When most people hear “Alkaline Wash,” they think of hair removal — especially for stubborn facial or body hair. But that’s only the beginning of what this advanced treatment can do. In the hands of a fully DMK MD-certified professional like Ana Barreto, Alkaline Wash becomes a powerful tool for skin revision, able to address a wide spectrum of skin concerns safely and effectively.

Ana is one of the few practitioners in London holding this advanced qualification, giving her permission to use Alkaline Wash far beyond mere hair removal. In this blog, we’ll explore the full breadth of its uses, why certification matters, and how Ana integrates it into bespoke treatment plans.

What is Alkaline Wash / PH Revision?

At its core, Alkaline Wash (also known as pH Revision in the DMK lexicon) temporarily shifts the skin’s naturally slightly acidic pH into a more alkaline state. This controlled and brief alteration allows for deep softening, swelling, and dissolution of redundant (dead or damaged) tissue, making it easier to remove or revise it. DMK describes that this process “swells, softens and dissolves redundant tissue” — enabling correction of pigmentation, scarring, acne, and signs of ageing.

Unlike traditional exfoliants that use acidic or mechanical methods, this is a base-driven process—a different chemical pathway that can reach areas acids may not. Some DMK sources refer to Alkaline Wash as a “powerful exfoliant in the DMK MD collection that uses high, basic pH levels to open skin pathways and eliminate dead skin.”

Because of its potency however, its wider uses (beyond hair removal) are intentionally restricted to MD-level practitioners — those with advanced training in DMK’s paramedical approach.

Conditions That Alkaline Wash Can Safely Address

Below is a summary of the many skin issues that Alkaline Wash / pH Revision is used for (when performed by a certified, skilled practitioner):

General hair removal on face & body
Excessive facial hair, especially on acne-prone skin
Embedded or congested hair follicles, folliculitis, and ingrown hairs
Active acne (especially when combined with other DMK protocols)
Milia (small keratin-filled cysts)
Rosacea and reactive/red skin
Fine lines and deeper wrinkles (for resurfacing)
Hyperpigmentation and sun damage on face and body
Post-acne scarring, post-surgical scarring
Razor bumps / pseudofolliculitis
Stretch marks (by resurfacing and remodeling)
Sun damage on décolleté, arms, legs
Removal of rough, thickened skin or calluses on feet

Many DMK-based treatment menus confirm it being part of scar revision, pigmentation, stretch mark protocols, and more.

In some advanced training curricula (e.g. DMK’s paramedical skin revision training), Alkaline Wash is grouped with RP and Pro Alpha Peel as pH variations used for deep resurfacing.

Why Only MD-Certified Professionals Can Use It Fully

The risk and reward of Alkaline Wash lie in precision, timing, and skin assessment. Because the treatment temporarily shifts the skin’s pH, it can be overly aggressive (if left on too long or used incorrectly) — risking irritation, uneven resurfacing, or trauma in sensitive skin.

That’s why only DMK MD-certified professionals are permitted to use Alkaline Wash for any of these advanced indications beyond hair removal. These practitioners undergo rigorous paramedical training to understand how to control the reaction, sequence with other DMK therapies, and ensure safe outcomes.

Ana Barreto holds this advanced certification, placing her among an elite group of skin specialists in London who offer true skin revision using Alkaline Wash. Her training gives her the expertise to harness this treatment safely for acne, pigmentation, scarring, rosacea, and more.

How Ana Uses Alkaline Wash In Practice

When you come to Ana for a consultation, she doesn’t treat the skin by protocol — she treats you. Her process often includes:

Skin evaluation & history
She examines skin stability, previous treatments, barrier strength, and client goals.
Pre-conditioning & enzyme therapy
To prepare skin for deeper work, Ana may use enzyme therapies to detoxify and balance.
Tailored Alkaline Wash protocol
Depending on your skin, she adjusts formula strength, duration, and whether multiple zones are treated.
Layering with other DMK modalities
Often paired with enzyme therapy, corrective peels (RP, Pro Alpha), or mask/infusions for synergy.
Post-care & home regimen
Healing, hydration, barrier support, and sun protection become essential. Microneedling or other follow-up therapies may be added later.

Real-World Transformations

Because Alkaline Wash is broad in scope, the transformations can be profound:

Acne-prone clients may see reduction in congestion, clearer pores, fewer breakouts
Pigmentation cases may notice a more even tone and fading of pigmented patches
Scarring and texture issues (e.g. stretch marks, post-acne indentations) may soften
Sun-damaged skin, fine lines, and ageing can appear brighter, smoother, revitalised

Risks, Contraindications & the Importance of Expertise

Though powerful, Alkaline Wash isn’t right for everyone. Contraindications may include:

Extremely thin or fragile skin
Recent isotretinoin usage
Active skin infections or open wounds
Severe rosacea with fragility
Pregnancy or hormonal imbalances (must be assessed)

Because Ana is MD-certified, she knows precisely when not to treat, how to test safely, and how to retreat to maintain skin health. That level of clinical judgement is what separates a treatment from a complication.

Final Thoughts: A Single Treatment, Many Solutions

Alkaline Wash is remarkable because, in the right hands, it becomes a multi-purpose skin revision tool—not just hair removal. It’s capable of addressing acne, pigmentation, scarring, texture, ageing, and more. But only advanced DMK MD practitioners like Ana Barreto have the training and authority to wield it beyond hair removal safely.

If you’ve ever thought your skin had “too many things to fix at once,” Alkaline Wash may actually be the unifying solution your skin needs. And since Ana is among the few London specialists certified to use it as such — booking a consultation is not just skin care, but access to one of the highest levels of DMK care.

Perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause are natural stages in every woman’s life. While they mark powerful transitions, the changes they bring to the skin can often feel overwhelming. Dryness, breakouts, wrinkles, thinning, and loss of elasticity don’t just alter how skin looks — they can also affect how women feel about themselves.

At AB Beauty, we believe these stages don’t have to mean the end of radiant, healthy skin. With the right knowledge, professional treatments, and a prescriptive approach, your skin can thrive before, during, and after menopause.

In this article, we’ll explore:

The most common changes skin goes through in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause
Why the right skincare approach is essential at every stage
How to care for skin during these transitions
How Ana Barreto, Skin Specialist and founder of AB Beauty — who is herself navigating perimenopause — has improved her own skin with a prescriptive treatment regime

What Happens to Skin in Perimenopause, Menopause & Post-Menopause?

Hormonal shifts, especially the decline of oestrogen, affect the skin at every stage. Oestrogen is crucial for collagen production, hydration, and elasticity. As levels fluctuate and drop, the skin undergoes a series of changes that can feel sudden and difficult to manage.

Some of the most common concerns include:

Dryness & itchiness – fewer oils and ceramides mean tighter, uncomfortable skin.

Loss of elasticity – reduced collagen and elastin lead to sagging and dullness.
Breakouts – hormonal imbalance can trigger adult acne, even for those who never had it before.
Skin thinning – with less collagen, skin becomes fragile and heals slowly.
Sun damage – pigmentation and age spots often become more visible.
Wrinkles & loss of definition – fine lines deepen, jawlines soften, and skin loses bounce.

Common Skin Concerns in Detail

Dryness & Itchiness

With fewer natural oils, the skin barrier weakens. This often leads to flakiness, tightness, and irritation.

Loss of Elasticity

Collagen loss is steep — research shows up to 30% can disappear in the first five years after menopause. Skin becomes looser and less resilient.

Breakouts

Hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause and menopause can trigger breakouts. Slower skin cell turnover also means pores clog more easily.

Skin Thinning

Fragility increases, making skin prone to irritation and slower to heal. Treatments must be chosen with care.

Sun Damage

Age spots and pigmentation appear more prominent, as skin’s ability to defend and repair itself weakens.

Wrinkles & Loss of Definition

Fine lines deepen, and structural changes become more noticeable around the mouth, eyes, and jawline.

Why the Right Approach Matters

During perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, skin becomes more sensitive and complex. Harsh routines or “one-size-fits-all” products can worsen symptoms. At the same time, ignoring changes allows dryness, thinning, and wrinkles to accelerate.

This is why a prescriptive approach is essential. Every woman’s skin is unique — it deserves treatments and prescriptions that adapt to its changing needs.

At AB Beauty, Skin Specialist Ana combines advanced professional treatments with tailored prescriptive routines, ensuring long-term skin health and results.

How to Care for Skin During These Stages

While personalised care is best, here are universal strategies that support healthy skin:

Hydrate deeply – gentle cleansers and ceramide-rich moisturisers.
Repair the barrier – avoid stripping products; prioritise strengthening treatments.
Daily sun protection – broad-spectrum SPF is crucial year-round.
Advanced treatments – peels, enzyme therapy, and microneedling help restore elasticity, reduce pigmentation, and improve resilience.

How AB Beauty Can Help

Ana has curated a portfolio of treatments specifically suited for menopausal skin at every stage:

DMK Enzyme Therapy

Works at a cellular level to rebuild the skin
Improves hydration and circulation
Strengthens the barrier

Peels

Controlled resurfacing that tackles pigmentation, fine lines, and uneven texture
Especially effective in cooler months

RevitaGlow Facial (with Anesi Lab)

Exclusive to AB Beauty
Uses saline solution for non-invasive exfoliation — gentler than microcrystals
Delivers deep cleansing and radiant glow
Bespoke, using a combination of techniques to maximise results

Microneedling with Toskani Serums

Scientifically formulated mesotherapy serums target ageing at a cellular level
Boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, and restore elasticity

Ana’s Personal Story: Navigating Perimenopause

For Ana, this isn’t just professional — it’s personal.
As a perimenopausal woman, Ana began experiencing unexpected changes in her own skin:
**Acne breakouts** she hadn’t seen in years;
**Loss of elasticity**, leaving her skin uneven and tired;
**Frustration** as her old routine no longer worked.
With her expertise as a Skin Specialist, Ana created a prescriptive regime for herself:

DMK Enzyme Therapy to rebuild her skin’s resilience
A personalised RevitaGlow Facial plan to restore clarity and radiance
Microneedling with Toskani serums to stimulate collagen
Carefully prescribed skincare products to maintain her results at home

Her transformation was remarkable — not just in her skin, but in her confidence. This lived experience gives Ana unique empathy and understanding, allowing her to guide clients with both expertise and compassion.

Why Choose a Skin Specialist Like Ana?

Award-winning recognition — Ana’s expertise has been recognised with DMK Award-Winning Skincare
Over two decades of professional experience in advanced skin therapies
First-hand understanding as a perimenopausal woman navigating skin changes
Tailored approach — prescriptive treatments designed for your skin’s individual needs

Final Thoughts

Perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause bring changes — but they don’t have to mean the end of glowing, healthy skin. With the right prescriptive plan and professional guidance, your skin can be hydrated, firm, radiant, and resilient.

At AB Beauty, Ana Barreto, Skin Specialist, brings together professional expertise, award-winning treatments, and her personal journey to create bespoke solutions that deliver real results.

Because at AB Beauty, it’s more than a facial — it’s skin revision with results.

Ready to start your journey? Book your consultation today.