So what is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a facial treatment that is used to improve the skin’s texture, and smoothing of the surface. Depending upon an individual’s skin type, a solution is used to slough off dead skin cells, and help regenerate new skin cells. Chemical peels should only be administered by a licensed Aesthetician, and should always be done after a thorough consultation.

Chemical peels can approve the appearance of the skin, including acne scars, wrinkles, freckles, and dark spots that can often occur in women after pregnancy. Peels can also help treat sun damaged skin and even aid in repairing the damaged suffered in youth.

Is a Chemical Peel for you?

A chemical peel is ideal for anyone and any skin type. Whether you are looking for a fresher, more youthful appearance, or want to treat a specific condition; a chemical peel is great for all of your concerns. There are so many options to choose from and our job is choosing the right peel for you.

What to expect with a Chemical Peel

Some people tend to stay away from chemical peels simply because of its name. Chemical Peels are completely safe, and not harmful to your skin in any way.

When getting a peel, you should expect a warm sensation that can last up to 5 minutes, followed by steam to help alleviate any stinging that may occur. It is imperative that you stay out of direct sunlight (no tanning beds either) and wear an SPFof atleast 30 at all times.

Be aware of the “at home” chemical peel sets. If you are not trained in Cosmeceutical ingredients, then this is something you should definitely not try to attempt yourself. Chemical burns are not only painful, but can pigment or scar your skin.

The skin is the largest organ in your body, so be kind to it and take proper care of it! Your skin will thank you!

With summer approaching, you are bound to get in the water at sometime.

A lot of women choose to wear waterproof mascara, which turns out to be not so waterproof most of the time.

A great alternative is eyelash tinting. With this treatment you get the great benefits of darker lashes, without the raccoon eyes. Eyelash tinting is completely safe, and can last up to a couple months. Our trained Aestheticians use a unique formula that is specifically used to dye eyelashes and eyebrows.

This is a great treatment to get ready for the summer! We are now offering 10% off an eyelash & eyebrow tinting combo. Book your appointment today!

*Offer valid through June 30, 2015.  1 per patient only and Facebook must be mentioned.

Skin-care issues can range from minor to life threatening, and there are several types of professionals you can consult to ensure that your skin is cared for in the best possible manner to promote future health and wellness. Before making a call to your skin-care professional, however, you must first understand the difference between a dermatologist and an aesthetician.

Determining Whether to Consult an Aesthetician:

1. While a dermatologist specializes in the cause and cure of skin afflictions, an aesthetician focuses on more superficial issues and discovering their causes. First, determine the nature and severity of your skin-care issues, and then consult with your Aesthetician in determining the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
2. Next, understand the services offered by the aesthetician you will consult with. Some aestheticians practice independently or in conjunction with a physician.
3. Finally, consult this short list of superficial skin afflictions, and if your own issue is on the list or is similar in nature to a list item, consulting an aesthetician may help lead to fast relief for your skin-care concerns.
4. Superficial skin-care problems: minor to moderate acne; acne scarring; clogged pores; fine to medium lines; off-colored pigmentation; rosy cheeks; dry or rough skin; and the formation of wrinkles.

Determining Whether to Consult a Dermatologist:

1. A dermatologist is a medical doctor whose specialty are skin-related issues. To determine the range of skin-care issues appropriate for your dermatologist, first become familiar with your dermatologist’s practice.
2. Next, focus on your own skin-care problems, and determine their extent and severity before deciding to call your dermatologist.
3. Finally, consult this short list of serious skin afflictions, and if your own issue is on the list or is similar in nature or severity to a list item, contact your dermatologist immediately.
4. Serious skin-care problems: bleeding, persistent or painful acne; moles or freckles that change in color, size or shape; rashes that bleed, swell or fail to respond to over-the-counter medicines; lumps, bumps or protrusions under your skin; or open sores that do not heal after proper over-the-counter treatment.

Source: By an eHow Contributing Writer

Medical Options for Acne Scarring

There are many options to choose from when treating acne. Depending upon how severe one’s acne is, treatments may vary from chemical peels, to laser treatments.

Chemical peels involve the application of a high potency acid upon the skin. The more potent the acid, the deeper the penetration into the skin. This treatment is more beneficial for those with skin discoloration, inflammation, and minor acne scars.

One of our many methods that has also been proven very effective for treating acne, and dramatically changing the texture of the skin is our DermaSweep treatment. DermaSweep™ is an innovative particle-free skin revitalization system that uses bristles and vacuum for a more effective exfoliation, as well as circulation. After the dead skin is removed from the exfoliation process, the skin is then infused with a specific solution like Vitamin C or Salicylic Acid for total skin rejuvenation. Each treatment is customized depending on skin type and desired level of exfoliation.

View YouTube videos on DermaSweep™ – Video 1 | Video 2

IPL and Fraxel laser treatments are the most popular treatments for helping with the removal of deep acne scarring. There are two general types of acne scarring; scars that are caused by tissue inflammation, and scars caused by tissue loss.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) systems focus on tiny blood vessels within red scars and is very helpful for improving the color of scars. This treatment requires no downtime, and is very comfortable. Although it varies for each individual, a series of 4-6 treatments are recommended for best results.

Fraxel lasers are a revolutionized system to treat acne scars and is the world’s first Non-Ablative Resurfacing laser. On average, after a series of 3-5 treatments the appearance of acne scars and the texture of the skin is greatly improved. Minimal downtime can be expected from this procedure.

All of the above treatments are available at our office by our Aestheticians and Physician, Dr. Cary Nelson.

Key Ingredients to Help Fight Acne

It’s really important to know what ingredients are in acne skin care products.

It’s also important not to over wash your skin, especially if the products you are using contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Although both of these key ingredients are effective for treating acne, if used more than twice a day your skin can become irritated or even start to peel.

Below is a list of ingredients that are effective for acne prevention. Be a savvy shopper, and know what’s in your skin care products, and the functions they serve.

1. Salicylic Acid: Helps shed dead skin cells more rapidly, and prevents clogged pores.
2. Lactic Acid: Derived from sour milk, this acid helps with the removal with the top layer of skin cells.
3. Clindamycin: Commonly used as an antibiotic to treat infections, studies have shown that in the treatment of acne, this ingredient is effective.
4. Hyaluronic Acid: This acid is a natural ingredient and is already found in the body. It is used to repair skin problems such as scarring, and acne.
5. Oligopeptide-10: This peptide is similar to salicylic acid, where it can be used as a toner in products to maintain healthy skin. Excellent for activity against acne bacteria.

With our private line of products being formulated with the above mentioned ingredients, allows our Aestheticians to properly treat and diagnosis all grades of acne. Just to mention a few products; we recommend our PerfectaCleanse, PerfectaClear & PerfectaStick as part of a healthy skin care regimen.