More Fabulous Advice From NewBeauty!

Today on the NewBeauty blog, they highlight the numerous options for those looking to “refresh” their skin!

They say,

Got skin that feels like sandpaper? Displaying a dull complexion? Rough, dreary-looking skin is usually caused by a buildup of dead skin that stays on the surface for long periods of time.

It’s important to rev up the skin’s natural shedding process to remove dead skin and expose fresh skin, and there are several effective ways you can do this. If over-the-counter methods haven’t made the impact you want, a prescription topical retinoid, glycolic peels, and microdermabrasion can increase cell turnover.

Additionally, erbium lasers and fractionated laser treatments performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can deeply penetrate the skin to increase cell turnover, diminishing the look and feel of dull, lifeless skin.

Keep in mind, however, that these treatments require downtime of at least a week.

 

To learn more information about any of the above mentioned treatments,

call 720.314.1965

OR

ask us a question on Facebook!

It’s Never Too Early for SmoothShapes!

Happy New Year Everyone!

 

As we slowly make our way back into the daily groove, it is wise that we not forget our New Years resolutions and that we keep in mind that Spring really is right around the corner.

Have you promised yourself a new year of wellness, health, happiness, and pampering?

Is it time to treat yourself after the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season?

SmoothShapes, the only FDA approved laser treatment of cellulite is the best way to not only fulfill your resolutions, but also prepare for the upcoming Spring!

As we here at Refresh reach our third anniversary performing this treatment, we have seen {literally} hundreds of women who have honestly changed their lives. Women who haven’t bared their legs in decades are now wearing shorts, bathing suits, and shorter skirts to show off their amazing results with this treatment.

And to help each and every one of you get the ball rolling on your resolutions, we are offering two incredible specials for the beginning of 2011- this is your year!!!!

For any new clients, we are offering a BUY ONE AREA, GET ONE FREE Special from now until Feb. 15, 2011. This is over $1,000 in savings!

And for any previous SmoothShapes clients, we are offering a fabulous maintenance package of 10 treatments for only $1,000 from now until Feb. 15, 2011.

Keep in mind that as soon as the ball dropped in Times Square, SmoothShapes season officially began in Colorado!

Call today to learn more about the treatment or to take advantage of these fantastic, limited time special offers.

720.314.1965

 

Cosmetic Claims and the Facts Behind Them

Fall is here in beautiful, colorful Colorado!

As we all begin to look at our options for erasing the damage of Summer, it is important to know that some of the claims you will hear should be taken with a grain of salt- or two. 

Many of the large, corporate cosmetic lines have launched new products in competition with the laser community. They claim their products will give you equivalent, or nearly equivalent results to laser procedures. This is not only outrageous, but incorrect, misleading, and downright false advertising.
As a consumer, it is important that you know the facts about over-the-counter skin care. First and foremost, over-the-counter cosmetics do not have to prove their claims,but can instead cite “scientific studies” of the ingredientsused in their product formulations to validate the safety and efficacy of the ingredient formula- but not necessarily the product itself.

TIP: Avoid such phrasing as, “Dermatologist Tested”, “Clinically Proven”, “Clinically Tested”, etc… In most cases, the test or study only refers to the ingredient itself and has little to no relation to the actual product being sold.

Since these cosmetics don’t have any responsibility to prove efficacy, any active ingredients (with or without clinician approval) only have to appear somewhere on the ingredient list. Any ingredient listed in the lower half of the list will have little to no effect on your skin.

Because these products are produced and sold to the masses, they cannot contain high enough percentages of active ingredients to penetrate the skin and effect it on a therapeutic level. With consumers self diagnosing their own skin problems, they simply could not have strong enough products because the amount of product used by a consumer cannot be regulated. Over-the-counter products are only strong enough to penetrate the dead skin- not any living tissue.

Only professional-grade skin care (also called cosmeceuticals) will have enough active ingredients, the correct delivery system thereof, and a good synergistic blend of ingredients to safely and effectively attain your skin care goals.

And no matter what any one tells you: there is no product on the market that can even compare to the results of a laser treatment.

Be safe, educate yourself, and know all of your options when it comes to skin care and aesthetic treatments.

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

Feel Great Again with Affirm SmartSkin CO2

Ever wonder how celebrities achieve that natural-looking youthful glow? Their secret is actually one of the most talked about aesthetic procedures: fractional laser resurfacing. SmartSkin CO2 treatment allows the patient to reduce the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and sun-damaged skin.

So how does SmartSkin CO2 treatment work?

The skin is treated one micro portion at a time and repeated thousands of times. Each micro column receives just enough laser energy to vaporize the aged skin while also stimulating new collagen growth of surrounding tissue. It’s more than skin resurfacing; it’s deep skin rejuvenation.

Immediately following the treatment, your body naturally starts replacing aged tissue cells with new tissue. Shortly after the procedure, you’ll notice your skin looks and feels visibly smoother, healthier, and younger looking. Results will continue to improve over time, though you can resume your normal active lifestyle in as little as two to seven days.

Don’t forget to check out our new SmartSkin CO2 Before and After Gallery!!

And to learn more about the SmartSkin CO2 Treatment call:

720.314.1965

or email:

refreshlaser@comcast.net

Rave Reviews for SmoothShapes!

We would like to share some recent client reviews about SmoothShapes – real clients sharing their experiences with this truly unique and effective treatment.

Have you had your SmoothShapes yet?!  Now is the time to feel confident showing some leg!

Here is what some recent SmoothShapes clients have to say:

“This treatment is so amazing! I love SmoothShapes so much and I love the staff at Refresh Laser Spa.  The owner, Kimberly Hall is very knowledgeable about the whole process and gives you all the facts about whether or not SmoothShapes is for you. She really wants you to be happy with your results!  Paula performed my treatments and was very pleasant during the process.  I had 10 sessions on the back of my legs and 10 sessions on the front of my legs and I tell you what; the results exceeded my expectations! Diet and exercise alone did not decrease the appearance of cellulite on my legs.  This treatment surpassed the goals I had for my appearance.  I love my legs!  I can wear my skinny jeans again!  I am wearing shorts, which I never used to do!  I am wearing lots of little black dresses.  I bought 3 new suits for the summer.  The list goes on & on…….  If I could say one thing to help someone questioning this treatment it would be make the investment the right way!  This is a non-surgical procedure that really does give the results you are looking for!  The costs is so minimal compared to the results.  If you compare the cost to a surgical procedure it is way less and maintaining your results is so easy.  Thanks, Refresh Laser Spa!”

“I loved my SmoothShapes treatments, they were very relaxing, and absolutely no pain at all. I have lost 1 and a 1/2 inches on each leg after 8 treatments and the cellulite has been reduced substantially. I am not afraid to show some leg since my treatments. Finally, something that really reduces cellulite! Thank you, Refresh Laser Spa!” PF, Denver, CO

“SmoothShapes is just what I needed! Not only did I notice a significantly diminished look of cellulite, I also noticed a big change in the shape of my saddlebags which also surprisingly almost became non-existent! I was pleasantly surprised. I can’t recommend SmoothShapes more!” SS, Boulder, CO

“Kimberly, I want to thank you and Refresh Laser Spa for my great results from the SmoothShapes treatments. I had my hips, back of thighs, and stomach/abdomen areas done. I am 51 and when I arrived for my first treatment I was wearing my “fat jeans” and a “big shirt”. Throughout the treatments, I noticed my clothes started fitting looser which for me was the true test and my goal. My skin was softer and smoother with less bulges and lumps. By the end of my treatments I came in wearing my “SKINNY JEANS” and getting compliments on how great I look and people asking me if I’ve lost weight!! I’m usually a skeptic, but I got fantastic results from something that really works. I am loving the outcome. I lost 2″ on my thighs! To be able to wear things I haven’t worn in years, all I can say is WOW! Thank you so much Kimberly and your office staff for being so courteous and professional. I’ll be back for other services for sure.” JS, Denver, CO

“After doing my research and finding out about the advancement of laser technology I was curious if the SmoothShapes procedure would help improve the appearance of the cellulite I had on my thighs. I met with Kimberly and her staff and felt very comfortable with working with them. Kimberly explained everything in detail and what results I could expect from the treatment. She was right!! I lost 2 inches of circumference in each thigh and the appearance of the cellulite is greatly diminished. This really works!!” SM, Boulder, CO

To learn more about SmoothShapes or schedule a complimentary consultation please call us at 720.314.1965 or send us an email at: refreshlaser@comcast.net today!

SmoothShapes on NewBeauty’s Blog!

How awesome is this?? NewBeauty, one my favorite skin care, beauty, and wellness sites just posted an article about SmoothShapes today! WOW!

Here’s what they had to say:

“The newest cellulite treatment, SmoothShapes, employs a technology called photomology, which uses specific laser and light wavelengths to address symptoms and improve skin smoothness.

Safe to use on all skin types, the virtually pain-free procedure (which feels like a deep tissue massage with some skin warming) utilizes energy with contoured rollers and vacuum suction to target problem areas and restore enlarged fat cells to their original size.

During treatment, collagen production is stimulated to smooth and tighten the skin. The technology also stimulates natural metabolic processes to decrease underlying causes of cellulite, like edema and poor blood circulation.

You can expect to pay around $300 per treatment, which will be recommended at a rate of twice a week for four weeks.”

Perfecto, NewBeauty! Although, it is not nearly as expensive as quoted in the article if you come to Refresh!

And not to switch gears entirely, but I would like to take this opportunity to flush out some myths, misnomers, and misunderstandings about SmoothShapes and the other cellulite treatments available on the market; in particular VelaShapes, which is frequently mistaken for SmoothShapes, and yet wholly different.

First things first: Smooth Shapes is the only FDA approved Laser treatment for cellulite.

VelaShapes is not a laser, and utilizes no laser technology.

This makes comparing the two, like comparing apples and oranges.

VelaShapes uses what they call elos technoloy, which is basically lights and radiofrequency (along with the rollers and suction used with SmoothShapes). Therein lies the problem. Radiofrequency, while great for many things (like radio), is extremely unpredictable. The depth at which it penetrates the body cannot be controlled, nor can the size and shape of the wavelength. With some treatments, this will not matter. However, in the treatment of cellulite it is of the utmost importance.

Cellulite lives exactly 1 centimeter under the skin, which means that if your device is firing too shallow or too deep (or to the side!) it will miss the cellulite entirely. Which, again, adds to its unpredictability.

Here’s some proof for you about VelaShapes efficacy:

{click to enlarge}

You can almost think of it like this: VelaShapes is like broadcasting a message over one radio station, hoping that your friend will hear; they may be listening, they may not be. SmoothShapes is like calling your friend on their cell phone- it’s a direct connection.

VelaShapes has a 20-25% efficacy rate, which actually makes complete sense given how uncontrollable of a treatment it is. And on top of that, in order to even maybe get results with the treatment, you must fit a very specific bracket for age, weight, and cellulite severity. And did I mention many women report that it is painful??! Yikes!

RealSelf.com is one of my favorite resources to get REAL information, reviews, thoughts, and pictures about any treatment from Velashapes to Latisse to Plastic Sugery.

And there you have it: 20% said VelaShape was worth it.

Bummer, VelaShapes.

SmoothShapes, on the other hand, uses two laser wavelengths (650 and 915) to target the appearance of cellulite. Here’s what they each do:

915: Liquefies the adipose fat cells- making them pliable

650: Makes cell membrane permeable so the liquefied fat can move and be drained, reduces inflammation, and increases circulation

Then, with the addition of the handheld rollers and suction, we are moving those liquefied cells and then draining them through your lymphatic system.

Together, these factors synergistically rid the body’s inflexible cellular tissue of its toxins and fat cells, leaving you with healthier, un-inflammed, smoother, tighter skin.

Here are some recent before and after photos from our clients at Refresh:

Client #1 Before SmoothShapes:

Client #1 After SmoothShapes:

Client #2 Before SmoothShapes:

Client #2 After SmoothShapes:

Wouldn’t you love to wave good-bye to your cellulite??!

To learn more about SmoothShapes, or to set up your complimentary consultation,

call 720.314.1965

Come See Us at the Colorado Women’s Expo

April 25-26 , 2009

Colorado Convention Center

www.coloradowomenshow.com

We are very excited to participate in The Colorado Women’s Expo this year. The Colorado Women’s Expo is co-sponsored by The Denver Post. Last year this event was a huge success and attracted thousands of women from all over Colorado. We will be in Booth #438 along with our great friend Lynne Killey – creator and owner of Queen Bee Organic Skin Care. Come see us and check out the newest additions to this wonderful line of fresh organic skin care products and receive a VIP gift bag, free samples of Queen Bee products, Colore Science mineral cosmetics, and coupons for Neocutis anti-aging skin care.

We will have the Colore Science retractable brush mineral sunscreen available at a special Women’s Expo price. This is our favorite sunscreen to recommend for women in Colorado.  Due to our dry climate and high altitude we have special skin care needs and absolutely must use a great 30+ UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreen product. The Colore Science Sunforgettable mineral sunscreen is a must have for active Colorado women. It is easy to carry in your purse, backpack, bike bag, or golf bag. It is applied with the already primed retractable brush – no mess, no greasy lotion to apply, no burning eyes, and it is water resistant and sweat resistant. It provides physical protection from the sun, reflects and refracts light on the surface of your skin. It is the only mineral sunscreen recommended by the American Skin Cancer Foundation. For active Colorado women is it a great must have sunscreen product. It works really well as a finishing touch to your make-up as well, giving a smooth matte finish to your look. It is available in a clear no color mineral, or with some color for extra coverage when used as the finishing touch with your make-up.

It is safe for use on children, too! They love the powder mineral application as opposed to greasy lotions and dry sprays that burn their eyes. We recommend it for all of our clients as a safe sunscreen even after laser skin treatments. It makes a great gift for the men in your life, especially if they are active outdoors in the intense Colorado sunshine!

Right next door to our booth at the Expo will be the SmoothShapes cellulite treatment booth where our friends from Eleme Medical will be demonstrating the new laser cellulite treatment system and will have special offers available through Refresh Laser Spa as the Denver based SmoothShapes provider. They will be in Booth #440 – stop by say “hi” and pick up a coupon for a SmoothShapes treatment package at Refresh Laser Spa.

We hope you will come out and support your local women owned small businesses.
We look forward to seeing you there!

March 2009 Happenings at Refresh Laser Spa

We are excited about our SmoothShapes Open House event coming up on Thursday March 26th from 6-8PM.  In addition to the great fun, socializing, wine, and food that we always have, James Kammemeyer from Eleme Medical will be attending to answer questions and help us out with live demonstrations of the SmoothShapes treatment system.

We are so proud and excited to be the very first provider to have the SmoothShapes cellulite treatment system in the Denver Metro Area!

I was a skeptic when we first began researching effective cellulite treatments to offer here at Refresh.  Very often I have seen cellulite treatments fall short of their claims of effective lasting treatment results.  I have been using the SmoothShapes treatment system here at the spa on a few models and several of my clients. I have seen for myself the remarkable results they are receiving. My personal experience as a SmoothShapes treatment provider has been consistent. I see marked visual improvement in the appearance of cellulite, smoother skin texture, tight, firmer skin and a significant reduction in the circumference of the area treated.

Not only are we seeing truly great results in the treatment of cellulite and loose skin, but also when using this same process after laser assisted lipolysis (AKA: SmartLipo or SmoothLipo). We are seeing a much better result in terms of tighter, firmer skin, reduction of surgery related edema, and bruising.  Often clients who have laser assisted lipolysis will see an increase in the appearance of cellulite, or will see skin laxity (loose skin) post treatment.SmoothShapes helps to significantly reduce these post treatment issues and create a much better result.

Post treatment swelling and bruising can be a problem for clients who have decided to have laser assisted lipolysis.  Because these symptoms can vary greatly from client to client, often a provider cannot adequately prescribe how significant the swelling or bruising may be for a given client.  SmoothShapes is a viable, affordable option for clients experiencing any of these post procedure problems that truly works.

The science behind the SmoothShapes laser cellulite treatment just makes good sense.  Using two dynamic light sources at wavelengths that make good common sense in terms of where the unhealthy tissue lives, and then using the massaging hand piece to move those cells towards the lymphatic system to be eliminated from your system SmoothShapes actually gets to the root or “cell” of the problem and is not a “band-aid” treatment like an herbal wrap or topical gel.

Most clients see a great result that lasts for up to 14 months.  Some may feel they need a follow-up “maintenance” treatment in about a year, and some won’t.  It can be subjective as it often depends on the severity of the original problem, general overall health of the client, condition of the client’s skin, and the client’s nutritional status.  Clients will see a great result whether they change eating and exercise habits or not.  Of course, as we are using the lymphatic system to help dispose of the adipose cells released from the treatment, increased intake of water is encouraged and necessary for a good overall result.

Currently, the recommended treatment protocol is two 20 minute treatment sessions per week for 4 weeks (for a total of 8 treatment sessions per area).  If need be, the treatments can be spaced once per weeks for 8 weeks.

There are no restrictions post treatment and all activities can be resumed immediately.  Most clients feel very energized and have a sense of well being after the treatments. The combination of the two dynamic light sources seems to responsible for giving clients this good feeling after the treatment session.

If you have questions or just want more information feel free to call me directly at 720.314.1965 or go to our website for some great information and photos.

I hope to see you at the open house!  This is an RSVP only event and we have limited space so please make your reservation early!

Did I mention we will be giving away a SmoothShapes treatment package at the open house?

Feel free to invite friends and family you think might be interested.  Just let us know how many are coming!

Cheers!
Kimberly