Saying Goodbye To Wrinkles With

SAYING GOODBYE TO WRINKLES WITH SILICONE

B y N i k k i W e l l s

Plastic surgeons have long known the natural healing benefits of silicone. For decades now, the use of silicone on postsurgical wounds, and with burns patients has been common-place in hospitals worldwide. Internationally, the use of silicone is considered the first-line form of scar management – and it is this medical recommendation that has driven the crossover of the use of silicone masks into the aesthetics industry for rejuvenating purposes.

Here in Australia, surgeons have utilised silicone in most major hospitals for over 30 years in the form of silicone gel sheeting (SGS) or scar therapy. There have been many clinical evaluations to determine the efficacy of the use of silicone gel sheeting. And, whilst the precise mechanisms by which it improves hypertrophic scars, keloid development and recovery are yet to be completely agreed upon, the ability of silicone therapy to do so is undisputed.

It was one of Queensland’s leading plastic surgeons who recommended silicone gel sheeting to me post-surgery several years ago. Following several major surgeries, combined with a scar revision surgery, it was fair to say that my body was the perfect science experiment! My surgeon recommended I use silicone sheets and remain dedicated to wearing them with the promise of a much-improved scar healing process. Upon following his instructions, despite the extreme expense at the time, the end result was far more impressive than I could have imagined. It was this personal process and first-hand experience for me which triggered the conversation with my plastic surgeon about the benefits of the use of these sheets within the aesthetics industry. But, does this same science of scar healing transfer to the reduction of wrinkles, and other dermal benefits within the aesthetics industry. The resounding answer is a very happy “yes”! Silicone masks used for skin “smoothing” are far more than just a trend – there are many clinical studies, and science behind the use of them. Whilst scars and wrinkles are structurally different, they are both related to collagen – and this is why the science behind silicone masks has been grasped with both hands by the aesthetics industry. Silicone masks themselves are made simply of silicone and oxygen. Some may say that the use of silicone and oxygen cannot possibly reduce wrinkles. But it is this very simplicity that is the beauty and the major attraction to millions of women and salon owners around the world. When placed on the skin, the silicone mask creates a microclimate perfect for moisture. The skin is sealed so that no air can get underneath the silicone mask, so moisture is drawn to the surface of the skin, plumping wrinkles and fine lines. Along with bringing moisture to the surface of the skin, the silicone mask helps to increase blood flow and stimulate collagen production and skin elasticity. Silicone masks are re-usable, making them an extremely affordable add-on to any treatment, and an easy-sell when it comes to retailing. Skin therapists are embracing the simple technology behind silicone masks due to their accelerated healing ability, and amplification of in-clinic treatment results. Not only are the benefits of using silicone masks alone impressive, but the advantages of prescribing silicone masks as a take home treatment to increase the effectiveness of treatments and reduce the healing time. Recent studies have been conducted where 2 groups underwent skin needling treatments for keloid and hypertrophic scars. In Group A, the entire scar was treated by skin needling, with silicone applied to half of the scar. In Group B, patients were treated with silicone on the whole scar, with only half of the scar also treated with skin needling. During follow-up visits, clinical photographs, evaluation of the scars’ thickness, skin ultrasound and modified Vancouver Scar Scale were performed.

Group A showed showed an average improvement of 68% (P < .01) on the half of the scar with the combination treatment (skin needling plus silicone gel) compared with a 52% improvement on the half of the scar that was treated with only skin needling. Group B showed an average improvement of 63% (P < .01) where the combination treatment was performed, compared with 47% improvement on the area treated with only the silicone. [September 2016 Advances in Skin & Wound Care 29(9):408-411]

Advanced skin treatments such as needling (clinical results above), dermaplaning, plasma fibroblast, HIFU, along with well-loved “traditional” style facial treatments (microdermabrasion, facials, peels), will all benefit from the improved healing power of silicone masks used as an athome treatment. The question of the use of silicone masks in conjunction with injectables is one which often is raised. Once again, the skin health benefits of the use of these popular masks post injectables is to be encouraged given the natural healing abilities. Injectable treatments are utilised by those wanting to improve their lines/wrinkles, therefore it just makes good sense to combine injectables with at-home use of silicone masks. As silicone masks support the body’s ability to naturally hydrate the skin, increase microcirculation and enhance collagen production, they have the innate ability have a cumulative effect (they are re-usable remember), and enhance in-salon treatments – and this is why the aesthetics industry is falling more in love with the use of silicone masks every day. With the widespread knowledge of the multitude of benefits for salon/clinic owners for their customers, their customers results, and their own bottom line, there is no wonder why silicone masks are one of the world’s leading retail products and add-ons in the aesthetics industry today. Nikki Wells is the CEO of diva skincare co who are the exclusive distributors of Goodbye Wrinkles. Formerly the President of the Australasian Spa Association, and Board Director with the Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition, Nikki has been retained as a consultant by Ritz Carlton Hotels North America, Sandals Resorts worldwide, and is a dedicated mentor to hundreds of spas and salons throughout Australasia. Nikki is a current sitting judge on the ABIA’s, and runs an exclusive business owner’s success group, “Salon Masterminds”.

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