The DL on Laser Hair Removal

September 6, 2017 by Amy Marinoccio

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.

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

July 14, 2017 by Amy Marinoccio

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

MicroPeel 101

May 19, 2017 by Amy Marinoccio

MicroPeels are one of the most beneficial aesthetics treatment for smooth, soft, bright, and healthy. This treatment simple and quick, only takes about 45 minutes. Below are the steps and benefits of a MicoPeel.

Dermaplaning- Your provider will use a sterile blade to removes dead skin cells and vellus hair aka peach fuzz by holding the skin taught and gently swiping the blade in an upward motion.

Chemical peel- Depending on your skin type and concerns, there are a variety of peel options. Chemical peels are very beneficial after a dermaplaning. Our goal isn’t to cause visible peeling as it is to infuse the skin with ingredients that diminish lines, build collagen, and improve tone.

Cryo Therapy- Cryo therapy is safe and has been used since the seventeenth century and is now making a comeback in treatments to fight the aging process. Designed to shock the body into action by increasing blood circulation and boosting the immune and central nervous systems. A small ball of CO2 is formed and swept over the skin to decrease inflammation, increase cell rejuvenation, improve skin tone, and reduce signs of aging.

Recommendations for continuing treatments are between 4-6 weeks because of cellular turnover and the regrowth of the fine vellus hair. Cellular turnover is the process by which our skin produces new skin cells which travel from the lowest layer of the epidermis to the top layer of skin the called the dermis and then shed off the skin. Vellus hair can restrict the penetration of skincare products to the epidermis making your products non-effective. Most of the time what we are doing at home for exfoliation isn’t enough to remove the dead skin cells and vellus hair so it’s very important to have a professional remove the dead cells monthly.

Are You Using Too Much (Or Too Little) Product?

August 4, 2016 by Jacquelyn Montano

shutterstock_56302480 Products are important to any skin care regimen and considering you’ve spent your hard earned money on them, you want them to last! Nothing is more frustrating than reaching for your moisturizer and realizing you’re all out even though you swear you just purchased it. Even worse, you’re using it every day and seeing no results. Believe it or not, this could be due to a mistake that we’ve all been guilty of. Using too much or too little of a product can either make you run out too fast or can interfere with your wanted results. So we’ve prepared a nice little guide for you to hopefully make that product last a little longer!

Face Wash: Use only a dime size for cream or gel cleansers. For foam, use a single pump.
Using too much may dry out your face.
Retinol: Most are pre-measured to a single pump, but ask your provider just to be sure.
Toner: Try just a few drops. Always use a cotton round or a cotton ball. Using a few drops ensures that not too much is being soaked up by the cotton and being wasted.
Serums: A few drops. Serums are usually fairly concentrated, so you only need a few drops. If the serum is more solid, use a pea sized amount.
Daytime Moisturizer: If it has SPF, quarter-sized. Without SPF, nickel-sized.
Face Masks: A nickel size is perfect for those problem areas. If it’s a hydrating or firming mask, feel free to use a little bit more.
Night Creams: Quarter-size. If it’s a heavy cream, be careful not to use too much or it can clog pores.
Acne Treatments: The size of a pea or less should be sufficient. Using too much can dry you out.
Eye Cream: Pea size will work for this, too. Make sure to use your ring fingers for application because this finger applies the least amount of pressure so it won’t drag your skin and cause wrinkles.
Sunscreen: Quarter-size for the face. A shot glass full for the entire body. It’s actually okay to be a little more generous with sunscreen.

If you’re unsure about the amount you should be using, ask your provider for advice. If you feel you’re going through a product too fast, dial back how much you use and see if you’re still getting the results you want. The key to products making a lasting effect is using them consistently and using the right amount.

10 Very Doable Anti-Aging Tips

April 27, 2016 by Jacquelyn Montano

Have facials regularly– Facials promote blood flow and stimulation of the facial muscles. All good things for your skin.
Drink Plenty of Water!– I know, you hear this a million times, but it’s because it’s so important and true! Water helps keep our skin plump, glowing and can even help clear blemishes. It’s in your best interest to drink up that H2O.
Be Consistent with Your Products– Products only work if you use them consistently. If you don’t keep up with your daily maintenance, you won’t see the changes in your skin that you want to see.
Always Use SPF!– Another one you probably hear all the time and it’s so important. SPF is NOT just for the summertime. You ALWAYS need sunscreen! Pick a Broad Spectrum sunscreen for best results.
Don’t Forget Your Neck & Hands– Show them a little love, too, when it comes to products and sun protection! These can show our age if we haven’t protected them properly. Make sure at the very least, you’re using an SPF and moisturizer on the often-forgotten neck and hands.
Exfoliate!– Whether you’re dry brushing, dermaplaning, using a scrub or a face wash, make sure you’re removing that dead layer of skin cells once or twice a week. Dead skin can trap bacteria under it, so if you suffer from acne, be sure this is part of your regime.
Hyaluronic Acid is Essential– Hyaluronic Acid helps keep skin healthy and hydrated. If your skin feels overly dry, flaky and almost ashy looking, it might be dehydrated and is a good sign that you need hydration (which is different from moisture.) Keep in mind that ANY skin type is prone to dehydration, not just those with dry skin.
Don’t Smoke– Seriously. Not only is it terrible for your health, but it can do a number on your skin, as well. It ages you prematurely, gives you wrinkles, dulls and discolors your skin and can increase your chances of getting skin cancer, among many other types of cancers. DO NOT SMOKE!
Catch Plenty of Zzz’s– Getting enough sleep can work wonders for your skin. You’ll look refreshed and rested. Dark circles and under-eye bags, be gone!
Use Vitamin A– It helps with cell turnover and in turn helps to fight off wrinkles and aging. Using a Retinol (cosmetic form) or a Retin-A (prescription form) will work wonders for your skin.

The Key to Kybella

March 8, 2016 by Jacquelyn Montano

Are you ready for the latest in injectables? SCBD is excited to introduce Kybella to our clients that are concerned with fat under their chin, otherwise known as a double chin or submental fat. We thought you might want to know a little bit about this newest injectable before you jump into the treatment chair.

What is Kybella made of?:
Kybella is a synthetic form of Deoxycholic Acid, a naturally occurring molecule that helps metabolize dietary fat.

How does it work?:
It essentially bursts the fat cells under the chin, your body will then metabolize it as normal. It is not meant to tighten any extra skin, although some people who have had Kybella say that they experienced some tightening. It’s a great non-surgical alternative for anyone looking to get rid of their double chin, as it leaves your jawline looking more contoured.

Who can get Kybella?:
Anyone with pinchable fat under the chin. It’s also preferred that they have good quality skin. It’s recommended that you see one of our nurses to determine if you are a good candidate.

Who CANNOT get Kybella?:
Those who have excess skin under the chin. Any woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding. Be sure to check with one of our nurses to see if the treatment is right for you.

How many treatments will I need?:
Usually around 2-6 sessions will be needed. Men will typically need more treatments than women. The nurse will usually give 12-20 injections per session. The appointments usually last around 20 minutes. Sessions are usually about a month apart.

What are the side effects?:
After your injections you may experience redness, bruising, discomfort, temporary numbness or areas of hardness. Most patients will experience swelling in the area of the injections. It usually takes 2-3 days to heal after the injections were given.

Is it permanent?:
Yes, it’s permanent in that the existing fat cells are destroyed, BUT new ones can emerge with weight gain.

Can I have Kybella injected into other areas of my body?:
It’s currently only FDA approved for under the chin, but if you did inject it into other areas, it would require a lot more product to receive any significant result.

Our nurses would be happy to answer any further questions you might have about this exciting new treatment! Come in or call today for your Kybella consultation.

Healthy Makeup Replacements for Your Skin

January 5, 2016 by Jacquelyn Montano

Makeup can do many things for us and our skin. It can cover, accentuate, hide and highlight any feature on our faces. One thing that we don’t want it to do is harm our skin. Unfortunately makeup can clog pores, give us blemishes, cause irritation and contain oils that we don’t want on our faces. Luckily, we carry an array of Colorescience products that can not only replace your makeup, but can make your skin healthier. From foundations to primers, there’s many choices and benefits to switching to Colorescience.

Foundation, Light Coverage: Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50– This broad spectrum sunscreen is a powder that’s available in three color options. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that protect against any sun damage. It’s also water-resistant, non-irritating and helps to smooth any imperfections.

Foundation, Medium Coverage: Even Up Clinical Pigment Corrector SPF 50– A great choice for anyone who is concerned with hyperpigmentation or dark spots. It contains an ingredient called Lumira which was clinically tested to improve and lighten skin discoloration. It’s only available in one shade, so for some it might be more of a base or a treatment rather than a foundation. It’s broad spectrum, containing both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Foundation, Medium to Full Coverage: Tint du Soleil SPF 30- A silky smooth texture that will cover any blemish or dark spot. It’s mineral based and made with peptides that improve skin tone and vitamins that minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also contains Lipids that will hydrate your skin and make it look luminous. It does have a slight rose fragrance and is available in three shades.

Lips: Sunforgettable Lip Shine SPF 35– We carry it in Rose, one of the six shades that they feature. It is broad spectrum to help protect your lips, an often forgotten spot for sun damage. It contains Spearmint Essential Oil for hydration and it also adds a nice scent. It has a peptide that is a collagen stimulator that will also help keep your lips from getting dry. It is a thicker gloss and the color is quite pigmented. Because of the SPF, it’s best to reapply this beautiful shade every 2 hours.

Concealer: Mineral Corrector Palette– Perfect to cover every day skin concerns. There are five shades included to cover reds, blues, yellows and purples, so no need to worry about blemishes, veins or under eye circles. The colors can be mixed or used on their own to conceal any problem areas. The powder is very blend-able and natural looking. If some of the colors just don’t match your skin tone, you can use them as blush, eyeshadow or an eyeshadow base.

Primer, Uneven Skin Tone: Skin Bronzing Face Primer SPF 20– Hydrates, softens and soothes skin. The sun-kissed glow evens out skin tone and blurs the look of pores. It also reduces the look of fine lines and imperfections.

Primer, Combination Skin: Skin Balancing Face Primer SPF 20– This one has cocoa extract to help with oil in the T-zone, but won’t dull skin. A lot like the bronzing, it adds a nice illuminating glow and a hint of color to make skin look radiant. It evens out skin tone and helps make pores look smaller.

Setting Mist: Hydrating Setting Mist– Anyone with normal, dry or mature skin will love the hydration from this setting spray. It will keep your makeup in place all day long and keep it looking fresh and vibrant. It has Ylang Ylang and Chamomile which help to soothe skin. For those who dread cakey, powdery makeup a spritz of this can help give you a more natural look.

If you suspect your makeup might be giving you more problems than it’s covering up, look into healthier skin products that double as makeup or be open to choosing makeup that cares for your skin. Talk to our nurses about our products and they can help you find the best solution for your skin.

SCBD Top 10 Favorite Products of 2015

December 22, 2015 by Jacquelyn Montano

We here at Skin Care By Design wanted to share our favorite products in 2015. Some are brand new and others are oldies but goodies, but they have all served us well. Without further ado, here’s our favorites!

1. Colorescience Tint du Soleil SPF– This broad spectrum sunscreen doubles as your foundation, as it has medium to full coverage! It comes in the option of Light, Medium and Dark all in an SPF 30.

2. Jan Marini Bioglycolic– This creamy facial cleanser can be used by all skin types. It’s an amazing choice for acne-prone skin as it exfoliates and cleanses deep down in the pores. It can reduce redness and it hydrates your skin, too.

3. Jan Marini Duality MD– Duality MD fights aging and adult acne all in one product. Double-pump action, one side dispenses benzoyl peroxide and the other, a 1% retinol. It works wonders!

4. NuFACE Trinity Pro– Lifting and tightening the face muscles, it’s often referred to as Pilates for the face! Contour your face at home, with this amazing device that uses Microcurrent technology to give you a youthful appearance. It also comes with attachable options for targeting eye and lips or wrinkles.

5. SkinCeuticals B5 Gel– This hydrating product contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 that moisturize the skin. It is a lighter option for those that may not be looking for a heavy cream when it comes to hydration.

6. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic– C E Ferulic reduces the environmental free radicals that harm skin. It also helps with aging and dark spots. C E Ferulic also increases firmness in the skin to reduce wrinkles. It’s a great choice for a Vitamin C.

7. SkinMedica Lytera– For those that battle hyper-pigmentation or have any dark spots, Lytera is a great option for a brightener. It contains Niacinamide and Vitamin C, both of which are known for helping brown spots fade.

8. SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum– It’s your all-in-one product! It will reduce the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines, help skin’s texture & tone, brighten age spots and will help fight environmental damage with antioxidants. It contains human growth factors that will help your skin to regenerate itself to keep it looking healthy.

9. SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair SPF– Not only does this SPF protect against UVA & UVB rays, but it also keeps away infrared rays! It comes in an SPF 34, SPF 34 tinted and SPF 50.

10. Visao Collagen Recharge– A buttery, thick moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores. Yes, please! This is the perfect option for anyone who has dry skin or seasonal dryness. Bonus: It can also be used as a hydrating masque!

Ask your provider about any of our products and our services, to find out which might be best for your skin concerns. Who knows, maybe some of these will become favorites of yours, too!

*Top 10 is in alphabetical order

At-Home Skin Care Devices- Do They Really Work?

November 6, 2015 by Jacquelyn Montano

As technology is improving and advancing, you might be coming across more and more at-home skin care devices. They can promise to replace clinical visits and professional machines, but the question remains, do they really work?

This of course varies on the product, your expectations and whether you continue your in-office visits. As far as technology for at-home devices goes, so far there are no real replacements for the actual machines. Often times the lasers or treatments just aren’t as powerful, and if they were, they might be deemed unsafe for at-home use. Because of this they might be less effective than what you’re used to getting in an office.

Of course many devices do work and are fantastic options for in-between treatments to receive even better results. Acne and hair removers are usually not made for large areas, but are great for spot treatments while you’re waiting for your next appointment. Another great at home treatment is lifting tools that can contour your face, which is perfect when you’re waiting for your next Botox or dermal filler treatment.

Some devices, like the laser hair removers might not be suitable for all skin types, so it’s best to ask your provider before purchasing one. Anti-aging devices should also be brought up to your provider before you purchase due to some of them having some adverse effects. They may not penetrate as deeply as you’d wish, so you may not see the full results you are hoping for.

Whether you’re on the fence or you’re ready to buy, make sure you do your research on the product and speak with your registered nurse about any at-home skin care device to make sure it’s right for you and your skin.

Why Tanning Doesn’t Mix with IPL and Laser Hair Removal

October 24, 2015 by Jacquelyn Montano

It’s now fall and you might be looking to remove the damage done from the harsh summer sun or maybe you want to be hairless for the holidays, either way you need to be careful with that tan!

IPL and lasers are targeting brown pigmentation deep in the skin to bring it to the surface and eventually have it fade away. Lasers that remove hair are looking for dark hair to destroy the hair follicle. In both cases, the light from the laser and IPL are looking for dark color and this is why it’s important not to have a tan.

If you have a tan, lasers and the IPL won’t be able to tell the difference between your skin and the pigmentation. It will prevent the energy from passing deep into the skin to target the brown spots and will instead be targeting your skin. Likewise, the light from the Laser Hair Remover will first be absorbed into your skin before it can go down deep enough to reach the hair follicle.

Not only could this hinder your progress, but it can be harmful. Having procedures done that do not mix with tans can cause burns because darker skin holds in heat longer than lighter skin. It can also lead to blisters and hypo/hyper-pigmentation of the skin.

It’s important to know that in the eyes of the laser and IPL, fake tans are no different than tanning from the sun. If you know you’re going to tan or be in the sun, it’s best to wait 4-6 weeks after tanning to have a procedure in order to make sure the tan is gone.

Even if your tan is barely visible, it can still make a difference. Self-tanners, lotions, sprays or just being in the sun can be harmful to you when having an IPL or Laser Hair Removal procedure. Always be honest with your provider when asked if you have a tan or if you’ve spent any time in the sun.