Category Archives: Laser treatments

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!

Restore your Glow

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The skin care market is flooded with products and services all claiming they are the best! How do we make the best decision for our skin care when there is so much to choose from?  The industry is constantly evolving as well, with new products and services, promoting miracle results.

As middle-aged men and women, we just want to feel good about ourselves. Our appearance contributes to how we carry ourselves. Not only feeling young and beautiful, but preserving some of our youthful years only adds on to our self-confidence.

The first step to restore your skin is to understand the importance of skin care and knowing the science behind professional skin care products. Home care in conjunction with professional treatments is an absolute must in order to avoid looking like an ancient mule.  I really cannot say this any other way but … home care, home care, home care is the key!  Starting simple with a cleanser, anti-aging serum (which is my favorite since it has smaller molecules, therefore penetrates deeper), moisturizer and SPF.  Therefore, you must consult with a professional to get on the right products for your skin type and condition.  Even the best professional lines can do a disservice for your skin if you are not on the right path for your skin type!

SIDE NOTE:  The Epionce Firming Mask is what I like to call the “Magic Mask.” This is an essential product that should be in everyone’s skin care toolbox. Applying the mask 2 to 3 times a week is a great start or for the skin enthusiasts, I recommend sleeping with this mask on every night. The consistency of the mask goes on like a lotion and the results are soft and re-texturized skin come in the morning! Amazing and glowing!

Monthly maintenance is the next crucial step in restoring your skin’s glow. A professional facial once a month will give your skin some extra help in turning over those skin cells. Exfoliation and hydration are the key components of the facial. The products used in the treatment are much stronger and more effective, in turn giving you better results. When these services are paired with the correct home care, you are on your way to achieving and maintaining a beautiful skin.

However, sometimes we have more stubborn skin conditions that need more than just a facial. Some of these common conditions include acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, impacted pores, or unwanted facial veins. How do you figure out which professional treatments are best for your skin type? Once again, there are many options to choose from and quite often I hear of people going into spas trying to decide on what professional service they would need. I actually find this very disturbing as your skin care professional should be educating you and recommending a couple of different treatments for you.    Walking into a med spa can feel very overwhelming as it is, especially unsure what will happen and how much money will be spent.  Therefore, a good med spa should be able to properly educate you, recommend a home care regiment and design a treatment plan for your skin’s distinctive needs. Some popular services on the market today include, microneedling, dermaplaning, peels, lasers, IPL, Oxygen Facials, botilium toxin (Jeuveau, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) and dermal fillers.

 

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.

  1. 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!

  1. 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.  

  1. 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!

  1. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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????!!!!!!!!

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As being an Esthetician and knowing the importance  of SPF, I never thought I would have the dangers of sun exposure  hit so close to home. I started really using SPF when I was in my early 30s, however like most of us, I use to love to lay out in the sun with baby oil on my skin and of course an occasional visit to the tanning beds. Not something I am proud to admit!

About two years ago, I noticed a small bump on my face, which looked very similar to a large pimple or enlarged oil gland. I did not think much of it and actually tried squeezing it out and then assumed it would just go away. After months and months of my very involved skin care routine and treatment plan, it was not getting any better, in fact it was getting bigger and more noticeable. YIKES!

Yesterday, I took the plunge and saw my very trusted dermatologist. I immediately showed him my suspicious bump, anxiously awaiting his reply.  He gave me the nod and said, “Yes, Julie we should remove this today and send it off for a biopsy.” GULP! He proceeded to ask me if I have any family history of skin cancer. I felt extremely scared as no one in my family has ever had any type of skin cancer. The doctor numbed up the site and then scraped it right off leaving a big hole on my face! I was told it would take up to two weeks for the biopsy results and to make sure I use ointment on my new hole.  WHAT THE HECK!

Last night, I fell asleep in my bed with my mind wondering and thinking the worst about this situation. What if I have a form a skin cancer, how far advanced could it be, what will happen to my children if I am not here, could this be in other areas of my body.  OMG, did this happen from the SUN?!

The die hard facts are too much radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in our skin cells.  If enough damage builds up overtime, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer.

I can not stress enough the importance of using SPF and reapplying throughout the day when exposed to the sun. It should be the most important part of our skincare routine.    I will keep you all updated on my lab results!

 

Winter to spring skin tips!

Winter is a tough season on the skin and it can be difficult to transition from one season to another with healthy skin. Here are few tips to prepare the face for sunnier days to come.

  1. Invest in professional skin care treatment to fully exfoliate dead skin cells and toxins.
  2. Use a hydrating mask a couple times a week to keep your complexion smooth and plumped.
  3. Switch out heavy winter creams for lighter lotions and potions.
  4. Now that sunnier days are on the horizon it’s especially important to use daily SPF.

Anti Aging Secrets

 

A lot of us asks this question looking for an easy answer. But in reality it’s a combination of many different treatments and lifestyle changes that help us maintain a youthful looking skin.

Top 5 Treatments that we recommend:

  1. Botox Injections – Botulinum toxin is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying muscles. Brows, sensitive areas around the eye, and smile lines can all be addressed with Botox. When administered correctly, Botox can keep the surrounding muscles nice and perky, reducing those fine lines and wrinkles.
  2. Microneedling – If you want the ultimate rejuvenating treatment and booster for your skin, than Microneedling (also referred to as collagen induction therapy or derma rolling) is just for you. Microneedling therapy, also called Skin needling, is a minimally invasive skin-rejuvenation procedure that involves the use of a device with fine needles rooted in it. The needles are used to create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin, creating microscopic wounds which prompts the body to create new collagen and elastin to fill these tiny lines. 
  3. IPL Photofacial – can treat a wide variety of skin problems. It can be used to smooth uneven skin texture, close large pores, and eliminate wrinkles by stimulating collagen growth. In combination with regular botox injections it’s a great anti-aging treatment.
  4. Chemical peels – are typically used to restore a youthful, vibrant appearance to wrinkly, blotchy, sun-damaged skin. The medium peel smoothes fine surface wrinkles, and corrects pigment problems such as age spots. The deep chemical peel helps treat sun-damaged skin, eliminates deep, coarse wrinkles, and can remove pre-cancerous growths.
  5. Skin care products – are the basic principle for having a youthful looking skin. Quite often we neglect our skin by not using appropriate products. Therefore, it is crucial to find a skin care line that will help us unleash the natural potential of our skin. Products with ingredients that will help us to reveal healthier-looking skin.

What is a Med Spa?

Medical spas, are a kind of a hybrid between the traditional day spaand a medical clinic. Medical spasstrive to blend the best of two worlds — a relaxing spaexperience with the procedures and expertise typically only found at a doctor’s office.

MedSpas offer medical grade aesthetic procedures in a relaxing environment. Such treatments can include botox for wrinkles on the face, fillers for restoring volume loss in the face, laser treatments for repairing sun damage, broken capilarities, spider veins, and medical-grade facials and peels.

How Does a Medical Spa Differ from a Traditional Day Spa?

The biggest differences between a traditional day spa and a medical spa are the types of procedures that are offered. Medical procedures that can’t be done at the average day spa can be performed at the medical spa.

Unlike day spas, medical spas must be affiliated with, overseen, or run by a medical doctor.  While not every procedure is done by a doctor, they are performed under the supervision of the doctor.

Medical spas themselves can vary widely, depending on where you go.  Some are as posh as the day spa you visited during your last vacation; others are decidedly more clinical.  While day spas focus on relaxation, most medical spas are driven by results.

What is IPL Photofacial

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is a safe, nonsurgical, non-invasive and versatile treatment that uses light energy to rejuvenate the skin. Because IPL is capable of emitting light at various different wavelengths, different types of skin conditions can be treated by using different filters in the machine.

IPL can be used for the treatment of sun damage, abnormal pigmentation of the skin, redness, rosacea, broken capillaries (“telangiectasias”), and vascular or pigmented birthmarks.

Laser treatment is ideal for patients with active lifestyles because the procedure requires no downtime and has a low risk of side effects. The gentle, non-ablative treatments use broad spectrum light to treat the face, chest, neck and hands—virtually anywhere that sun damage shows.

BENEFITS OF IPL:

  • IPL treatments are quick, gentle and non-invasive. There is no interruption of routine activities.
  • By helping to remove the age spots (sun-induced freckles) and broken capillaries, the result is overall more even, luminous, younger looking skin.
  • Patients can see dramatic results within a very short time.

The treatment works as light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either blood (when treating vascular lesions) or melanin (when treating pigmented lesions). This technology damages the unwanted blood or melanin, while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue. The body’s natural processes then remove the injured tissue, giving the skin a more even tone and youthful appearance. The energy produced by IPL works directly on the top layers of the skin without penetrating deep enough to harm deeper structures.

IPL therapy is recommended as a series of 3-6 treatments which can be done 3-4 weeks apart. IPL photofacials can truly create a marked difference in the patient’s skin over time, since the skin continues to improve for weeks after the actual IPL treatment. Patients can expect mild redness and/or a sensation of warmth during and shortly after the procedure. Freckles, areas of sun damage, and hyperpigmentation may become darker temporarily (similar to the appearance of coffee grounds dusted on the skin), but this will resolve gradually over the next 7-14 days. IPL-generated pulses of light are very short in duration, so discomfort is minor, and no pain medication is necessary for the treatment.