Nourish Your Skin From Within

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Now is the time of year when we start fresh, make resolutions and give something new a try. One popular resolution is to eat better. This resolution can have more benefits than just a slimmer waistline. What we choose to put into our bodies has a huge effect on our health, including skin health. All the creams, lotions and potions used in a good skin care routine nourish the skin from the outside and the foods we choose to eat nourish us from the inside. There are certain vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and other nutrients essential for skin health. The following is a list of somethings to include in your diet to get your skin glowing from the inside out!

  • Vitamin C
    • Most cosmeceutical skin care lines offer some type of Vitamin C product. This is because Vitamin C is very important for skin health. Vitamin C is a super antioxidant, which protects the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals cause accelerated aging by breaking down collagen in the skin. Loading up on Vitamin C can give the skin a smoother and more youthful appearance.
    • Nourish from the inside with strawberries, citrus fruits, red bell peppers and broccoli.
    • Nourish from the outside with SkinCeutical’s CE Ferulic, Jan Marini’s CESTA Serum/Lotion, SkinMedica’s Vitamin C+E Complex or Epionce Intense Defense Serum.
  • Vitamin E
    • Vitamin E is essential for the barrier function of the skin. A strong barrier plays a huge role in skin health. The skin barrier keeps irritants out and holds moisture in. Vitamin E also supports healthy skin growth.
    • Nourish from the inside with almonds, avocados, hazelnuts, pine nuts and sunflower seeds.
    • Nourish from the outside with SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E, Epionce Enriching Firming Mask, SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer, Jan Marini Juveneck, Jan Marini ReNu Hand Complex.
  • Selenium
    • Selenium is a mineral that works in tandem with Vitamins C and E and is essential for a healthy immune system. This mineral can help to protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots. Only 4 brazil nuts are the equivalent to the recommended daily amount of Selenium.
    • Nourish from the inside with brazil nuts, fish, shellfish, egg, tomatoes and broccoli.
    • Nourish from the outside with Epionce’s Intense Defense Serum.        
  • Eat the Rainbow 
    • The pigments in fruits and vegetables are part of their natural defense systems. Different colors represent different phytonutrients contained in the plants. These phytonutrients have benefits for our health. By eating foods that are different colors, it ensures that a wide variety of vitamins and minerals are being consumed. For example, foods that are orange in color usually contain high amounts of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the body and helps to regulate cell production and turnover, an essential function for healthy skin.
    • Nourish from the inside with tomatoes, carrots, yellow squash, kale, blueberries and purple potatoes.
    • Nourish from the outside with Skin Medica’s Retinol Complex, Jan Marini’s Age Intervention Retinol Plus MD, and Jan Marini’s Luminate Eye Gel.
  • Zinc
    • This mineral has two very important roles when it comes to skin health. Zinc helps to normalize the function of the sebaceous glands and works to repair cell damage, making it an important mineral for acne sufferers.
    • Nourish from the inside with fish, shellfish, lean meat, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
    • Nourish from the outside with Epionce’s Lytic Tx, SkinMedica’s Total Defense and Repair, ColorScience’s Total Eye, and TIZO.
  • Omega 3s
    • Omega 3’s are considered essential fatty acids because the body is unable to produce these fatty acids on its own. These fatty acids are essential in a healthy diet. Omega 3’s greatest benefit to the skin is its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the cause of many skin conditions.
    • Nourish from the inside with oily fish, flaxseed, chia seed, and walnuts.
    • Nourish from the outside with Epionce’s Restorative Hand Cream, Epionce’s Renewal Facial Lotion/Cream, and Jan Marini’s Age Intervention Face Cream.
  • Water
    • Skin cells are mostly water. This makes staying hydrated key for youthful looking skin. When you are dehydrated, the skin is dehydrated as well and fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent on dehydrated skin. Keep hydrated for smooth and plump skin.
    • Nourish from the inside by drinking enough water (6-8 cups a day) and eating food with a high-water content (watermelon, cucumbers, celery).
    • Nourish from the outside with SkinMedica’s HA5, Jan Marini’s Hyla and SkinCeutical’s B5 Gel.

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A Break Down of the Jan Marini Skin Care Management System

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Getting into the habit of a well-rounded skin care routine can be difficult. It can be hard to know what products to use, what order to use them, and what time of day to use them (morning or evening). Sometimes it can be overwhelming, and you might even wonder why a skin care routine matters at all. That is why it can be beneficial to use a pre-packaged skin care kit. A skin care kit will include all the essential products and instructions to explain how to use them. Our favorite kit is Jan Marini’s Skin Care Management System. It comes in four different variations, normal/combination, dry/very dry, normal/combination MD, and dry/very dry MD.

Jan Marini’s Skin Care Management System has five steps (six in the MD kits) and all the products are formulated to work synergistically. Five or six steps can seem like a lot but, once you get in the habit, it is quick and easy to get through. So, let’s take a deeper dive into the Skin Care Management System.

  • STEP 1- CLEANSE: BIOGLYCOLIC FACE CLEANSER
    • Why? Cleansing the skin helps to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.
    • What is it? A cream-based cleanser that deeply cleanses the skin without irritation. It contains glycolic acid to aide in cell-turnover and sorbitol for hydration.
    • How to use it? Apply to dry skin and remove with a damp washcloth. Splash face with water and blot dry.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 2- REJUVENATE: C-ESTA SERUM
    • Why? Environmental exposure to free-radicals, pollutants, infrared, blue light and UV are the number one cause of premature aging of the skin. Antioxidants protect the skin from the environmental factors that cause premature aging, while tightening, lifting and smoothing the skin.
    • What is it? A blend of antioxidants including Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin E and DMAE.
    • How to use it? Shake bottle well and apply to clean skin on the face and neck.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 3- RESURFACE: BIOCLEAR FACE LOTION (normal/combination) or BIOCLEAR FACE CREAM (dry/very dry)
    • Why? Increasing cell turnover improves the overall appearance of the skin. Resurfacing smooths the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to clear blemishes on the skin.
    • What is it? A combination of glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acid that provide a broad range of benefits.
    • How to use it? Apply sparingly in the morning and evening. To minimize sensitivity, start with one application daily and gradually increase to twice a day.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 3- RESURFACE: MARINI LUMINATE FACE LOTION MD (MD kits only)
    • Why? This step is for those who have concerns about hyperpigmentation.
    • What is it? A non-hydroquinone approach to reduce the appearance of discoloration and fine lines and wrinkles. This product includes a long list of lighteners and brighteners derived from various plants including, turmeric, berries, licorice root and green tea. These lighteners and brighteners to help lift existing pigment and prevent future pigment from appearing. It also includes retinol to assist in lightening pigment and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
    • How to use it? Applying sparingly over entire face every other evening then slowly increase to 1-2 times daily. *Product increases photosensitivity and should be used with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 4- HYDRATE: TRANSFORMATION FACE CREAM (normal/combination)
    • Why? Moisturizers hydrate and soften the skin and hydrated skin is the key to a youthful appearance. With age, the ability for the skin to hold moisture decreases and a moisturizer will help to prevent the skin from losing moisture through the outer most layers. A quality hydrator will reduce the appearance of damaged or aging skin.
    • What is it? An advanced hydrator that includes patented growth factor peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to stimulate collagen and elastin, retain moisture and reduce fine line and wrinkles.
    • How to use it? Apply over the entire face and neck.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 4- HYDRATE: AGE INTERVENTION FACE CREAM (dry/ very dry)
    • Why? This hydrator has all the benefits of a quality moisturizer, but is designed for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
    • What is it? An intense hydrator that combats visible signs of aging from hormonal changes and sun exposure. It includes soy and red clover isoflavones to brighten the skin, decrease redness and boost collagen production. Other key ingredients include plankton extract for calming and healing benefits, Coenzyme Q10 for its antioxidant properties and essential fatty acids to aid in cell function.
    • How to use it? Apply to face and neck.
    • When to use it? AM/PM
  • STEP 5- PROTECT: ANTIOXIDANT DAILY FACE PROTECTANT SPF 33
    • Why? Wearing sunscreen is arguably the most important step of a skin care routine. It helps to prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer.
    • What is it? A quick absorbing and hydrating broad spectrum sunscreen with the addition of antioxidants and microscopic particles for oil control.
    • How to use it? Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating immediately after towel drying. A nickel-sized amount of product will give the full SPF benefits.
    • When to use it? AM

There are a few things to keep in mind when starting a new skin care routine. Firstly, it is important to be consistent and to give the products a chance to do their job. Although there can be some immediate benefits, it usually takes 6 weeks of consistent use (1-2x daily) to notice significant change. Secondly, when introducing new products into your routine, it is best to ask how to incorporate your new product into your existing routine. However, a few rules of thumb are: after cleansing apply serums from thinnest to thickest and then finish with moisturizer; Vitamin C and other antioxidant serums are usually most beneficial for day time use unless otherwise stated and Retinol products are most beneficial at night.

Wherever you purchase your skin care products should be able to assist you in any questions you have about your skin care routine. At Skin Care By Design we are always happy to help with any questions!

Why Pumpkin is Great for the Skin

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Fall is officially here and one way to know that it’s finally fall is the appearance of pumpkins everywhere. There are huge bins of pumpkins outside the grocery store for carving fun. There are pumpkin candles and pumpkin soaps to make your house and you smell like pumpkins. There are pumpkin pies to eat and pumpkin spiced lattes to drink.

Another way to get your pumpkin on is to incorporate it into your skin care routine. Pumpkins are jam packed with nutrients that are great for skin health. Let’s breakdown some of those vitamins, minerals and other wonderful nutrients that make pumpkin so good for the skin.

 

  • Vitamin C– This vitamin is known for its super antioxidant powers and is an ingredient in many skin care products. So, why is Vitamin C so super-duper? Since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it protects the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays and air pollution. On top of protecting the skin from premature aging caused by free radicals, Vitamin C also helps to correct existing conditions. It stimulates collagen production improving the skin’s elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines. The anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin C help to calm acne and other types of skin inflammation.

Skin Care Products with Vitamin C- SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum/Cream, Epionce Intense Defense Serum and SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex.

 

  • Vitamin A– This vitamin is also likely to be found in many skin care products. It’s active forms of retinal, retinol, and retinoic acid are proven winners in the beauty business. The type of Vitamin A found in pumpkin comes in the form of beta-carotene, which gives pumpkin it’s beautiful orange hue. Vitamin A helps to strengthen skin cells and the skin barrier making the skin more resilient. It also soothes and hydrates the skin. The combination of strengthening and hydration gives the skin a firmer more youthful appearance.

Skin Care Products with Vitamin A– Jan Marini Luminate face Lotion MD, Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus, Jan Marini Luminate Eye Gel, Jan Marini Age Intervention Eye Cream, SkinMedica Retinol Complex.

 

  • Vitamin B– There are many forms of Vitamin B found in pumpkins, including Niacin, Riboflavin, B6, and Folate. Each form of Vitamin B has its own benefits. Niacin is regarded as one of the best forms of Vitamin B for the skin. It helps strengthen the protective barrier of the skin which seals moisture in and keeps irritants out. Niacin can be beneficial for many skin conditions, including rosacea, acne, eczema, hyper-pigmentation and dry skin. Riboflavin and Folate both aide in cell turnover, which help prevent acne break outs and creates a brighter complexion. B6 prevents acne in two ways by assisting in the repair of skin cells and by reducing inflammation.

Skin Care Products with Vitamin B– SkinCeuticals B5 Gel, Epionce Intense Defense Serum, and SkinMedica Redness Relief Complex.

 

  • Zinc– This amazing mineral is a super healer when it comes to skin. Zinc can be found in many topical creams for scrapes and burns because of its healing properties. It repairs damaged skin and soothes inflammation, both characteristics make Zinc great for those with acne prone skin. Zinc also aides in acne prevention by controlling oil production.

Skin Care Products with Zinc– TIZO3, Color Science Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen, Epionce Lytic Tx, and SkinMedica Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 34.

 

  • Fruit Enzymes– Pumpkins are full of fruit enzymes, which act like alpha hydroxy acids when applied to the skin. The enzymes exfoliate the skin by dissolving the dead skin cells that sit on top of the skin. Removing the dead skin cells leads to a brighter and smoother complexion. The enzymes go one step further by increasing cell turnover, giving a longer lasting glow.

Skin Care Products with Fruit Enzymes– SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense, SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser and SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream.

 

It is truly unbelievable how many components of pumpkin are great for the skin. These 5 are only the tip of the iceberg. Experts believe that there are over 100 beneficial compounds for skin health that can be found in pumpkin. To get all the benefits of pumpkin try Jan Marini’s Holiday Pumpkin Exfoliator or spoil yourself with a seasonal Pumpkin Facial!

Who to Trust? What to Buy? 

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It seems that skin care products are being sold everywhere you go, whether it be the drug store, grocery store, online, and even your hairdresser. But how do you know what to buy? Who to trust? What level of training and experience do the people selling these products have? These questions may be difficult to answer but the solution is simple. Only buy your skin care products from licensed medical professionals specializing in skin care, such as medical spas, dermatologists, or plastic surgeons.

Licensed medical professionals are authorized to sell medical grade skin care products and have training and experience with all types of skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, melasma, and aging skin. Other sources are not authorized to sell medical grade products and do not have the expertise to advise you which products to buy or how to use them. However, they often obtain medical grade products from resellers who buy the inventory of offices going out of business and then offer them at a discount. Combine that with the tremendous amounts of counterfeit product in the market and who knows what you actually get when you purchase your products from a non-medical source?

You don’t need to buy dozens of products. You can achieve a healthy, bright, glowing complexion with only the key products listed below.

  1. Exfoliating cleansers containing alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy, or glycolic acid gently polish away impurities that make your skin appear older and dull. Exfoliating cleansers also prep your skin for the products applied next.
  2. Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals, which are free-floating molecules that cause oxidation in whatever they touch. Oxidizing iron results in rust and the cell damage caused by oxidizing your skin is just as unpleasant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent them from damaging your skin.
  3. Moisturizers are important because our skin provides a watertight barrier between our body and the environment. The internal hydration we get from drinking water does not penetrate to the skin’s surface, so we need to provide the skin with a topical drink. The best moisturizers are creams or serums containing hyaluronic acid (also known as HA), a substance that already exists naturally in our skin. Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin’s upper layers and attracts moisture to boost elasticity and hydration, giving your skin a youthful appearance. These products also form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture and aid in tissue repair. However, you should avoid HA products that also contain alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or other ingredients that are harmful to the skin.
  4. Retinol enhances your skin’s natural beauty. Retinol promotes cellular turnover, removing dead and damaged cells from the surface of your skin and revealing the newer, more evenly toned skin cells below. Cellular turnover minimizes wrinkles, shrinks pores, and creates a healthy complexion.
  5. Sunscreen protects you from harmful solar radiation that damages and rapidly ages your skin. It is your most important skin care product, but not all sunscreens are the same. Most sunscreens protect you from UVB radiation, which is related to sunburn and skin cancer. SPF (sun protection factor) indicates how much UVB protection is provided (SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 to 100 blocks 98%). However, SPF does not tell you anything about protection from UVA radiation, which is the main cause of the darkening and aging our skin. Always look for the term “broad spectrum” on your sunscreen’s label, which indicates that both UVA and UVB protection is provided. Water resistant sunscreen is helpful for warmer, wetter activities. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen throughout out the day for optimal protection.

There are many other skin care products but achieving a healthy, glowing complexion is simple with only a few products from a licensed medical skin care professional. If you have questions about your skin and what products are best for you, a quick and efficient consultation is the best option to help build a personalized skin care regimen that works for you.

Micro-channeling Technology

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Micro-channeling technology is a popular treatment among celebrities. Celebrities seek out this treatment due to their hectic life styles because there is no downtime and best of all, it’s painless. One technique is called DermaFrac.

What is DermaFrac?

DermaFrac is safe and effective for all skin types and improves conditions such as acne, scars, stretch marks, dehydrated skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation. The special handpiece contains tiny needles that create micro-channel pathways for infusing of custom serums targeted to your skin care needs.

What serums are there?

Anti-aging “super cocktail” of peptides that stimulate collagen and fibroblast production while relaxing the muscles in a natural way.

Acne serum containing lactic and salicylic acid to reduce and prevent further breakouts.

Hydration is very important for anyone that lives in the desert. This serum contains hyaluronic acid to replenish dehydrated skin, making it full and plump.

Lightening serum contains kojic acid, a natural lightening agent to lighten age and sun spots.

Is there downtime?

No. You can return to normal activities immediately following the treatment. Makeup and other products should be discontinued for 24 hours.

Will it hurt?

No. Clients say that it is pain free. You might feel a slight suction and dampness.

How many treatments are needed?

Treatments are customized to your condition and needs. Typical clients have treatment every 3-6 weeks for best results.

If you want healthy, glowing skin without long recovery and the sticker price that comes with a painful laser resurfacing treatment, DermaFrac maybe right for you. Results can be seen within a few treatments and, if your skin conditions change, the serums can be adjusted to fit your needs.

 

 

 

Don’t Forget About Your Hands!

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Hands show our age even more than our face, but they are often forgotten in our efforts to combat the signs of aging. Brown spots, crepey skin, and hollows that show our bones and veins can be prevented or corrected to maintain the youthful appearance we all desire. A few simple steps are all that is needed:

  1. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatments are an effective way to remove brown spots and sun damage and correct uneven skin tone. After a single session, the pigment will begin coming to the surface of your skin and flake off in just a few days. A series of monthly treatments will produce amazing results!
  2. Dermal Fillers such as Radiesse are FDA approved for adding back lost volume and restoring that soft, smooth feel to the back of your hands. The results are immediate and, on average, one syringe of filler is used for each hand.
  3. Skin Care Products that you use for your face work equally well on the backs of your hands. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E protect and renew skin cells while fighting the free radicals produced by the sun’s harmful UV rays. And don’t forget about sunscreen! This is perhaps the most important product to protect your hands against further damage and should be reapplied throughout the day.

With these simple steps, you can reverse the signs of aging. The results are long lasting and with simple, scheduled maintenance, they can be maintained throughout the years.

Benefits of B12 Injections

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One of the most common nutrient deficiencies is Vitamin B12. Some symptoms of a B12 deficiency are fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches and weakness, anemia, poor moods, and low concentration. A simple blood test and exam from your primary care physician will determine if you have a B12 deficiency.

Foods high in B12 include grass-fed beef, dairy products, and fish. Some individuals may have a harder time absorbing and utilizing this nutrient due to digestive or genetic conditions. B12 injections or daily oral supplements are good alternatives for these individuals.

The benefits of B12 injections include:

  1. Increased energy
  2. Reduced depression
  3. Improved metabolism
  4. Heart protection

The injection is nearly painless and is usually administrated in the deltoid muscle of your upper arm or in the hip. We recommend weekly injections for optimal results and to experience the full benefits.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion/Dermaplan

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By Anessa Vorel

There are many great benefits to regular Microdermabrasions that keep your skin looking fabulous. This is a deep, non-invasive, physical exfoliation procedure that removes the outer layer of skin and minimizes the appearance of pores, scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion increases the rate of cell turnover and keeps your skin looking youthful and healthy.

Microdermabrasion uses a hand-held diamond tipped wand to remove and lightly vacuum away dead skin cells, revealing fresh, vibrant skin. Your dull skin appears brighter with more even skin tones that are evident after the first treatment.

For an even better result, add a Dermaplaning treatment for a double exfoliation that removes those pesky white vellus hairs (peach fuzz). Your skin will appear faultless, clean, and smooth. We follow this with the application of appropriate products that give your skin an amazing glow!

A regular schedule of monthly Microdermabrasions and Dermaplaning allows you to maintain those results and improves the absorption of your daily skin care products. Without rough, dead skin and peach fuzz in the way, your makeup applies in a smooth, thin layer that doesn’t feel caked on and looks much more professional.

 

Who will benefit from Microdermabrasion?

Anyone with the following skin issues:

  • Acne Scars
  • Dry Skin
  • Fine Lines or Wrinkles
  • Dull Skin
  • Uneven Skin Tones
  • Large Pores
  • Rough Texture
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Blackheads

 

Who will benefit from Dermaplaning?

Anyone with the following skin issues:

  • Vellus Hair (Peach Fuzz)
  • Dry Skin
  • Fine Lines or Wrinkles
  • Dull Skin
  • Uneven Skin Tones
  • Rough Texture

 

Many women are skeptical of Dermaplaning because they fear that facial hair will grow back darker and thicker. This is a myth that every dermatologist and even Cosmopolitan Magazine has tackled (click here to see the Cosmo article). You will be happy with the overall appearance of your skin and, unlike waxing and many shaving episodes, these treatments are painless!

After performing these treatments, I like to apply a combination of beneficial skin care products tailored to your unique skin. My favorite products are Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum, SkinCeuticals B5 Hydrating Gel, and I always choose the best SPF protection for each client.

 

The DL on Laser Hair Removal

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Over our lifetime, we spend over $30,000 and 1,400 hours shaving, waxing, and tweezing unwanted hair. Let’s talk about how we can stop wasting time and money and make life easier. The answer is Laser Hair Removal! You probably have friends who had this done but you may be confused about how effective Laser Hair Removal will be for you. So, let’s get the facts straight.

How does Laser Hair Removal work?
Lasers remove unwanted body hair quickly and safely by destroying the hair follicle with a beam of light energy that is set to avoid damage to surrounding tissues. The hair pigment (melanin) absorbs the laser energy, which damages the hair follicle and renders it incapable of growing hair.

Why do I need multiple treatments?
Hair growth occurs in a three-stage cycle: growth (anagen), atrophy (catagen), and dormant (telogen). Laser Hair Removal is most effective during the growth stage, when the hair follicle is large and active. It is partially effective during the atrophy stage, when the hair follicle is shrinking. It is ineffective during the dormant stage, when the hair follicle has disappeared. On any part of your body, some of the hairs are in each of the three growth stages. The percentage of hair in the dormant stage and the duration of the dormant stage vary by anatomical location.

When you receive a Laser Hair Removal treatment, almost all the hairs in the growth stage and many of the hairs in the atrophy stage are destroyed. Over time, dormant hairs that were not affected by earlier treatments will enter the growth stage where they can be destroyed by the laser. We normally suggest four to eight weeks between treatments to allow enough dormant hairs to enter the growth stage. Six treatments are usually required for optimal results.The different stages of hair growth affect laser hair removal

Does it work for everyone?
The best candidates for Laser Hair Removal have coarse, dark hair and light-colored skin. The laser light is absorbed by the melanin pigment so hairs that have little or no melanin (blonde, gray, white, or light red hair) can’t be treated effectively. It is more difficult to treat dark skin (including tanned skin), which absorbs more of the laser energy and requires the treatment to be performed at a lower power.

Is it permanent?
When a hair follicle is destroyed, that hair can never grow again. However, some hair follicles may be too light or thin to respond to laser treatments. The remaining hair will be finer, softer, whiter, and less dense but treated areas may not be without all hair. New hair growth in treated areas may later be triggered by conditions such as hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, medications, or menopause. Such new growth consists of hair follicles that were permanently dormant until activated by the hormonal changes or medication.

Does it hurt?
The technology of Laser Hair Removal today is comfortable and, for many body areas, it is completely pain free. Most people describe it as a series of rubber band snaps. The sensation is affected by the number and thickness of the hair follicles and some parts of your body may be more sensitive than others. Compare that to a lifetime of shaving cuts and scrapes!

Where can it be done?
Anywhere there is hair.

Should I shave before the Laser Hair Removal treatment?
Yes. Shaving results in a more comfortable treatment with less irritation afterwards.

Now that you have the “down-low”, let’s get started. Laser hair removal saves time and money, it’s great for the environment (98% of women who shave use water and 52% of them leave the water running while they shave), it’s easy and effective, and you can forget about those stubborn ingrown hairs. Check out Laser Hair Removal at Skin Care By Design Aesthetic Spa

Why Retinoids Still Rule

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Skin care product launches nearly doubled over the past ten years and the same active ingredient is still used in most of these products. That’s good old retinoid. Retinoid is a class of vitamin A used for skin care since the 70’s. It was developed as an acne treatment in the 60’s by Dr. Albert Kligman, a professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. Kligman noticed that his acne patients had reduced wrinkles and improved skin tones.

Retinoids are amazing multitaskers! They act directly on the DNA of skin cells, boosting cell functions that slow down once we hit our 30’s. Retinoids increase cellular turnover by sloughing off dead, damaged skin cells, which improves the health and enhances the radiance of your skin. Retinoids also thin the top layer of your skin (the stratum corneum) while thickening the lower layers of the epidermis, helping to achieve a firm and luminous complexion. The benefits continue deeper below the surface. Retinoids boost the production of collagen (the skin’s primary support structure) and prevent collagen breakdown. They also increase the levels of glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid that keep your skin plump and hydrated.

Which Retinoid is Right for You?

If you are a newbie, over the counter products are a good place to start. Look for retinoids labeled as “encapsulated” or “stabilized” and retinoids called “retinol” or “retinyl palmitate”. These ingredients convert to retinoic acid in the skin. We suggest that you purchase your retinoid in an airless pump because all retinoids are sensitive to light, heat, and air. Vitamin A is prone to breaking down and losing its potency so store your retinoids appropriately.

Prescription retinoids contain pure retinoic acid, which is up to 20 times stronger than OTC products. Higher retinoid levels mean that you will see quicker results but it’s very important not to jump right into prescription strength because of the side effects. The most common side effects include redness, burning, peeling, flaking, and dry skin.

OTC retinoids can give you a brighter, smoother complexion in just a few days but you should allow at least 6 weeks to see noticeable results. After six months, consider moving to a prescription retinoid, but only if your skin feels comfortable and can tolerate the higher strength.

 

How to Care for Your Skin

You finally achieved great skin! Now what? You need to protect your skin daily with an SPF of 30 or higher because retinoids thin out the top layer of dead skin cells, making you more prone to sunburn. So it’s best to apply retinoids only at night to avoid any discomfort during the day. Here are some quick and simple instructions to ramp up faster results:

  1. Wash your face at bedtime with a mild cleanser. You may use an alpha hydroxy acid or a salicylic acid but avoid cleansers containing rough beads. Wait about 20 minutes after cleansing before applying your retinoid to avoid stinging.
  2. Apply a dime sized amount of retinoid (total) to your face, neck, and chest. Do not apply a retinoid inside your orbital bone because it could irritate your eyes. The heat from your face will liquefy the retinoid outside the orbital bone and push it toward your eyes, addressing any fine lines and wrinkles in that area.
  3. Follow the retinoid with a night moisturizer as needed. If your skin is very sensitive, apply a thin layer of moisturizer before applying the retinoid.
  4. If you can’t tolerate the irritation, wash off the retinoid after 15 minutes. This is known as a “short contact” method, which can greatly increase your comfort while slightly lessening the benefits.
  5. Begin using your retinoid twice weekly for two weeks, then increase to three times weekly. If you encounter too much irritation, reduce the frequency until your skin can tolerate the increase. Try to work your way up to nightly applications but, if your skin is most comfortable at three or four times weekly, then stay there.

Retinoids are probably the best single product you can use to improve your skin’s health and beauty.  Follow the simple steps above to make your retinoid experience painless and effective.

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