6 SUNSCREEN MISTAKES NOT TO MAKE FOR CARNIVAL

Protect yourself to like yourself

Living in the land of Carnival, sun protection should be second nature. Yet sunscreen remains one of the most misunderstood (and misused!) parts of skin care. While part of the challenge is certainly remembering to apply sunscreen, the other part of the equation is how you’re doing it, so before you hit the road, remember these rules… 

1. No matter how dark your skin is, it needs sunscreen

While darker skin contains more melanin, offering some natural protection against UVB rays, it is not immune to:

• UVA damage (which causes premature ageing and skin cancer)

• Hyperpigmentation

• Melasma

• Sun-triggered inflammatory conditions

In fact, sun damage in darker skin often shows up later, as stubborn hyperpigmentation or uneven tone that is difficult to treat. Sunscreen is essential for all skin tones.

2. Sunny or not, sunscreen is non-negotiable

In the Caribbean, UV exposure is high year-round, even on cloudy or overcast days. Up to as much as 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, which means your skin is still exposed during:

• Overcast weather

• Short, outdoor errands

• Car trips or sitting near windows

Daily sunscreen use should be as routine as brushing your teeth.

3. Application matters 

Most people apply less than half the amount of sunscreen needed for proper protection. As a general guide:

• Face and neck — 2 finger-lengths of sunscreen

• Body — 30–35 ml (enough to fill a shot glass)

Applying too little dramatically reduces the level of protection — even if the SPF number is high.

4. Don’t rely solely on the SPF in makeup or moisturisers

While the SPF built into these products can contribute to protection, they are not sufficient on their own. Because they are usually applied too thinly to provide the stated SPF, they should be used in addition to a dedicated sunscreen. Think of them as a bonus layer — not your primary defence.

5. Remember to reapply

In tropical climates like ours, sunscreen breaks down faster due to sweat, heat, and humidity. Sunscreen should therefore be reapplied:

• Every 2 hours when outdoors

• Immediately after heavy sweating, swimming, or any water-based Carnival event 

Just because some sunscreens are water-resistant does not mean they are waterproof.

6. Don’t skip the sunscreen even if you have a breakout 

Many people skip sunscreen because older formulas felt greasy, clogged their pores, or caused irritation. Modern sunscreens have changed the game, offering a range of formulations to suit every skin type and condition: 

• Lightweight gels

• Fluid emulsions

• Non-comedogenic formulations

• Mineral options for sensitive skin

Believe it or not, skipping sunscreen can worsens acne, cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and increase skin sensitivity over time. Of course finding the right formula matters — and we’re happy to help you with that — but skipping protection altogether causes more harm than good.

What to look for in a Carnival-friendly sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen for two days on the road, look for:

• Broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection)

• SPF 30 or higher

• Lightweight or gel-based textures

• Non-comedogenic formulas

• Water resistance

A sunscreen you’ll wear consistently is more effective than one with a higher SPF that stays on the shelf.

At Carnival, sunscreen isn’t optional — it’s foundational skin care. Using it correctly not only protects you against sunburn, it also helps prevent premature ageing, pigmentation issues, and long-term skin damage, but you have to be consistent. Even the smallest changes in how you apply sunscreen can make a significant difference to your skin’s health over time.

WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN TO ‘LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN’?

We give you some guidance

You’ve been told to “Love the skin you’re in”, but when you’re managing conditions like acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, scarring, hair loss, or visible signs of ageing —all of which bring their own set of challenges — you also need a roadmap on how to get there.

Loving your skin is not about ignoring concerns or striving for perfection. It’s about building a healthier, more informed, and more compassionate relationship with your skin, supported by medical expertise.

Care, not cover-up

Far from being rooted in personal failure, most skin concerns are rooted in factors like genetics, hormones, inflammation, stress, or even environmental exposure.

That’s why our focus is on first identifying the underlying causes of skin conditions, making sure you understand them, and then creating treatment plans that are realistic, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique lifestyle.

A lot of patients come to us after years of over-corrective skincare — harsh products, aggressive routines, or trying a series of trends that promise instant results but deliver very few. We believe in supporting skin health, not punishing the skin for behaving imperfectly. 

Depending on individual needs, this may include:

• Medical acne management and scar reduction

• Care for chronic inflammatory conditions like eczema or psoriasis

• Treatment plans for hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone

• Anti-ageing treatments focused on skin integrity, texture, and long-term health

• Guidance for sensitive or reactive skin

Our treatment plans always balance efficacy with skin barrier protection, helping you to feel safer and more confident in your skin. 

Education that empowers

A key part of loving the skin you’re in is learning how to work with your skin, not against it, which is why we place such strong emphasis on patient education. If you search our Newsletter section, you can find useful information on practically every topic affecting Caribbean skin. 

We are believers in simplifying skincare routines to avoid irritation and burnout, as well as setting realistic timelines for improvement. Skin health is a marathon; not a sprint. When you begin to understand flare-ups and setbacks as part of the process, you’ll begin to have a more intimate relationship with your skin, knowing when to rest it and when to treat it. 

Skin neutrality

Naturally, not everyone feels ready to “love” their skin, particularly during active flare-ups or visible changes. That’s okay; we totally get that on some days, the goal is skin neutrality — accepting your skin as it is today, yet caring for it consistently without judgement, and being open enough to allow progress to happen gradually. 

Nothing worth waiting for comes all at once. In fact, the ups and downs that come with every skincare journey often lead to better adherence, healthier expectations, and improved outcomes over time. 

When you define your skin not as “good” or “bad” but rather, worthy of time, care, and compassion, your skincare is well on its way to being sustainable, and your skin will begin to see the effects. 

Glowing skin is a partnership

For us, loving the skin you’re in means supporting you through your treatment as you learn to care for your skin with patience and respect. Like everything else in life, your skin changes over time—and this is completely normal. 

Healthy skin can’t be measured solely by appearance; other things like comfort and confidence matter too.  Our job is to walk alongside you as a trusted partner in your skin journey, because when you feel supported — medically and emotionally — you’re far more likely to feel at home in your own skin.

YOUR 6-WEEK CARNIVAL GLOW GUIDE

Bring out your inner Carnival Queen!

Carnival may be a celebration, but let’s be real — it’s also a workout! Between sun, sweat, makeup, and long days on the road, your skin needs a survival strategy, so here’s our simple, dermatologist-approved, 6-week glow schedule to get your face and body looking smooth, bright, and road-ready…

Week 1 — Reset and assess

It’s a New Year, so this week is about clearing the slate:

• Use a gentle cleanser

• Apply SPF daily (yes, even if “yuh inside”)

• Introduce hydration serums

• Book your consult so you and your dermatologist can map out what best suits your skin and Carnival schedule

The goal? Calm, balanced skin that’s ready for treatments.

Week 2 — VI Peel for glow and texture

A VI Peel is the perfect Carnival starter:

• Brightens and evens skin tone

• Smooths skin texture

• Softens fine lines

Expect to see light peeling within 3-5 days, and a fresh, radiant finish after. Take advantage of our January VI Body Peel special! 

The goal? Smooth, even-toned, and visibly refreshed skin.

Week 3 — Tackling hyperpigmentation

Laser pigment removal treatments are your go-to game, highly effective for targeting dark spots caused by:

• The sun

• Acne

• Scarring, etc. 

Get 15% OFF GentleMax laser pigment removal on your hands and arms this month! 

The goal? Flawless, touchable, silky skin.

Week 4 — Laser hair removal 

Is it even Carnival without unwanted hair removal? Treat popular areas like:

• Underarms

• Bikini

• Legs

• Chin/face 

Get amazing discounts on various laser hair removal sessions throughout January! 

The goal? Long-term hair reduction and impeccable Carnival prep.

Week 5 — Hydration and skin barrier boost

Let your skin chill. Focus on:

• Deep hydration

• Barrier care

• Avoiding new products

• Limited makeup if possible

The goal? Strength, stability, and getting your glow in gear.

Week 6 — Road-ready polish

The final touches:

• A gentle facial

• Dermaplaning

• Body buffing (Morpheus treatments are great for this!)

• Final SPF upgrade and sun survival tips

The goal? From top to toe, your healthiest, most beautiful, confident Carnival skin.

Carnival isn’t just vibes, it’s self-care

In 6 simple weeks, you can glow all day and all night! Also be sure to try The Greenhouse at Serpentine for a range of well treatments that have unexpected Carnival benefits, from reducing bloating, pumping up collagen, and boosting energy! 

Happy Carnival! 

6 LASER HAIR REMOVAL MYTHS TO DITCH IN 2026!

Get in on some laser logic…

Laser hair removal has become extremely popular — yet, the myths surrounding these treatments could fill a whole fête! Here are the top misconceptions we’re officially leaving behind this year…

Myth 1 — “Lasers aren’t friendly to skin with melanin.”

While it’s true that not all lasers work well on people with darker skin tones (many clients have come to us to help them with burns as a result of misuse or misinformation), modern lasers — especially Nd:YAG — are specifically designed to be safe and effective, no matter where you fall on the Fitzpatrick Scale. Older lasers struggled, yes…but new technology targets the hair, not the melanin in your skin.

Lasers work by sending light energy into the skin, which is absorbed by a target — like hair, or excess pigment — and then converted into heat to treat the issue. Because of this, wavelength is critical when it comes to skin of colour. Melanin absorbs light, so lasers that target pigment too aggressively can also heat the surrounding skin, increasing the risk of burns, blistering and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The Nd:YAG has a longer, 1064 nm wavelength that penetrates more deeply, bypassing much of the melanin in the skin’s upper layers. The longer wavelength also absorbs less laser energy than shorter ones, and the energy is delivered directly to the hair follicle in longer pulse durations, giving the skin time to dissipate heat and leaving the surface less prone to damage.

It’s comfortable, safe and effective for everything from hair removal (yes, even tricky ingrowns) to vascular lesions and hyperpigmentation, especially if you have darker skin. 

Expertise still matters, though. lasers are tools, so the skill of your practitioner is key, as are pre- and post-treatment care, including sun exposure management. 

Myth 2 — “Laser treatments are extremely painful.”

Most people are surprised by how manageable laser treatments actually feel. They describe the feeling as a light snap, a quick burst of warmth, or short pulses of heat, but with the Nd:YAG’s adjustable setting and superior cooling technology, any discomfort is minimal. 

Even better? The sessions are speedy. The sensation lasts mere seconds at a time, and many treatment areas are completed in less then ten minutes. Underarms, upper lip, or bikini? You’re done in about five!

Advanced cooling technology also soothes the skin before, during, and after each pulse. Because everyone experiences sensation differently, treatments can also be tailored using lower settings, more frequent cooling breaks and even topical numbing if necessary. Most patients find that each session becomes easier as hair grows back finer and sparser — and it’s so worth it! 

Myth 3 — “Lasers mean instant, permanent results.”

Laser treatments are powerful, but they’re not a one-and-done solution. Real, lasting results happen gradually, and that’s actually a good thing. It’s a process: hair works in cycles, so lasers can only treat what’s active at the time of your treatment.

You’ll need a series of sessions before more lasting results take hold, but each visit reduces thickness and regrowth; visible improvement often appears days to weeks later. Laser hair removal is best described as long-term hair reduction, not permanent removal. Over time, hair grows back finer and slower, and many follicles stop producing visible hair. 

Still, occasional maintenance sessions may be needed. Think of laser hair removal as a journey, not a shortcut — one that pays off over time.

Myth 4 — “I can’t start laser if I’ve been in the sun.”

If that were true, Caribbean people would never have laser hair removal treatments! What matters most is the condition of your skin, not the fact that you’ve been outdoors.

Laser treatments are safest when your skin is not sunburned or actively inflamed. It should also not be tanned to the point of darkening or irritation. Once it’s calm and healthy, you can still do laser hair removal, especially with the right technology and settings.

We usually advise patients to avoid intense sun exposure for a short period before treatment and use daily broad-spectrum SPF. 

Myth 5 — “Shaving makes the hair grow back thicker.”

For laser hair removal, shaving is essential and encouraged. Here’s why: the laser targets the hair below the skin, at the follicle. If hair is left on the surface, it can absorb energy and cause discomfort or skin irritation. Shaving removes surface hair while leaving the follicle intact — exactly what the laser needs to work effectively. 

Shaving does not change the thickness, colour, or growth rate of hair; these are all determined by genetics and hormones, not by how you remove it. The reason it can feel thicker is because when you shave, the hair is cut straight across at the surface and the regrowth has a blunt edge instead of a tapered tip. This edge can feel rough and stubbly, creating the illusion of thicker hair, but the follicle underneath actually hasn’t changed. 

Hair removal methods that should be avoided before laser treatments include waxing, plucking, threading, and any other method that removes the hair from the root, leaving nothing for the laser to target. Ideally, you should shave 24-48 hours before your laser appointment so that your skin is clean, calm, and free of irritation, allowing the laser to deliver energy safely and efficiently to the follicle.

Myth 6 — “Laser hair removal is only for women.”

Laser hair removal is for anyone who wants smoother skin, less irritation, or easier grooming, regardless of gender. In fact, more men are choosing laser hair removal for both comfort and convenience. Chest, back, beard shaping, necklines — laser has become a go-to treatment for avoiding bumps and irritation.

Plus it’s not for cosmetic reasons alone, but for skin health and practicality. Laser hair removal helps alleviate chronic razor bumps and ingrown hairs, as well as irritation from shaving or trimming. It also helps manage thick, fast-growing hair, and relieves heat and discomfort in hair-dense areas. Because lasers reduce regrowth over time, grooming is easier and the skin becomes calmer — win/win! 

The bottom line

Laser hair removal is safer, smarter, and more effective than ever, especially for Caribbean skin tones. This is the year to forget the myths and enjoy smooth, confident skin on your terms.

10 REASONS TO BOOK YOUR NEW YEAR SKIN CHECK

Your skin will thank you

The end of one year and the start of another is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, reset, and give your skin a proper once-over. A quick dermatology check can help you enter 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a personalised plan to put your best face forward… 

1. Refresh your routine — Ever thought your skin might be dull because the products you’ve come to rely on no longer match its current needs? We can help pinpoint what’s still serving you and what needs tweaking. 

2. Detect to protect — Skin cancer is real. A dermatological consultation can help identify tiny changes and potential problem areas long before you notice them. We examine moles, freckles, tags and other skin marks — especially those that may have changed shape or colour — and help you update your sun protection plan for the upcoming dry season. 

3. Put an end to procrastination — The more you ignore small issues, the worse they become (and the harder they are to treat). Now is the perfect time to deal with pesky skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, melasma, or dark spots that have worsened over the past year.

4. Tackle acne — When persistent acne goes untreated, the danger of scarring becomes a real possibility, but handled correctly, you can enjoy the radiance and confidence that clear skin brings. 

5. Catch hormonal skin shifts — Particularly for women, the skin is often the first place to show signs of stress and age; it’s also a reliable gauge for detecting hidden health changes in men, women and children.

6. Create a long-term anti-ageing plan — Are you doing everything possible to protect your skin from premature ageing? An annual skin check can help formulate a strategy, including the use of injectables or other treatments if that appeals to you.

7. Get personalised and trustworthy medical advice — Social media is great at making users aware of products and treatments, but when it comes to skin health, you’re better off consulting your dermatologist than guessing what’s best for you based on TikTok trends.

8. Go head to toe — People may forget that dermatology is so much more than skin; it extends to the health of the scalp and nails. Sometimes, hair and nail conditions can signal other wellness concerns, so it’s a good idea to get them checked out. 

9. Prep for upcoming events — Most of our patients don’t just visit us when they have a concern; they also regularly use our medi-spa for skin treatments that give them that glow for special occasions like weddings, graduations, Carnival, and even work functions.

10. Start the year with confidence — Your skin is one of the first things people notice when they meet you, so make sure you’re sending the right message. A New Year checkup can help you formulate your skin health goals, devise a clear plan, and ultimately enjoy the freedom that comes from healthier skin.