Boston Clinic (UK) Ltd.

Press Release - The Mirror Magazine

Saving face: how to erase the sun's rays.

Skin cancer and wrinkles are not the only downsides of sun-worshipping - open pores, spider veins, sunspots and acne can all pop up after that than has faded. We asked four M readers to put some of the latest damage-reversing treatments to the test…

Keelie Hartigan, 34, public relations executive
The problem: Freckles, sunspots and patches of dark pigmentation.
The solution: TCA (short for trichloroacetic acid) peels.
The cost: £750 (for five treatments at £150 per treatment).

A TCA peel removes dead layers of skin cells, penetrating to the dermis - the middle layer of skin - and speeding up the renewal of tissue.

The treatment zaps sunspots, shrinks pores and leaves the face looking less weathered. Treatments are carried out every two weeks and there is redness for two days after each procedure, followed by mild scabbing and peeling. Between treatments, patients are advised to use sunscreen with a 30-plus SPF. They are sent home with a cream containing anti-ageing vitamins and free-radical scavengers (which combat cells that kill healthy tissue).

Keelie says: 'The results were noticeable after the first treatment - my freckles and sunspots faded. However, there was a little discomfort during treatment and my skin felt very dry immediately afterwards.'

Verdict: 7/10

Keelie received her TCA treatments at the Boston Clinic (UK) Ltd. in London;

Call 020 7229 3904 or see www.boston-clinic.co.uk.