A few years ago, hairstylist-to-the-stars Jen Atkin went to dermatologist-to-the-stars Simon Ourian with what she described as a “full-on sun-damage moustache”.
Melasma or pigmentation leads to discolouration, wherein brown or grey patches break out across the skin, leading many to slap on layers of make-up, which more often than not makes the problem worse.
Enter Ourian. Armed with his patented, non-invasive Coolaser technology, the cosmetic dermatologist in Beverly Hills, Atkin revealed, "helped take it away".
The founder of Epione Beverly Hills, who counts the Kardashians, Lady Gaga and Sofia Vergara among his celebrity clients, reveals his skincare and lifestyle hacks to The National ahead of his virtual talk at Abu Dhabi Beauty Week on Friday, February 5.
How does Coolaser technology work?
During the Coolaser procedure, the treatment area is first cooled with a special device, then a series of light pulses are flashed on the surface of the skin to stimulate cell repair and collagen growth. It’s a revolutionary method to arrest the appearance of ageing, and may be used to treat facial lines and wrinkles, sun damage, skin pigmentation and acne scarring.
What are some other non-invasive procedures you favour?
It is important to start off with analysing the skin's condition before recommending any procedure.
For instance, if you want to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin, you can look into microdermabrasion. When you have a small amount of skin damage from the natural process of ageing and sun exposure, this procedure may be a good option. You can reduce dark spots and enlarged pores, as well as diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and increase circulation to promote healthier skin with this nearly painless procedure.
Chemical peels are a great alternative to anti-ageing facial treatments because they gently strip away layers of dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth, cleansed and blemish-free. The treatment can also reduce the signs of ageing and appearance of scars. Recovery time can vary depending on the type of peel you have, and it generally takes a week to see results.
At what age do you recommend women start using anti-ageing skincare products?
The key is really to focus on a healthy lifestyle and on skincare products that boost cell renewal and collagen production, as well as repair damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. On average, mid-twenties is the recommended age to start.
What are your top lifestyle hacks for good skin?
Take time for yourself! Stay hydrated, get enough sleep and control your stress levels. These might seem obvious, but they are highly effective steps in your skincare ritual. Always remove make-up before bed – religiously. Another daily essential should be wearing sunscreen and finding a beauty routine that matches your skin type and concerns.
Despite all the precautions you take, some skins are just more prone to pimples and acne compared to others. So, if you do break out, resist the temptation to touch or scratch the bumps. This can make the problem worse and can cause scarring. In general, avoid touching your face as much as possible.
Good skincare is a combination of care, common sense and cosmetic intervention – do you agree?
Less is more and a good base is non-negotiable. I believe that everyone is born with beautiful skin and my goal is to enhance the natural beauty that was always there. Great skincare results are only meaningful when they give you that extra boost of confidence. My ambition is to provide my clients with the treatments, products and tools they need to achieve rejuvenated, radiant and healthy skin in the comfort of their own homes.
On that note, tell us more about the skincare line you’re launching in Abu Dhabi?
Having worked in this industry for more than 20 years, I am very aware that we all have different skincare needs, and this is why I designed the MDO portfolio, to ensure each product provides solutions to specific skincare concerns. MDO [focuses on] anti-ageing solutions: from the Hyaluronic Filler and Powerful EGF Ampoule treatments to the Intense Hydrating Moisturiser, which can be used daily to target signs of ageing and dehydration.
What else can we expect from your participation at Abu Dhabi Beauty Week?
It is always such a warm welcome to Abu Dhabi, which is an exciting market – not just for me, but for the whole beauty industry. I cannot wait for my masterclass with the amazing Miriam Abadi talking all things skin, learning more about skin types and effective treatments for home use. We will also be talking about the benefits of the MDO skincare line, which will all be available at the pop-up beauty boutique at Yas Mall.
Simon Ourian will be part of a panel discussion on Friday, February 5 from 2pm to 3pm. To register, visit retailabudhabi.ae, and for a chance to win a free consultation, follow @retailabudhabi
