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Jane Iredale

Medical Spa Treatment Glossary

Botox®: An injectable that strategically relaxes facial muscles, which may ultimately banish wrinkles. Botox® blocks a substance called acetylcholine, temporarily paralyzing the muscles treated. Botox® is most effective at banishing what medical professionals call "dynamic wrinkles." Dynamic wrinkles are those pesky wrinkles that many of us call smile lines and frown lines. Results may take up to ten days to appear and will last an average of six months.

 

   

Restylane®: Restylane® is a non-surgical injectable used to treat "laugh lines" (the lines between the nose and the corner of the mouth); vertical lip lines; and folds in the skin. Perhaps Restylane® is most well-known as a lip plumper satisfying consumers' desires for plump puckers. Administered with a fine gauge needle in a non-surgical, in-office procedure, Restylane® consists of Hyaluronic Acid, a filler that is naturally found in our bodies. Results are immediately visible and may last six to 12 months.

 

   

VelaSmooth™: Some studies suggest that as many as 90% of women have cellulite. According to Syneron, VelaSmooth™ is the first FDA-cleared noninvasive medical solution for the reduction of cellulite.

 

   
Visia™ Complexion Analysis: Visia™ is a photographic imaging tool that measures and analyzes "surface and subsurface facial skin conditions." What that means to you and me is that Visia allows medical professionals to get up close and intimate with our skin. Visia's™ photographic imaging technology measures six distinct areas of skin health: wrinkles, spots, pores, evenness, porphyrins (the presence of bacteria in pores), and UV spots which are often associated with sun damage or overexposure.    

 

 

 

 

The Adversaries:

  • Clogged pores
  • Blemishes
  • Lack of self confidence
  • Bad lifestyle choices (i.e. smoking and drinking)
  • Complacency

The Rx:

  • Apply sunscreen, every day on face, hands, and under eyes
  • Wear sunglasses
  • Stick to a solid skin care routine
  • Pick products that prevent wrinkles
  • Manage stress

In our twenties skin is firm and glowing, thanks to an abundance of collagen and elastin. That’s the good news. The bad news is that at twenty and up, many of us don’t appreciate what we’ve got.

For some, that’s because adult acne and clogged pores are also in the picture. For others, not being comfortable in our own skin makes appreciating just how amazing that skin is challenging.

But now is the time to “stop the clock.” Barbie Winterbottom Roy, a Medical Esthetician, Licensed Laser Technician, and one of the owners of SpaTampa in South Tampa, says that the biggest skin care mistake women in their twenties and thirties make is not using sunscreen. According to Roy, “Women need to use sunscreen everyday as part of their daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Additionally, it is imperative that we use the appropriate sunscreen, with ingredients that protect from UVA short and long rays and UVB rays."

Opt for a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater and one that includes UVA/UVB protection with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone. One to try is DHC’s White sunscreen; a broad-spectrum SPF 25 facial sunscreen; $23, available online at www.dhccare.com. DHC’s White sunscreen includes 5% titanium dioxide and 10% zinc oxide; both are chemical-free physical blockers that protect skin from sun damage. Roy recommends SkinCeuticals® Ultimate UV Defense with an SPF of 30 and Remergent® High Intensity with an SPF of 30.

Treat hands to Boscia’s Daily Hand Revival Therapy SPF 15; $15, available online at www.boscia.net. This intensive hand treatment features titanium dioxide, 3% avobenzone, and Mulberry extract to lighten spots caused by previous UV damage. Protect your eyes with DDF Protective Eye Cream SPF 15 Plus CoQ-10. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective sunscreen, Protective Eye Cream not only contains zinc oxide but also other key ingredients such as Green Tea, Echinacea, and Ginkgo Biloba; $46, available online at www.ddfskincare.com.

Wearing sunglasses can also be hugely helpful in preventing aging of the sensitive undereye skin. For optimal coverage, choose sunglasses that provide at least 98% protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

As for those pesky blemishes, a solid skin care routine will help with the battle of the zit. Never sleep with your makeup on. Really… never. And use products religiously that can kill bacteria, and exfoliate and unclog pores without over-drying skin. Cleanse and moisturize on a daily basis and exfoliate twice a week to promote cell renewal.

Complacency is every twirty-somethings worst enemy since now is the time to stop the clock. (Turning back the clock is much more challenging.) Topical retinoids derived from vitamin A can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

One such product is the FDA- approved Renova®, a doctor-prescribed topical form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself and has also been used in the treatment of acne.

And while you can certainly have your pick of products from cheap to pricey along with a bevy of effective Med Spa treatments designed to maintain that youthful glow, some of the best things you can do for your skin are free. Stop smoking. Drink lots of water. Drink less alcohol. And take a deep breath. Staying stress free will not only help you live longer… you’ll look better doing it.

 

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