It is not surprising that the bikini area is one of the most common areas treated with laser hair removal. There are many advantages to having laser hair removal on the bikini area, but the most obvious is convenance. Lasers offer a more permanent solution to hair removal than waxing or shaving, so you don’t have the constant maintenance. Laser hair removal eliminates stubble, ingrown hairs and irritating red bumps. After laser hair removal, you no longer have to worry about shaving or waxing before you put on a swimsuit or skimpy little panties the area is always smooth.
Terms for popular bikini hair removal styles
Many of the terms used to describe the styles for bikini hair removal are used interchangeably, so always be sure to communicate exactly what you want with the person doing your bikini hair removal treatment.
Basic Hair is only removed from outside of the standard bikini panty line.
American (Modified Bikini) Hair is removed a little deeper inside bikini line than the basic.
FrenchHair is removed from the sides, leaving a thin strip on top. Hair is not removed from the labia, buttock or peri-anal area.
Brazilian Hair is removed from the sides, buttock and peri-anal area, leaving a small strip or triangle. Hair is not removed from the labia.
Playboy Hair is removed everywhere including labia, buttock and peri-anal area, leaving only a small strip on top.
Hollywood Everything is removed, leaving the area completely bare.
Bollywood Bejeweling the top of the bikini area, with crystals.
Bunny Tail Just above the anal area, between the cheeks
Don’t be shy
Many people feel embarrassed or awkward about having hair professionally removed from the bikini and anal area. As an Esthetician and Laser Technician, I can assure you that nobody should ever feel embarrassed about having a bikini wax or laser hair removal. This is our job, this is what we do all day. We do not care about the size, shape or color of anything. You do not have anything we have not seen before. ( Unless you have two vaginas) I have seen it all, piercings, tattoos, tampon strings and hemorrhoids. I have treated women, men and pre-op transsexuals. If you are someone that feels shy about having a bikini treatment, try to remind yourself that you are being treated by a professional.
What to expect during a treatment
Before you have a laser hair removal treatment you will have a consultation with your laser technician. During your consultation you will discuss what shape or style you would like, it is usually best to shave the area in the shape you like about two days before your treatment. Your laser technician may shave the area if there are any long hairs.
You will be taken in to a private room and asked to undress from the waist down. The technician will leave the room while you undress. You may wear panties or a swimsuit if you are only treating the hair that extends outside the pantie line. After undressing you will lay on the table and drape yourself with a sheet or towel. The laser technician will come back into the room and prep the area by shaving any hair that is to long and then applying a topical numbing cream. ( Numbing cream is optional) The numbing cream is usually left on for about thirty minutes before the treatment begins. After the numbing cream has had a chance to take effect your technician will come back in and begin treatment. Your technician will treat a section at a time, draping the other areas. The treatment itself takes about thirty minutes.
After your treatment the area may feel like a mild sun burn or razor burn. The area may also have little red bumps, this is follicular edema. Follicular edema is a normal response to the hair follicle heating up. The hair will begin to fall out over the next two weeks after treatment. It is important to keep the area cool immediately after your treatment.
How many treatments are needed?
Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments, a minimum of 8 treatment is needed on non-facial areas such as the bikini. Treatments are generally done about 6 weeks apart. Most people will require periodic maintenance treatments, after the initial series of 8 treatments. You may be told that you will only need 5 treatments, this is almost never true. There is not any special laser that has the ability to eliminate hair with fewer treatments.
Why do you need so many treatments?
When we do laser hair removal, we treat the entire area and most of the hair will fall out with each treatment. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of hair is permanently removed with each treatment. In most cases less than ten percent will be permanently removed with each treatment. The reason has to do with the growth cycle of hair. Hair goes through a growth cycle that includes anagen, catagen and telogen. Hair that is in the Anagen stage ( active growing phase) respond best to laser hair removal. Each hair follicle acts independently, so not all hair will be in the same cycle of growth at the same time. On the bikini area you may have only about thirty percent of hair follicles that are in the anagen stage at any given time, while up to 70% can be in a telogen stage for about twelve weeks. These growth cycles vary from person to person, and from time to time.
To complicate the hair removal process even further we all have “potential” follicles that have never produced hair, but have the potential to grow hair. The number of potential follicles far out number the anagen or telogen follicles. These potential hair follicles can be stimulated to produce a hair at any given time and laser hair removal can not prevent a potential follicle from having the ability to produce a hair.
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Coolsculpting is a non-surgical procedure used to get rid of muffin tops, love handles, back fat and all those fat bulges that torment us. The treatment only takes an hour per area and there isn’t any down time, so you can immediately get back to your normal activities. The best part is unlike other non-surgical procedures, the fat cells die permanently.
How it works
Coolsculpting uses a new technology called Cryolipolysis to reduce excess adipose tissue, or as we call it FAT. Cryolipolysis is kind of a fancy way to say freezing fat or controlled fat cooling. The controlled cooling is done in a way that does not damage surrounding tissue. Water freezes at 0〫celsius while fat freezes at 10〫celsius. Coolsculpting actually cools the fat to just above freezing, at about 12〫celsius. Adipocytes (fat cells) contain lipids that respond in a unique way to cold. When cooled to just above freezing the lipids will crystalize. When the lipids crystalize the fat cell dies, going thru a natural process known as apoptosis. The great thing about Coolsculpting is that there isn’t any tissue injury or necrosis, which is a traumatic cell death. Some of the fat cells will have immediate cell death, however most of the fat cells will continue to die as they go thru apoptosis, up to six months after a single treatment.
What to expect
The applicator is applied to the targeted area, you will feel a strong suction as it attaches. Once the applicator is applied to the treated area you will feel it begin to cool, surprisingly it doesn’t feel that cold. Once the applicator is applied and the cooling begins, you simply relax for the next hour. You can watch TV, read, work on your ipad or take a nap. The treatment is very comfortable. After an hour the applicator is removed. The fat in the treated area is raised and firm, it looks kind of like a stick of butter. The fat will be massaged and will flatten down to normal.
There isn’t any down time after the treatment, so you can immediately return to your normal activities. Results can be seen as early as two weeks after treatment and continue to improve up to six months later. The most obvious change is seen around two months after treatment.
Diet and Exercise
Before anybody thinks of leaving a comment suggesting to simply diet and exercise, let me start off by saying ” duh…. don’t insult us captain obvious.” Obviously treatments like Coolsculpting are not an alternative to diet and exercise. For many people there are just areas of stubborn fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Some people hold onto weight in their butt, hips or thighs while others hold onto fat in their abdomen or flanks. ( Most of us are not perfect )
Diet and exercise can help with overall weight loss, but diet and exercise are not effective for targeting weight loss for specific areas of the body. Exercise can tighten, tone and build muscle in targeted areas, however exercise can not target fat reduction in specific areas. Procedures like liposuction and Coolsculpting help to reduce fat in resistant areas.
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We are excited about the newest chemical peel to hit the scene and the name “Perfect Peel”says it all.
The Perfect Peel works from the inside out to repair and nourish skin by giving it a radiant glow, refining pores, improving skin hyperpigmentations, lifting melasma, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, eliminating acne and preventing acne marks. Most importantly the Glutathione element defies the aging process. The Perfect Peel is the only peel on the market with Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient. In addition to Glutothione, the perfect peel is formulated with an impressive list of active ingredients including: TCA, Retinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, Vitamin C and Kojic Acid.
I recently had this peel myself and I was pleased with the level of correction I saw, it did a wonderful job of lightening the melasma and skin discolorations on my skin as well as smoothing out the fine lines. The peel it-self was quick and surprisingly comfortable with virtually no stinging or burning. The treatment includes a post treatment moisturizer and two treatment towelettes that are infused with retinoic acid and Vitamin C which are designed to enhance the effects of the peel. I simply swiped the moist treatment towel over my face the night of my peel and again the following night. The Vitamin C does make your skin itch slightly, after you use the towelettes. To sooth the itching I just mixed a topical hydrocortisone cream in with the moisturizer and applied it to the treated areas. The peeling was easy to tolerate, with one major day of peeling on day three. I personally only “peeled” for about 2 days with a little sloughing after that. I would say most people can expect about 3 days of social down-time, which just means you will comfortable with routine activities but, this is not a good time for a social event like a party or wedding.
The Perfect Peel will:
- Rejuvenate and produce younger healthier looking skin.
- Reverse signs of aging and sun damage.
- Even out your overall skin tone.
- Lighten and brighten your skin.
- Slow down the skin aging process.
- Reduce pore size and soften lines and wrinkles.
- Stimulate collagen production resulting in firmer skin.
- Improve the overall tone and texture of your skin.
- Prevent Wrinkles and Age Spots.
- Improve skin conditions such as acne, melasma, and hyper pigmentation.
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is the ultimate antioxidant known to prevent damage to important cellular components caused by free radicals and peroxides. As we age, our Glutathione levels are depleted due to sun exposure, air pollutants and environmental stress.
Glutathione penetrates deep into the cellular level of the skin to fight oxidant damage and is the anti-aging answer to premature wrinkling. Glutathione is proven to reverse the melanin’s metabolism turning dark pigmentations (eumelanin) into light pigmentation (phaeomelanin)
How long will I peel?
The day of the treatment is considered day 1. Peeling usually begins on day 3 and is generally completed by day 5 or 6. Most of the peeling happens on days 3 and 4.
If you want to peel over the weekend schedule your treatment on a Thursday. You will look fine on Friday, with most of the peeling on Saturday and Sunday, by Monday and Tuesday you usually will have some mild sloughing with little to no peeling.
The content provide in this post is intended to be informative and does not replace medical or professional treatment.
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The Illuminize Peel is a very superficial treatment that gently exfoliates and brightens skin with out any peeling or down time. Mild exfoliating treatments like the Illuminize peel work well to enhance the benefits of skin care products and freshen up skin in between more aggressive skin treatments.
At Paradise Valley Skin Klinic, we include dermaplaning with the Illuminize Peel!
This non-invasive very superficial chemical peel utilizes a novel approach to chemical peeling with a newer generation of alpha-hydroxy acids (mandelic acid and malic acid) in combination with phytic acid and commonly used peeling agents (salicylic acid and resorcinol) to maximize skin rejuvenating effects with low irritation.
- Increase skin glow and radiance
- Tightens the skin and restores a more youthful appearance
- Improves clarity, color and skin texture
- Achieve enhancement of skin appearance with minimal downtime and discomfort
- Appropriate for a first-time chemical peel or for those looking for a gentle, very superficial peel
- May be performed on dark skin
- Little or no visible peeling
The content provide in this post is intended to be informative and does not replace medical or professional treatment.
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Hello, everybodeee! I don’t want to scare you but, there is a MONSTER at the end of this post.
I wanted to share this great children friendly iTunes app and tell you how to get it free. Both of my kids LOVE ” The Monster at the End of This Book”. Okay, well… My oldest son is almost 17 now, but when he was little this was his absolute favorite book. Even though he could read himself, he always wanted me to read this book to him and now twelve years later my youngest son loves this book just as much.
The App stays true to our favorite book, but just a little more exciting. It is an interactive Sesame Street page -turner. Each word is highlighted as Grover reads the book and then you or your child can touch the page -turner icon to turn the page. Grover will try to stop you from turning pages by building a wall or tying the pages together, but you or your child can simply touch the page to untie knots, pull out nails and nock down walls. Every time you turn another page, Grover gets very upset because, there is a monster at the end of the book. My toddler laughs hysterically every time he knocks down a wall. It is so much fun for him to be involved as his favorite book comes alive.
How to get it Free.
Starbucks has a free “Pick of the Week App” and the current app is The Monster at the End of this book. The next time you are in Starbucks getting your favorite beverage or tasty treats, simply pick up one of these ” Pick of the Week App” cards. On the back of each card is a code and instructions on how to download this app. Each card is only good for one download and the code expires 12/19/11. If you would like to download it to your Mac or PC you will use iTunes. You will use the App Store if you are downloading it on an iPhone or iPad.
and YOU were so scared…
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The Obagi Blue Peel improves hyper pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, laxity, skin texture and acne scars.
The Obagi Blue Peel is a unique procedure designed to precisely control the depth of a TCA chemical peel. The Blue Peel uses Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as the active ingredient and a patented Blue Base with built in safeguards. The TCA and blue peel solution is prepared at a fixed concentration and applied in a “coating system”. The Blue base gives the skin professional more control over the peel by slowing the penatratation of the TCA solution and making it easier to recognize desired endpoints. The coating system helps monitor and control the depth of the peel.
The Obagi Nu Derm system and Obagi Blue Peel are designed to work together. The Obagi Nu-Derm system is used before the peel to precondition skin and as a post treatment protocol. Pre-conditioning prepares skin by correcting and stimulating normal skin function to speed healing. The amount of time for preconditioning is determined by the skin type and condition, usually a minimum of 6 weeks. Post-treatment promotes shorter recovery time, aids in resolution of erythema (redness) and post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I will not do a Blue Peel on anyone who has not preconditioned, post treatment care is also not optional.
The Obagi Blue Peel is not something you just schedule and show up for, it requires a little planning and preparation. A consultation is required before scheduling a Blue Peel to determine the depth of the peel needed to achieve desired results. In some cases a Blue Peel may not be your best option or additional treatments may be needed, so other treatment possibilities may be discussed. You will also need to begin a skin care regimen with the Obagi Nu-Derm system, a minimum of 6 weeks prior to your peel. During the consultation you will discuss the length and amount of peeling to expect with your peel , so that you can plan your schedule accordingly. The price of the Blue Peel varies depending on the depth of the peel, however even in the deepest Blue Peel is only a fraction of the cost of many laser treatments. ( The Blue Peel is amazing when combined with fillers and Botox. Think Chemical Facelift!)
Depth of Obagi Blue Peel
The Obagi Blue Peel can be performed at different levels or depths, depending on the desired results. The Obagi Blue peel uses a coating system as a way of preparing and controlling the depth of the peel. People often get confused by the term “coat”. When we say coats we are not referring to how many times the peel is painted on the face, a coat refers to a specific volume of a prepared solution. The blue peel uses a 30% TCA and a patented blue base that is prepared in either a 15% or 20% solution. It is important to understand that 2 coats of a 15% solution is not the equivalent of 2 coats of a 20% solution. A Blue peel solution of 20% is also not the equivalent of a plain 20% TCA. When considering a Blue Peel try not to confuse your self with the coat system and the concentration of the prepared solution, instead focus on the depth of the peel needed to achieve specific results.
[ Chemical Peels 101: skin anatomy, chemical peels, and peeling agents ]
Light Exfoliation: Peeling is complete in 2-3 days.
This is commonly referred to as a 1 coat peel
- Penetrates the stratum corneum layer of the skin.
- Provide light exfoliation to freshen the skin
- Unclogs pores and reduces comedones
Deep Exfoliation: Peeling is complete in 4-7 days.
This is commonly referred to as a 2 coat peel.
- Penetrates to the basal layer of the skin.
- Temporary improvement of superficial hyper-pigmentation
- Enhances results of the Nu-derm system
Standard Blue Peel: Peeling is complete in 7-9 days.
This is commonly referred to as a three coat peel.
- Penetrates the papillary dermis layer of the skin.
- Treats hyper-pigmentation Brown spots and Melasma
- Improves skin texture, reducing roughness
- Tightens large pores
Designed Blue Peel: Peeling is complete in 9-14 days.
This is commonly referred to as a 4 coat peel.
- Penetrates to the reticular dermis layer of the skin.
- Treats hyper-pigmentation Brown spots and Melasma
- Improves skin texture, reducing roughness
- Tightens large pores
- Skin laxity, fine lines, “stretchable” wrinkles and scars.
*Immediate reticular dermis (IRD) is the area where the papillary dermis meets the upper reticular dermis.
Pre-conditioning before the Obagi Blue Peel
Skin should be conditioned before a Blue Peel, this is done by using the full Obagi Nu Derm system along with a topical tretinoin (Retin-A). Conditioning the skin prior to the peel will enhance results and reduce complications. Pre-conditioning prepares skin by correcting and stimulating normal skin function to speed healing. The Obagi Nu Derm is a complete system and should be used as such. It is not recommended to eliminate or substitute the skin products in the Obagi System. Your skin health professional will give you a specific protocol that is appropriate for your skin. You will be instructed when and how to use each product as well as how to measure the recommended amount of each product. You will also be shown how manage reactions and how to modify your protocol to fit your lifestyle.
Obagi Medical skin care products are prescription strength, and available only through a physician’s office.The products in this system should be used with the same respect and diligence as any prescribed drug. You should only use Obagi products that you have received directly from your skin care professional, under a doctors supervision. Products sold by unauthorized distributers or online may be counterfeit, expired or degraded in quality. This can lead to reduced results and complications. When you purchase Nu-derm products from anyone other than your personal skin care professional, they are unable to calculate if you are using your creams correctly or guarantee efficacy of the products, consequently the results of your treatment can not be assured.
[ Obagi Nu-Derm: Restore Skin Health ]
Post- treatment after the Obagi Blue Peel
The Peel Stage
The peeling stage is 3-14 days depending on depth of peel.
The amount of peeling will depend on the level of peel. Skin will generally begin to darken on the 3rd day and peeling will begin on day 3 or 4, depending on depth of peel. Peeling begins around eyes, nose and mouth. With a standard or designed blue peel, days 4-6 will appear the worst. The peeling stage is not painful, but the skin will feel tight and dry. Follow all post treatment instructions. NO PICKING! It is extremely important that you do not assist the peel, treat the skin like you are trying to keep it on. Do not pick, pull or remove skin. Complications can occur if skin is peeled off prematurely.
During the peeling stage you will be instructed to follow specific post treatment instructions. This will include using a gentle cleanser and mild topical creams designed by Dr Obagi to be used after a Blue peel. If you have had a deeper peel you may be instructed to use an astringent solution compress. Sun exposure should be avoided after the peel. Chemical sunblocks and makeup can not be used, however you may be able to use an “approved” mineral makeup which will provide a little sun protection. I usually recommend Jane Iredale mineral makeup.
[ Chemical Peels: Post Treatment Care and Instructions ]
Recovery Stage
The recovery stage begins when peeling is complete and lasts 1-6 weeks, depending on depth of peel. When the peeling is complete, skin will look good and will continue to improve as it heels. Skin may look a little pink or red and it is not un usual to see an acne flare-up. After peeling is complete it is important to resume Obagi Nu-derm system as instructed to enhance results and reduce the probability of post inflammatory pigmentation.
Return to Normal
Skin will return to normal when the recovery stage is complete. Results of the procedure can be evaluated at this point and you will resume Obagi Nu-Derm system under the normal protocol. It is important to not discontinue Nu-Derm system prematurely. You will continue on a normal Obagi Nu Derm protocol until advised to begin a maintenance protocol, usually 6-12 weeks. This will depend on how aggressive your nu-derm protocol is, the condition of your skin and desired results.
Maintenance
When skin has been corrected and has returned to a normal healthy state a maintenance protocol will be designed to help you maintain your results. Your skin health professional will instruct you when to begin a maintenance protocol, this is usually.
The content provide in this post is intended to be informative and does not replace medical or professional treatment.
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Acne is a disease state in which skin cells that line a hair or sebaceous follicle are shed, but fail they to make it to the surface of the skin to be sloughed away. An acne lesion begins when sebum (oil) causes skin cells to stick together and clog a follicle. When oil and dead skin cells collect in the follicle, bacteria quickly multiplies, specifically Propionbacterium (P.acne bacteria). The bacteria causes the release of free fatty acids, which irritate the follicle and cause inflammation.
Acne Lesions
We usually refer to acne lesions simply as blemishes or pimples, however there are specific names used for acne lesions. A non-inflammatory acne lesion is known as a comedo that develops when a hair follicle has become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. When bacteria infects an acne lesion and the follicular wall ruptures it is known as an inflammatory lesion. An inflammatory lesion is elevated and the skin surrounding it is usually red and sensitive.
Micro-comedones
A non- inflammatory, very tiny hard blockage under the skin. It is the smallest acne lesion and is not visible at the skins surface. This is the beginning stage of a blocked follicle. Micro-comedones develop into open or closed comedones as trapped sebum (oil) increases.
Closed Comedones (Whiteheads or Milia)
A small non- inflammatory bump at the surface of the skin. Dead skin cells and oil become trapped inside the follicle, and the opening to the follicle is closed.
Open Comedones (Blackheads)
A small non- inflammatory, plug at the surface of the skin. Dead skin cells and oil block the opening to a follicle creating a plug. Unlike a whitehead the opening to the follicle is open, allowing the dead skin cells and sebum at the opening to be exposed to oxygen. When exposed to oxygen the dead skin cells and sebum (oil) will oxidize and appear black. Blackheads develop in follicles that are large.
Papules
Inflamed small red or pink bumps on the skin with out an opening. Papuals do not contain pus, however they can develop into a pustule or a nodule. As a papule becomes more inflamed pus will form and it will develop into a pustule, if the lesion is deep it will develop into a nodule.
Pustules
An inflamed, pus filled acne lesion. Pustules are what are commonly called pimples and the white or yellow center is often called a “head”. A pustule is surrounded by a circle of red inflamed skin.
Nodules & Cysts
Nodules and cysts are large inflamed acne lesions that develop deep within the skin. They are severe forms of acne that often cause scars. You should never attempt to pop or extract cyst or nodules, they need to be treated medically.
Nodule
A large, solid, inflamed, pus- filled lesion that is located deep within the skin. A nodule will feel firm because the puss hardens inside the lesion. The body’s immune system responds by trying to keep the bacteria from spreading and skin cells will grow or wrap around the follicle. Nodules are often referred to as cysts.
Cyst
A large, soft, inflamed sac -like lesion that is located deep within the skin. Cysts are filled with fluid or a semi-fluid that consists of white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Treating Acne
The main objectives in treating acne are to reduce oil production, bacteria, inflammation and to alter keritinization (build up of skin cells). The exact treatment will depend largely on the degree of acne being treated. The treatment for acne will depend on the grade or severity of the condition.
Keratinization
Dead skin cells called are shed into the follicle and are then carried to the skins surface and are sloughed off. Sebum (oil) can cause the skin cells to become cohesive or sticky and then they clump up in what is known as cohesion. The follicle will become blocked when skin cells are not shed properly, this is why treatments that exfoliate dead skin cells and increase skin cell turn over are recommended for acne. The goal is to exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent and break up existing cohesion “clump of skin cells”.
- Microdermabrasion: Not recommended for “active” moderate to severe acne
- Chemical Peels
- Tretinoin ( Retin-A)
- Topical AHA/ BHA: Retinols/ Vitamin A, Glycolic Acid, Salicilic Acid
- Azelaic Acid, also has an antimicrobial effect
Sebum (oil) production
Those prone to acne often produce excessive amounts of sebum (oil). When there is an increase in Androgen hormones such as testosterone, the oil glands become larger and produce more sebum (oil)
- Oral contraceptives can help to reduce the effects androgen hormones in women thus reducing oil
-Isotretinoin (Accutane)
- Acne laser treatments
- Blue Light RF: When Blue light is combined with RF energy it causes sebaceous gland atrophy (shrinks the oil gland) which decreases oil production.
- PDT Photodynamic Therapy With Levulan ALA: When used with IPL will also treat hyper-pigmentation, rosacea, broken blood vessels
Bacteria
Some bacteria is normally present on the skin, including P. acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes). There is an increased level of bacteria in acne. Bacteria thrives in an eviroment that is deprived of oxygen so products that intoduce oxygen into the skin work to fight bacteria, this includes benzoyl peroxide. The use of oral antibiotics for acne is usually only recomended for short term use because the body can become tolerant to antibiotics. It is also believed that long term use of oral antibiotics contributes to acne cysts.
- Oral Antibiotics: Tetracycline, Minocycline
- Topical Antibiotics: Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Clindamycin
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Blue Light Therapy
- High Frequency ( not as effective as blue light, often used after acne extractions)
Inflammation
The P. acne bacteria releases lipase which converts the lipids in the sebum (oil) in to free fatty acids which irritant the skin and cause inflammation. Reducing bacteria will in turn reduce inflammation, because the bacteria contributes to the free fatty acids that irritate skin.
- Salicylic Acid: Topical salicylic acid treats acne by reducing swelling and redness
- Nicomide: A member of the Vitamin B family, also used for rosacea. Topical version available over the counter.
- Zink Oxide: Look for sunblock and mineral makeup with zinc oxide, it has anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being a physical UVA/ UVB
- Croyo-Slushy: anti-bacterial, anti-inflamatory and mild exfoliation properties
Acne Scars
“It is easier to stay out of trouble than get out” Mark Twain
Corecting acne scars can be very challanging and expensive, you are always better off treating and controlling acne thus preventing acne scars. Acne cysts are most likely to cause scars, a diluted corticosteroid injection can be used to reduce cysts and inflammation.
Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation (PIH) is name used for the dark spots left by acne or other skin lesions. The skin responds to inflammation by stimulating the melanocyte to over produce pigment cells. PIH can be prevented, treated and controlled with the use of topical products like hydroquinone and tretinoin. Topical Hydroquinone 4% is a prescription strength cream used to “suppress” the melanocyte which can help to prevent PIH and treat existing hyper pigmentation.
Depressed and ice pick scars are usually treated with a “leveling treatment” such as laser resurfacing or a deep chemical peel like the Obagi Blue Peel. Injectable fillers are also used to plump skin and reduce acne scars. Combining a leveling treatment with fillers will provide better results. As the skin ages, the loss of elasticity and collagen will cause acne scars to look worse. Anti-aging treatments and good sun protection can help slow this process. A facelift will also improve the appearance of acne scars because it tightens the skin.
Before you start an acne treatment
Many of the treatments and products mentioned in this post are prescription strength drugs or medical treatments. There are contraindications for some acne treatments, so it is important to consult with your doctor or skin health professional before starting an acne treatment program. Woman that are pregnant or nursing need to consult with their doctor before using ANY acne treatments, as many are not approved for use in pregnant or nursing women. The content provide in this post is intended to be informative and does not replace medical or professional treatment.
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IS Clinical is one of my favorite skin care lines and that is saying a lot. Anybody who knows me will tell you that I am a very hard sale. It takes a lot to impress me. I am not interested in perfumes, fancy packaging or gimicks. There are so many skin care products on the market, making a wise choice can be a challenge even for skin profesionals. It seems like every week there is another represenative from some skin care company trying to get us to sell their products. Although most of these products are not bad, I only want the best for my clients. When IS Clinical first came out, their rep came to the office I was working in at the time and I almost sent her away. Luckily, she caught my attention with Active Serum. An amazing serum that is packed full of high quality active ingrediants. Active Serum is one of my favorite skin products of all time, and every one else loves it too. This summer I started using White Lightning from IS Clinical and I LOVE IT! IS Clinical has several great products, but I want to share our top five favorites.
Active Serum
Active Serum is defiantly a must have! This product is appropriate for most skin types and can be incorporated into just about any skin care program. Active serum is perfect for treating acne, hyper pigmentation and anti-aging. The ingredients are designed to exfoliate the skin with out any dryness or peeling. If you don’t have this, GET IT!
Ingredients: Sugar Cane Extract (a source of Glycolic Acid), Bilberry Extract (a source of Lactic Acid), Willow Bark Extract (a source of Salicylic Acid), Arbutin, Mushroom Extract (a source of Kojic Acid), Menthol.
White Lightening
This formula is designed with lightening agents that work to reduce hyper pigmentation and brighten skin. They also added powerful antioxidant and moisturizers. White Lightening also comes in a serum that contains exfoliating agents. White lightening can be used to enhance the effects of hydroquinone products like Obagi Clear or used as an alternative when hydroquinone is not appropriate.
Pro-Heal Serum Advance+
Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ is a topical vitamin healing formula featuring L-Ascorbic acid 15% , Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and olive leaf extract. It is ideal for most skin types including rosacea and acne. Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ reduces inflammation and can also be used to sooth contact dermatitis, insect bites and sunburns.
Youth Eye Complex
This eye cream has a lot to offer. Mild exfoliating agents to stimulate skin cell turn over, growth factors and antioxidants. The top ingredient in this powerful eye cream is Hyaluronic Acid which binds to water for hydration and helps to plump wrinkles.
[ Read more about youth complex products]
Cleansing Complex
An extremely versatile cleanser, appropriate for all skin types. It is gentle enough for sensitive or rosacea skin and powerful enough for oily and acne prone skin. Cleansing Complex contains Sugar Cane Extract (a source of Glycolic Acid), Willow Bark Extract (a source of Salicylic Acid), Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Retinol (Vitamin A) and Chamomile. I also love that Cleansing Complex doesn’t have any sulfates. The only thing that could make this cleanser better is a Clarisonic Cleansing Brush.
We also love the Is Clinical Innovative Facial also known as the Red Carpet facial or the Fire and Ice facial!
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We are recruiting new players
Medical Estheticians Kristy Harris and Stephanie Willis have added a high performance skin treatment to the playbook. Acne blemishes are a skin violation, that can leave even the hottest player on the sidelines and the “Player Facial” is the official clear skin treatment.
The Player Facial
We kick things off with Blue Light RF acne treatment. Intense Pulsed Blue Light teams up with RF energy to defeat acne causing bacteria and shrink oil glands. The next step is a deep pore cleansing treatment followed up with a treatment mask designed to battle acne breakouts. Then a microdermabrasion treatment will remove dead skin cells that threaten to block pores. In this skin treatment we will extract acne pimples and black heads, followed with a pass of high frequency to ensure quick skin healing. Finally, a Cryo-Slushy is made at the time of treatment and gently swiped over treated skin, to work against acne causing bacteria, tighten pores, reduce inflammation and enhance skin exfoliation.
90 minutes $225 * Gratuity not included.
Recommended For: Normal-oily and acne prone skin. Not recommended for anyone that is pregnant, on actuate or severe cystic acne.
Thank you for visiting Best of Both Worlds Az
You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and on our blog site
www.bestofbothworldsaz.com
®© All Rights Reserved.
Blue Light RF is an acne treatment that works to kill acne causing bacteria and shrink oil glands, reducing oil production. Blue light can be done alone or added to other skin treatments like facials and chemical peels to enhance results.
Blue Light has a very short wavelength of about 450-495nm, and is used to treat acne because it has the ability to kill acne causing bacteria in the skin. There are two basic types of blue light treatments used to treat acne, passive blue light and direct contact blue light. Passive blue light involves sitting in front of or laying under a blue light for a specific amount of time. Direct contact blue light uses a a hand piece with a crystal tip, which is applied directly to the skin by the laser technician. Both types of blue light can be used alone or used to activate Levulan for Photodynamic therapy. Blue light treatments are not painfull and do not require any amount of down time.
BlueLight RF
Blue Light RF uses a combination of Intense Blue Light Energy (similar to IPL) and Radio Frequency with direct contact. The synergistic optical energy is effective in treating two key factors involved in acne, bacteria and oil production. The blue light works to kill P. Acne bacteria while the RF energy causes sebaceous gland atrophy (shrinks the oil gland) which decreases oil production.
How many treatments are needed.
When done alone as an acne treatment, a series of blue light treatments are recommended. The exact treatment protocall will depend on the grade of acne being treated. In most cases a series of 8 treatments are recomended, 2 treatments a week for 4 weeks. When levulan is used treatments are done less frequently.
Thank you for visiting Best of Both Worlds Az
You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and on our blog site
www.bestofbothworldsaz.com
®© All Rights Reserved.
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