Anti-ageing, profhilo, skin resurfacing and dangers of trends with Kerry Hanaphy

Kerry Hanaphy, a former nurse specializing in respiratory diseases and chemotherapy who later transitioned into the world of aesthetics in 2004, has earned a respected reputation as one of the country’s leading skincare authorities. Highly skilled in dermal fillers and renowned as a lip expert, Hanaphy has spent numerous years innovating facial treatments. Her ideology revolves around the belief that regardless of one’s age, great skin forms the cornerstone of physical beauty—a philosophy that is deeply embedded into the ethos of the Kerry Hanaphy Clinic.

So, what’s her secret to achieving flawless skin? According to Hanaphy, the key lies in maintaining a disciplined at-home skincare routine, which complements the results of professional treatments. She advocates for a minimalist approach to skincare, warning against using an array of different brands and overloading the skin with numerous products. Simplicity is the best policy when it comes to skincare.

For those struggling with oily or acne-prone skin, Hanaphy recommends steering clear of scented products, and minimizing the number of products used. She reveals her nighttime regime is to cleanse with a gentle cleanser to rid the skin of dirt, make-up, and pollution accumulated during the day, followed by the use of glycolic acid to exfoliate and degrease the skin, and lactic acid every alternate day for promoting a more radiant complexion. These practices help eliminate dead skin cells. In addition, she underlines the importance of retinol for promoting cell renewal primarily at night.

During the day, she suggests washing your face with only water, followed by hydrating and protecting the skin with a moisturizer and a high-quality SPF. The more straightforward you keep your skincare routine, the more likely you are to adhere to it, Hanaphy mentions.

Hanaphy has also been a vocal critic of the term ‘anti-ageing’, encouraging society to move away from viewing ageing as a negative process. She argues it’s better to focus on celebrating one’s age and promoting healthy skin, rather than being afraid of fine lines and wrinkles. Hanaphy emphasizes that through the right treatments, anyone can maintain healthy skin cells and slow down cell degeneration even at a mature age.

Hanaphy further warns against risky beauty trends that gravely distort perceptions of skincare treatments. She advises choosing aqualified medical practitioner who has the proper knowledge and experience in aesthetics to map out a plan that suits one’s facial structure, and to detect any signs of body dysmorphia.

Hanaphy’s vision for the future of skincare hinges on leveraging the power of our body’s own genetic material to stimulate regeneration and rejuvenation. She favors polynucleotides, tiny molecules associated with DNA and RNA, for their skin-revitalizing effects. They trigger cellular mechanisms that activate collagen production, elastin synthesis, and overall tissue regeneration, leading to firmer skin texture with a natural glow.

She also highlights groundbreaking skincare treatments such as Profhilo, a skin moisturizing treatment with hyaluronic acid, facilitates firmness in the skin by counteracting skin laxity. Additionally, skin resurfacing treatments featuring controlled damage by microneedling and radiofrequency are exceptional tools to tighten the face and decrease the appearance of lines. For individuals struggling with pigmentation or redness, Hanaphy recommends Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments to destroy unwanted pigment.

Pragmatic about the reality that not everyone can afford a plethora of treatments, Hanaphy is committed to creating a custom approach for each patient, focusing on what is affordable, beneficial, and effective in their unique skincare journey. After all, even the simplest thing can make an enormous impact when it comes to skincare.