The Real Cause of Breakouts

We all experience them, but what exactly is the real reason for breakouts, and how can we better understand them so we can prevent them?

Acne is a perfect example of chronic systemic inflammation existing on a cellular level. Even though acne breakouts surface on the skin, they are the sign of imbalances deep within the pores.

 

 

THE STAGES

The Right Mix: Oil and bacteria can live amicably in the pores, but, when sebum gets trapped and can’t flow to the skin’s surface, and it mixes with bacteria inhabiting the follicle, a pimple results.

An Attempt to Heal: “Basically acne, rosacea and perioral dermatitis may use certain biochemical processes to heal the skin through an inflammatory response. With continued inflammation, it becomes harder and harder to treat the skin because it becomes more sensitive to products,” says Las Vegas dermatologist Dr. Alison Tam.

How Breakouts Heal: If all breakouts are the result of an inflammatory response, why don’t they all heal the same? “Long-standing inflammation in the skin leads to scarring and the tissue being remodeled. When this happens, acne scars, texture changes and hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur,” adds Dr. Tam.

The Reason for Scars: The more oil, dead skin and bacteria in the pore, the bigger the infection and the harder the body attacks it. That’s why superinflamed breakouts can scar.

How to Fight It: To properly treat recurring breakouts, follow a plan of attack that includes lifting away dead skin through exfoliation, killing acne-inducing bacteria and minimizing the amount of oil produced.

 

To learn more about acne treatment or to get on the road to healthier, clearer skin call:

720.314.1965

 

10 Things About Free Radicals

In the most recent issue of Dermascope Magazine, they explored and explained ten important facts about the ever elusive Free Radical…

According to Dermascope,

“In the course of every day life, ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), commonly known as free radicals, are encountered in the environment and produced by the body. The birth and death of cells goes on continuously and is witnessed when injured skin is repaired by the elimination of the dead cells and replaced by new ones. Oxidation is a natural process that happens during normal cellular functions, however the downside is approximately two percent of cells will get damaged in the process and turn into free radicals capable of destroying healthy cells. As oxygen interacts with cells of any type, oxidation occurs. The example by which oxidation can be observed is when a cut apple begins to turn brown or rust appears on an object after exposure to the environment.

The term “FREE” describes damaged cells. These terrorist cells are missing a critical molecule that sends them on a destructive path to pair with another molecule. Free radicals play a significant role in diseases and accelerate the aging process.  When free radicals are on the attack, they do not just kill cells to acquire their missing molecule. If free radicals just simply destroyed a cell the body would regenerate another one, however the problem is, free radicals are capable of injuring the cell and damaging the DNA creating the starting point for disease and aging. These destructive compounds break down into short-lived hydroxyl radicals reacting negatively with the body’s essential proteins and DNA. When a cell’s DNA changes, the cell becomes mutated which in turn grows abnormally and produces abnormally- and quickly. Free radicals chip away at cell walls, molecule by molecule, making holes followed by leakage and the loss of their chemical balances. Here are 10 important things you should know about free radicals:

1. Free radicals and external toxins surround us everyday. Cigarette smoke and pollution are a significant source of free radicals in our own environment. Our food and water harbor free radicals in the form of pesticides and other contaminants. Even breathing the air from inversions caused by smog is destructive to skin and hazardous to health. Many cities now post warnings to minimize the impact of free radical damage that have become a part of our daily lives. Skin care should juxtapose these environmental assaults with the use of powerful antioxidant professional formulations.

2. The way to slow the process of reactive oxygen species (ROS), skin aging is as simple as reducing the non-essential free radical activity by avoiding over exposure to the environment, applying a full spectrum SPF, using topical antioxidants professional only skin care, taking supplements and eating healthy foods with vitamins and minerals.

3. Alcohol in excessive amounts triggers substantial free radical production. Clinical evidence can be observed on the skin with discoloration, texture changes, capillary damage, edema, wrinkles, sagging, dark circles, poor healing, and slow response to skin treatments.

4. Free radicals are brokers for cell death. Out of control free radicals are dangerous because they trigger damaging chain reactions. There are numerous types of free radicals that can be formed within the body. The most common are the super oxide radical, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen radical, and hydrogen peroxide radical. One free radical can set off a domino effect causing incalculable cellular destruction. The process begins when a free radical oxidizes a fatty acid, changing that fatty acid into a free radical, which in turn then damages another fatty acid in rapid succession and so on and so on. This free radical damage is clinically evident on skin and attributed to the photoaging superimposed on the innate aging process. It is estimated that each skin kernaocyte has 5,000 hits of free radicals a day. As a result, the skin can age faster than any body organ can.

5. The manufacturing of collagen, lipids, or pigment in the skin produces free radicals. These free radicals can create damage to the components of the skin as they steal and electron from anotherr component to make themselves complete and stable, as in the case of wound healing and immune defense.

6. The sun and its proton energy is our largest free radical source causing oxidative stress benchmarked by the evidence of erythema and darkening of the skin in the form of a ‘tan’ or pigmentation. Oxidation damage is the basis of cumulative sunlight and can lead to skin cancer due to the mutant DNA damaged cells. Cigarette smoke, first or second hand, has active free radical generator that attack cells and impede skin recovery from sun damage, aging, acne, surgery, an compromise overall health that can lead to death.

7. Most chemical processes in the skin emit free radicals. In the body, the processing of food, the production of energy, and using energy creates free radicals. Breathing and using our muscles to perform functions also creates free radicals. Mitochondria are organelles in cells which are the central components generating the majority of energy from nutrients. Every cell in the body contains hundreds of mitochondria. Evidence indicates the mitochondria plays a significant role in aging and is the first to receive free radical attack in the cell.

8. Infections, such as acne for example, destroy components that must be repaired or reproduced which generates chemical processes that cause damage. When acne is involved it becomes another creator of free radicals because of inflammation. In the case of severe to moderate acne, this condition assumes the second position ahead of unprotected skin to sun exposure. Acne sufferers experience rapid aging to the skin because of the free radical attack. This acne fact substantiates the importance of antioxidant usage.

9. When free radicals steal an electron from one of the proteins contained in a strand of collagen, it causes a change in the chemical structure of the collagen causing a break in the collagen strand. Once a bundle of collagen has multiple points of damage the strand becomes dysfunctional and loses its elastic quality resulting in sagging skin due to lack of support.

10. Free radical damage and aging skin can be controlled and managed with the use of antioxidant skin care. The term antioxidant means ‘against oxidation.’ Antioxidants are unique because they donate an electron to a free radical and work to stop free radical chain reaction and prevent ROS damage after it has started. For example, vitamin C stops the sequence before it switches on and captures the free radical to neutralize it. Vitamin E is an excellent lipid soluble antioxidant to shield against pollution because of its capability to break the free radical chain reaction. Retinol is a strong source of antioxidant defense for the skin attaching retinoic receptors at the cell membrane and diffusing lipofuscin toxins. Chocolate contains more than 25,000 powerful antioxidants (twice that of red wine and three times more than green tea) and it also contains magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E. Flavonoids and polyphenols are part of a free radical protection protocol. Plant stem cell extracts guard skin from oxidative stress and helps reverse the damage brought on by free radical assault. In professional skin care one proven source of antioxidant therapy to reverse skin damage is alpha hydroxys that include glycolic and lactic acid peels together with formulations for home care, just to name a few.

In 1954, the free radical theory of aging was discovered by antioxidant pioneer, Denham Harmon Ph. D., who uncovered the fact that most aging changes are due to molecular damage brought on by reactive oxygen and antioxidant imbalance. Accumulation of oxidized proteins in the cells is a result of a disparity between their rate of generation and the tempo by which they are removed by specific proteolytic enzymes. A free radical attack on a cell membrane usually damages a cell to the point it must be removed by the immune system. Skin is the largest immune organe and the first to be attacked by free radicals. Under normal conditions the antioxidant system of our cellular defense can easily handle most free radicals produced. However, during the time of increased oxygen flux brought on by environmental exposure, smoking, pollution, stress,, foods, chemicals, ingredients, and lifestyle imbalances, this system is on overload, exceeding indigenous control, and removal of these toxins ultimately result in lipid peroxidation and damage. This cellular rancidity ultimately leads to premature aging and disease.

Free radicals are a natural state of our being and the good news is they have a short life. By preventing or controlling the imbalance of free radical assault and lipid peroxidation of the cells, we can better manage acne, aging, and other adverse skin conditions in addition to enjoying a healthier and longer life.

Breaking News: Acne-Fighting Drink

According to a recent article there may be more than just treatment creams, dietary restrictions, and aesthetic treatments to solve one of man’s biggest problems:

Acne.

The article says,

“Though milk has been implicated as a potential trigger of acne, a particular milk protein- available as a supplement- actually reduces breakouts. Thirty-six acne sufferers were assigned to consume either a plain yogurt drink or one enriched with 200 milligrams of lactoferrin (found in the supplement Praventin) every day for 12 weeks. The study participants who received the lactoferrin-fortified beverage experienced significantly greater reduction in total breakouts (a decrease of 56% versus 33% in the other group), inflammatory lesions (a 70% decrease, compared with 31% in the others), and sebum, or oil (a decrease of 80%, in contrast to the others’ 49%). Lactoferrin has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and can boost the activity of certain immune cells when ingested, says lead study author Yunhi Cho, a professor in the department of medical nutrition at Kyung Hee University in Korea. The placebo group also showed improvements, which may be because of the probiotics in the yogurt, Cho says; she suspects that the combination of lactoferrin and probiotics is more effective than lactoferrin alone.”

 

The Affirm SmartSkin CO2 Treatment: A Personal Photo Blog by Kimberly

I had my first Affirm SmartSkin CO2 treatment in early February of 2009 about one month after the laser became available for clinical use in the United States.  I made the decision to have my first treatment because I had significant sun damage and hyper-pigmentation issues.  I was also experiencing loss of volume around my mouth area; AKA: the nasolabial fold.

While I am not opposed to injections of filler, however as a laser aesthetics professional I would prefer to have the benefits of repairing old collagen, stimulating new collagen production, repairing sun damage, tightening the skin and the overall rejuvenation of my skin. The results from my first treatment were so remarkable I have certainly not felt the “need” for another one.  Did I WANT another Affirm SmartSkin CO2 treatment?  YES!!

With the big 5-0 around the corner and looming I want to repair as much as I can, prevent further photo-damage and aging, and look my very best!

I had my second Affirm SmartSkin Co2 treatment on August 28th, 2010.  We did my entire face, neck and chest.  We used a medium-high setting on my face and lowered the setting for my neck and chest to medium-low setting.  We used a medium setting around the eye area.

Below: Before Photos:

Before -Left Side View

Before - Right Side View

Before Affirm SmartSkin CO2

As a skin care professional I take good care of my skin every day.  However, I still pre-treated my skin for 30 days prior to my treatment with a professional strength exfoliating cleanser, Vitamin C serum, Rx HQ cream, and lots of those all important peptides!

Immediately after my treatment I experienced what most people do – a heat sensation for about an hour.  On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being “insignificant heat” and a 10 being “extreme heat” – I would have said it was 3 or 4.  It passed quickly and the rest of the evening my skin felt a little “prickly” and tight.  I did not put anything on it that night other than a post laser ointment right before bed.  I slept through the night with no problems.

Below are my “Day One Photos:

Day One - Front View

Day One - Left Side

Day One - Right Side

When I got up the morning of day one my skin was mildly red, dry and “sandpapery”.  I had no discomfort or swelling to speak of with the medication we use for repressing the swelling.  I washed my face with a hydrating gentle cleanser, applied a stem cell protein moisturizing product, and went about my day mostly staying home, but active with house chores and catching up on email. I applied moisturizer periodically during the day to keep my skin hydrated. I also applied cold washcloths when my skin felt “hot” or “prickly” – which it did several times throughout the day.  Nothing very significant. In the evening I washed again with hydrating gentle cleanser, and applied the stem cell protein moisturizer again.  For the most part I had very little discomfort on day oneand had no signs of peeling.

Below: Day Two Photos:

Day Two - Front View

Day Two - Left Side

Day Two - Right Side

On day two I was still mildly red, dry, “sandpapery” and tight.  Truthfully, it was hard to stay indoors – I felt just fine and had no discomfort worth noticing.  I spent my day organizing and catching up on paperwork….

I continued the same post care regimen of hydrating gentle cleanser, stem cell protein moisturizer, and a professional peptide cream AM/PM.  I did not need to use cold compresses at all.  There were no signs of peeling at this point.

Below: Day Four Photos:

Day Four - Front View

Day Four - Left Side

Day Four - Right Side

On day four I began peeling and sloughing.  I had our esthetician do an exfoliation treatment, aloe vera masque, and LED light treatment for me.  She applied anti-oxidant serum as well as significant hydration after the LED light treatment.  I was not done peeling, but it helped to get the “dead” skin moving and sloughing off more quickly.  I had not discomfort during the facial and found it quite pleasant and my skin looked really good afterward!  I went back to work immediately after my post treatment facial on day four.  I continued the exact same regimen as above, but added a hydrating enzyme masque in the evening before bed to assist with continued exfoliation.  I had absolutely no discomfort at this point at all other than wanting the peeling to be done!

The peeling on my face was mostly done by day five, but the neck and chest took about 10 days to completely peel.

I had mild pinkness on my chest continuing into day ten, other than that I had no visible signs of the laser treatment past day five.

Below: Day Ten Photos:

Day Ten - Front View

Day Ten - Left Side View

Day Ten - Right Side

By day ten the healing and overall progress has barely begun!  The visible signs of the treatment that might cause some downtime were minimal and are gone, however the best is yet to come!

Already, I have been getting asked; “What did you do? Your skin looks great!”

The overall tone, texture, pore size, and tighteness has improved already. The pigmentation from summer is gone!  With the repair of the old collagen and the new collagen re-modeling I will see over the next three months….it is only going to get way better from here!

I will post a 30 day photo here when we get there….but here is one taken on Friday September 17th – day 20 after the treatment.

Cheers to the Affirm SmartSkin CO2!  What would we do without you?!

Day 20 - With make-up

Acne Scar Removal: Healing Old Wounds

In the most recent issue of The Latest in Acne and Rosacea, the power of Fractional ablative lasers takes the stage. For decades there has been a global search for the cure for acne. To date, none has been found- but as this article enforces: Fractional lasers are currently the best treatment for acne scars. Hands down.

Here at Refresh, we have been singing this tune for nearly three years. Seeing our thoughts and findings on white paper is a huge success for not only Fractional Lasers, but for the long-time suffers of acne scars.

Summarized perfectly by Jill Waibel, MD, “You need deep laser resurfacing for maximum improvement.” Additionally, “the [upside] of the laser is that as you do additional treatments, you will see additional improvement, patients don’t plateau.” Meaning, with other treatments available (ProActiv, oral medications, skin care, etc) there is a “best result” and once you reach that point, that is the best you can get. And in some cases, the “best result” will only last so long, because your body grows immune to the active ingredients which got you that result in the first place.

The article also candidly speaks to the unfortunate news that we haven’t found the cure. Dr. Waibel says, “You can improve acne scars, but you can’t make them perfect.” It is important to realize that for the time being, Fractional Lasers are the best option when treating these scars, but our expectations as clients must respect and reflect that.

To learn more about Fractional resurfacing for acne scars, featuring the top of the line Affirm SmartSkin CO2, please call or email.

720.314.1965

refreshlaser@comcast.net

Mind over Matter: Skin Care

According to the folks at the NewBeauty blog, new research may show that the cures to certain dermatological ailments may be held within our own minds. Does that sound like Science Fiction or what?!

Read the article and see if it sounds a bit more like reality than you may have thought:

If you’ve ever suspected that your skin or hair reflects the stress you’re going through, you could be on to something. An emerging medical trend called psychodermatology sheds light on the correlation between skin and emotions.

A growing number of dermatologists have come to realize that their patients’ stress or depression is capable of not only upsetting their skin and hair—inflaming conditions like acne and psoriasis, and amplifying hair loss)—it can even lessen the effects of prescribed treatments. According to Dr. Ted Grossbart, a Harvard psychology professor and author of Skin Deep: A New Mind/Body Program for Healthy Skin, emotional problems can keep the most scientifically advanced medications from working.

Studies have shown that practices like relaxation tapes, therapy, antidepressants and biofeedback have reversed skin flare-ups and grown back hair in alopecia patients. There is even a growing practice known as hypnodermatology, where hypnosis is used to treat skin conditions that appear to be affected by emotional stressors.

Experts have varying opinions on the validity of this relatively new subspeciality. However, if you feel like you’ve tried just about everything to improve upon your skin or hair woes, it may be worth looking beneath the surface for a solution.

So the next time stress has you by the horns, take a deep breath and prevent a few wrinkles! Plus, a little positivity never hurt any one- except maybe those smile lines!

New Product Line at Refresh Laser Spa!

We couldn’t be more excited to announce our newest skin care line available to you here at Refresh Laser Spa.

After months (seriously!) of looking for the perfect company that not only fulfilled our varied professional needs but also aligned with our philosophies, we are proud to announce that we will now be carrying Image Skincare!

Before we delve into why we chose Image Skincare, allow me to let them introduce themselves:

“Image Skincare products are developed and formulated by internationally recognized chemists working together with a board of physicians. All Image Skincare products are manufactured in the USA and are unparalleled in their quality in today’s marketplace. Our philosophy is to use superior ingredients to achieve outstanding results.”

“Our integrated team of sophisticated chemists combined with the clinical experience of internationally operating physicians leads us to a symbiosis of novel ideas, new ingredients, and the development of new products. The ability to conduct clinical trials under the supervision of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in Europe gives us the advantage to integrate and utilize new ingredients earlier and more successfully.”

“Image Skincare is dedicated to providing our  customers with the highest standards of continuing education in the medical and aesthetic field. The IMAGE Aesthetic Institute offers regularly scheduled courses covering topics from product knowledge to aesthetic and cosmetic procedures involved in a skincare regimen. Our faculty consists of experienced estheticians, skincare professionals as well as plastic surgeons and dermatologists.”

And we’re in love with the line!

One of our favorite things is how they have categorized their products by the most common skin care issues that clients come to us with. Here are their ‘lines’:

Ageless: An effective product line for preventing and treating the signs of aging and environmental exposures. Diminish fine lines and wrinkles and reverses the effect of cellular damage. Promotes skin rejuvenation and leaves the skin fresh and youthful.

Vital C: A daily hydrating product line for sensitive, dehydrated and rosacea-prone skin. Soothes skin irritation and nourishes tired and dry, dull looking skin. High in antioxidants for ultimate protection and nutrition.

Clear Cell: A highly effective line to fight acne, reduce inflammation, eliminate excess oil and purify skin.

And last but certainly not least, the Ormedic line which is so exciting for us because it is the perfect line for clients who have just undergone a laser procedure, or even chemical peels.

• Ormedic: Ormedic is a product line revolution in skincare. Ormedic is a synthesis of the purest organic ingredients combined with medical effectiveness to achieve maximum clinically proven results. The philosophy of Ormedic is to restore skin’s health by integrating highly potent antioxidants with organic ingredients without the use of chemicals, acids, or parabens. It is designed for all skin types, including post-treatment skin and irritated skin injured by aggressive treatment regimes as well as post-operative wound healing phases. Ormedic products are: not tested on animals, have no petrochemicals, no chemical preservatives, no silicones, no parabens, are made in respect of the environment, and have fragrance composed with 100% essential oils.

So finally: Why choose Image?

Image is a cosmeceutical line of professional treatments and home care products developed for, and dedicated to the skin care professional.

Image incorporates only the highest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and latest technology for unparalleled clinical results.

Image products work at a cellular level for optimal skin health to nourish, correct, and protect.

Image is sold only to licensed physicians and estheticians.

Image gives skin care professionals the ability to completely customize all home care regimens and clinical treatments.

Image is not sold on informercials, the internet, department stores, etc.

Image is Paraben-Free!

Image consists of a team of board certified plastic surgeons, chemists, aestheticians, and other health care professionals to serve and support you.

And that’s not all! Keep reading to find out what our Image skincare Introductory Incentive is!

In addition to the wonderful line of retail and at-home products we now offer, we have also decided to bring on the Image Skincare Professional line of Peels, I Peel.

They offer a range of soft, medium, and deep peels to suit any and all skin care issues from Acne to Anti Aging, all with outstanding results.

Here are some before and after images from professional-grade Image peels:

For Pigmentation:

Aging Skin:

Acne:

What amazing results!!!!

And to get you started with the new Image Skincare line, we are offering a Fun and Eco-Friendly incentive for you!

Bring in one of your old skin care products and trade up for 15% off any Image Skincare Product!

Bring in two of your old skin care products and trade up for 20% off any Image Skincare Product!

Bring in three of your old skin care products and trade up for 30% off any Image Skincare Product!

And for those interested in an Image Peel:

Take 20% off the price of any (soft, med, or deep) Image Peel from now until June!

To learn more or to set up an appointment, call:

720.314.1965

Clarisonic on Beauty Snob!

One of the most popular beauty review sites, Beauty Snob, recently gushed about their love for the Clarisonic. Since we agree whole-heartedly, I will share what they had to say:

“Everyone, stop what you’re doing and go out and buy this immediately. I LOVE this so much, I cannot imagine life without it. When I was considering it, I had to really justify $200 for a brush when seemingly my hands were perfectly functional and adequate for washing my face…”

And although she became a convert, I’m sure this image from Clarisonic would have convinced her:

{click to enlarge}

Icky, right?

She continues,

“…This will completely transform your skin. First of all, you use this daily- just one minute a day, so your face will always be clean and free of dead skin cells. The sonic cleaning removes every trace of make up and cleans deep within your pores so you get refined pores, baby smooth skin, and a prepared surface for better absorption of your products.

For the price of 2 facials, you are essentially getting a mini facial every day. After only one week of use, all the little bumps on my chin and forehead are gone. A few days after use, I would touch my skin and  little “pebbles from my skin would fall away- the bumps!! It took 4 months of regular facials to get rid of those is the past but once I lagged, they came back. I can honestly say, I have absolutely no blemishes on my face now. My skin is also about 2 shades brighter because I have no dead skin cells and my healthy skin is all you see. Those giant nose pores? Gone.

It comes with one brush and 3 cleansers. They are all fine but I like to use my own – you can use anything, even scrubs. This is also great for the body, but you have to get a separate body brush. They say not to share brushes, but I used it on my husband and we’re both still ok.”

Are you ready to make the investment for beautiful, healthy, clean skin? Call or stop by today!

Oh yeah, and they are only $175 here at Refresh!

ColoreScience In New Beauty Magazine!

We LOVE the new Let Me Be Clear Primer from Colore Science, and we are certainly not alone! This is what New Beauty Magazine had to say today:

If there’s anyone reluctant to use foundation primer, surely it’s those with acne-prone skin. Just the thought of a smothering an extra layer can make a person break out. It’s rather unfortunate, since many primers provide such a beautiful canvas for makeup; but now a new primer is standing out from the pack by going beyond prepping skin to help clear it up.

Like other primers, Colorescience PRO‘s new formula smoothes skin texture and lessens the look of pores with dimethicone polymers. Unlike other primers, however, Let Me Be Clear Primer for Problem Skin addresses acne with a touch of salicylic acid—the key ingredient in many, if not most, blemish treatments.

Because pimples aren’t the only symptom of acne, other ingredients in Let Me Be Clear—such as vitamin E, minerals, aloe, algae, lavender, cypress, ylang ylang and melissa—tackle the redness, irritation and dehydration that often accompany the condition. Between the velvety feel and citrus scent, there’s almost no way of knowing that this primer doubles as an acne remedy—that is until you start seeing clearer skin under your makeup.

However, what New Beauty did not mention was that the Primer is only part of a 3-Step Kit that will truly do wonders for ANY skin type. The Let Me Be Clear Kit includes not only the Primer, but an On The Spot Powder, and our favorite L.M.B.C. Finishing Brush (with SPF 30!). Used synergistically, these three products will help clear problem skin wonderfully. And since they all contain salicylic acid, their light exfoliation helps tremendously with anti-aging, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing pore size.

As the New Beauty article mentions, those of us with acne-prone skin (or wrinkles) are reluctant to pile more products on, especially if our skin is on the oily side.

The Let Me Be Clear Collection comes in three colors: Fair Play, Middle Ground, and Deep Cover. However, the Primer itself is only available sans pigment.

At first I was a little bummed out that it wasn’t providing actual coverage, but after using the LMBC Kit for nearly two and half months now, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Mainly, I have found that mixing the On The Spot Cover with the Primer allows the Primer to go on as smooth as silk, stay on longer, and provide me perfect coverage that I get to control. It also means that those of you afraid of wearing pigment on your face (hello, gentleman!) can rest assured that no one will know!

Plus, now that I have reaped the benefits of the salicylic and my skin is much clearer, I notice that I add less and less powder to my mix, using the On The Spot to only spot-treat my blemishes as they arise (hardly ever)!

I love that you get to customize how much coverage you have, and get to see your skin transform over just a few weeks (or less!).

Stop in today to get your Let Me Be Clear Kit for only $99 (a $120 value!)

Red Light Phototherapy: Another Wonderful Addition To Our Spa

As part of our new Center for Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging Skin Care, we now offer Healing Red Light Phototherapy, a highly advanced therapy which uses red wavelengths to safely and effectively change the biological properties of the skin.

Healing Red Light Phototherapy can be used with other treatments and delivers incredible benefits:

Stimulates skin cell turnover:

Reducing hyper-pigmentation

Reducing sun damage

Reducing scar patterns

Reducing or eliminating stretch marks

Increases number of skin cells:

Smoothing wrinkles and pits

Improving skin surface damaged by exposure

Reducing pore size

Increases skin cell proteins:

Firming skin

Allowing skin to better follow contours of bone and muscle

Improves blood flow:

Promoting faster healing of abrasions and small breaks in the skin by improving tissue oxygenation

Promoting effectiveness of red light by bringing more nutrients and growth factors to the skin

Promoting faster recovery from strong chemical peels

The benefits of Healing Red Light Phototherapy are countless, and by nature of the therapy there is no penetration into the deep muscle, bone, or organ areas.

It is also much safer than other laser devices as there is no heating or skin damage.

Come share in our excitement while you treat yourself to a healthier, younger looking, more beautiful you!