By Dr. Maureen Allem, renowned Founder and Medical Director of Skin Renewal, has been at the forefront of the aesthetic industry for years, pioneering non-surgical treatments and holistic approaches to beauty. Her passion for empowering individuals to look and feel their best has driven her to stay ahead of the curve.
In this exclusive feature, Dr. Allem shares her insights on the latest trends and advancements in the aesthetic industry, from cutting-edge treatments and technologies to the importance of nutrition and wellness. Her knowledge and passion for empowering individuals to achieve optimal health and beauty, Dr. Allem is the perfect guide to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetics and wellness.
Leari Lifestyles: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a medical doctor specialising in dermatology?
Dr. Allem: I began my career as a general practitioner in busy hospital wards and emergency rooms, but everything changed when I experienced the transformative power of Botox. It wasn’t just about smoothing wrinkles—it made me feel empowered and renewed. That spark led me to create Skin Renewal, where I bridge the gap between looking great and feeling fantastic. Today, as a pioneer in non-surgical aesthetics in South Africa, I proudly train others in Botox, filler, aesthetic modalities procedures and wellness, championing a holistic approach to optimal health that redefines beauty.
Leari Lifestyles: What are the most common skin concerns you see in your patients and how do you address them?
Dr. Allem: At Skin Renewal, I frequently see patients dealing with acne, pigmentation issues like melasma, the redness and sensitivity caused by Rosacea, and, of course, the visible signs of aging skin. My approach isn’t just about a quick fix. I combine cutting-edge treatments like laser therapies, chemical peels, and injectables, but I also dig deeper. I want to understand the “why “ behind the skin issues – are there hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or lifestyle factors contributing? It’s a holistic puzzle I enjoy solving.
Leari Lifestyles: Can you share four insights into the latest trends and advancements in dermatology and skin care?
Dr. Allem: There’s so much happening in the aesthetics space and it is ever-evolving! Here are a few things that have me excited:
* At IMCAS 2025, medical-grade dermaceuticals stole the show, proving that modern skin health deserves science-backed solutions. These potent formulas penetrate deeply, targeting issues like collagen loss, pigmentation, and aging at their source. With clinically tested active ingredients, they offer proven results for even the toughest skin challenges. With treatments tailored by licensed professionals, this approach bridges aesthetics and medicine, ushering in a new era of regenerative beauty.
* Personalised Combination Treatments and the “Multiplier” Effect. One size does not fit all when it comes to skin. I’m a big believer in tailoring treatment regimens to each individual, combining therapies like Laser, Carboxytherapy, Skin Tightening treatments, RF needling and injectables to achieve optimal, natural-looking results.
* Regenerative Therapies: The body has an amazing capacity to heal itself. I’m increasingly using the latest technologies, including Polynucleotide Biostimulators PRP, Growth Factors, Stem cells, Carboxytherapy, IV Ozone, and Energy Based Devices to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin from within.
* Advanced Technologies to treat the three main causes of Aging, namely Senescence, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation: We are constantly evaluating new technologies. I’m particularly excited about devices like Pico Laser, Cutera Laser Genesis, Secret RF Needling and Endymed RF for skin tightening as they improve collagen stimulation and address the three main causes of aging mentioned above and ! without surgery!
* Holistic Wellness Integration: This is huge for me as I am constantly trying to discover what the underlying cause of medical conditions are and I’m increasingly integrating functional medicine approaches to address skin issues from the inside out. What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on it.
Leari Lifestyles: What role does nutrition play in maintaining healthy skin and are there any specific foods or supplements you recommend?
Dr. Allem: Nutrition is critical! I always emphasize to my patients that what they eat directly impacts their skin health. I recommend incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens, “eat the rainbow, “as well as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. The average adult should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, which is the minimum to maintain muscle mass.
Supplements like Vit D 3, Probiotics, Magnesium, Zinc and various vitamins provide valuable support. Sulforaphane is a powerful compound derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, known for its wide-ranging health benefits. It is particularly valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. It’s all about nourishing and restoring the skin from the inside.
Leari Lifestyles: How do you determine the best course of treatment for each patient and what factors do you consider?
Dr. Allem: When I’m creating a treatment plan for a patient, I consider everything: their medical history, lifestyle, current skincare routine, hormonal balance, and, of course, their specific skin concerns and goals. It’s not just about treating the surface; it’s about understanding the underlying causes and comprehensively addressing them. I integrate advanced aesthetic techniques with a functional medicine perspective to achieve sustainable, long-lasting results.
Leari Lifestyles: How do you define beauty, and what advice do you give patients who are struggling with body image or self-esteem issues?
Dr. Allem: To me, beauty is a reflection of both physical appearance and inner confidence. It’s about feeling comfortable and happy in your skin. I always encourage my patients to focus on overall health and self-acceptance and to use treatments to enhance their natural features rather than chasing an unrealistic ideal. Positive self-talk and realistic goal-setting are key.
Leari Lifestyles: What are some common lifestyle habits that can negatively impact skin health, and how can people make positive changes?
Dr. Allem: Our daily habits have a profound impact on our skin’s health. The notorious 4 S’s—sun damage, smoking, stress, and lack of sleep—along with poor diet and inadequate sun protection, can all take a toll on your natural glow. But here’s the uplifting truth: every small, positive change you make brings you closer to radiant, rejuvenated skin. Small changes can make a big difference.
Leari Lifestyles: Are there any specific beauty or skincare trends that you’re excited about or think are worth exploring?
Dr. Allem: I’m really excited about the increased interest by patients in achieving more natural results rather than the “overfilled ” look and focusing on skin health rather than just quick fixes. The aesthetics industry needs to move in this direction and ensure that what we are doing to our patients is not only safe but also effective. Also, the integration of regenerative therapies such as polynucleotides into our arsenal of injectables is going to be game-changing!
Leari Lifestyles: What advice would you give to our readers who are looking to improve their skin health or address specific skin concerns?
Dr. Allem: If you’re looking to improve your skin health or address specific concerns, my biggest piece of advice is to visit an aesthetic professional, preferably an aesthetic doctor, to establish a consistent skincare routine of Dermaceuticals that includes topical and oral anti-oxidants, repairing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier and skin hydration, and daily sun protection. Medical grade dermacare products elevate skin health far beyond over-the-counter options by harnessing high concentrations of potent ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants, and acids, which deliver faster, more noticeable results for acne, pigmentation, and aging. These advanced formulas penetrate deep into the dermis—where collagen and elastin are produced—to tackle issues at their source. Clinically validated, they provide proven safety and efficacy while being tailored by professionals to meet individual needs. This personalized, science-backed approach makes medical-grade skincare the superior choice for achieving lasting, transformative skin health. Less is often more. In addition, consulting with a qualified aesthetic doctor for personalised advice and treatment recommendations A professional assessment can prevent costly mistakes! Don’t try every viral trend you see online.
Leari Lifestyles: Are there any upcoming events, promotions, or new services that Skin Renewal is offering that our readers should know about?
Dr. Allem: A major topic of discussion at IMCAS 2025 was the transformative impact of semaglutides (e.g., Ozempic) and tirzepatide (e.g., Mounjaro) on the global aesthetic and weight loss industries. Key insights from these discussions include:
1. Integration into Aesthetic Practices: Weight loss has become a critical component of medical aesthetics, reflecting a growing demand for holistic solutions that address both appearance and overall health.
2. Regulatory Variability: The role of semaglutides and tirzepatide in aesthetic practices remains uncertain due to differing medical regulations across countries. For example, South Africa’s SAHPRA is currently reviewing submissions from various manufacturers and distributors.
3. Concerns Over Counterfeit Products: The rise in counterfeit and unregulated products, often entering through non-medical channels and unapproved products, poses significant health risks. While some are linked to unethical medical professionals, most originate outside legitimate practices.
Exciting News from Skin Renewal!
4. Skin Renewal’s Approach: Skin Renewal plans to incorporate these medications into its established, successful weight loss program under SAHPRA’s guidance and under medical supervision. The clinic strongly advises patients to undertake these weight loss treatments only under medical supervision and to ensure medications are sourced from reputable SAHPRA-registered manufacturers.
This reflects the industry’s commitment to balancing innovation with patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Having 20 branches across South Africa, there are frequent events, weekly competitions, or special promotions happening.
The best way to stay up-to-date on aesthetics and anti-aging is to visit our website, www.skinrenewal.co.za, or follow us on social media to keep up with new treatments, events, and promotions. We’d love to see you!