Do you enjoy having wrinkles on your skin? Do you love the fact that your skin isn’t as tight as it used to be? Do you absolutely love your acne scars? If you answered no to either of these questions, then we have a solution for you! Drum roll please… Here’s Opus Plasma! *Crowd cheers*

So, what exactly is Opus Plasma?
It is a new type of skin resurfacing technology—one that’s more advanced than traditional ablative laser skin resurfacing or fractional laser techniques. Opus Plasma uses radiofrequency technology, combining radiofrequency with plasma. This FDA-cleared, non-laser device is the first ever skin resurfacing system that utilizes fractional plasma technology to create more youthful-looking skin and restore confidence.
In the past, lasers were one of the only tools available for creating a smoother, more even skin tone and addressing unwanted blemishes. Then this bad boy came along! Because the Opus Plasma system uses plasma energy, it can reduce inflammation by precisely controlling contact time. This means it comes with greatly reduced downtime versus alternative treatment options.

Is this treatment the right one for me?
If you aren’t too sure about this treatment yet, another amazing thing about the Opus Plasma is how versatile it is. No matter your skin tone, type, and areas of concern, this machine has your back! Patients with concerns of their skin tone and texture or hyperpigmentation have been loving the Opus Plasma. Unlike other treatments, the Opus Plasma can treat your eyes, lips, surgical scars, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and stretch marks.

What should my recovery time look like?
Your recovery process will be unique to your treatment and your specific skincare goals. This treatment usually requires “social downtime” meaning you can go back to your regular activities quickly. In fact, most patients experience only some mild to moderate redness and swelling within the first two days. You’ll see noticeable improvement after your first treatment and with more sessions, your results will compound. Most patients need two or three sessions for best results.

Feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Registered Nurses here at Skin Care By Design so that we may answer any additional questions you may have and make sure you are the perfect candidate for this amazing treatment!

Crystal Moran

So, what is all the talk about this new treatment named “Clearlift”?
This treatment is a major advancement in skin-rejuvenating laser treatments, and it effectively refreshes the skin and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles in fast, comfortable sessions that leave no lingering redness and require no downtime. Clearlift is also referred to as the “Lunchtime Facelift” for that very reason. If you have been dying to get your resurfacing treatments in and don’t have the luxury to put your life on a hold because of downtime with other treatments, this my dear, is calling your name. It is quite impressive that it can treat highly sensitive areas of skin such as the crow’s feet around the eyes, neck and décolleté, which are typically prone to pain and scarring with laser treatments.

How does Alma Laser’s Clearlift work?
This device delivers a controlled dermal wound without harming the overlying epidermis so that all stages of healing and skin repair occur under the epidermis. Because Alma Laser’s ClearLift heats deep beneath the skin (up to 3mm in depth) no numbing is required prior to treatment and all skin healing happens without damaging the outer layer of skin. 3-5 treatments that are 3-4 weeks apart are recommended for Clearlift. In some cases, patients will see results just after 1 treatment. The awesome thing about this treatment is that your skin’s appearance continues to improve after each session with optimal results in as little as 3-6 months!

What makes Alma Laser’s non-ablative ClearLift different than ablative lasers?
Ablative laser resurfacing has several downsides such as:
-long, uncomfortable, and painful treatments
-prolonged and difficult recovery period
-prolonged facial redness and swelling which has been known to last from 3 days to 2 weeks
With the Clearlift treatment, you won’t experience any of this although you may experience slightly pink skin that is warm to the touch for about 30 minutes post-treatment.

I hope I’ve answered any possible questions you may have had. If not, feel free to give us a call or schedule a consultation with one of our Registered Nurses at (520)797-7546

The Unicorn Facial is an innovative and effective chemical treatment from Italy. This cutting-edge treatment known in Europe as Biorevitalization promotes your skin’s natural regeneration in a delicate and painless way. The Unicorn Facial improves skin texture, laxity, dullness and the appearance of wrinkles and scars. The Unicorn Facial is referred to as the “Unicorn Facial” because results are achieved without any invasive procedures, can be done on any skin type, is non-photosensitizing, and requires no down time.

The patented formula (PRX-T₃₃) used in a Unicorn Facial treatment is applied using a specific technique. The combination of the formulation and application technique allow the solution to penetrate deep into the dermis. When the active ingredients make their way into the dermis, they stimulate the fibroblast cells that produce collagen and elastin. This regeneration of collagen and elastin along with the deep hydration provided by the solution leave the skin looking smoother, tighter, and more vibrant.

The Unicorn Facial can be used for a variety of areas of the body. Some people do experience a tingling sensation during the application and some redness may be visible immediately after the treatment. The treatment takes 30-45 minutes depending on the areas being treated. Results are noticeable immediately after your first treatment, but a series of 4 treatments every week are strongly recommended for long-lasting results.

The world of aesthetics can be hard to navigate and dermal fillers are no exception. Dermal fillers are used to replace volume lost by aging or to enhance certain facial features. It can be overwhelming deciphering, which dermal fillers are right for you and your specific needs. One of the most recognizable names in the dermal filler landscape is Juvéderm. Juvéderm was the original dermal filler produced by Allergan Aesthetics (the geniuses behind Botox) and was FDA approved in 2006. Allergan Aesthetics has since expanded their line of dermal fillers, which is referred to as the Juvéderm Collection. All the dermal fillers in the Juvéderm Collection are hyaluronic acid based, which is naturally produced by the body, but each one is formulated with subtle difference to address a variety of facial volume loss concerns.

• Juvéderm XC is used to fill moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds including the “parentheses lines” around the mouth and nose (nasal labial folds). It can also be used to add volume to the lips. Juvéderm can last up to 1 year.
• Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC is very similar to Juvéderm and can be used in the same areas, but has a slightly thicker consistency, making it more suitable for deeper wrinkles and folds.  Juvéderm Ultra Plus can last up to 1 year.
• Voluma XC is the thickest formulation and is primarily used to add volume to lift and contour the cheek area. It can also be used to define the chin and jawline or to fill in sunken temples. Voluma can last up to 2 years in the cheeks and up to 1 year in other areas.
• Volbella XC is the thinnest formulation and works best to fill fine lines like the perioral lines around the mouth (lipstick lines) or to add subtle volume to the lips. This is a very popular choice for those looking for a soft and natural lip enhancement. Volbella can last up to 1 year.
• Vollure XC is used in areas where moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds occur like the nasal labial folds. Vollure is specially designed to stay put in areas with a lot of facial movement (around the mouth). It can last up to 18 months!

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, 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, 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.

As skin care professionals we hear this comment often, “I have a Retinol or Retin A (both Vitamin A derivatives) prescription, but I don’t use it because it irritated my skin.” Yes, Retinol can cause irritation for sensitive skin types limiting its’ use. However, good news: Retinol formulations have greatly improved, and users have been thrilled with amazing results!

Topical retinol is perhaps the best studied, results-driven, ingredient in the skin care market, and it has powerful benefits! Today’s advanced cosmeceutical retinols are combined with beneficial, soothing, and hydrating skin care ingredients such as peptides and antioxidants to help your skin acclimatize to using retinol. Retinol encourages the production of new skin cells and increases the rate that these cells travel to the surface of the skin. Check out these amazing skin benefits:

• Diminished wrinkle appearance
• Tighter and more luminous skin
• An increase in collagen and elastin production
• Clearing clogged pores that cause pimples and acne

Skin Care By Design carries these newer formulas in our cosmeceutical skin care lines. We offer two different brands of retinols: Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol and Skin Medica Retinol Complex. Each brand offers the highest concentration of retinol available and is equal n strength to prescription Retin A.

When introducing retinol into your skin care routine, it is best to start low to avoid irritation. Start with applying your retinol 2-3 times per week (2-3 days apart), gradually increase to every other night, then advance to each evening as tolerated. Remember to apply sunscreen daily as retinols can make your skin more photosensitive.

Ask us on your next visit if a retinol is right for you. It is our pleasure to help you with any questions you may have!

Here at Skin Care By Design we are all skin care junkies, obviously! We are always excited to try out the newest product or the latest treatment. When the DiamondGlow (formerly Dermalinfusion) was brought into the practice, we were so excited to see what it was all about! The DiamondGlow was an instant hit with the entire staff! It is not often that you see a treatment with literally no downtime that offers immediate results! One DiamondGlow treatment will give you instantly dewy and brighter skin! The best thing is that the DiamondGlow is completely customizable to your specific skin care needs!

So, what exactly is the DiamondGlow? The DiamondGlow utilizes 3-in-1 technology that simultaneously exfoliates, extracts debris, and infuses skin with professional grade serums, when pores are most open and receptive. A diamond tip wand is employed to gently exfoliate the skin (hints the Diamond in DiamondGlow). The treatment provider has 6 different tips to choose from, insuring the right level of exfoliation for your skin. There is even a special tip designed to be used around the delicate lip and eye areas. The next degree of customization comes from the SkinMedia ProInfusion Serums, which clean out the pores and send active ingredients deep into the skin. There are 5 serums to choose from and up to 2 serums can be used in one treatment! The choices of ProInfusion Serums are as followed:

• TNS Advanced + Serum: targets coarse wrinkles and sagging skin.
• Skin Brightening Serum: brightens skin and improves appearance of uneven pigmentation.
• Ultra Hydrating Serum: rehydrates and smooths skin.
• Vitamin C Serum: provides a deep dose of antioxidants to rejuvenate and protect.
• Pore Clarifying Serum: addresses blemishes and promotes clearer skin.

At the end of your treatment, you can look at your waste jar that collects the dead skin and debris removed during the treatment. It’s pretty fun to get to see! The DiamondGlow only takes 40 minutes and make up can be applied immediately after. It is the perfect treatment to have just before a big event. For optimal results we suggest starting with 4-6 DiamondGlow treatments every 2-4 weeks and continuing treatments for maintenance as desired.