Author Archives: Jolanta Wulf

Why Does Men’s Skin Care Matter?

Good question. So often, men neglect their skin and have a mindset that good skin care is more for women. However, men deserve healthy, youthful, and radiant skin too.

One of the most common problems for men is their negative perception on skin care. They are scared of all of the morning and nigh-time steps of applying products, not to mention the fact that men (not all) do not believe in the results. After all, there are many other important things in life. The simple fact of human nature is that when we take the time to look better, we feel better about ourselves. Let’s move on and keep this short and sweet to change this pattern.

For men needing simple, yet effective steps to achieve healthy skin:

Start with a cleanser. This is a simple step that can be a complete game changer for your skin. Cleanser should be used to clean your face from dirt, bacteria, and all of the pollutants your skin is exposed to daily. Remember, no one wants to kiss a dirty face!!

Treatment cleansers with glycolic or lactic acids also help exfoliate your skin. This helps rid off all of those dead skin cells that actually can create fine lines on your face.

Foaming cleansers are another great option and they still feel like a soap making suds on your face. They are also extremely easy to rinse off and nice to keep in the shower for an easy step.

Invest in a professional skincare line and seek out some guidance. This is a great way to figure out your skin type and condition to find the best product for your specific skin’s needs.

Tip: Do not use soap on your face, as it strips the acid mantle changing the skin’s PH level. What does this do? Easy, ages you faster and your skin becomes dry and dull!

Add in a moisturizer. Hydration is an important step for dry, combination, and oily skin. No matter what your skin type or condition of your skin, moisturizer is a must to give your skin cells key nutrients. Men who work outside or like to spend time outdoors often have very compromised skin with a very dry, tough looking appearance. Restoring the skin’s barrier function with moisturizer will strengthen the skin, reduce redness, and protect it from daily exposure.

Take a look at some of the different moisturizers for different skin types:

Oily skin – use a water based moisturizer, which is not heavy and will not clog your pores.
Combo skin (oily T zone with dry cheeks) – use a medium weight moisturizers or a combo. A small amount can go a long way!
Dry skin – use a heavier moisturizer. Even some of the professional night creams can be used for morning or night, until healthy skin is restored.

SPF – Protect your skin from the sun. Believe it or not, this is the most important step out of anything we apply to our skin. Your skin is exposed to UVA (ultraviolet aging rays) and UVB (ultraviolet burning rays) every day. Skin is exposed while driving in the car, walking your dog, getting the mail, through windows, and even reflecting off of the snow. These are just some of the ways, besides direct sun exposure, your skin is exposed to sun damage.

Why is this step important?

Skin cancer is on the rise, as the sun’s rays have become much stronger. Enough said!
The sun ages us faster, more than anything else.
Sun damage after just as little as one bad burn can create cellular damage, resulting in sun spots.

In a nutshell, these are these simple steps that can change your skin pretty fast. Make sure to consult with a professional to get the right products and avoid products with fillers.

Remember, nothing is more sexy than beautiful skin!

Winter Skincare

The cold weather can dramatically affect the health of your skin in the chilly winter months. Your skin may become dry, chapped, and even flaky. Most of us know that we need moisturizer, but which ones works best? Also, are there any other changes you can make in your skin routine to combat dryness? These are two of the most common questions men and women have during the winter.

With many options of moisturizers on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one and enough to make your head spin. The best hydration is going to come from professional products and not from over the cover brands. Keep in mind that many of the drug store products contain higher amounts of water. At In Vogue Med Spa we love Intensive Nourishing Cream by Epionce. Not only does this product seal the deal, but it also protects the barrier of your skin from harsh elements, along with adding in just the right amount of nutrients.

Sometimes changing your cleanser may also aid in hydration. Try using a more gentle cleanser, such as Milky Lotion Cleanser by Epionce in the winter. Many other cleansers contain Beta Hydroxy Acids, which exfoliate the skin, drying it out a bit more with cold weather.

Another great tip is adding in a hydrating mask before you go to bed. Our favorite mask is the Enriched Firming Mask by Epionce. This is a luxurious creamy green mask that goes on much like a moisturizer. The best way to use this mask is to apply it before bed and let your skin soak this up through the night. No need to wash this one off! It is truly a magical product that completely changes your skin texture.

With a few changes to your skincare routine, you can still achieve that dewy glow during the winter. You really don’t have to suffer like a reptile just because its cold outside.

Accutane Alternatives

Many of us have contemplated choosing Accutane or other medication to clear acne. However, what are the real facts and are there any alternative treatments that can do the job without all the nasty side effects of medication?

Let’s dive deeper into how Accutane actually works. This medication is used for moderate to severe acne or even scarring acne. It basically works by reducing oil production in the oil glands and it is said to clear skin within 3 to 4 months. Many believe that a miracle will happen quickly, but it is not the case! Important risks, to keep in mind are that Accutane severely dries out your skin, makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and can cause rashes and itching.

There is a huge laundry list of severe side effects that this drug may cause, depression being one of the most common and most severe reactions. I strongly encourage anyone thinking about this medication for a “quick fix” to do the research first.

So what are the alternatives and will they actually work? Here is the good news…YES! The skincare industry has come a long away and is continuously making break-through treatments every year.

The gold standard treatment for acne is IPL (Intense Pulse Light). This is our favorite for acne at In Vogue Med Spa, it is the only IPL on the market with a special acne application. Talk about break through technology. Not only does these treatments calm the acne, but also reduce any redness in old acne scars.

Why treat acne with IPL?

A gentle treatment that addresses the bacteria, as well as the pigmentation and redness of your skin.
It’s a fast “lunch time” service with no down time and way less side effects of oral medication.
Improves your skin appearance and gain your confidence back with just a few treatments.

We see so many clients who suffer from hormonal or adult acne, all looking to achieve healthy beautiful skin. This alternative to medication can be done in just the same amount of time it takes to clear your skin using Accutane.

Be wise and do the research, seek out before and after pictures, and educate yourself on possible side effects. We all want to feel our best and have our best skin, but keep in mind there is a different route to getting there!

Restore your Glow

Why does cleansing your face matter?

When I was in my early twenties, I remember shuffling through the overwhelming amount of skin care products on the beauty store shelfs. Each product was marketed perfectly to make me believe this was the answer for my skin care needs and beyond. I suffered from oily problematic skin with break outs that seemed to last for months. Once I discovered Sea Breeze, I thought I discovered gold for my skin! Although my skin was temporarily feeling better, little did I know, I was stripping my skin’s acid mantle and robbing it from all of the good nutrients. My skin became very dry and the cycle continued on, with more break outs coming and going. Does this sound familiar?

Fast forward a few years later, I tried an array of cleansers trying to keep my skin clean as my hormones raged one day after the next. Looking back, I don’t think I ever fully understood the importance of cleansers. I even recall using soap on my face in the shower rushing to do the next important thing in my life.

Once I started diving deeper into finding answers for my skin while my love of skin care grew, I quickly found out just how important the cleansing step is for clear skin.

The first thing I discovered is that cleansers are just not meant to clean your skin. In fact, there are cleansers for specific skin types: oily, dry, acne, sensitive or combination skin. Many of these cleansers are considered “treatment cleansers.” They are designed specifically to treat the condition of the skin. Glycolic or Lactic cleansers are amazing at exfoliating, turning the skin cells over and revealing clear and clean skin.

The next step I have learned is that cleansers are formulated in various consistencies. Gel cleansers are great for oily skin, cream cleansers are for dry skin and foaming cleansers are for more sensitive skin. I quickly realized through trying different cleansers, that the creamy cleansers were not appropriate for my skin type.

Also, who knew that there is a different cleanser for the change of seasons! This was such an important step that took me a long time to realize. Lighter products are great in the summer months as the skin is producing more oil during these months. However, heavier products are best in the winter months, as the skin requires a boost of hydration. So make sure to choose the right cleanser for the season to avoid break outs or dryness.

I have learned the hard way that cleansing my skin was just as important as my actual new moisturizers. Through my love of skin care, I started purchasing serums and moisturizers, which at times were quite the investment. Clean skin from using a cleanser improved my barrier function and the difference was night and day for my moisturizers to penetrate deeper and be more effective! I noticed overtime that my skin tone changed, it was less red, and less inflamed.

Bottom line, use a cleanser for your skin type and condition. Proof is in the mirror!

What exactly is dull skin?

What causes dull skin and how to make your skin look brighter.

Glowing and radiant skin looks healthy and filled with vitality. Dull skin says the opposite about your health and vitality. We all know that feeling of looking in the mirror upon waking and thinking, “God, my skin looks terrible today!” Sometimes, dull looking skin can come from poor eating habits, lack of sleep and daily stress. Other times, the dull tone can just be a lack in the right skincare ingredients to give skin that extra boost of radiance.

What exactly is dull skin?

Dull skin can lack a lumenis tone, show signs of uneven patches and sometimes does not look healthy to the eye. Texture of the skin may even appear a bit dry, flaky or chalky. Overall, dullness relates to the skin tone, color and texture.

7 Common reasons skin can be dull include:

Skin dehydration
Lack of exfoliation
Not washing/cleansing
Not using enough or the right moisturizer
Stress
Sleep deprived
Eating poorly

Now, let’s break these reasons down a bit more to fully understand.

Dehydrated skin is often confused with dry skin, however they are two separate issues. While dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water and overall moisture. Skin is constantly losing water through (TEWL) trans epidermal water loss, which is just one way that our body evaporates water. The skin’s “waterproofing” layer, called the stratum corneum, swells or deflates with gain or loss of water. Water can be a magic ingredient in plumping out the skin and restoring the skin’s health!

How to hydrate the skin:

Drink your water! Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, which is a fabulous way of adding moisture, plumping, and sealing nutrients into the skin. In fact, hyaluronic acid holds a thousand times it weight in water. Just think about that!

Lack of exfoliation can cause a build up of dead skin cells, which creates a dull complexion. As we age, skin cells do not turn over as quickly and build up creating that lustless appearance. Giving those cells some help to turn over will not only give you healthier looking skin it will keep you looking young.

How to exfoliate:

There are two ways to exfoliate the skin, which are physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation using a polish can be done at least 1 to 3 times a week, depending on your skin’s needs. Other forms of physical exfoliation can be done professionally, giving even better results, using microdermabrasion, oxygeneo facials, or other modalities. These professional treatments are a wonderful source of monthly maintenance for the skin. Next, chemical exfoliation includes an array of products. Some great at home choices include glycolic or salicylic cleansers, retinols, and beta-carotene serums. It is strongly recommended to consult with a professional for the right exfoliation for your skin type and condition. The market is saturated with products and it is important to find the right one that works best for your skin. Professional forms of chemical exfoliation include enzymes and peels, which are also great choices for monthly skincare maintenance.

Cleansing your face is a key step to regaining healthy looking, vibrant skin. Our skin is constantly exposed to pollutants and toxins every day. Also accumulating on our skin are dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells,

How to cleanse:

Taking a minute in the morning and in the evening to cleanse your skin will give a fresh clean start to the day and skin repair as you sleep. A favorite we have at In Vogue Med Spa is the lytic gel cleanser. Not only does this treatment cleanser clean your skin, it maintains the PH balance and assist in turning over dead skin cells. This product does double the work all in one application!

Not using enough or the right moisturizer can give rise to dull looking skin. So often, people purchase the wrong moisturizer for their skin type and condition or decide they do not need one at all. This is yet another important step to revealing your best looking skin!

How to know which moisturizer is best for your skin:

Try opting for a professional skincare line, as drug store brands are watered down and consist of harmful chemicals and fillers. Know your skin type – are you oily, dry, combo? Dull skin can accompany any one of these skin types. Look for key ingredients to restore your glow, such as aloe, green tea, peptides, and niacinamide. Some favorite moisturizers at In Vogue Med Spa include renewal lotions by Epionce and for the “Ferrari of all anti-aging and dull skin needs” we LOVE Allastin’s Nectar and Simple Complex. Another great option to incorporate in your skin care tool box is a serum. Molecules in serums are even smaller, so they penetrate deeper. Vitamin C is a key ingredient used in serum to give skin a boost of vibrance.

Stress, sleep deprivation and poor eating habits are also contributors to dull looking skin. Make sure to get your zzzz’s, as our skin does all of its repair work while sleeping. Try adding in some avacados to your diet, as they provide our skin with much needed essential fatty acids!

Summer Skin Tips

Congratulations! You have survived the freezing temperatures, the snow, and the rain of the winter and spring seasons. Now it’s time to enjoy summer and the warmth and sunshine it brings. Everyone wants to kick back, relax and enjoy the summer, but it’s not the time to slack on your skincare routine.

The UV rays that the sun brings not only causes sunburn, but can accelerate the common signs of aging such as wrinkles, sun spots, sagging skin and fine lines. Extra shine and oil can also appear during summer months because of the humidity and heat.

In addition to your regular skincare routine, it’s important to focus on heat and sun protection. Here are our top summer skin tips for keeping your skin healthy during the summer:

Apply (and reapply) Sunscreen. SPF is your best friend if you want to keep your skin supple. You can’t just apply and forget, you need to apply enough and frequently – every two hours – more often if you are swimming. How much is enough? Figure a teaspoon for the face and a “shot glass full” for the body. Don’t forget your lips and your scalp! Yes, your lips need sunscreen too. Keep them smooth and moist by using lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. The hair on your head offers some shade from the sun, but the skin along your hairline can easily get burned. Use sunscreen spray or wear a hat to protect your head. A wide brim not will not only protect your head, but it will also offer additional protection to your face from the sun.
Drink Your Water. Summer temperatures speed up dehydration, which can lead to headaches and other issues. Drinking water – 64 ounces a day – helps maintain healthy skin and assists in detoxification. Can’t stand plain water? Flavor your water with fresh fruit.
Remove Dead Skin with Exfoliation. By exfoliating, you prevent congestion and improve skin’s hydration. But go easy – most beaded exfoliating products are too harsh and can cause microscopic tears in the skin. This can lead to inflammation, irritation and redness. It’s best to exfoliate with natural ingredients such as baking soda, sugar, coffee etc. Do so in the mornings, using a scrub on dry skin before you shower.
Change Up Your Showers. Turn down the temperature and shorten them up. Hot showers contribute to drier skin. After your showers, don’t dry off all the water right away. Then seal in your hydrated skin with body cream – preferably one with SPF in it – while your skin is still slightly damp.

Bring these summer skin tips into your daily routine. Taking care of your skin during the hot summer months will create beautiful, glowing skin all season long. Enjoy your summer like you never have before!

WHAT’S THIS ON MY FACE????!!!!!!!!

Derma Rollers Vs Microneedling

Should I be scared of Retinol?

Retinol-A also known as Vitamin A can be scary for some, especially if they have never used it. If used incorrectly, skin irritation can occur. Some people do not use Retinol in fear of thinning the skin. Let us put your mind at ease.

When Retinol is used properly, as advised by a professional, skin irritation is avoided and optimal results are achieved. Retinol thins out the epidermis, however it also increases cellular turnover, exfoliates the skin, and strengthens collagen and the dermal layer. In return, you end up with significant, and dramatic anti-aging results!

Why Retinol A is essential?

Retinol-A is essential because it’s vital in supporting the skin’s collagen and elastin production, increases cellular turnover for more youthful looking skin and improves appearance of sunspots, fine lines, and overall skin tone and texture.

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