FYI Cosmetics

Today, the phrase ‘skin care’ can mean many different things. The cosmetic and aesthetic revolution is still in its infancy, yet the skin care products and services available to consumers are too numerous to count. The bottom line is, we all want to have healthy skin and we all want to look and feel our very best; because of this, treatments are now available that can help us to look and feel years younger–all while improving the overall health of our skin. As men and women become more knowledgeable about the effects the natural elements have on their skin, not only are they looking for treatments to help rectify it, they are also looking for ways to prevent it. Embracing total skin care early in life will allow you to not only maintain healthy skin, but also a look and feel that best suits you.

There are many life factors that affect the overall look and feel of our skin. Age is a big one–as we age, our skin loses its firmness–this brings on visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Other factors include smoking, consuming alcohol and eating and drinking certain foods. The most prevalent factor that affects our skin however is sun exposure. It is only recently that as a society we’ve learned of the dangers of excessive sun exposure, which is why the percentages of individuals with skin cancer has sky rocketed. Now that we know the harmful effects the sun can have, more men and women are taking precaution to help prevent these dangerous skin ailments from forming. So whether you are looking for healing or preventative skin care, there are many options out there.

Those men and women who are looking to undergo aesthetic treatments for skin care, know that you aren’t alone. Anti-aging skin care is by far the most popular form of cosmetic care currently undergone by individuals, and the treatments available are infinite. Whether you are looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin pigmentation, remove acne or acne scarring, reduce age spots, brown spots or pigmented lesions, or remove spider or varicose veins, there are a variety of treatments that can help. Consulting with your dermatologist or a medical spa technician will allow you to discover which will best benefit your particular needs.

Those men and women who are searching for preventative skin care methods, know that there are several different options out there for you as well. The skin is the largest

organ on our body and no one can be too careful these days with skin care. There are many treatments that can be undergone to help maintain your smooth, firm, young look, but there is only one way to drastically reduce your chances of developing serious skin conditions in your future–stay out of the sun. Now it is well known that the sun isn’t always harmful, in fact it is healthy to get a certain amount of sun exposure. However, repeated sun exposure greatly increases your chances of developing skin cancer later in life. Harmful UV rays damage your skin and over time, this can develop into skin cancer. The best preventative skin care is to stay out of the sun. Wear an SPF of 30 or higher every time you leave the house, rain or shine, and keep your skin as healthy as possible. Individuals that do this will see the difference in their skin.

Non-invasive skin tightening techniques are becoming more and more popular as individuals continue to see the lasting benefits that these treatments provide. No matter how strict our diet and exercise regiments may be, once you reach a certain age, it seems that some facial and body areas just fail to respond. Because of this, various skin tightening techniques have been developed that can smooth and tone the body in localized areas thus giving men and women a tighter more contoured look and feel. Skin tightening is a fantastic way to reduce loose and flabby facial and body skin for a smoother, tighter, more contoured shape.

As skin tightening technology has progressed, several different treatments have been developed to help men and women smooth and tighten their skin. These include Thermage, photo rejuvenation and laser skin tightening.

Thermage: The Thermage procedure was the first skin tightening treatment to become available to consumers and it is performed using a device called the ThermaCool TC. This device utilizes radiofrequency waves in order to create a controlled section of heating within the dermis and the deeper tissue of the skin, while at the same time constantly cooling and protecting the outer layers of the epidermis via a cryogen spray. By effectively heating the collagen within the dermis to a specific temperature, the heat works to create a natural biological reaction that causes the existing collagen to contract and thicken; this reaction results in the formation of tighter, smoother skin.

Photo Rejuvenation: Photo Rejuvenation, also known as PhotoFacial, is a skin tightening procedure that utilizes pulsed light technology, which is similar to laser technology but differs slightly. Pulsed Light technology involves the use of multiple wavelengths of light that reach varying penetration depths simultaneously. By concentrating the wavelengths of energy at a variety of different tissue levels, the pulsed light can stimulate collagen growth at a variety of depths. This allows for more even skin tightening results in those patients that have varying degrees of skin laxticity.

Laser Skin Tightening: Laser skin tightening treatments are innovative because they combine the technologies of both Thermage and photo rejuvenation for complete skin rejuvenation. By combining RF frequency with true laser technology, this treatment cause’s localized damage to the dermal layers of skin with promotes the natural growth of collagen. There are several different skin tightening lasers on the market today, each one is designed to target and treat varying levels of skin laxticity. Because this treatment is more intense, the results are more long lasting. After a single treatment patients experience visible results and after a series, they enjoy a smooth, contoured look that lasts.

Depending on the level of skin tightening patients are trying to achieve, one of these treatments may be better suited because different skin depths will need to be targeted and reached. We never want to think about that fact that one day we’ll wake up and realize our skin no longer has the firm, youthful look it once did, but now there are a variety of skin tightening treatments that can help to restore that smooth, wrinkle free look we all want. Find out more today about these skin tightening treatments and discover if one may be right for you.

The GentleYAG by Candela is a safe effective laser that can be used for a variety of cosmetic skin issues that previously may not have been able to be treated successfully. While YAG lasers are known for their ability to provide permanent hair reduction on tanned or very dark skinned patients, this laser is also effective for eliminating spider veins as well as reducing wrinkles and tightening loose skin on the face and other areas of the body. Using long pulse high energy laser light technology, the emitting beam of light from the GentleYAG passes through the skin where it is absorbed by the target without risk to the surrounding skin.

Candela lasers have the ability to utilize non toxic cryogen as part of a skin cooling system. Called the Dynamic cooling Device or DCD, cryogen, which has a very fast evaporation rate, is sprayed onto the skin milliseconds before the beam of high intensity laser light hits the skin. The rapid evaporation provides a cooling effect that assists in decreasing discomfort while maximizing protection to the outer layer of the skin. The DCD also assists in speeding treatment times by eliminating the need for cooling gels that are often applied prior to treatment as well as some costly topical numbing agents. Healing is also rapid, as hair follicles are targeted, but the surrounding skin and tissues are left intact making for an all around more pleasant procedure. The GentleYAG is optimal for darker pigmented skin such as the Fitzpatrick Skin types V-VI for laser hair removal. The GentleYAG targets the pigment inside the hair follicle during the growth phase of the hair cycle, leaving the surround tissue undisturbed. A minimum of 3-5 treatments 6-8 weeks apart are required to achieve desired results.

This laser is also an excellent non invasive, non ablative method to tighten skin on the face, neck and other areas of the body. The “Laser facial” is a rapid virtually painless way for the YAG laser to lessen or even eliminate wrinkles. No downtime or topical anesthetic is needed for this procedure that can achieve almost immediate results. Treatments require a series of rapid high intensity laser light pulses to be passes quickly over the skin to heat the targeted areas superficially. Most patients leave the office that day with a smile and less wrinkles.

Skin tightening is achieved by transferring heat into the deepest layers of the dermis. The effect is a thermal injury below the skin that encourages a healing response stimulating the collagen to “restart” itself. When enough of the body’s own collagen is reactivated wrinkles and sagging skin begin to reduce giving a smoother more youthful appearance. For some, results can be seen within a few days; however most will see improvement for at least 4-6 weeks. Generally 4 treatments are needed for optimal results. For this procedure a topical numbing cream is applied 30-60 minutes prior to the treatment. With GentleYAG skin tightening the skin appears to have the look of mild sunburn immediately after the treatment. Once the redness subsides there is minimal to no downtime reported after the treatment.

An additional benefit of this Candela laser is how it effectively treats spider veins, and other small vascular anomalies. Again treatments are fast, effective and safe with only one to two treatments needed to achieve desired results.

The GentleLASE Alexandrite laser by Candela is the gold standard for permanent hair reduction. While it has the ability to be used on all skin pigments, it reveals its best and safest work on the lighter skin colors. Combined with Candela’s patented dynamic cooling device, treatments are faster and more comfortable than ever before. Not only does this laser prove to be fast and effective for patients for hair reduction it will also successfully treat pigmented lesions such as sun spots, age spots, freckles, café-au-lait spots and melasma. In addition this 755nm wavelength laser can also assist in eliminating vascular lesions such as hemangiomas, venous lakes and blue facial veins as well as decrease wrinkles.

Candela lasers are the only lasers in the industry that have the benefit of the dynamic cooling device or DCD. The DCD sprays cryogen on to the skin milliseconds before the beam of light hits the skin. The rapid evaporative cooling ability of cryogen will maximize comfort and protect the epidermis as well as permit a quick recovery. Treatment disposables are decreased as the need for cooling gel and some costly topical anesthesia are eliminated by the use of the DCD.

The GentleLASE provides several spot sizes to be able to customize the laser hair removal treatment for efficiently. A typical hair removal treatment requires hair to be clipped or shaved down to the skin level. No lotions or gels should be on the area to be treated. Several treatment spot sizes are available to maximize the effectiveness of each pulse of the alexandrite laser. The laser targets the color within the hair follicle to destroy it as it leaves the surrounding delicate pores and structures of the skin intact. Because hair cycles through growth and dormant phases, the hair needs to be targeted in a growth cycle, when the pigment is at its darkest. Therefore a minimum of 3 treatments are needed to achieve desired results.

A major benefit of the Candela laser is that it provides the largest spot size in the laser industry for hair removal that can deliver fluences up to 100 joules/cm2. The spot sizes can target from 12-25 or more hairs in one laser pulse. The 18mm spot size for example can treat a full back in thirty minutes. The flexible pulse durations and adjustable epidermal cooling technology allow for maximum patient safety and comfort. In addition integrated computer controls within the unit assure consistent, reproducible results time after time. Because of the versatility of the GentleLase darker pigments can also be treated with extended pulse durations to increase skin tolerance.

Pigmentation issues can also be effectively treated with the GentleLase. Hyper-pigmented patches caused by the sun and do not have possible malignant potential can successfully be destroyed with often only one treatment. The brown or pigmented lesion can be found on the face, hands neck chest and sometimes legs. Generally treatments for these spots and areas are considered cosmetic in nature. The long pulse of the Alexandrite GentleLase makes for a fast safe and effective treatment. Typical treatments will cause the treated area to become red for a few hours to a few days, with minimal to no side effects after healing.

Restylane® is a cosmetic skin enhancement known as a dermal filler. It is the number one selling dermal filler on the market today. Dermal fillers can instantly restore volume to the skin and smooth and refine wrinkles and the skin folds of the face. Fillers assist in reversing the effects of aging by returning the skin surface to its more youthful state. Restylane is a safe non allergenic smooth clear gel that is made up of hyaluronic acid to achieve a long lasting “quick fix”. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance within the skin that helps retain natural moisture and adds volume and hydration. In select areas Restylane® can replace what is lost in the skin as the body ages. As opposed to other similar dermal fillers like collagen there is no need for any skin testing prior to treatments because the hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the body. Restylane® is injected into the mid to deep dermis to help correct moderate to severe wrinkles quickly and instantly. Treatments provide a naturally smooth look so skin appears smoother with fewer wrinkles. The results make you look great without being obvious. Restylane® is excellent for smile lines, laugh lines or those parentheses lines that show up from the nose to the mouth.

A typical Restylane® treatment can be done on the way home from work, the gym or even on a lunch break. The amount of filler needed is dependent upon the severity and depth of the wrinkles to be treated or the lips to be enhanced. Prior to the procedure a review of your previous medical history will be completed by the physician or their staff. The soft tissue of your face will be examined to determine the depth of the wrinkles and skin folds. For an even more customized treatment Perlane® is available. Perlane® is also made up of hyaluronic acid however it has larger gel particles and is intended to go deeper within the skin for more intense wrinkles. Before and after photographs are generally taken to see the noticeable difference after treatment.

Anesthesia is not required. However some may prefer to have a topical anesthetic or a nerve block to numb the treatment area. Once ready, a very small needle is inserted under the skin to allow the gel to fill wrinkles, plump the skin and lips, fill in the hollows under the eyes and even contour cheeks. Several injections on the same visit may be required to achieve the desired goal. A typical Restylane® session often takes less than 15 minutes with improvement seen immediately. Many people require only one session to have the wrinkles smoothed away for up to one year. Results vary and some clients may require periodic “touch up” treatments. Restylane® is able to produce excellent cosmetic results time after time with effects lasting at least 6 months. Treatments boast minimal to no down or recovery time. Side effects include redness, swelling, bruising and pain at the injection site, which do not last more than a few days. Additional side effects can include firmness and bumps that may last up to a week.

Dermal fillers like Restylane® are one of the fastest growing non surgical treatments for facial wrinkles in the US today. Keeping in mind that all dermal fillers are not created equal it is prudent to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable cosmetic physician to determine if Restylane® is right for you.