I recently returned from an amazing overseas adventure. And whilst I loved the bronzed glow I picked up during my time travelling abroad, when I returned to Scotland I was keen to find out how much the exotic climate had affected my skin.
As an aesthetician, I’m well versed in the need to apply a good quality SPF every day, especially when enjoying the sunshine. But even so, I’ll admit that in all the excitement of my travels there were a few occasions when I forgot to reapply it.
Thankfully, DRVICTORIA Clinic™ has just introduced a brand-new, state-of-the-art skin analysis machine, the OBSERV520x, so as soon as I was back at work - I was first in the queue to try it out. My results were a real eye-opener…
Under observation
Some skin conditions cannot be seen by the naked eye – that is, until they worsen with time. They say prevention is better than cure, but how can we treat these underlying skin problems before they surface?
The answer is simple – you can now see what's coming thanks to our state-of-the-art OBSERV520x skin scanner.
The OBSERV520x can detect a whole range of common skin problems that originate in the deeper layers of your skin including:
- Pigmentation & melasma
- Facial redness & broken capillaries
- Rosacea & irritated skin
- Acne & blackheads
- Dehydrated & sensitive skin
- Collagen loss & thinning skin
What’s really going on beneath your skin?
OBSERV520x's biggest benefit is early detection of your skin problems which enable you to take immediate preventive, or restorative, measures to reduce the impact of these skin conditions on your visible skin.
It shows your skin conditions by taking a series of detailed photos using a range of observation modes including:
- Daylight: This shows you what the skin looks like in natural daylight.
- Parallel Polarised: This shows you the surface texture of your skin, pore structure, fine lines and wrinkles.
- Cross Polarised: This shows you the dermal structures, vascular condition, inflammation and pigmentation.
- True UV: This shows you the pigmentation that lies deeper under your skin. It also highlights acne bacteria and excess oil.
- Simulated Woods Light: This shows you how hydrated your skin is, as well as the oil flow in the skin. It also highlights any thinning of your skin and pigmentation.
The reason these different kinds of light play such a key role is because human skin cells emit visible light in a unique way. With the OBSERV520x system, “Skin conditions can be easily identified by the unique colours and patterns that become fluorescent when exposed to true UV light. The exclusive fluorescence technology of the OBSERV520x points out an array of surface and sub-surface skin conditions with unparalleled clarity and contrast when compared to other skin diagnostic tools” (Ref 1)
A state-of-the-art skin analysis in a matter of seconds
For the best results, I recommend you come to the clinic with completely bare skin – no make-up, moisturiser, fake tan or SPF. (Or if you prefer remove everything in the toilets before your appointment - you reapply afterwards.)
The OBSERV520x takes just 15 seconds to capture a whole range of detailed images and the full results are ready in just under a minute. I can then talk you through your results and use them as a basis for recommending any appropriate treatments, products or lifestyle changes.
In total, the in-depth consultation takes around 20 to 30 minutes and you’ll leave with a completely personalised report and an infinitely more thorough understanding of what’s really going on beneath your skin.
Something more serious?
It’s important to note that the OBSERV520x at present cannot detect skin cancer. Should you be concerned about cancer please visit your GP.
My results...
Below is are 2 pictures from my OBSERV520x photos. The left shows the visible texture of my skin which I fell looks pretty good. The right shows the hidden sun damage below my skin's surface which if I don't do something about will eventually become visible create uneven skin tone or even brown spots.
The clinic did not have the OBSERV520x before I went on my travels, so unfortunately I cannot offer a direct comparison. However, I know from using similar devices in the past my pigmentation was never this bad - so a genuine shock to me.
I usually apply SPF religiously, whatever the weather. However, I’m afraid to admit there were a few occasions on my overseas adventure, which were in countries of very strong sunshine, that I completely forgot to reapply it, and the effects were clearly visible on my skin scanner photos. Lesson learned – I’ll never make that mistake again!
Thankfully, for me, these are early days - so I am going to be using Vitamin A and C skincare combined with ZO®'s Brightalive booster in platinum HydraFacial® to restore my skin cells and reduce the impact of this sun damage before it becomes a visible problem.
If you are already experiencing visible brown spots on the surface - no worries - when you come in for an OBSEV520X skin analysis we can also do an patch test for Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to check that this can be used to reduce those dark spots for you.
So, are you ready to see what lurks below and find out how we can help you maintain firm, glowing, healthy skin? If so book an appointment.
Take care x
Hannah
Author's experience
Hannah is an advanced skin therapist and a certified HydraFacial® Master with over 5 years experience in helping clients achieve skin health and a glowing complexion. Recently she went on a 3 month adventure in South East Asia and plans to explore Australia soon.
References
- The Global Beauty Group: The Science Behind OBSERV520x
Resource Links
- Skin Cancer Foundation: Surprising Signs of Sun Damage, Julie Bain, 2022
- Harvard Health Publishing: Unmasking the Causes and Treatments of Melasma, 2020
- Professional Beauty: Why Pigmentation Appears Differently on Some Skin Tones