NOW is the time to get Spring + Summer beautiful!

Get rid of that pesky unwanted hair, smooth out that cellulite, lose an inch or two off that tummy, or simply get your skin looking gorgeous!

We have put together some great specials to help you get shorts + bikini ready!

Your shorts called, they're ready for Spring.

 

Have a Beauty-full Summer Vacation!

‘Tis the Season for Vacation!!!

Trips to the beach, camping, family reunions, weddings, you name it!

Unfortunately in today’s day and age, traveling with your favorite beauty products proves more and more difficult each day.

Well have no fear, we at Refresh are here with some great tips for getting the most out of your packing this Summer!

1. No Liquids

With many if not all Airlines imposing regulations on the solidity of your items- it can be quite a challenge to make sure that you have all of your bases covered.

Here are some liquid-alternatives to some of your basic beauty necessities:

  • Cleanser: Try ColoreScience‘s new Illuminating Cleanser. It is a powdered, mineral cleanser that foams when you add water! Even better? It comes with its own mini scrubber brush to keep you clean and exfoliated! Have a Clarisonic? The Illuminating Cleanser is the perfect companion- just tap out a bit of powder into the center of your Clarisonic and you’re good to go! ($37.50)
  • Sunscreen: Who wants a greasy sunscreen leaking all over their luggage in the first place? Time to switch to ColoreScience‘s Mineral Sunscreen. Available in every color and coverage, these are the only mineral sunscreens with the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval! Great for kids and men, too! ($45-$60)
  • Hand/Body Lotion: Instead of trying to transfer your lotion from bottle to travel-size bottle (what a mess!), how about pick up a Raw Shea Stick from Queen Bee instead? Her local products are made from the best natural ingredients and with this moisturizing solid stick you and your family will be glowing! ($22)
  • Bubble Bath: Really, you say?? Really! Bring along a pouch of Queen Bee’s Silky Milk Bath and you can have a relaxing, refreshing evening even if you are thousands of miles from home! ($24)

2. The Three Ounce Rule

Squeezing and transferring your products into travel containers can be wasteful, time consuming, and sometimes impossible depending on your existing product packaging.

Here are some more practical alternatives to the old switch-a-roo:

  • All-Inclusive: By far, our favorite travel system would be the NeoCutis Starter Kit. Included is one Journeé SPF 4-in-1 moisturizer, one Bio Serum pen, and a seven-day supply of each: Lumiere Eye Cream, BioGel, and Hyalis (each conveniently packaged in seven dainty pouches). Perfect for the beauty-conscious traveler! ($99)
  • Active Travel: Worried that neglecting your regimen will leave you looking less-than refreshed after your vacation? Pick up a trial kit from IMAGE skin care and you can take all of those important, active ingredients with you! Complete with retinol products, vitamin c, sun protection, and everything you could possibly need to fight the aging process on the road! ($10.50-$12.50)

To purchase, or learn more about any of these products- call or email today:

720.314.1965

refreshlaser@comcast.net

June Specials at the Spa!

We hope you are enjoying our warmer weather!  Now is a great time to take advantage of some fabulous savings on summer skin care essentials, SmoothShapes, facials and more!

Aesthetic Services:

  • Buy one SmoothShapes package and get the second area half off!
  • Buy a SmoothShapes maintenance treatment package of 8 for $1000!! (over 20% off!)
  • $600 off the Affirm SmartSkin package! (Treatment must completed by August 31st, 2010).
  • 20% off the ViPeel!
  • Buy any two Refresh Signature facials and get one free!

Latisee, Botox, and Juvederm Specials:

  • $10 off Latisse lash conditioner
  • $50 off 20 units or more of Botox (applies to first time injection clients).
  • $100 off Juvederm XC (applies to first time Juvederm injections).
  • $465 per syringe for Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus!
  • Also – we have qualified to offer special Latisse anniversary rebates going on through Allergan until July 15th. $50 Allergan rebate on the purchase of Latisse with Botox OR Juvederm XC. $100 Allergan rebate on the purchase of Latisse with both Botox and Juvederm XC injections. We only have 12 of these special rebates available for our clients. If you are considering purchasingLatisse with Botox, Juvederm XC, or both – this is a great offer to take advantage of!

Colore Science:

  • Buy one regular price Colore Science Brush and get 15% off any other regular priced Colore Science product. Special includes: NEW Sunforgettable SPF 50 brush, SPF 30 mineral primer, and SPF 35 lip gloss! Colore Science Sunforgettable brushes make great Father’s Day presents for active Colorado Dads!
  • Also, check out our Colore Science Clearance basket – several new clearance items at great prices!

Image Skin Care:

  • 15% off when you trade in one old product, 20% off when you trade in two products, 30% off when you trade in three products.
  • 20% off any professional Image chemical peel facial (soft or medium peel). Choose from anti-aging, acne prone, or skin brightening peels.

Sesderma Clearance:

  • 30% off all in stock Sesderma products!!
Jan Marini:
  • 20% off Jan Marini Lash Conditioner and Conditioning Mascara

Clarisonic:

  • Did you know we have the brand new and wildly popular Clarisonic Opal for $200?! It retails elsewhere for over $250!

All special offers and sale prices good until June 30th, 2010 unless otherwise stated

SmoothShapes in Shape Magazine!

In the June 2010 issue of SHAPE Magazine, the focus of their “Bikini Body Special”

was, Your Best Ever Cellulite Busting Plan.

And although the direct focus of the article wasn’t on SmoothShapes, they did have some truly great advice for those looking for other solutions. We include our own Tips and Recommendations in every SmoothShapes’ client take-home packet, and these tips are great as well, with or without SmoothShapes:

Nix White Flour Foods: At least two studies have found that people who eat the most whole grains have less belly fat than those who eat fewer complex carbs (you can have cellulite around your middle, too). with the variety of whole-grain products on the store shelves today, it’s easier than ever to snub the refined stuff. The higher fiber content in whole-wheat bread and pasta keeps you feeling full longer, so you won’t have to contend with a rumbling belly.

Make Friends with Fat: It may sound counterintuitive, but trust us: To lose fat, you have to get over your fat phobia. Healthy fats, like nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil can actually help you lose weight (and cellulite).

“Cheat” the Right Way: The concept of a cheat day is a weight-loss staple, but it’s also the Achille’s heel of many eating plans. A day of eating whatever you want can add up to thousands (yes, thousands) of extra calories. It can also make it harder to get back on track the next day, when your brain has a chocolate cake hangover. Instead of splurging for an entire day, Lisa Young, Ph.D., R.D., the author of The Portion Teller Plan, recommends limiting yourself to just one cheat meal each weel. “Plan it, enjoy it, and as long as it happens just once a week you won’t break the caloric bank.”

Eat an Appetizer: Studies show that if you take the edge off hunger before lunch and dinner, you’ll eat less. Then, eat your main meal in the following order: veggies first (which should take up about half your plate), then the protein, the the whole-grain carbohydrates. “Having veggies first satisfies your stomach and brain,” explains Young. “Fiber-packed veggies are filling, and your eyes see a big portion, so your brain thinks you’re eating more too. By the time you get to the carbs- the danger zone for many people- you’ll be ready to stop.

Go Veggie One Day a Week: A recent study in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who are the most meat were about 27% more likely to be obese and 33% more likely to have abdominal obesity than people who ate the least amount of meat. They also consumed about 7– more calories per day, on average.

Lastly, but most certainly not least is their pick for Best In-Office Option: SmoothShapes!

They say: ” SmoothShapes ($2000-$3000 for eight sessions over four weeks) uses a laser and light energy to shrink enlarged fat cells and tighten skin, while a vacuum and rollers massage the body, increasing circulation.

Expert Take: “This FDA-approved treatment definitely has the science to back up its claims,” says Francesca Fusco, M.D.

Real Life Results: “It felt like getting a deep tissue massage, and while I did experience a little hickey-like bruising, the decrease in dents was noticeable after four weeks.” -Samantha, 30

Editors Note: While SHAPE Magazine says you will pay $2000-$3000 for 8 treatments, here at Refresh Laser Spa it is only $1,600 and that includes 10 treatments!

To learn more or to set up your complimentary consultation, call:

720.314.1965

Really?

One of my favorite columns on the New York Times is called “Really?” by Anahad O’Connor. It debunks common myths and sets the facts straight on everything from wives tales to doctor’s orders. Recently, they brought to attention something that we think is really important- and very misunderstood.

With the Spring approaching, it is time for all of us to get our game faces on and prepare for the vicious Colorado sun. However, (I sniffle as I write this….) coming out of the icky Winter, a lot of us are still fizzing the Alka Seltzer and finishing our remaining antibiotics from cold and flu season. And we have got to know the facts about photosensitivity and the medications that exacerbate it.

Here’s what O’Connor says:

“Most people know what precautions to take to protect their skin at the beach this summer: slather on the sunscreen, reapply as needed and take breaks in the shade as often as possible. But few people know that a number of common medications can intensify the effects of sunlight, greatly raising the risk of burning, rashes, and other skin problems, even after only a little time in the sun. Studies show that this can happen in at least two ways.

One, known as photoallergic reaction, occurs when a certain medicine or substance is applied to the skin. Ultraviolet light from the sun transforms the substance in a way that provokes the immune system, leading to irritated skin and eczema-like rashes. The onset of visible symptoms is usually delayed 24 hours to several days.

Far more common is a phenomenon called phototoxic reaction. It occurs when a person ingests the drug or substance in question, then spends time in the sun. Exposing the skin to ultraviolet rays excites molecules of the ingested substance, causing damage to tissue- severe redness and sunburn, for example – that is almost immediately apparent.

The list of drugs that can cause sensitivity is long, but among the most common culprits are antibiotics like tetracycline, certain antihistamines and topical antimicrobials. The best remedy is either to limit the use of the offending substance or to take extra precautions, like wearing protective clothing.

Bottom Line: Many drugs can raise a person’s sensitivity to sunlight.”

Here’s a more detailed list of photo-sensitivity  inducing drugs to keep you informed this bikini season:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Keoprofen, Naproxen, etc)
  • Diuretics (Furosemide, Bumetanide, Hydrochlorothizide)
  • Retinoid- This one is SO important- All Vitamin A and/or Retin-A products will cause extreme photosensitivity.
  • Hypoglycemics
  • Neuroleptic drugs
  • Antifungals (Itraconazole, voriconazole, griseofulvin)
  • These other drugs: Para-aminobenzoic acid, 5-Flurouracil, Paclitaxel, Amiodarone, Dilitazem, Quinidine, Hydroxychloroquine, coal tar, Enalapril, Dapsone, Oral contraceptives
  • As the Summer of 2009 rounds to a close, it is important that we address the dangers of Sun Damage, as well as what can be done to not only reverse the damage but instill better habits for the future.Living in Colorado, we have countless excuses to spend excessive amounts of time in the sun {biking, camping, gardening, pedestrian malls, the kids’ ball game, etc}. Unfortunately, with all of these glorious distractions it is far too easy to forget your sunscreen! And although we are further from the Equator than, say- Florida, we are still at very high risk because of our altitude. Shockingly, it is estimated that there is an 8-10% increase in UV intensity to be had for each 1,000 ft. of altitude– and we’re a mile-high here at 5,280 ft. So, although there is no beach, us mountain-friendly folk are still at serious risk.
    Considering the prevalence of Skin Cancer in America {1 in 5 will develop it in their lifetime}, I feel there is an amazing amount of awareness on the issue. We all know that if we go without sunscreen we have an excellent chance of joining that statistic.

    What you may not know is how much sun damage plays a role in our aging process. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90% of visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. Just imagine how gracefully you could age with proper skin care and sun damage prevention!

    Fortunately, {as always} we can help! Here at Refresh Laser Spa, we have numerous options to help reverse the signs of aging and assist you in your new sun damage-prevention routine!

    Our newest product in our sun-damage reversal artillery is the VI Peel, a revolutionary chemical peel that is safe and effective for ALL skin types. The VI Peel helps to reduce or eliminate age spots, reverse sun damage (works on neck, chest, and hands, too!!), reduce freckles and wrinkles, and bonus- clears acne! The peel itself takes only 20 minutes, and within 7 days you will have glowing, beautiful, clear, toned, and firmer skin. About two weeks ago, one of our estheticians gave herself the peel and seven days later her skin looked great. However, speaking with her yesterday, I noticed that her skin is looking even better! The VI Peel stimulates collagen and elastin production, meaning your skin will actually look better as time passes!

    Another wonderful option is the MediDerm dry peel. The MediDerm Laser is a customized skin rejuvenation treatment that reduces wrinkling and skin imperfections, ultimately giving you a smoother, younger look. It is virtually painless and requires no downtime, unlike other chemical peels or invasive surgeries. The MediDerm dry peel literally allows a new layer of skin to regenerate, giving you a more uniform texture and younger looking skin- immediately.

    Lastly, is the Rolls Royce of sun-damage repair, our SmartSkin CO2 Microablative laser, which can take 10 years off the appearance of your skin. The SmartSkin CO2 laser treats skin one micro portion at a time- 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. Similar to, but even more so than the VI Peel, your results from the CO2 treatment will only get better over time. And here at Refresh, will not only pre-condition your skin before the treatment, we will equip you with all of the best products to maintain your amazing results for years to come.

    And for those not ready to take the jump into reversing your damage, we carry ColoreScience products, that are the only mineral cosmetics/sunscreens recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. We carry everything you could need, from mineral sunscreen powder for a day hiking in the mountains, to everyday coverage primers (with SPF 30), red hot lipstick, and beautiful pearlized blush for a wine-lunch with your girlfriends on the 16th St. Mall.

    So please, take care of your skin in these remaining weeks of Summer (hello, Labor Day Weekend!) and call today to get on the right track of reversing a lifetime’s worth of sun damage.