THE HYDRAFACIAL Fun fact(s): did you know that about 50% of the dust in your home is dead skin? Every minute, your skin sheds about 30,000 dead cells. In case you needed motivation to vacuum…now you have it. Our skin renews itself every 28 days, so those dust bunnies are just small, fluffy versions of you a few weeks ago. Have fun with that thought! #sorrynotsorry If you follow me on Instagram, or if you follow Infinity Wellness Center, where I work, (@laylarazpearl and @infinitywellnessspa, respectively) you probably saw that I was the model for a Hydrafacial demo back in March. I had been begging Dr. Messina for months to bring the Hydrafacial into Infinity’s practice because I felt like it would be a huge hit, and is something our clients would benefit from. Luckily, she ended up agreeing and we couldn’t believe what we saw during the demo! My skin has always had issues as far back as I can remember, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. I have very thick skin (literally, but definitely not metaphorically. I’m a sensitive flower. Please be nice to me or I may cry). This means my skin needs extra exfoliation. I also have what is suspected to be a mild form of hyperkeratosis, where the skin wants to thicken instead of shedding normally. Basically, my skin is just as high-maintenance and grumpy as me when I haven’t been fed in a while. #hangry Due to all of the above conditions, I had high hopes for the Hydrafacial. Even though everyone raved about it, I was worried that my sensitive + sensitized skin wouldn’t cooperate (if you don’t know what those terms mean, I’ll explain a bit later). I situated myself on the treatment table, feeling equal parts nervousness and excitement while Ed, the rep, got everything prepped and the rest of the staff attending gathered around me like I was the Mona Lisa, chattering excitedly. #nopressure First things first, let me outline the general technology of the Hydrafacial. You know when you go to the dentist, and they have all of those different tools that spray out water, and some suck out all the gross stuff, and some whirl around doing who-knows-what? The Hydrafacial is like that, but for the face. I feel like I’m not doing it justice through words, so I’ll include a picture below as well. This picture came up under Google photo results and it’s from Trip Advisor so I’m pretty sure I can repost it here, but if you see this picture and it’s yours…please don’t sue me. I’m only a lowly medical assistant, trying to make a difference in the world via skincare, you know? When you look at the picture below, you can see how it all hooks up and works. If you’re still confused…come see us for a treatment and we’ll show ya! The Hydrafacial works in in four steps, as follows: 1. The Cleansing & Exfoliation. I like to think of this as the basic sweep of all the “stuff” we accumulate on our face. This is just your skins introduction to the Hydrafacial. You’re getting everything cleaned off, and getting a little more exfoliation to give your skin a touch up. This felt a bit like I was getting microdermabrasion, but wetter. I could feel liquid coming out of the tip of the machine, as well as a gentle “scrubbing”, almost like a toothbrush. Also, PSA: there are different tips your practitioner can use according to your skin type, so this treatment is highly customizable! 2. The Peel. This is customizable as well, so it can be pretty intense if you want, or fairly gentle if you just want a mild solution used. The rep used the standard solution on me, which I believe was 7.5% glycolic, and normally I have a lot of stinging from peels (sensitive flower, remember?) but this felt like just the slightest tingling, and overall felt really nice. 3. THE EXTRACTIONS. Oh, my goodness. Y’all. I’m the type who loves to watch pimple-popping videos so I’m already kind of a weirdo about extractions, but as someone who gets blackheads really easily, this made me so happy. Instead of doing manual extractions, the tip turns into a wee little vacuum that sucks your pores clean. Every time I start complaining I stop myself because I remember this technology exists, and all I should be feeling is gratitude that someone came up with a “vortex-extraction nozzle”. GENIUS. 4. The Serum. This is the “infusion” and rehydration portion, where now that your pores have literally been sucked clean, the machine works to infuse your skin with good stuff instead. I asked Lori G., our magical esthetician who is trained in Hydrafacials and has given them for many years about this last step (during the treatment I was so filled with joy about the pore-sucking thing that I don’t really remember anything beyond that). She said that the practitioner can also apply a moisturizer at this step to really help seal in all of the hydration. So, there you have it. Those are the four basic steps! Well. Let me tell you. WHAT a cocktail. All of those steps culminated in glowing, hydrated, shimmery, baby-butt-soft skin. Everyone who witnessed this was freaking out a bit, especially because it was such a rapid transformation. My forehead in particular has always had texture issues, but suddenly it was smooth and shiny. However, I will include that after the third step, my skin was a little red and irritated, just because my skin gets red and irritated at virtually anything and everything. Ed (the rep performing the treatment) used some LED light (both red and blue, and you should know what those do if you read my post on LED light!) and my skin calmed down immediately. If you have particularly sensitive and/or sensitized skin I recommend this step. I’ll probably talk about this another time, but if you don’t know: sensitive=you’re born with easily irritated skin, sensitized=the environment is bothering your skin & making it reactive. Either way, LED light is a great choice. In terms of upkeep, if you have particularly acne-prone skin, I’ve heard it recommended that you should receive treatments every two weeks until your skin is balanced, and then move to every 4-6 weeks. Everyone else should just jump straight to a 4-6 week treatment plan since this is generally enough to treat milder issues. The Hydrafacial also has other treatment add-ons, like one for the eyes and lips (those include take-home products, wheee). These are customizable, so as always, chat with your practitioner about what treatment options you have! For those of you in the area, we’re expecting the Hydrafacial to be open for appointments mid-to-late May. My hope is that you’re now super-duper excited to get your glow on with the Hydrafacial, but have patience! Good things take time, and before you know it you’ll be booking your appointment. In the meantime, if you have any questions, reach out to us on our Instagram (mine or Infinity’s) or call our office at (707) 652-2928! Stay glowing, ladies! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AFTERCARE Fun fact: did you think dermal fillers were a new trend, spurred by the Kardashian/Jenners? Think again. Austrian surgeon Robert Gersuny started using mineral oil and paraffin as dermal fillers in the late 1800s. However, after Gladys Deacon, Duchess of Marlborough (pictured below), received an injection of hot paraffin wax to the nose, she was permanently disfigured and this ended the trend. That is, until now. Dermal fillers were the second most common nonsurgical procedure in 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, with almost 2.5 million procedures performed. So all of the fun and scary stuff is out of the way–you’ve had your filler injected, hopefully gotten the results you wanted, and now you’re home free! Not quite. Filler gives you results in real time, unlike Botox, which takes about a week or so to kick in. This is why I love filler so much, because I am 100% here for instant gratification. However, it’s important to know how to take care of your filler after the fact, so it stays in tip-top shape. Rule #1: DON’T mess with your filler. Yes, you. I don’t know who you are. I don’t know what you want (probably free Botox, don’t we all? but anyways). If you are looking for free syringes of filler, I can tell you I don’t have them. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career (ok it hasn’t been that long but still). Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you stop touching your filler now, that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will scold you. Ok but Liam Neeson jokes aside, Stop. Touching. Your. Filler. You just had a needle poked in those spots! Leave it alone, until you wash you face (gently) and then continue to leave it alone. Think of filler as a Jello mold. Even after it’s been injected, it needs time to “set”. Some of y’all are up in here massaging your freshly injected cheeks because you can feel the Voluma and it “feels so weird”. What’s even weirder is that you’re risking smooshing your fresh new cheekbones down because you’re having an obsessive I-wanna-touch-it episode. I get it, I really do. I recommend passing the time by channeling your energy into taking some fly selfies instead. Also, don’t forget–if you get your injections done at Infinity, and then send a selfie in to us, you get $20 off your next treatment! Rule #2: DO try to sleep on your back. As a chronic side sleeper, I know this is a terrible thing to ask some people. My tip is to put two pillows on either side of your body, snuggled close, with your arms resting on top. This keeps you on your back throughout the night. My chiropractor recommended this to me, so not only is it good for your back, it’s good for your filler! No smooshed cheeks for you. If you do roll onto your side sometime in the middle of the night, it’s not the end of the world, so don’t panic. Just do your best! Rule #3: DON’T over-ice. Ice intermittently, if it feels good, but don’t overdo it. My general rule is 10-seconds-on, 10-seconds-off, for about five minutes, every hour. You don’t want to irritate the skin and stop circulation in that region. Although icing helps with bruising (we’ll get to that in a sec) your body also needs to heal, and by over-icing you can stop that natural response. Rule #4: DO apply topical anti-inflammatories. I recommend applying arnica as often as you want. Personally, I recommend the cream. The ointment version is super thick, and the gel version is particularly drying on skin, from what I’ve found. You can buy packs online (they have them on Amazon and I’m sure a million other places, just do a Google search) and you can also go to a Walgreens, CVS, etc, and find it there. I also recommend orally taking arnica, taking the tablets seems to really help people when combined with the topical version. #doublewhammy Rule #5: DO take an over-the-counter anti-histamine if needed. Zyrtec and Claritin are great, or even Benadryl, except Benadryl will make you sleepy, so be careful with that one. These all help with the swelling, if you feel like you need/want it. Rule #6: DO hydrate & moisturize. Use serums to help replenish you skin, as it gets especially dry from the topical numbing, the lidocaine mixed in with the filler, and whatever topical antiseptic we use to clean your skin pre-injections. Also apply plenty of moisturizing lip products if you’ve had your lips done–they get particularly dry and peel quite a bit. If you’ve had your lips done, try to avoid long-lasting lip stains and matte liquid lipstick, etc–anything that tends to dry out your lips. I recommend the Lira Clinical BIO Lip Factor, as it’s easy to carry around and apply, and even though it’s definitely a moisturizing, clinical product, it really just looks like a nice clear gloss. Rule #7: DO expect bruises, and plan accordingly. We had one particularly outspoken and blunt patient who said, “if people do this and don’t expect any bruises, they’re crazy.” I tend to agree. Every practitioner tries to be as gentle as possible, but need I remind you: this is a needle, going in your face. You may bruise. Remember to avoid blood thinners (Advil, fish oil, alcohol) 1-2 weeks before and a few days after. You should also avoid crazy exercise 24-48 hours after. For most people this isn’t a problem (me), but if you’re Rambo reincarnated and literally have to exercise every day or you’ll start bench pressing cars, then it’s ok to go on some brisk walks. Just don’t do any of the crazy circuit stuff where you’re doing burpees and throwing tires around. As for covering bruises, use this handy dandy chart I created below: Red bruises (early stages): use a green-tinted concealer. Dab dab dab. Then let it dry, and apply your normal foundation or BB cream or whatnot on top. Blue/purple bruises (middle stages): use a yellow-tinted concealer. Dab dab dab. Then let it dry and apply your normal foundation or BB cream or whatnot on top. Pro tip: applying red lipstick (with warm, orange undertones–never a cool burgundy) will cover purple-blue bruises in a pinch (no pun intended), but it takes more effort to cover it with your skin-tone product, so plan accordingly. So: for the lips, apply your lipstick and bam you’re done. For other areas of the face: cover the bruise with a light layer of lipstick, and then layer on a skin-tone concealer or foundation/etc. Yellow/brown bruises (late stages): I tend to find that these bruises are covered by whatever normal skin-tone product you use. So apply your foundation or BB cream, and then–you guessed it–dab dab dab a little extra on the bruise. Rule #8: DON’T fret and worry about your filler. Sometimes it takes a little bit to settle in. Give it a week. Call the clinic you went to if you have any problems or questions, but remember that the swelling needs to go down before you can actually see your results. Also remember that filler can be dissolved, and you can always come in for a touch up if there’s some asymmetry. So, simply put: breathe! Just take care of your filler following all of the post-care instructions I gave, let everything settle down, and enjoy! Much love, Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi!

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WHAT TO EXPECT Fun fact: your lips are approximately 100 times more sensitive than your fingertips, and, just like your fingertips, everyone’s “lip print” is completely unique. It’s just like your mama always said: you’re special! So if you’ll recall, last time we left off with #lipfillers we talked about what happens right before your treatment. This post is dedicated to what actually happens once you get started (wheee!). Before we get into the cupid’s bow of it all, let’s review: 1. Understand your budget for filler. 2. Understand what you want and don’t want from your lip filler. 3. Find a reputable practice, with good reviews, & legitimate before/after photos. 4. Keep an open mind about what practitioner is right for you. It’s ok to do a few consultations before you decide. 5. Once you’ve decided on the clinic/practitioner, schedule your appointment at a good time–far out from any events or social obligations you may have. 6. For about 1-2 weeks out, avoid blood thinners such as Ibuprofen and fish oil (with the ok from your doc) 7. Avoid alcohol for a few days before your appointment (and after, but we’ll get to that). So let’s say you’ve made your appointment, and today is the day. Woohoo! This is the best part. Let’s walk through what happens. First things first, you’ll check in with the front desk. Make sure you’re on time. If you’re running behind, that usually means it’s going to cut into your appointment. We want you to have as much time as possible, so please show up on time! Most importantly, if you’re on time, then… …you have plenty of time to numb. We apply a prescription strength topical numbing cream that, in my humble opinion, almost works a little too well. Case in point: I had a skin resurfacing treatment yesterday where my entire face was numbed, and it lasted all the way into that evening. Still, this is preferable to no numbing at all! If you’re coming to an appointment at Infinity (yay!) I’ll most likely be the one numbing you. I give all of the clients a gauze to dab at the numbing as needed, and I always tell them–don’t get the numbing on your tongue! It won’t hurt you, but it is an extremely weird sensation that makes talking the rest of the day a little tricky. We normally let numbing sit for 15-30 minutes. When I had my lips done I kept the numbing on for 40 minutes because I am spectacularly wimpy. However, because of that, my treatment was very comfortable. If you want to numb for a long time, check with the front desk when you make your appointment and see how early you can arrive to numb. While you’re numbing, just chill. Keep your heart rate low, y’all. You want to get as zen as possible so that way the procedure goes nice and smooth. I recommend going on Instagram and looking at pictures of before/after lip filler to keep your motivation high. I also recommend listening to some boppy music (if it’s not already being played over the speakers) to help keep your mood nice and light. Some notes on anxiety: if you are needle phobic to any degree, and/or think you might faint/throw up during the treatment, let the practitioner and/or assistant know ASAP. I can deal with needle phobes, having been one myself. I will have smelling salts, juice boxes, and squeezy balls ready for you. I will also talk you through breathing exercises and/or babble nonstop to distract you (unfortunately, this is too easy for me to do). BUT, if I don’t know that you’re terrified of the needle, I can’t prep. Just let us know ahead of time and we will make it a great experience for you. Once you’ve been marinating in the numbing cream for a solid amount of time, it’ll be cleaned off. I usually use alcohol to get the first, sticky layer of numbing off. Then I use Hibiclens (a skin cleanser and antiseptic) and pass over the area a few times to make sure it’s completely clean. PSA: don’t come into your appointment with a ton of lip product on. We can remove it, but it takes time and more importantly, I think it’s uncomfortable to have your lips scrubbed at that much. If you’re getting a “V” product (Volbella, Vollure, etc) I’ll also use something called Vionex to clean you off pre-treatment. This is usually where the injector starts, well, injecting! Make sure to keep breathing. I see a lot of people stop breathing because they get nervous, or they feel like they can’t move at all as soon as the needle is in. Not true! Keep breathing. As soon as the needle is out for a moment or two, take a few deep belly breaths. I also find that it helps to have your feet planted on the treatment table, knees tucked towards your chest. It keeps you more grounded and feeling in control. During the treatment, I use something called a Vibrata on our patients. It’s a vibrating device that confuses your brain and essentially distracts you from the sensation of the needle. If you’re the flinchy type, I recommend asking for a squeezy ball. Any energy you have towards flinching away, you can instead redirect into squeezing the ball. Storytime: we had a client come in who was honestly a modern-day Amazon warrior woman, but relatively afraid of needles despite her rippling muscles. She was getting her lips done, and even after numbing she was still pretty nervous. I’m standing at attention, on her right side, and I’m ready with a gauze and the Vibrata in my left hand, my right hand free. So I’m standing there, ready to go, and the injector comes around to the side of the treatment table. I see this woman’s eyes widen and start to become crazy eyes as she looks at the needle (always a bad idea–never look directly at the needle. It’s like the giant snake from Harry Potter 2, it will paralyze you). So I’m thinking, oh boy, here we go, and she suddenly turns to me and goes “can I hold your hand?”. My heart warms and I think “Aww, I love my job, how cute.” To her I go “Of course! Squeeze as tight as you need.” Friends. The PAIN. I swear she ground my bones to dust, just a little. But because of who I am as a person, I didn’t say anything until the injector was done on that side. I’m just standing there, tears welling in my eyes, my nerves firing off in pain. So finally she releases my hand, seemingly intact. As the injector goes to change the needle, and I stand there, dabbing at her face with one hand, subtly flexing the other hand as I try to ascertain whether or not I’ve sustained actual damage, she turns to me. “Sorry,” she says, “I’m a power lifter. I hope I didn’t squeeze too hard!” Since then, I give out squeezy balls like they’re candy. After your injector has done their first round of pokes, they’ll probably stop and check in with you so you can see how your lips look. I highly recommend actually looking. It freaks some people out when they see blood, but on the flipside, you took the time and effort to get to this point–don’t you want to get what you came for? Some things to keep in mind are: 1) Your lips will be most swollen after the treatment, for up to 48 hours or so, and then will go down. If you like your lips during & immediately after the treatment, you need more filler. I loved my lips best about 12 hours post-treatment, when they were super swollen, and then as soon as they started to go down I was a sad. 2) If you’re having the opposite problem, where your lips look and feel huge, give it a while. The numbing causes a teeny bit of swelling, and makes them feel bigger than they are, and like I said, if you think they’re too big during & for a day or two after your treatment, they’ll most likely be the perfect size within a week or two. Once you and your injector have both agreed that you’ve gotten your lips to where you want them to be (for the time-being), we’ll probably ice you lips a bit to help ward off any bruising. We’ll also apply arnica cream, and some lip treatment, both of which help with the healing process. At this point, you’re all done! What a journey, right? Who knew there was so much to something as simple as a lil’ lip plumping? One of the most important parts of getting filler (lips or otherwise) is the aftercare. That post will be published pretty soon, so check back to see all of my tips for how to heal quickly and easily! Stay pouty, Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! #lipfiller #injections #squeezyballs

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