Christie Young, Author at Skin Care By Design Aesthetic Spa

Anti-Oxidants –Youthful Nutrients for Your Skin

September 4, 2015 by Christie Young

When we think of anti-oxidants, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it in our food? Is it a skin care product? Is it a vitamin? Or perhaps we just aren’t sure how to describe what they are and what they can do for the health of our skin and bodies. Anti-oxidants are in the category of vitamins and minerals that impact the condition of our skin cells. If you guessed the sources as food, skin care products or vitamins, all three answers are correct.

Free radicals, environmental exposure to toxins and weather are all contributing elements that cause oxidation. Oxidation is the breakdown of the cellular structure of our skin. Anti-oxidants provide our skin a source of protection against the damaging process of free radicals. Sound a bit too scientific? The best way to describe the process simply is, restoration of existing cell damage, minimizing the aging process of cell destruction by blocking free radicals and protecting our skin from the inside by encouraging new cell growth.

Anti-oxidants need to be part of our daily balanced diet, as well as our skin care routine. Anti-oxidant rich foods are sources such as berries, avocado, oranges, apples, pomegranate, broccoli, sweet potatoes and more. Many vitamins found in food sources are converted to naturally viable ingredients in advanced skin care formulas including nutrients such as vitamin A, C, and E.

The anti-aging benefits of anti-oxidants contribute to the repair or prevention of fine lines, wrinkles, lack of firmness and they contribute to a more toned, healthy appearance. If you want to learn more about the benefit of anti-oxidants for your skin, contact one of our skin care professionals and ask for a complimentary skin care consultation. You will learn what products are right for you and the correct dosage to get the results you desire.

Dermal Fillers – The Anti-Aging Fountain of Youth

August 20, 2015 by Christie Young

What if we told you that you could look 5-10 years younger in one day? Sound too good to be true? It’s achievable and much more affordable than a surgical option with the latest in anti-aging treatments known as dermal fillers. These injectable fillers are used to enhance our natural facial features by filling in hollows, restoring volume, lifting, plumping, contouring and smoothing the skin to a more youthful appearance.
Many of the dermal filler products are hyaluronic acid based, which is a natural formula that our body can already generate. However, as we age, our body’s ability to generate hyaluronic acid and collagen declines. Fine lines, deep wrinkles, sagging skin, lost volume, decreased hydration and an overall definition change in our structure occurs. Our lips become thin, lines form around our mouth, smile lines become folds, and beautiful cheek contours can fade or disappear.
Dermal fillers can enhance lips, cheeks, chin and marionette lines below the mouth. Other areas dermal fillers restore is tear trough hollowing under the eyes, nasolabial folds between the cheeks and mouth and complete wrinkle elimination.
Dermal filler treatments provide patients with a naturally restorative choice to rejuvenate their appearance. A popular selection for some may be the “liquid facelift”. The changes that can occur for patients is extraordinary. There is virtually no downtime, and the cost is nominal compared to the alternative surgical option. That explains why millions are flocking to dermatology trained experts who understand the structure of the skin and know how to provide patients with excellent results and change their confidence in just one appointment.

Aging Skin

July 29, 2015 by Christie Young

Premature aging of the skin, also known as extrinsic aging, is caused by a number of factors, the most potent being over exposure to the sun- also called photo aging. The sun’s UV rays can damage fibers in our skin called elastin. Elastin is the compound responsible for keeping skin tight and smooth. As elastin fibers break down, skin will begin to show signs of aging, such as sagging and wrinkles. Protectants and skin care products will help prevent the sun from damaging these fibers and keep skin more youthful and healthy. Even if you don’t see the appearance of damage now, it can manifest itself later on.

Skin type also can be a factor is what the sun can do to your appearance. Skin can be thicker or thinner, depending on a number of factors, and the effect UV damage can have on the skin can vary. Also, gender is not a factor and skin care products and treatments for men and women are available.

Some of the best Anti-aging creams, or wrinkle creams have antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidation, or the collection of free radical cells. Free radical cells can be formed by radiation exposure, such as that from the sun. These mutant cells lack a charged molecule and are highly radioactive. When these cells form in the body, they can cause a molecular chain reaction and prevent healthy cells from functioning, as they should. When a large group of our skin cells begin to fail due to these free radicals, our skin will break down and age. Anti oxidants will help eliminate these harmful cells and keep skin healthy by promoting collagen growth and repairing damaged skin.

A high quality anti- aging cream can help repair not only external damage to the skin, but reverse the natural breakdown of your skin due to age. Here at the Aesthetic Day Spa, we carry the best anti-aging creams to help heal and nourish your skin. We also offer high quality skin care such as our light IPL laser treatments for conditions such as age spots and discolorations. With good practices such as a healthy diet and quality anti-aging products, along with help from our highly skilled skin care professionals you can maintain a healthy, youthful appearance, and vibrancy.

Get to know your skin

June 26, 2015 by Christie Young

What does your skin feel like to the touch? What does it look like? Are you happy with the condition of it? It’s the largest organ of our entire body, our protective coating in a sense. Our skin is in a constant state of exposure and it has a large job in protecting our entire body.

When we expose our skin to the elements of the environment such as free radicals, sun, heat, wind and cold, it’s known as extrinsic aging. Extrinsic aging causes fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, rough texture and an overall uneven tone.

What we eat and drink, along with hormonal fluctuations, genetics, or medications, can contribute to the intrinsic aging process. Intrinsic aging leads to tired looking skin, dark under eye circles, loss of elasticity, dehydration and an overall unwell appearance. Some skincare products may be the wrong choices for our skin type and may actually be contributing to dryness, oiliness or excess moisture. Too much oil or moisture can cause milia, tiny white bumps that collect in the surface of the skin. Some of us may have a tendency to exfoliate too often, damaging the surface layers of the skin.

It’s a lot of information to take in, but having healthy skin is a sign of a healthy body, it means that you’re taking care of you.

Understanding your skin type may also help you to be more aware of the complex nature of what your skin is susceptible to. The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart sponsored on the Skin Cancer Foundations website will help you to determine where you fall on the scale.

Recognizing a potential skin problem is the first step. Contacting a skin care professional can help you determine what options are available to address your concerns. An expert will help you by making sure you have the correct products for your skin type and the best treatment plan available to repair and restore health and vitality. You will not only look younger, but your skin will thank you!

Eclipse MicroPen – A Top Player in the Battle Against Aging

June 13, 2015 by Christie Young

The desire to turn back the hands of time can send us searching endlessly for the latest advancements in anti-aging procedures. What comes to our attention is a vast array of treatments from lasers, dermal fillers, Botox, chemical peels, and more. A top player in this battle against aging is the Eclipse MicroPen™. This device performs a very effective treatment known as micro-needling or collagen induction therapy. Micro-needling is leading the charts for anti-aging skin treatments due to its ability to significantly improve the overall tone, texture, and appearance of our skin.

This highly sought after medical-grade treatment creates younger looking skin by reducing hyperpigmentation (brown spots), improving skin texture, minimizing prominent acne scars, and reducing stretch marks. Tiny needles penetrate the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process to produce new collagen and elastin. The skin’s normal dermal repair process produces amazing results.

The micro-channels created in the skin also allow for increased product absorption. Medical grade products are used to deliver more effective results. The Eclipse MicroPen can be used on all areas of the body including the arms, hands, legs, and abdomen. It is common for clients to receive treatments for multiple areas in the same visit. When treating the face, we recommend treating the neck at the same time for a more even outcome.

Most clients see an improvement in their skin within the first 24 hours. Results continue to improve up to six months after the treatments are completed as collagen production continues. The number of treatments needed is determined by the initial evaluation of your skin by a skin care professional. The results are noticeably apparent and leave a healthy glow to the skin.

Tired of Looking Tired?

June 11, 2015 by Christie Young

As we age, we lose volume in our facial structure. Some of us can experience a hollowing under the eyes that can appear as dark circles that attribute to the “tired” or “older” look. We love those terms don’t we? After making a determination that it’s time to do something, we jump online and start researching the “best” in under eye treatments. What we find is anything from miracle creams to cosmetic surgery. These choices can seem either extreme or too good to be true, and all we were really looking for was a simple, yet effective solution to looking years younger without too much work.

There is good news! Dermal fillers are an excellent choice for treating under eye hollows and taking years off our appearance. Before you get too excited and run off to get the latest dermal filler injected, let us fill you in (no pun intended) on what you want to know before choosing this treatment option.

It’s not the product you’re researching it’s the skills of the injector that are critical to your success. Treating the under eye area is a delicate matter, and specialized training and experience is needed for the patient to achieve great results. We understand the anatomy of the eye area and the best treatments are centered on that knowledge.

Treating under eye hollows requires an injectable expert skilled in working with the thin skin in the eye areas while still delivering natural results. This simple procedure leaves patients looking well rested and more youthful. The comments you will hear now are, “Did you just get back from vacation? You look great! Is that a new outfit?” We think that will boost your spirits!

Microtox – A Less is More Approach to a Natural Appearance

June 11, 2015 by Christie Young

Do you find yourself steering away from trying Botox® for fear of the “frozen” look? Don’t worry, you can keep your expressions while still achieving a natural, more youthful appearance.

It’s a choice, many people feel younger than they appear, yet some of us are proud of those hard earned expression lines, or shall we say “character lines.” Achieving a more natural, less frozen appearance is a rising trend in the battle against aging. Although it’s not a new treatment, the demand for an alternative choice is fast becoming at the forefront of anti-aging treatment options.

An artistic method of injecting Botox® to give the face a more natural appearance is the technique called Microtox or commonly known as “Baby Botox”. This term is rumored to have come from a well-known problem that started on the set of a few Hollywood movies. One famous director had complained that actresses no longer were able to express proper emotions during a scene such as anger due to their frozen foreheads. The demand began for finding the true balance between a beautiful, youthful look while still being able to capture natural expressions.

The Microtox technique is a fine art of injecting that requires a specific certification. Few practitioners across the country are certified to perform this skillfully crafted art of anti-aging procedures. While administering a series of strategically placed tiny injections, our certified injection specialists will lift, balance and smooth your appearance. The results are a beautiful and natural reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, but yet still leaving some movement. It’s more of a “shrink-wrapped” approach. Lines will improve however; they will not completely disappear like conventional Botox® treatments.

Low dose Botox® using the Microtox technique can mean a more cost effective treatment; however it may require more frequent doses. Treatments can take up to 7 days to take effect and last anywhere from 2-4 months.

Why Medical Grade Skin Care Products?

May 30, 2015 by Christie Young

There are so many skin care products competing for our attention that it is difficult to know what to choose. We may love the way they feel or smell or perhaps the price is the most appealing aspect. Regardless of the particular attraction, you should ask yourself: What is it really doing for my skin?

Why did you purchase the product? Are you struggling with dry skin, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, or loss of elasticity? Do you know what aspects of your unique skin and lifestyle caused these problems? Most likely your skin has been exposed to a combination of external and intrinsic factors that contributed to its current condition. You may need to seek out a skin care professional to learn where your dollars can make a more significant impact towards the results you are seeking. Complimentary advice from licensed aestheticians or dermatology trained skin professionals is available. A consultation that includes an in-depth skin evaluation together with a customized treatment plan is the best path to great skin.

Cosmeceutical skin care products, otherwise known as medical grade, are highly recommended for clients to achieve their skin care goals. Medical grade means they are only available from establishments that operate under a physician’s license. This is important because the FDA regulates skin care products that include corrective ingredients that actually affect the skin. The concentration of active ingredients in over the counter (OTC) skin care products is limited to avoid harming people with the greatest sensitivity to those ingredients. Medical grade skin care products contain a higher concentration of active ingredients because they are only dispensed by medical professionals trained to evaluate whether that concentration is appropriate for each client. The ingredient lists of most OTC products do not contain the ingredient concentrations, which makes it difficult or impossible for the consumer to compare OTC and medical grade products. Depending on your goals and the condition of your skin, OTC products frequently produce much poorer results than the those obtained from a medical grade line.

Medical grade skin care products are strong enough to reach, and correct problems in, deeper layers of the skin than OTC products. Active ingredients such as retinol’s (Vitamin A), Vitamins C and E, and glycolic, hyaluronic, or lactic acids are most effective when they reach those deeper skin layers.

The higher cost of medical grade products results from the inclusion of more effective active ingredients at higher concentrations and may make them seem unaffordable. However, less product is typically needed to deliver superior results, so the cost/benefit calculation actually makes medical grade products a better bargain in the long run. The most important factor is to ensure that you actually need and will benefit from the use of a particular ingredient. Otherwise, you are spending money on a product that will not produce the desired results, regardless of the concentration of that ingredient. Consulting a medically trained and licensed skin care specialist gives you that assurance.

One cautionary note: Various internet locations offer brand name medical grade skin care products with no medical supervision at significant discounts. These products are often counterfeit, foreign, expired and relabeled with new dates, or obtained from bankrupt skin care facilities with no guarantee that the products were properly stored before being sold to you. Everyone wants to save money but risking your skin care goals for a few dollars is rarely a good bet.

Committing to a medical grade skin care line will change the way you view healthy skin.

Don’t Forget to Exfoliate!

May 14, 2015 by Christie Young

Looking younger is important to many of us, if only to match our appearance to how we feel. One anti-aging treatment that tops the charts for achieving great skin is the simple process of proper exfoliation. Here’s the inside scoop on transforming your skin into a more vibrant, youthful complexion.

Improving your skin tone and texture is a process that requires very little time but regularity and consistency are key.

What does it mean to exfoliate? Our skin is in a constant state of cell renewal. While new cells are forming, old skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin. These dead skin cells can lead to enlarged pores, dry or dull looking skin, and highlighted fine lines and wrinkles. That doesn’t sound appealing to anyone! In order to keep our skin looking its best, we need to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, leaving healthy, bright, and renewed skin daily.

What happens if we don’t exfoliate? For one thing, we become more susceptible to acne and clogged pores. Excess dead cells can cause greatly reduce skin hydration and lead to uneven skin tone, texture, and a more weathered appearance.

What is the best way to exfoliate? Simply washing your face daily results in some exfoliation, but it is not very effective, particularly as we get older. Luffa sponges and body washes reside in most of our showers and are a step up from soap and water but may be too harsh on more sensitive areas of the skin. Sonic skin cleansing systems with different brush heads for the face and body provide the best means of at-home exfoliation. Regularly scheduled treatments such as microdermabrasion and dermaplaning provide truly effective exfoliation and skin rejuvenation. These treatments ensure that your at-home exfoliation efforts start with a clean slate and never fall behind.

How often should you exfoliate? If you are using an at-home tool such as a Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing brush, once or twice a week is best. Treatments such as microdermabrasion and dermaplaning work best when they are scheduled for 4-6 week intervals.

Remember that the skin on your face and neck is different than the skin on the rest of your body. We recommend that you choose different products for the face then you would for your body. Smart anti-aging requires exfoliation over your entire body, keeping everything from head to toe in top condition.

Recommended Products: SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, Clarisonic Smart Profile brush.

Spring Clean Your Product Drawer

May 8, 2015 by Christie Young

Have you recently noticed unused items accumulating in your makeup or skin care drawer? Those products may not be inspiring you to pick them up for many reasons. Here are a few tips to live by from our aestheticians and skin care experts!

Check the expirations dates and retire what you don’t use.
If it doesn’t have an expiration date, give it a sniff. If the smell is a bit off, it’s time to let it go.
Does the product appear separated? If it does, it’s time to toss it!
Wash your makeup brushes once a week to prevent your skin from being exposed to excess bacteria. Keep a brush cleaner on hand for fine mineral make-up brushes. Shampoo may work just fine for regular brushes.
Every product can be exposed to and become contaminated with bacteria so keep all products tightly sealed. Any product that has been exposed to air for any length of time should be discarded and replaced.
Anti-aging products have ingredients that typically last three to six months. Moisturizers can last six months to one year. If you’re not using a product often enough to finish off the container within these times, then it can’t do its job in keeping your skin in tip top shape.

Your skin matters! Treat it with the cleanest, purest, most effective products, from your lip colors and mascara all the way to the skin care products that keep your skin looking its best every day!