I recently spoke to Dr Rebecca Hill - doctor of 6 years and aesthetic practitioner of 3 - who told me all about her passion for aesthetics, the best treatment for injectable virgins and when we should all be getting serious about our skincare routines.
A lot of people want tweakments but are afraid/ unsure where to start. What’s a good treatment for injectable virgins?
I would have to say Profhilo, which is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable treatment. Unlike fillers, which also use HA, it doesn’t have a volumising effect. It’s a much more fluid product that dissipates into the skin, improving the extracellular environment, and it has been shown to boost collagen and elastin in the area.
With fillers, there’s a small risk of occlusions, but with Profhilo - as long as it's done by a medically qualified practitioner who is well versed in injectables - you don’t have the same risks. The product isn't as thick, and the injection sites are chosen specifically because of the lack of large vessels, making it relatively safe. And, for first timers who don’t want dramatic results, there won't be any obvious changes - just great looking skin.
Sounds good! Tell us more about Profhilo
The great thing about Profhilo is that it has different effects depending on the age of the client. For older patients with loose, crepey skin, it has a skin tightening effect. Whereas, for patients in their 30s, it won’t make as dramatic a difference to lines and wrinkles, but will give a very moisturised look to the skin. Some even describe it as an airbrushed effect.
The important thing to remember about Profhilo is that it’s not a quick fix; it takes time to see optimum results. That’s not to say you won’t see any straight away, but just be aware that if you’re planning an important event, you’ll want to book your Profhilo treatments at least 8 weeks in advance.
What treatment do you love performing most?
I love cheeks and midface volumisation, using a cannula. The midface is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, but you can often see really nice, subtle effects with fillers. They give a fresh, natural look and are a great way to give the entire face a rejuvenated look.
Often, when people think they need tear trough filler, it's mid face volume loss that's the issue. From our mid 30s, we start to lose volume from the face and, unfortunately, it's not just our fat pads that start to diminish, our bones also start to recede, so you may find that it's a case of building up the structure of your face. Patients often come in thinking they want one thing, but that’s the importance of a consultation. It will often show that another treatment can actually give them a better outcome than the one they were expecting.
When, ideally, should you get serious about your skincare routine?
Ideally, you should have a good, basic skincare routine from your 20s. This should include using a good cleanser, exfoliator, AHA/BHA toner and an anti-oxidant cream, such as ZO Daily Power Defense. And you should, really, use sunscreen daily from childhood.
In your 30s, in addition to your basic routine, you might want to also introduce a retinol and a vitamin C serum. If you have specific skin issues, such as rosacea, acne or pigmentation issues, this is also a good time to start working on these. I’d also suggest introducing treatments such as chemical peels to really boost new skin cell growth and help collagen production.
Is it ever too late to start a skincare routine?
It’s never too late to start a good skincare routine. One of my patients only ever used to use a baby wipe in the morning and again in the evening, but she came to see me with some skin concerns and I managed to convince her to use a good cleanser, exfoliator and a good, dedicated SPF. She's noticed a definite difference in her skin, which she now says feels really clean and fresh. It’s all about starting with the basics and working on it from there.
I also like to give people really simple but effective tips that can make a difference to their skin. For example, don't touch your face - we do this hundreds of times a day, transferring dirt to our face and increasing risk of infection; wash your hands regularly, and always make sure they’re clean before washing your face; keep your makeup brushes clean; always use a clean towel when you wash your face. These are all just little reminders but can make a huge difference.
What does being an aesthetic practitioner mean to you?
Aesthetics is an absolute passion for me. My love for it comes from a combination of having a medical background, an enjoyment of using my hands and a love of skin care and beauty. It’s perfect because it’s a branch of medicine that allows me to use my hands but also use my artistic flair.
Without wanting to sound corny, it really doesn’t feel like work because I enjoy it so much. I’m a chatty person, and I love seeing and speaking to people. It’s very much about developing relationships and building trust and bonds. As well as enhancing someone’s appearance, you’re also someone for them to talk to, open up to and get to know. It’s a long-term relationship.
I hate the conveyor belt mentality you sometimes see in this industry, where a patient comes in, you treat them and they leave. Instead, I like for people to come in and feel comfortable and confident, and I want them to know that I’m going to look after them and that they can call me 24/7. You can’t get into aesthetics because of the money. It has to be because you have a passion for it.
If you're a medically qualified practitioner and would like to be featured in the Glowday Practitioner Spotlight series, get in touch with me at victoria.palmer@glowday.com or via Instagram @victoria.glowday