radiofrequency and regenerative biotechnology in a single session allow practitioners to stimulate collagen, improve elasticity and rebuild dermal structure simultaneously.

Typically, a course of three sessions can create meaningful, sustainable improvement. Again, with the reassurance that these technologies are suitable for all skin tones when performed by experienced medical aesthetic practitioners.

Resurfacing solutions with minimal downtime

For patients seeking more intensive rejuvenation, microplasma resurfacing treatments offer impressive results. These treatments help to smooth fine and static lines, rebuild the skin’s underlying “canvas”, and improve texture and firmness.

When paired with targeted regenerative skincare and appropriate homecare, outcomes can be comparable to traditional CO₂ laser resurfacing but with significantly reduced downtime.

Injectable options to support lifting and contour

In some cases, energy-based treatments can be complemented by injectables. Relaxing the platysmal bands in the neck with neuromodulators can help create a subtle lifting effect along the jawline.

Similarly, advanced filler techniques placed strategically at the mandibular angle and chin can provide structural support, which we sometimes refer to as the “sling effect” — helping to restore definition and create a more youthful profile without excessive volume.

Addressing arm concerns: texture, cellulite and crepiness

The arms are another common area of concern. Treatment depends on the underlying issue, whether this is cellulite, keratosis pilaris or crepey skin.

Radiofrequency and near-infrared laser treatments can help improve skin smoothness and circulation in cases of cellulite. At home, supporting lymphatic flow and hydration is key.

For keratosis pilaris, professional exfoliation such as glycolic acid peels can help clear blocked follicles, while consistent use of fruit acid formulations and barrier-supporting moisturisers is essential. Dryness can worsen the appearance of these bumps, so maintaining skin hydration is a crucial part of any treatment plan.

The post Expert Advice: The Most Effective Ways to Lift and Smooth the Neck, Chest and Arms appeared first on Pulse Dermatology & Laser.

Growth factors are proteins that are naturally found in our bodies that allow our cells to communicate with each other and to regulate the cell functions. This allows us to create essentials like collagen and elastin.

When we’re younger, our bodies create just the right amount of growth factors to keep skin looking soft, smooth and even-toned. As we age, we don’t produce as many growth factors on our own, which causes dryness, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Growth factor products add to your body’s natural supply of these communication proteins, which supports healthy, youthful skin.

Q: Is there more than one kind of growth factor? What are the differences?

There are lots of growth factor skin care products available today, so it can be hard to tell what sets them apart. While each one provides great anti-aging benefits for your skin, some offer faster results.

There are growth factors that come from plants, and others that are created in a lab from bacteria, animal or human proteins. They each have their pros and cons, but the benefits of having so many options is that some may work better for you than others.

1. Growth factors boost skin cell growth.

When applied topically, growth factors are one of the best active ingredients for total skin rejuvenation. In fact, growth factors communicate with your cells to create more collagen and elastin, which keep skin smooth and firm for a healthy, youthful complexion.

2. They’re the cutting edge of anti-aging science.

Anywhere you look today, people are talking about growth factors—and they’re the next big thing for a reason. Human Growth factors are truly unique because only they  can promote collagen and elastin growth at the cellular level. This technology gives your skin the building blocks it needs to rejuvenate itself in a brand new way, so if you want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to anti-aging advancement, growth factors are the way to go.

3.  Growth factors address multiple aging concerns at once.

Anti-aging skin care products that contain Human growth factors are famous multitaskers, tackling all kinds of issues from wrinkles and dark spots to lack of firmness and sagging, and everything in between. If you have multiple concerns you want to address and still want to keep things simple, one human growth factor product can often take the place of a few others in your routine.

4.  They’re found naturally in your body.

Growth factors are found everywhere in your skin, and they manage essential tasks like replicating cells, reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production. When you apply growth factors, you’re giving your body more of what it already makes by itself, so it’s a natural, safe and effective anti-aging ingredient.

5.  They can delay the need for cosmetic procedures.

Growth factors are great for addressing skin sagging and laxity, so if you’re not quite ready for a cosmetic procedure but still want to care for your skin and restore a youthful complexion, human growth factor products are your best bet. They also help extend the benefits you get from cosmetic procedures, so you don’t need to have them done as often.

6.  Human Growth factors pair well with the products you already use.

If you have other anti-aging products you love to use, you can easily add growth factors to boost your results. Growth factors get along with vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, . . . and the list goes on! So whatever treatments you’re using now, you can get the added benefits of growth factors.

7.  Growth factors are great for every skin type, including sensitive skin.

Since human growth factors are found naturally in your body, they’re an especially gentle skin care ingredient. They can be used on any skin colour, age or condition! Most people experience no adverse reaction to human growth factors, so even those with very sensitive or post-procedure skin can use Human growth factors!

The post 7 Reasons You Need a Growth Factor Product  appeared first on Pulse Dermatology & Laser.

Like any business owner, Amy knows ensuring your business thrives during a recession is no mean feat. It requires persistent hard work and passion, but she’s short of neither as well as willing to share her top three tips.

1. Invest in yourself

Amy was just 15 when she won her local grocery store’s “win a car” competition. While most teens would be thrilled with a new set of wheels, Amy chose the cash and used it to pay for her education. This saw her complete an intensive, highly-specialised three-year course in advanced holistic health, skincare and business studies so she could stride into the medical aesthetics industry with confidence.

“I’m constantly searching for new developments and going on courses in medical aesthetics and business management,” says Amy.

“Whatever I can get my hands on that makes my ears prick up, you can bet I’ll be there!”

2. Invest in what you believe in

After working locally as a head therapist at an advanced laser clinic, Amy moved to London where she continued to develop her skills in a top clinic – training and working alongside world-renowned dermatologists and pioneering plastic surgeons with a celebrity clientele. Watching her clients’ skin literally transform with every session motivated her to save enough money to buy her very own laser machine and return to Cape Town.

Interestingly, many of her friends thought she’d poured her money into a bad idea. At the time, laser treatment, in South Africa, was mostly considered an expensive way to blitz unwanted hair – but Amy knew otherwise. Today, Pulse Dermatology & Laser is celebrating its 9^th year in business with an all-female team using LED light and cutting-edge lasers to treat everything from spider veins to sagging skin.

“I love combining these treatments with AQ Skin Solutions as it really speeds up the results and reduces downtime, making it a favorite with my patients”, she says. AQ Skin Solutions is an award-winning cosmeceutical brand specialising in growth factors. Amy is the international trainer and sole distributor of the brand in South Africa. “I have the privilege of working with and providing training for over 145 clinics – including medi-spas, gynecologists, hair transplant clinics, GPs, nurses, plastic surgeons and dermatologists – that have all fallen in love with this brand as much as I have.”

3. Invest in your customers

When you’re working in aesthetics, the connection you’ll have with your customers will always be intimate. “Pulse Dermatology is not only about changing aesthetics, it’s about building confidence and creating a caring and safe environment where my patients know they’re getting the best possible treatment,” says Amy. She also takes great pride in educating her patients on all the options available to them so that, together, they can find a plan that suits their budget and lifestyle while serving up great results and excellent value. “I insist on only using the highest grade of product that does exactly what it says on the tin – after all, the most expensive treatment or product is the one that doesn’t work.”

The post Spotlight on aesthetics maven Amy Knoetze who’s growing her all-female business against the odds appeared first on Pulse Dermatology & Laser.