Dr Leah will see you now: The Apprentice winner gives her advice for reinventing your skincare and body after a summer of indulgence

I hope your lazy summer days have left you with a glowing complexion and glowing memories. However, if like me you have slightly over indulged on your summer holiday and are thinking of hiding beneath mounds of work (and roll neck sweaters) until next summer, think again.

Winter is the perfect time to rejuvenate and restore sun damaged skin and tackle the extra bulge associated one too many summer BBQs.

A bit of remodelling and revamping means that you can stride back into the office or onto campus feeling more refreshed, refined and confident to take on the world.

Prevent the damage in the first place

As good as it feels to sunbathe the summer sun can really take its toll on your skin. This is due to the damaging UV rays which can penetrate deep into the layers of your skin which can lead to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots (pigmentation).

In fact, is thought that over 80% of premature ageing is caused by the UV damage, not to mention dehydration, dryness and sunburn which can leave the skin feeling tight and parched.  

Fortunately, there are treatments available to help reverse the damage and improve the overall health of the skin. But do remember sun damage can be permanent so always wear a minimum of SPF 30-50 every day (not just on sunny days).  

Peel to reveal 

Peels are a simple and fast way to rejuvenate your complexion by removing dead and damaged skin cells and exposing a fresh layer of skin beneath.  As well as working to achieve a more radiant and youthful appearance, peels can also be used to dramatically lessen the effects of more upsetting skin conditions, allowing cosmeceutical treatments to penetrate more readily to heal the skin and your confidence. 

As a doctor I have done my homework, as you would expect, and plumped for the DermaQuest collection of peels which are deliciously caring as well as being extremely effective. The treatments are rich in botanical stem cells, peptides and vitamins, designed with hydrating and protective ingredients which are vital for maintaining different aspects of skin integrity. 

It is important that you have a consultation to decide which is the most suitable peel for your skin type and to help you address the issues which are of most concern:

For brighter skin - Essential Enzyme Treatment: If your skin is dull an enzymatic exfoliation treatment is excellent option. It uses enzymes to brighten the complexion and leave you looking considerably more hydrated.

For clearer skin - Acne Peel: If you are looking for a way to tackle acne, this is the perfect peel to address red, sore breakouts and to work towards a clearer complexion.

For even-toned skin - Skin Brite Peel: Formulated to banish dark spots, this treatment uses the powers of brightening botanicals and the latest in illuminating ingredients for a lustrous glow.

For smoother skin - Peptide Peel: To knock off the years, the Peptide Peel is a powerful age-management treatment. Peptides have the unique ability to plump and smooth the skin, improving fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment is perfect for anyone seeking a smother and more youthful appearance. 

For rejuvenated skin - Pumpkin Peel: The Pumpkin Peel is definitely DermaQuest’s most asked for and talked about treatment and it really is unlike any other peel.

Skin resurfacing 

To prevent premature ageing and fine lines it is important to stimulate the deeper dermal structures in the skin. I treat my patients in my clinics with the latest non-ablative laser technology called ClearLift which offers virtually pain free skin resurfacing. This achieves firmer, plumper and more rejuvenated skin with no recovery time and can be carried out in as little as 20 minutes.

Treatment can be carried out anywhere on the face, neck and decollate and additional benefits include a decrease in eye puffiness, dark circles and pigment marks. A course of 6 treatments is usually recommended to remodel and firm skin from deep within. 

Beat the bulge 

I am a firm believer in a well-balanced diet, regular exercise and healthy living but let be honest, what are summer holidays for if you can’t enjoy an appetising evening meal followed by ice cream and Sangria or two? But if this has left you squeezing into your skinny jeans, then now is a good time to get back in to the gym or walking up the escalators.

However, there are treatments out there which can give you a kick start such as 3D LipoMed fat freezing and body contouring.

As the name implies, fat freezing is a process during which your fat cells are effectively frozen and destroyed then dispelled naturally by the body over a period of 16 weeks. It is suitable for tummy, thighs and arms, and most clients see around a 30% reduction in the treated areas.

This is a one-off treatment which is virtually pain free and doesn’t require any downtime which is why it is one of the most popular treatments in my own clinic. As the results take up to 16 weeks this can also be a great treatment to have to prep for (dare I say it) the looming Christmas party season.  

For more information please visit drleah.co.uk

Dr Leah gives her professional advice on reversing the damage