This month, we’re opening with a new theme: #balance. March is going to be all about how we can bring more balance into our beauty and wellness routine. What things can we add in to even out the scales? What things need to be removed to achieve balance?
With that being said, our first blog of March is going to be on Stress + Aging.
If you’ve been even slightly aware of recent skincare trends, you’ll know that face oils have been becoming incredibly popular the past few years. While I love face oils, it also seems like it’s opened doors for a whole new area we have to be educated on. Questions like: What type of oil should I be using? Is coconut oil okay? What about fractionated coconut oil? What’s the difference? Will it help if my skin is dehydrated vs. dry?
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Valentine’s Day may be over, but we’re still sticking with our theme of #selflove!
For this blog, we’re going to talk about how sleep affects your skin. Sleep is one of those things we all want more of, and seem to have a difficult time getting enough of. It’s easier to slap on under eye gels in the morning (or the classic cold spoons) than going to bed early and getting a full 7-9 hours, but we’re here to tell you why you should make sleep an act of self-love.
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Facial rolling is more specifically known as jade rolling, since it gained notoriety as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique, and in TCM the roller is usually jade. It’s been used for centuries in Asia as a way to increase wellness and vibrancy. However, in the US, facial rollers are now made out of a variety of materials. Some of the most common are jade, rose quartz, and black obsidian. According to tradition, each stone that’s used will have different effects. Jade tends to be cooling, and is used to draw out heat and inflammation. Rose quartz is meant to be a nurturing, “warming” stone, while black obsidian is known as a clearing stone.
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This is one of those questions that isn’t asked often, but when a client is being given pricing, especially as a complete newbie to injectables, you can see that little flicker of surprise. Some people are more open, asking for a breakdown of the cost (which is great–it’s good to completely understand pricing before you get injected). We also get the comments, “I can’t believe I spent X amount and it was only ten minutes!” Well, I’m here to give you the lowdown on just why, exactly, your Botox seemingly costs so much when your appointment may seem so short. First things first: the product itself. Products like Botox and Dysport are considered neurotoxins since they’re a form of the Botulinum toxin. Dysport is abobotulinumtoxinA, whereas Botox is onabotulinumA. Subtle difference, and honestly not that important unless you really want to get into the science behind aesthetic neurotoxins, but it’s important to understand that there is a difference between brands, meaning that certain companies have “claimed” forms of the toxin, trademarked them, and have a monopoly on pricing. Think of it this way: sure, someone may have originally decided that almond milk was a great idea. But because almond milk is such a general and easily producible product, there wasn’t one company that got to decide they “owned” a form of almond milk. Imagine if they had, however. What if one company had figured out a really great way of producing almond milk, and managed to trademark it? If enough people wanted that type of almond milk, and especially if there were only one or two other kinds of almond milk, that one company could decide to set the pricing however they wanted. Keep in mind, however, that there’s a difference between a trademark, and a patent. Patents are highly protected, whereas a trademark means the name and formula can’t be outright stolen, but other companies can certainly use it to figure out how to make their own product. This is why Botox is usually how we refer to Botulinum toxin, since Allergan (the “umbrella” company that owns Botox, Juvederm fillers, and many other products) trademarked Botox in 1989 and was the first to do so before other companies followed suit. Now in 2019, there are four aesthetic neurotoxins on the market: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and the newcomer of the family, Jeuveau. Jeaveau was only approved by the FDA this year, so you’ll slowly see businesses start to incorporate it as we head into 2020. However, up until now, Botox, Dysport and Xeomin were the only players in the market, which means that pricing was set according to what the “umbrella companies” wanted. All this to say: aesthetic neurotoxins are very expensive for a business to purchase. Even if these neurotoxins were sold at cost to consumers (consumers being clients of aesthetic businesses), Botox and Dysport would still be expensive. However, in order to pay the practitioners who inject and the administrative and managerial staff who run the office, neurotoxins have to be sold at a higher than at-cost price, just like any other product (like the almond milk I mentioned, for example). Here’s the other reason your Botox costs so much: sure, it may only take a few minutes to inject. But you’re not paying your practitioner for how long it takes them to inject. You’re paying them for the years spent learning how to inject properly in that amount of time. Your practitioner has to have some type of medical degree, whether it’s in nursing, or as a PA or doctor. On top of paying and going through school for that degree, the aesthetic industry is extremely rigorous if you want to be a proper injector. You need to continually attend trainings, practice relentlessly, consistently review facial anatomy, always stay in touch with new techniques, and you must be incredibly diligent about safety. If you happen to be all of these things, pricing will reflect that. Which is why I consistently warn people that “getting a deal” may work when you’re shopping for clothes, but not when someone is sticking a needle in your face. If someone has cheap prices for the area, most likely they’re either watering down product or lack skill as an injector. The only exception to this rule is for training: when a new injector is being trained, they often work for free, because they are still learning. However, they should always be under the supervision of an experienced injector, and the models for training understand the situation before they go in to be injected. So, the next time you’re in for your injectables experience, hopefully you understand more why it seemingly costs so much for a short appointment. Remember it’s perfectly okay to schedule consultations and research multiple places to find one that works for you, but always stay aware of what you may actually be getting with a “great deal”. Stay safe, everyone! 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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Getting injections is a bit like bringing a puppy home: it’s fun and exciting, but there’s also some challenges to go through, and sometimes you end up wondering what the heck you were thinking, doing this in the first place. Whether it’s crate training or getting a needle poked into your lips, we sometimes have to deal with obstacles that get in the way of what we want. In this case, one of the biggest issues stopping people from getting the injectables they want is their physiological reaction. Some of the most common reactions include: anxiety, feeling faint or actually fainting, and even nausea. I would say about 95% of these problems are caused because the client (that’s you!) forgets to breathe. It’s difficult to remember to take steady breaths when something is being injected into your face, since usually the focus is on staying still. Most of the time, you’re so focused on remaining still (which is hugely appreciated) that your entire body locks up and freezes. The downside to this is the lack of proper breathing, which usually causes a feeling of faintness or nausea, and can increase anxiety. This is where essential oils come in. Essential oils are a great way to make your injectables experiences go smoothly. When you focus on smelling an essential oil, it helps you remember to breathe because you’re focusing on inhaling and smelling the oil. Even applying the oil to certain points on your body can make a difference. Essential oils have numerous benefits, depending on the type of oil. There are many clinical studies that have examined the effects of using essential oils for pain management, anxiety, etc, and the science is in–they work! I’m going to list a few of the most common and proven-to-work oils that can help ease you injectables experience. Keep in mind that we have many of these in-office, so even if you don’t want to buy essential oils, you can always request them during your appointment. Also, take note: if you do want to buy essential oils, make sure you buy the highest quality you can, especially if you plan on ingesting them. Essential oils can be added to drinking water, but only very, very small amounts should be used. It’s safest to apply topically or use them in a diffuser, and you absolutely want to test these methods first to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction to the oil before you consider ingesting any. In addition, remember that not all essential oils can be applied “neat”, i.e. not all of them can be applied to the skin without a carrier oil. Make sure you know if your skin can tolerate an oil neat by doing a small patch test, and as always, try to research the oil beforehand and check with your physician to make sure the oil won’t interact with any health conditions or medications you have. For Anxiety This one is tried and true, and you definitely know it…Lavender oil! Lavender oil is the most popular oil out there, and for good reason. It’s one of the most widely used and studied essential oils, and it’s been proven over and over again that it works on everything from anxiety to insomnia to even potentially helping with hair loss. These studies (Kasper, 2013 and Kritsidima et al., 2010) found a noticeable reduction in anxiety and even in pain management when lavender oil was used as aromatherapy, and when ingested using a specific, safe form. For the average client getting injectables, you don’t need to be quite as high-tech with your application. I personally have applied lavender oil straight to my skin and have never had a problem, but if you’re particularly sensitive or worried about your skin’s reaction, mix it with a bit of another oil, like jojoba or coconut. Commonly, lavender is applied to the pulse points on your wrists. You can also apply it to your hair/scalp, which I think works best. Another go-to for anxiety is chamomile oil. It helps soothe anxiety, as well as headaches. As a side note, this is also a great tea to drink, and since it’s so common, it’s easy to buy. Chamomile oil is usually mixed with a carrier oil when applied to the skin, so take care to dilute it before using it topically. One of my favorites for anxiety, and probably the oil I use the most is jasmine oil. I purchase this pre-mixed with jojoba, and whenever I feel stressed or anxious, I take a few drops and apply it directly to the center of my chest where I tend to hold a lot of tension. Studies have shown that jasmine stabilizes your mood by soothing your nervous system but simultaneously stimulating your energy levels to keep you alert. For Faintness The two oils that work best for feeling faint are peppermint and rosemary. In fact, making a mixture of these two by using half rosemary and half peppermint is the gold standard for fainting! You can either mix them in a glass bottle, or you can simply add a few drops of each to a tissue and inhale. Faintness can come on suddenly, so if you know you have this tendency, it’s best to have this prepared beforehand and use it during your treatment as a preventative measure. The only downside to these oils is that neither of them is appropriate for use during pregnancy, and rosemary shouldn’t be used if you have epilepsy. As an alternative, use neroli oil if you can’t use peppermint or rosemary. Like the jasmine oil I mentioned above, I buy neroli oil mixed with jojoba, and apply it topically. Apply it directly under your nose, to your pulse points on your wrists or neck, and to the center of your chest. All of these spots will help you stay relaxed and alert. For Nausea Interestingly, peppermint is another must-have for not just fainting, but nausea as well. However, ginger oil (and ginger in general) is also considered just as effective. In my personal experience, I tend to respond to peppermint better; it just seems to be what resonates with my body. I know people who love ginger, and find that it works best for them, so it’s a good idea to try both and see what works for you. Multiple studies have shown that ginger reduces the severity or nausea or even eases it entirely (Lua, 2012 and Shin & Lee, 2017). Another option is lemon oil. I have a strong preference for oils with a citrus scent, so I always keep lemon oil in stock. A study showed that pregnant women experiencing nausea who used lemon oil had a reduction in nausea compared to those receiving a placebo (Nazemiyah et al., 2014). So yes, this oil is safe for use during pregnancy! I recommend using this oil by diffusing it or inhaling the scent directly from the bottle or a tissue. Lemon oil is incredibly potent and can burn your skin, so even if you choose to apply it topically, you absolutely need to dilute it with a carrier oil. These are a few of the most common and well-studied oils, but there are many more out there! Often, the oils that you’re most strongly attracted to are the ones that will work best with your body and be the most useful in easing your symptoms, to try to find some time to go shopping for essential oils and smell them. You can usually find them in places like a local co-op, or Whole Foods. Just remember to be safe when using essential oils, as they tend to be stronger than people think, and certain medications can have negative interactions (for example, grapefruit is a common no-no with many medications). When in doubt, as your doctor and do your research! As I mentioned earlier, even if you don’t have any essential oils, feel free to ask for one during your appointment, particularly if you know you’re prone to anxiety, fainting, or nausea. We’d love to hear if you try one and how it worked for you, so let us know if you use essential oils during your next treatment! 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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We live in a fast-paced society, and most of us are getting too little sleep and too much salt, leading to puffiness and swelling throughout the body. Ever had one of those nights where you go out for dinner and drinks and you wake up the next morning with that weird, achy feeling? Not a hangover, but that feeling that makes you want to stay in bed, nursing a giant cup of coffee and maybe a gallon of water? Sometimes, due to hormones or the weather or really any other possible factor, we retain excess fluid in the body. However, we can also get that puffy, achy, drowsy feeling from a buildup of lymph fluid. Lympheda is a real, serious medical condition, and is not what I’m referring to here. What I’m referencing is mild stagnation in the lymphatic system from not exercising, eating poorly, or not drinking enough water, amongst other things. Our lymphatic system is one of our methods of “elimination”. Our body is constantly taking in substances from water, food, and air, and as a result, needs a way to remove what it doesn’t need. Just as it’s important to have proper digestion, it’s crucial to have healthy elimination throughout our lymphatic system. Of course, sometimes our lifestyle can get in the way, and that’s when we need a bit of extra help, which is where this short, easy lymphatic massage comes in. A full-body lymphatic massage is much more in-depth (and expensive), but it’s a great option if you’re able to fit it into your schedule and budget. Even if you do get a professional lymphatic massage, doing this routine every day or a few times a week will still be beneficial. I recommend doing it first thing in the morning, whenever you feel tired or groggy (mid-afternoon slump, anyone?) or at night, as you’re winding down to go to bed. It doesn’t require anything but you and a few massage techniques, but for added benefit, you can try incorporating calendula oil. Calendula (also known as Marigold) is a natural lymphatic, and will help drain the lymph. You can purchase some online, or make your own. Simply buy dried calendula, fill a small mason jar with the dried flowers, and pour oil on top. It has to sit in a warm, dry place for 2-6 weeks depending on how concentrated you want it, which is the only drawback. When you’re ready, strain out the oil from the flowers. The oil will be a beautiful bright red color, and is great for a variety of other uses. Now! On to the actual massage. It’s best to do these exercises standing, in order to allow gravity to do the work of assisting in the drainage. Make sure to keep breathing, taking deep breaths between exercises. Place your fingers along your collarbone, towards the notch at the hollow of your throat. Slide your fingertips up, over the bone, until they’re resting just behind it. If you were to pull your fingers forward, they should “hook” onto your collarbone. Using the pressure required to slide a quarter across a smooth wooden surface, gently press down. Imagine your fingers are being used as a pump. The appropriate pace is about 1 beat per second. Do this 50-100 times. Next, slide your hands up to rest on either side of your neck. Your pinky finger should be resting behind your earlobe, at about a 45 degree angle. Keeping your fingers pressed together, palms and fingers flat against the neck, draw your hands straight down. Your hands won’t ever lose contact with you neck; it’s just a gentle tugging. Emphasis on the gentle. None of these movements should be rough. Do this 50-100 times. If you feel the need to yawn, swallow, or move your jaw, do it! It’s a great sign things are moving. Next, place your middle fingers tip-to-tip. Take your hands, keeping them like this, and place them behind your neck. Tug gently straight down the back of your neck, 50-100 times. Lastly, you’re going to “Spock” your hands. Create a V by keeping your pinky and ring finger together, and your index and middle finger together. Place your hands on either side of your face, with your ear between your fingers. To clarify: your pinky and ring finger will be in front of your ear, along your cheek/jaw, and your index and middle finger will be behind your ear, along your hairline. Your earlobe should fit right in the space between your ring and middle fingers. Pull straight down, 50-100 times. If you’re feeling ambitious, it’s best to repeat these exercises, but in reverse order. Make sure to drink plenty of water afterwards, and try to stay standing up/moving around for a bit in order to let the lymph keep draining. You should notice almost instantly that you feel more relaxed, less puffy, and more clear-headed. If you have a tendency to get congested in your sinuses, you can also spend a minute or two pressing and gently massaging the points on either side of your nostrils, at the top of what we call the “smile” lines. If you’re someone who has been wanting under eye filler, but tends to get puffiness in the face, most likely you were told you weren’t a great candidate. This is because the hyaluronic acid fillers used on the under eyes attracts water, and if you have a tendency to retain fluid, filler may simply add puffiness. By doing this lymphatic massage, as well as focusing on a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and getting plenty of sleep, you may notice that your under eyes will resolve themselves, or you will become a good candidate for filler. If you try out this routine, let us know how it goes! Be careful not to do it after you’ve gotten Botox or filler, as you could potentially displace the product. Otherwise, do it as often as you’d like! 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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Listen up, ladies (and gents–we see you!): fall is almost here, and the holidays are going to arrive much sooner than you think. That’s why it’s time to create your game plan when it comes to beauty this season. In years past, we’ve had people come in a week, or even a few days before a holiday party, claiming they want “perfect lips” for their event. I get it: having a great pout with some glam red lipstick is a look that’s hard to beat, especially for the holidays. Unfortunately, although we want to give you the perfect lips just in time for those holiday functions, we can’t always account for how your body will respond. Sometimes you’ll bruise, or you won’t be quite happy with one side, or the swelling takes a while to go down, or…you get the picture. The same goes for Botox. Remember that Botox takes 7-10 days to kick in, so plan ahead. With that being said, here are my detailed recommendations for your injectable timeline when it comes to the holidays. Botox This one is easy. Get your Botox in October. Funnily enough, October is when we have our big sale on Botox and filler (we totally didn’t plan that). More details will be released when we send out our email on the special, but for now, just know that it’s going to involve major savings. This is the best month to get your Botox for a few reasons. For one, if you get a full treatment, it’ll last you at least three months. That means it’s going to carry you through, wrinkle-free, until into the new year. The other benefit to getting your Botox done in October is that it gives you a chance to let it settle and still have time for a touch up. Inevitably, some people will need a touch up to really perfect their treatment. This means that if needed, you have a chance to correct everything in November, before Thanksgiving, and in December, before the rest of the winter holidays roll in. A note: I know everyone celebrates different holidays, so the timeline might be slightly different according to what day(s) you celebrate. Adjust as needed! Filler This one is also easy: get your filler done in October! You get a discount on your filler, it gives you plenty of time for a touch up, and since even our shortest-lasting filler stays put for a good six months, that means you’ll be looking glam until March. What that really means is if you get your lips done in October, you won’t need to worry about them again until spring and summer begin = more time for hibernation this winter. Since I’m all about maximizing my snuggle-with-a-good-book-and-hot-chocolate time in the colder months, this sounds like a great plan to me. Skincare Skincare is a little bit more complicated, because everyone has different skin types, and therefore different needs when it comes to facials and other treatments. However, almost everyone can benefit from doing a more in-depth exfoliation treatment before the holidays to help brighten and smooth the skin. Depending on what you normally do, skincare-wise, this can include peels, microdermabrasion, a HydraFacial, or adding on dermaplaning. Now, if you read my last article on dermaplaning, you’ll know that it’s one of my favorite treatments. I also think it’s a great way to step up your makeup-game over the holidays. In general, people tend to wear more makeup during the holiday season, and this includes foundation. Foundation glides on beautifully after dermaplaning (after a day or two of letting your skin breathe, of course), without all of those annoying little peach fuzz hairs sticking out. I also love a good HydraFacial at any point in the year. In fact, I think everyone, including both men and women, should be getting a HydraFacial every 4-6 weeks. It’s just good grooming. Good skin shouldn’t have a gender divide, you know? Plus, if you want a glow before an event, getting a HydraFacial the week before will insure you have soft, smooth skin, which is a good look on everyone. And, of course, now that the sun isn’t as intense, it’s a great time to do a peel. Peels remove several layers of skin, revealing a brighter complexion, better texture, and a more even tone. However, they do require some prep, so September is the month to schedule a consultation with an esthetician and see what treatment would be best for you, and how to prepare for it. If you do decide to get a peel, make sure to plan for healing time. The best times for a peel around the holidays is either October, beginning of November, or beginning of December. You want to give your skin 1-2 full weeks to heal completely. Some people shed their skin quickly after they’ve gotten a peel, but for some people, it can take some time for all of the old, dry skin to remove itself. By the end of the two weeks, your skin will look amazing, but if you have an event within a few days, and you’re still majorly peeling…well, it might be a good look for Halloween, but generally we don’t want our relatives to ask, “Uh, why is your face falling off?” at the Thanksgiving table. A Note About Money The holidays can be a stressful time for finances, for obvious reasons. That’s why it’s important to budget ahead of time, and if you can, get your beauty treatments done as early as possible. That way, when it gets to the last-minute present shopping, you’ll already be looking glam and will know exactly where your finances stand, instead of trying to cram it in all at once. That’s also why we like to offer an October special, as our own special present to you. And if you are looking for a last-minute gift, remember that we have gift certificates! As a last note: if you plan on coming in in October, make sure you book ASAP. It’s our busiest month every year, and things get a bit crazy. So, like I said earlier, check your schedule and plan ahead as much as you can. December-You will be grateful for September-You if you take care of these things now, rather than procrastinating. After all, less stress = fewer wrinkles. And isn’t that what we’re all after, anyways? Enjoy the start to fall, everyone! 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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Tip Tips on Staying Youthful
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When I started working as an MA at Infinity, I assumed I’d get typical questions, like whether it’s okay to lie down after Botox (don’t do it for four hours) and how to reduce bruising (arnica+ice). However, one of the most common questions I’m asked is the following: “What do I tell people?” Many of the women coming through our office are unsure of how to “explain” their treatment. Although your final outcome should be elegant and subtle, initially your results can look dramatic due to swelling. Even if it’s not, there’s often bruising at the injection site. Now, I was raised in a house where politeness was the end-all-be-all, so even if someone had huge duck lips, I’m aware it would be rude to ask about it. I would hope other people also follow this rule: if someone doesn’t offer the information, and you’re not besties for the resties, you probably should just leave that topic untouched. However, from what I hear from our clients, there are a lot of nosy coworkers out there. So I’m going to give you some responses you can use to carefully diminish the conversation and turn it around to something not having to do with your face. The #1 Answer: “Oh, I just had a facial.” This is my number one because it’s not far from the truth. It’s still a beauty treatment, and for those of us who have gotten medical-grade facials, we know how intense they can be. Extractions hurt. Sometimes more so than getting injectables. And they can cause red spots, swelling, and even bruising, depending on how deep they are. Plus, society seems to find facials socially acceptable, whereas some people still have hang-ups about Botox and fillers. Chances are, if you use this excuse the person asking will blow it off pretty quickly. #2: “Oh gosh, I feel so self-conscious of my bruise/swelling/etc now!” This should stop people in their tracks. It’s a polite way of telling someone that what they just said was nosy, and made you uncomfortable. If they have the social grace of a bulldozer, however, they still might inquire further. In which case, refer back to #1. #3: “My bruise/swelling/etc is from my Botox/filler/etc treatment.” Here’s my belief: honesty is often the best policy. I’m usually open about the treatments I’ve had, partially because I’m asked about it so often at work, and partially because I try not to care what other people think. If someone has an issue with what I do with my face, that seems like a bigger problem for them than it is for me. Listen: we’ve all had work done, to some degree. Everyone, man or woman, cares about their appearance to an extent. We get haircuts, whiten our teeth, wear perfume and cologne, and worry about our weight, acne, breath, etcetera. Granted, some of these are basic hygiene issues, but I see no difference between getting your hair highlighted and getting a touch of filler in your lips. Why is one “fake” and not the other? Both are altering your natural appearance. So I say, why not own what you do, and be up front about it? At the end of the day, you should do what makes you happy. However, if you plain don’t want people to know your business, that’s totally understandable too. Just dab on some concealer, ice away, and if anyone asks, use responses #1 and #2 for a foolproof escape. 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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“What’s the difference between fillers, anyways? Aren’t they all the same?” If you’ve ever thought this, no shame, because most of us do. We hear the word “filler” and it’s like Botox: we assume it’s a one-size-fits-all type of situation (hint: Botox isn’t the only player in that field, either). In order to understand why you can’t use some of your Volbella in your cheekbones, or why Voluma is different from Radiesse, keep reading. Here are (some of) the main players in the game: Hyaluronic Acid aka HA Filler (Juvederm/Restylane/etc) Polylactic Acid Filler (Sculptra) Calcium Hydroxyapatite aka CaHA Filler (Radiesse) There are more, but these are the ones you’re most likely to run into in the injectables world. So let’s break them down (not literally). Products like Radiesse are made from ions of calcium and phosphate. What this means, essentially, is it’s going to mimic bone. Pro? It lasts a long time. Con? Once it’s there, it’s there. If it’s placed wrong, it can’t be dissolved. And because it lasts so long, you’re going to be stuck with your results for upwards of five years. We don’t offer this product at Infinity, but some injectors use it, so make sure you know what you’re getting into if that’s what your injector wants to use. Products like Sculptra work by stimulating collagen production. This means your body is actually creating the substance that will give you the overall volume. Again, you’re going to get longer-lasting results, but they can’t be dissolved. Some injectors use this product with great success, especially in larger areas of the body (like those that are looking for a non-surgical butt lift) and plenty of people use it in the face, but as always, ask lots of questions before you get this procedure. Once it’s injected, the results are there to stay. Products like Juvederm & Restylane work by attracting water to the area of injection. The filler itself is extremely hydrating (consider adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare regimen–your skin will thank you). HA fillers don’t last as long, since hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance, and your body metabolizes it more easily. However, the upside of this is that you can always dissolve and/or adjust your filler if you don’t like it. It’s also safer; if it’s accidentally injected in a blood vessel, it can be dissolved whereas products like Radiesse can’t. HA fillers are what we offer at Infinity, which is why I’m going to focus on them. So what’s the difference between Juvederm and Restylane, anyways? Juvederm and Restylane both fall under the large umbrella that is HA fillers. However, there are two smaller umbrellas: Allergan and Galderma. These are the companies that make these products. Allergan makes Juvederm and Botox while Galderma makes Restylane and Dysport (another form of Botox). Allergan is probably one of the most prominent medical aesthetic companies out there. Their fillers are pretty much a go-to for every injector. So let’s talk about those products first: Juvederm Ultra & Ultra Plus (lasts approximately 6-12 months) These are your basic fillers. They’re medium consistency, with Ultra Plus being quite a bit heavier. These are great for the lips, or great when injected to plump out the hollows of the cheeks. These products can be used just about anywhere, except they’re generally not used for the cheekbone area anymore, now that we have Voluma, which is the best product for that area (see below). Voluma (lasts approximately 18-24 months) Voluma is specifically for the cheekbones. The texture of this filler is what makes it so great for mimicking a prominent cheekbone. Voluma is usually only injected where there are supposed to be prominent bony areas. For example, the cheekbones, the jaw, and sometimes areas like the chin. Because it’s such a stiff product, it’s not great for the lips. Vollure (lasts approximately 12-18 months) Vollure was specifically designed for the nasolabial folds aka your smile lines. It’s great when used in that area. It can also be used in the lips. It’s designed to have a slightly more “pillowy” look than Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus, but it’s definitely going to give you lots of volume just as those two would. Sometimes Vollure can lump up in the lips (regardless of how it’s injected) so note that if it happens, it’s nothing to worry about, but if you want them gone you’ll have to go in and have the lump(s) dissolved. Volbella (lasts approximately 6-12 months) Volbella is the baby product when it comes to lines. It was designed for the “smokers lines” aka those wrinkles you get above your upper lip when you sip through a straw. As we age, those lines tend to stick around, and it can be difficult to remove them, so Volbella is your best bet. It’s an extremely thin filler, so it won’t give you much volume, but it creates a lovely, subtle look and smoothes out fine lines easily. If you want, you can also have it injected into your lips, but please note it won’t give you a huge increase in volume, and works best if you have thin lips. If you have somewhat full lips, it’s unlikely you’ll even notice a difference. And what about Restylane? Galderma follows the same pattern as Allergan, having designed different products for different areas of the face. We only use two of their products at Infinity, Restylane-L and Restylane Lyft, but I’ll give a brief overview of the others offered. Refyne & Defyne (lasts approximately 12 months) Refyne was designed for the nasolabial lines and marionette lines, as was Defyne. The gel they use has special cross-linking tech to create supportive results, while still remaining natural. We don’t offer these products at Infinity. Lyft (lasts approximately 12 months) Lyft is very similar to Voluma. It’s meant to be used in the cheekbone area, as well as the hands. It’s a very lifting product, as the name implies, so again, like Voluma, this isn’t a product you would want to put in the lips. We offer this product at Infinity. Silk (lasts approximately 6 months) Restylane Silk is a very thin, light product, that uses smaller particles. This product was designed for the lips, and was made to create natural, soft results. We don’t offer this product at Infinity. Restylane-L (lasts approximately 12 months) Restylane-L, often confused with Lyft, is one of those, basic, go-to products like Juvederm. This is primarily what we use for under-eye filler. Unlike Lyft, it uses smaller particles, so it’s more versatile. We do offer this product at Infinity. Now, an overview: By reading through these descriptions, you should now have an idea of why your injector won’t agree to split a syringe of Voluma between your cheeks and lips. Even though “filler” is a general term, it’s just like when you’re cooking–you might use spices, but there’s a big difference between what you’d use cinnamon for, and what you’d use smoked paprika for, you know? If your injector refuses to use one filler in a certain area, they should definitely explain why, so you can understand. However, please be aware that injectors are not trying to get you to buy pointless syringes of filler. If they recommend something, like both Voluma and Volbella, please be aware that they think those will give you the best results, versus used something like Juvederm all over. Of course, you can always discuss your options, but it’s good to understand that there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to fillers. Of course, this doesn’t account for dishonest people who may try to dupe you–but as I always say, do your research, go in for a consult, and ask lots of questions! Have a great start to August, everyone! 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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“Start globally, and then work on the small details.” That was the advice my first college English professor gave me about writing essays. Weirdly enough, it ended up being applicable to pretty much everything in life. That same college professor ended up recommending me for my first job as an English tutor, and straightaway I saw what she meant. People would come in having worked and re-worked sentences, but would still be unhappy with the overall product–because they weren’t looking at the big picture. This is how beauty works, too. We all have the tendency to look in the mirror and nitpick. If you don’t, you are probably extremely mentally healthy and should probably spill your secrets. Please? For the rest of us, we often look at the small details. For example, I’m consistently bothered by the fact that my eyes are different shapes. One lid is heavier than the other, and it’s the first thing I look for in the mirror. For other people, I’ve heard a whole range of things–it’s their skin, or their hairline, or the size of their lower lip compared to their upper, or how one side of their face has a wrinkle that the other doesn’t–you get the picture. Fortunately, study after study has shown that virtually no one else sees these things. Other people are the opposite–when they look at us, they see the big picture. Whether it’s because humans tend to be rather self-oriented creatures, or because we really just don’t spend that much time looking for flaws in others (yay us), what it comes down to is that most faces are being looked at globally, and the small details are being ignored. This is where injectables come in. Time after time I see people come in with, let’s say, a $1100 budget. Now, there are a few things you can do with a budget like that. One, you could do something like a major Botox treatment, and a syringe of filler in the lips. Two, you could do a syringe of Voluma and a milder Botox treatment. Or three, you could do two syringes of Juvederm, maybe one in the lips and one in the smile lines. Which option do you think people usually go for? In my experience, people often go for something like option three. They constantly are bothered by their lower face, and that’s what they focus on, instead of looking at the overall composition of what’s going on. Now, every face is different, and everyone has different desires for how they want to look, so I can’t say which option is perfect for everyone. In the younger generations, most people are just looking to get fuller lips, or maybe higher cheekbones. If you’re doing injectables with anti-aging in mind, however, my recommendation is to go for something like option two. Option two gives you the most global treatment. Option one gives you a great anti-aging benefit of really nailing down the Botox and preventing wrinkles, but you’re only getting your lips injected. While your lips will look great, it’s a small detail. Option three is also great, because you’re treating the mouth area. But, and this is a big but, the reason you feel like you want to plump out the mouth area is most likely due to sagging that isn’t actually in the mouth area. It’s in the cheeks. Gravity starts from the top up. The areas that start to sag the most are the brows, the cheeks, and the submentum (under the jaw). In other articles we’ve talked about how important it is to treat the mid-face. This is why. If you’re in this for the long run, think big. The first thing you want to do is create an awesome canvas. You want to focus on good skin (skincare/facials), preventing any more aging (Botox/lasers), and removing signs of aging (filler/lasers). As a general rule, a good wishlist for anti-aging (not accounting for individual problems and budgets) would be something like this: 1. If you haven’t already, make sure you’re using good skincare products. 2. Treat with Voluma in the cheeks to lift everything. For most people, this requires about two syringes. 3. Prevent wrinkles with Botox. Focus on the brows and forehead, and soften the crows. 4. Lift the jawline, usually by injecting a product like Voluma into the jaw on either side. 5. Treat around the mouth with a product like Volbella (a very subtle, soft product that is GREAT for thin lines around the mouth.) 6. Depending on how much volume you want, either use the leftover Volbella to fill out the lips (if there is any left), or use another syringe of filler, such as Juvederm. If you have specialized concerns, focus on those. For example, if you have really dry skin with a rough texture, absolutely emphasize skincare. You’d be surprised by how many wrinkles disappear once you hydrate your skin. Or if you feel like your lips are perfectly fine, but you have a ton of sagging in the cheek area, then definitely budget for more Voluma, rather than spending the money on something you don’t really need and want. Now, speaking of budgets, you might be looking at that list and thinking, yeah, that’s great and all but how am I supposed to afford it? That’s partially up to you and your personal finances. But it’s also up to how patient you are. Some people get Botox treatments every four months, and only get filler once or twice a year. This is perfectly normal. Remember that a product like Voluma lasts about two years, so some people get a syringe every year or so and layer it to create a very elegant look. Other people might do one syringe of Voluma, and then six months later get their lips done. If you want it all, and you want it right now, well, that I can’t help you with. I think the biggest surprise to people is how long it takes to cultivate beauty, in any form, really. If you want drastic results quickly, you have to have a big budget and/or it might be better to look into surgical options. For example, although surgery is going to cost more, if you get a lower face lift, it’s a one-and-done sort of deal. On the other hand, if you’re going the injectables route, you might need to do Kybella, wait six weeks, see what your results are, do more Kybella, then get filler in the jaw, and maybe a round of CoolSculpting, which can take four months to truly show results. See what I mean? I think this a bonus to getting injectables. Surgery has the potential to be very beautiful, but you’re going under anesthesia and trusting something with something pretty drastic. Injectables, on the other hand, may take longer, but in many ways you have full control of your treatment. You’re in a constant dialogue with your practitioner, and they’re following along with your progress. Plus, as time goes on and things like your skincare change, or you lose weight, your practitioner is able to account for those changes and modify accordingly. In other words, what might have been a problem six months ago might not be a problem anymore. We’ve had people who washed their face with a bar of soap start using high-end, medical-grade products and voila! Within a few months they look a decade younger, just from spending a couple hundred on products, whereas surgery would have been in the thousands. If I haven’t been clear enough, here’s my point: have patience. Think globally. Look at the big picture, and plan ahead. This should be fun! Look forward to the treatments you’ll get to have. Most importantly, look forward to when you get to the small details. If you’ve gotten to where you want to fix the small things and have blown through the more boring global details, that means you’re probably looking pretty dang good. You go, Glen Coco. 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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Fun fact: according to US research, women who have a more defined, masculine jaw shape are more likely to cheat because they have higher levels of testosterone, while a Dutch study found that when people were shown photos of faces with a small or receding chin, they automatically labeled them as shy and indecisive. In my humble opinion, the most important aspects of the face come down to just a few components. When it comes to makeup, I think having glowy, clear skin, following by a good brow, a subtle lip color, and flirty lashes are really all you need. By focusing on these four (skin, brows, lips, lashes) you create balance throughout the face. When it comes to injectables, I think it’s even simpler: focus on the mid-face, and the jawline. Every face is different, and has different needs, but I would go so far as to say that everyone can benefit from at least a bit of Voluma in the cheeks (to help accentuate the cheekbones and lift any sagging), as well as sculpting of the jawline, whether through reduction (fat removal) or contouring (filler). The other benefit to emphasizing treatment in these areas is that it can create a very natural youthful look, without appearing overdone or overfilled. Plus, just about anyone at any age can get both of these treatments. I’ve talked about the benefits of treating the mid-face (namely in my under-eye filler blog, where I talked about treating the mid-face first) but I haven’t talked quite as much about the jawline. As you can see under the “fun facts” I listed a the beginning of this post, jawlines are weirdly definitive when it comes to first impressions. If the eyes are the window of the soul, then the jawline is the flooring. And everyone seems to be very into flooring these days. Going with my analogy, if you don’t have a strong base, then everything else you do is becomes a Band-aid. Painting the walls a new color won’t help if you don’t have a good foundation. I’d also like to add a side note here: I’m all about accepting natural beauty. I’m not saying anyone needs to get these treatments; rather, if you are into aesthetics and balancing facial symmetry through injectables, try to align your wishlist to treating the big picture first, and work on the small details later. Creating the perfect jawline takes three steps: defining, contouring, and refinement. Let’s start with the first. Define First things first: we’ve gotta see the jawline. As in, the actual line, of the jaw. Surgery aside, the two most popular options for this are Kybella and CoolSculpting. One of the first blog posts I did was in-depth about Kybella, so I recommend checking that out if you want all the deets. In the meantime, let me give you a short summary of both Kybella and CoolSculpting: Kybella is a fat-burning acid. It’s injected into what we call the submentum, which is basically just the area under your jawline, but above your neck. Once it’s injected, it’s permanent–there’s no getting your fat cells back (although I’m not sure why anyone would want that). Depending on how much fat you have there and how much is injected each time, you may need anywhere from one to six treatments. Try to be patient with Kybella; it takes time for the fat to dissolve, so when you start treatments, make sure you understand you’re in it for the long haul–and it’s worth it. CoolSculpting also focuses on removing fat cells, albeit a different method. The technical name is “cryolipolysis” which is a nerdy way of saying “fat freezing”. Basically, fat cells don’t like to be cold (hear hear). CoolSculpting freezes the cells to the point of no return, and your body naturally eliminates them within two to six months, resulting in a 20-25% reduction of fat in the treated area. Either or both of these treatments is a great option. Some people like to combine them by using CoolSculpting first, and then using Kybella to spot-treat any remaining fat. Honestly, your best bet is to chat with someone at a consultation and see what they recommend. At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong. Once you do either or both of these treatments and your jawline is nice and defined, you’re ready to move onto the next step. Contouring Once you’ve revealed your jawline and you have a sense of its overall shape, you can move forward with accentuating where you need to. PSA: if you’ve skipped the whole fat-removal step because you think you don’t need it, that’s just fine. Bear in mind, however, that most people have a little something extra in their submentum, so if you’re looking for an especially clean cut jaw angle, you should do at least a bit of fat removal. Even if you do filler first, don’t rule out fat removal; some injectors even like to do filler first, and then something like Kybella, so really anything goes. As I said earlier, everyone’s face is different, so exactly where the filler is placed will depend on what you and your injector decide. The most common placement I see is the back of the jaw, where you can feel the tip of the jaw (“angle of the mandible”) an inch or two below the earlobe. This helps “separate” the jaw from the neck. Think of a ballerina: their jawline is extremely defined from the neck. Some ballerinas look like they could cut a block of cheese with their jawline which is the look we’re aiming towards, without having to do all of the pliés. The second most common place I see filler along the jawline is on either side of the chin. As we age we lose fat in the face, and it’s common to see “dimpling” around the chin. This can create a chin that appears very pointy and separate from the jaw, which we don’t want. We want the entire jawline, including the chin, to appear as one smooth entity, separate from the neck and defined from the rest of the face. That’s why I call this part “contouring”: just as you would with makeup, you’re literally sculpting the face, but with filler. And speaking of makeup… Refinement This part is easy. Once you’ve defined and revealed your jawline by slimming it out with Kybella or CoolSculpting, and sculpted it with filler, you should be all set. However, sometimes there’s muscle or bone deficiency on one side, so even if the filler is injected evenly, there can be remaining asymmetry post-injection. Slight asymmetry is normal, because faces are rarely, if ever, perfectly symmetrical, but if you notice one side you love and one side you feel “meh” about, definitely go back in and chat with you injector. To really make your results pop, I recommend investing in a good bronzer (I like Tarte and Charlotte Tillbury, and Nars has a great liquid bronzer for those skilled enough). Use the bronzer (lightly!) on the sides of your neck, and the hollows of your cheeks. This will help create shadowing that will highlight your jawline, but make sure to blend, so you don’t look like you have dark orange spots on your face and neck. I also know some makeup artists like to use a dark, grey toned color to create more “shadowing” beneath the cheekbones and under the jaw. Play around and see what you like–if you experiment, you’ll find out pretty quickly. And last, but not least… FAQs 1. Does filler in the jaw hurt? As with any other filler, there’s a bit of discomfort. It’s pretty similar to getting filler in the cheeks, except it can be slightly more nerve-wracking, since there can be some crackling sounds that are loud (since it’s right by the ear). Know that your jaw will definitely be sore and achy afterwards, but if you have any severe pain, let your injector know immediately. 2. What if I hate my results? Unlikely. But with all hyaluronic acid fillers, if you realllly regret getting it even after a few weeks, it can always be dissolved. Just call the center you went to and schedule an appointment with your injector. 3. Is there anything special I need to do to prepare? Nope! Just the usual. Avoid blood thinners (alcohol, Advil, etc), apply arnica for bruising, take an anti-histamine for any excess swelling, ice intermittently if you want, and make sure you plan ahead–don’t get filler the day before a wedding. Make sure you give yourself at least a few weeks to a month. Also, even if your jaw is achy, don’t massage it. This can displace the filler and affect your results. 4. Anything else? Make sure you don’t try to talk during these injections. People get chatty when they get nervous, and try to talk while they’re getting injected. Not a problem for some Botox in the forehead…but a bigger issue when you’ve got a needle in the jaw. Instead, focus on your breathing and/or ask your injector or their assistant to distract you if you need it (we use anything from essential oils to squeezy balls). That’s it for this time! As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out and ask. 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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Fun fact: the human eyeball is on average 1 inch across, weighs approximately a quarter of an ounce, and of all the muscles in your body, your eye muscles are the most active–we blink an average of 12 times/minute. This week I’m going to write about under eye filler, because I’ve noticed lately it is extremely popular. When I first started working at Infinity, nobody requested it, and now virtually everyone asks about it at some point. The decision to write about this was poor timing, because I recently applied some very-pretty-but-very-long-nails, making typing difficult, and under eye filler is jam-packed with lots of info to write about. So, bear with me. If there are typos, well, it was because of my cute new pink nails. #worthit Let’s start with the basics: What to know BEFORE you get under eye filler The number one thing to know is: Your injector is doing you a disservice if they don’t address your mid-face first. I had a whole conversation with Dr. Messina about this, and she’d had a whole conversation about it with a trainer, so you can take this as truth. However, let me talk about the “why”, because, alas, no one ever takes my words for truth without some evidence (which I fully support. Ask questions. Knowledge is power!). So here’s the why: As we age, our face starts to do a few things. Namely, we lose fat, hollowing out cheekbones, temples, etc; wrinkles start to “stick”, meaning, even if we’re not expressing (frowning, smiling, sipping through a straw) the wrinkles are still there; and most importantly (at least in my humble opinion), everything starts to “fall”. When I say “fall”, it’s not a clinical term–things are literally no longer defying gravity. When you’re in your teens and twenties, everything is full of collagen, lifted, and taut. As we age, things start to…well, sag. In terms of prevention, I think sagging is the most important aspect of aging to focus on. Wrinkles and some hollowing appear much more graceful on a lifted face. However, even if a face is plump, if it’s sagging and falling into itself, it makes the aging appear much more drastic, and much less elegant. This is where treating the mid-face comes in. The first thing you should focus on is lifting everything from the cheek region. The best product for this is Voluma. Out of all the fillers, Voluma is probably my favorite. It’s like the magical unicorn of injectables. It works instantly, and I’ve seen so many people walk out of the office with regal, modelesque high cheekbones, their face totally transformed. You’re probably thinking, okay, but what does this have to do with my under eyes? I’ll tell ya what, champ. I’m going to make a wild estimate and say that about 30-50% of people who think they need under eye filler actually need the mid-face corrected. When you lift the cheekbones, you’d be surprised by how many people suddenly appear bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed. Often, treating the under eyes is the band-aid, and treating the mid-face is the cure. I’m going to make another wild estimate, and also transition into the next Q&A: Another 30% of people who don’t need the mid-face treated, but think they need under eye filler probably need a lifestyle change. What does my lifestyle have to do with under eye filler? When I chat with people about what filler they want/where they want it/etc, I would say that a solid chunk of people wanting under eye filler want it because they think they look really tired. When I inquire about this, it always turns out that they are, in fact, exceptionally tired. Usually I hear something like they only sleep five hours every night, when most people need seven to nine hours. When we chat further, it also usually turns out that they have a high sodium diet. Because, generally, they’re too tired to cook and/or living such busy lifestyles they eat lots of fast food. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation and a high sodium diet are precisely the two things that make the under eyes look dull and tired. When you’re not getting enough sleep, you have increased venous congestion, and that fluid buildup pools in blood vessels close to the surface, making the under eyes appear darker. Same goes for a high sodium diet. In addition, the filler generally used for the under eyes is particularly hydrophilic (water-loving), so if you’re retaining lots of fluid, this can actually make the under eyes puffy, since the filler is basically asking all of that water to come help out. Please also be aware that due to that unfortunate thing called genetics, you may simply just have much more pigmentation around the under eyes, and this won’t be treated by filler. I recommend investing in a good concealer instead (I like the Tarte Shape Tape). So, in summary, here’s my advice: before you get under eye filler, try as best as you can to regularly get enough sleep, and make sure you’re eating a balanced diet. If you want some fries every now and then, that’s fine, but if you’re eating tons of processed food, like chips, packaged cookies, or even “healthy” pre-made foods (these usually contain tons of sodium, sadly), consider trying to make a change to your diet and incorporating more fresh food. I guarantee you’ll see a difference not only in the under eyes, but also in your skin, and even in your tummy. And, like I said earlier: I also highly recommend that you make sure your mid-face, particularly your cheeks, are completely treated before moving forward. If you’ve read all of that, feel confident, and want to get under eye filler, then let’s talk about what comes next! Here are the most common questions I get asked about under eye filler: -Does it hurt? Like I always tell people, remember that it IS a needle going into your face, so you may feel a bit of a pinch. But compared to say, the lips, it’s really nothing. Plus, we numb you beforehand! I think what people are really asking is: Is it total fire-breathing horrific pain? The answer to that is a solid no. Most people say it’s comparable to getting the cheeks done. -Is it dangerous? Referencing my last article, I’m going to say, not especially, with an experienced and trained injector. Of course, there are always risks to filler, like we talked about last week. It’s possible to cause partial or full blindness when you’re working around the eyes, but it’s a fraction of a percent, so keep in mind it’s very, very rare. There another technique for the under eyes, using something called a cannula (a type of blunt needle) that is slightly safer, but even with cannulas there have been reported cases of vascular occlusion. Just make sure to go to someone you trust, and if it makes you feel more comfortable, as what safety precautions they’re going to take. -What if the injector pokes me in the eyeball? Granted, I’ve only been asked this once but it was memorable. The client in question also kept flinching with every poke of the needle, which made me extremely sweaty, because, HELLO. Trust me, your injector is probably even more aware of your eyeballs than you are. If you really think the injector is going to poke you in the eye, question whether you should be seeing that particular injector. -Will it work immediately? Yes…but also no. The filler will show some immediate results, but it takes a bit to settle in the under eyes. Your injector will most likely massage the product after injecting, so be prepared for that, but it still may appear slightly lumpy. Give it some time before you start worrying about the final results. Also, under eye filler is often done in stages. See below. -How much do I need? No more than one syringe for virtually all people. Unless you have some seriously hollow under eyes, one syringe is plenty. I commonly see a quarter to a half of a syringe put in, and another quarter to a half put in a month later (or longer) once things have settled. So if you’re an Eager Beaver (aren’t we all) before you go in you should understand that it might be a bit of a process–all good things take time! -Can’t I use another (i.e. cheaper/the rest of my other syringe/etc) filler? Nope! Sorry friend. Some of the other fillers are okay (like Juvederm or Belotero), but most injectors agree that Restylane is the go-to for the under eyes. The most commonly used (aside from Restylane) are Vollure and even Volbella, so those are other options you can discuss with your injector, but recognize and understand that a filler used for one area of your face might not be great for another area. -I really want the filler, but I’m so nervous! Help! Breathe! I like to tell people all of the risks so they have as much information as they need. Plus, I think it makes you appreciate the results so much more. And, understanding the risks means you’re probably going to appreciate a good injector. Groupon is great for a lot of things, but this isn’t one of them. Just remember: either close your eyes, or look straight up and back towards the ceiling to avoid looking at the needle. Ask for a squeezy ball so you can channel any nervous flinching. And always remember to b.r.e.a.t.h.e. I swear it helps. The other thing to remember is that your injector does this for hours every day–even though you’re nervous, this is their job. They know what they’re doing, and their whole team is there to take care of you! Ask for whatever you need, whether that’s smelling salts, essential oils, a juice box, someone to distract you–anything. -How do I take care of my eyes afterwards? Like all other filler! Avoid blood thinners before. Ice intermittently afterwards. Take an antihistamine for swelling. Apply topical arnica to help heal bruising. Other than that, just let your body do it’s thing and heal! That’s it for this week. If you have any Q’s, just let me know what I missed and I’ll be happy to answer! 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 FROM MINOR ISSUES TO THE MORE SEVERE Fun fact: if you took all of the blood vessels out of an adult human and laid them out, they would form a line approximately 100,000 miles long. I recently saw a post by The Beauty Nurse, Melissa Berg (@thebeautynurse, I recommend you follow her for good product recommendations/etc) where she reposted a picture showing all of the injection sites in the face where there had been cases of reported blindness due to filler. Unfortunately, it was posted to her Instagram story, so it disappeared after 24 hours, and I haven’t been able to find it since then, but to summarize–there were spots all over the face. This got me thinking: I think it’s important to understand the risks of injectables, but more importantly, you should understand what to do when something goes wrong. Writing about this makes me feel uncomfortable, because on the one hand, I think injectables can be quite fun and I don’t want to scare people away unnecessarily, but on the other hand, I think plenty of people aren’t aware that there are definite risks. Clients are often concerned with bruising, but fewer people are concerned with potential side effects. They are incredibly rare, granted, but they do happen, and it’s important to know what to do. I’m going to add an addendum here: this blog is going to cover everything from minor issues to the more severe. Botox really only falls under the “minor” category, such as unevenness or heaviness in the eyelids. Filler is primarily the more “risky” injectable, so we’ll be focusing on that. I also want to include, for the Nervous Nellie’s out there (I’m one of them), that these incidents are extremely rare. This is not a common occurrence AT ALL, with an experienced and trained injector. Notice my double use of underlining AND bold font. That’s how passionate I am, y’all. I mean what I say and I say what I mean. The beauty industry is a huge, ever-expanding place filled with people eager to partake in the various glories of lip filler, facial contouring, and Botox. I keep hearing more and more stories about medical assistants and hair stylists trying to inject Botox and filler, and somehow, these people keep finding clients. This blog is a reminder that going and seeing someone who is not properly trained is always a bad idea. If the prices are cheap, it’s probably too good to be true. Let me start off by mentioning one of the most high-risk areas: the nose and area between the brows. These places are great for Botox (to treat frown lines and those “bunny” lines when you scrunch your nose). However, these aren’t great places for filler. Don’t get me wrong, it can look great. If you have ingrained lines from years of frowning, or you want to smooth the profile of your nose, it looks good to have a bit of filler placed there. Unfortunately, it’s our policy not to inject there, simply because it’s so risky. When you inject filler, it’s literally “filling” the space. This is great for added volume, like in the lips or cheeks, or to fill in hollow areas, like a divot in the chin, for example. But, take a look at this picture: This is a generic map of the blood vessels in the face. Like I said, filler is meant to fill. What happens if filler is injected into one of these vessels, which cover virtually every square inch of the face? Long story short, not-so-good things. The nose is particularly important here, because the vessels located between the brows and along the nose have a direct connection to the eyes. If filler is placed into one of these vessels, immediate and permanent blindness will occur. Can you say #yikes? A few of our team members went to an injectables training where the trainer talked about a client they had, where they injected into the nose, and the client immediately and irreversibly became blind. Keep in mind this was a trainer, someone who is supposed to be the top of the chain when it comes to this industry. And they were, but it could have happened to anyone. So please, if you want work done on your nose, go to a plastic surgeon. We’ve had a few clients beg us to do filler on their nose, and although we’d love to make everyone happy, it’s not worth the risk. So! Moving on. The Minor Minor issues include, but are not limited to: uneven Botox, eyebrows that are too “archy” from Botox, heaviness in the eyelids from Botox, not enough Botox, uneven filler, small bumps of filler due to it “lumping”. These are all easily fixed. The magic answer: call the center you went to! Most of the time these are quick 15-30 minute appointments, and are often complementary. For example, if one eyebrow is a bit higher than the other, your injector will simply inject another unit or two to even it out, and will usually comp the treatment. The same goes for a small filler touch up, or to dissolve filler. Also, remember that hyaluronic acid filler (the only kind we use at Infinity) can always be dissolved using a product called Hylenex, and will also slowly dissolve over time (6 months-2 years). Botox dissolves faster (3-6 months), but once it’s been injected, it can’t be removed. The Moderate Moderate issues include but are not limited to: poorly placed filler, causing obvious unevenness and/or lumps, excessive swelling, and excessive bruising. For excessive bruising: apply arnica topically and consider taking it orally. Also make sure you follow the correct prep before your treatment, and take care to avoid blood thinners (aspirin, Advil, alcohol, etc). Usually excessive bruising is due to having taken blood thinners prior to treatment, as well as the person just being someone who bruises easily (for various reasons). Bruising isn’t fun, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. If, of course, you’re worried for any reason–perhaps you have a large, spreading bruise, which is more concerning–definitely call the center you went to and check in with them. For excessive swelling: first things first, make sure you’re not having some type of allergic reaction, due to the numbing cream or other environmental contaminant. There is virtually 0% chance of having an allergic reaction to Botox or hyaluronic acid filler, but sometimes, very, very rarely, the immune system gets triggered, causing one anyways. How can you tell if you’re having an allergic reaction? Normal swelling will just make the area look puffy, red, and maybe slightly warm for the first few hours or so. Then the color should normalize, and swelling will continue to increase, reaching its peak 24-72 hours after the treatment. An allergic reaction, however, is usually accompanied by what you’d expect: hives, a rashy feeling, itching, and weird, lumpy swelling (think: Jennifer Lopez in “Monster In Law”, when she’s tricked into eating peanuts). If you think you’re having an allergic reaction, call the center you went to (of course, if it’s something where you’re having trouble breathing, obviously go to the ER. Always go to the ER if you’re having trouble breathing. It’s just a good general rule for life). If it’s just normal swelling, take an antihistamine, and apply ice intermittently. For poorly placed filler, or if your results are too big/etc: this is still a fairly easy correction, even if the filler isn’t entirely what you’d hoped for. Go in to see the injector and discuss your results. What do you want done differently? Remember to have realistic goals. Even if you get luscious lips, it won’t fulfill your goals of looking like Angelina Jolie or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Focus on what fits your face. If you go somewhere and your filler is terribly placed, super lumpy, or just all around bad, the first thing that needs to happen is getting that filler dissolved. Either go to a new injector, or a new clinic, unless for some reason you trust the original injector to fix it. Truly uneven filler is different from small lumps of filler, which I listed under the “minor” issues. Small, very minor lumps (as in, one or two) are normal and common with certain kinds of filler, like Vollure. Truly uneven filler is a more “moderate” issues (hence why I listed it under this category), and takes more work to correct, but never fear! It may take more time, but in the big picture, it’s still a pretty easy fix. The Serious Serious issues include but are not limited to: vascular occlusion. This is the big fear for injectors. It’s rare, but it happens. When vascular occlusion occurs, blocking the vessel, it causes blood flow to the area to stop. This causes necrosis, and in some cases will cause blistering and an infection. I’m going to attach a photo below that shows the stages of vascular occlusion, so if you’re especially squeamish, maybe close your eyes as it comes into view and just scroll right past it. This picture was pulled from Instagram (as it shows on the photo, credits go to The Consultant Clinic. It’s not their patient, just a photo they were given permission to use!) Okay, here goes! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. This occurred because someone without any medical qualifications was injecting. Hence why I always recommend thoroughly looking into clinics. Do your research, y’all! What do you need to know about vascular occlusion, as a client? First things first: do NOT ignore severe pain. If the injector places the filler and you immediately have incredibly severe pain, this is the first major sign. Mild throbbing, discomfort from the needle, or an achy feeling from the filler is normal. Severe pain is not. Tell your injector right away. The other big sign is a change in skin color. More specifically, blanching i.e. white spots and patches are the big warning sign that some type of occlusion has occurred. Your injector should be the first to notice this, but if you see any blanching later on, reach out to the clinic you went to. On a personal note, I scared the Holy Mackerel out of myself for this reason when I had a bit of lip filler done. I didn’t want anything drastic, so it was just a few pokes, and yet, when I went to look in the mirror a bit later, I had a big white patch underneath my Cupid’s bow. Of course, I scared myself terribly and ran to Dr. Messina in a panic. It turns out that due to an accident I had a few years ago where I was kicked in the face by a horse, I already had discoloration there (my lip was split in the accident, damaging the blood flow to that area). The swelling and volume from the lip filler just highlighted it more. So sometimes blanching or other forms of discoloration can just be highlighted by the filler–we tend to notice it, because we’re suddenly staring at the place where we got the filler. If you’ve noticed the discoloration previously, don’t worry about it. But if what was a nice, rosy area of your lips suddenly turns white, or if you’ve suddenly got a white patch on your cheek/etc–contact your injector. Here are some things your injector should do if you have a suspected vascular occlusion: increase blood flow to the area via a warm compress, massage, and/or tapping give you a dose of aspirin or other anti-coagulant (blood thinner) attempt to dissolve the filler using Hylenex, “flooding” the area according to careful guidelines prescribe antibiotics if there is blistering and the potential for infection use hyperbaric oxygen in severe cases, in order to help save the compromised tissue if necrosis is inevitable, wound care should be addressed, as well as evaluation for managing scar tissue Here are some things your injector can and should be doing to prevent occlusion: have an thorough knowledge of facial anatomy, particularly the higher-risk areas aspirate for every injection, which means they “draw back” on the syringe, and if there’s a flash of blood, that means they’re in a vessel injections should be performed slowly and carefully, to assess whether or not any negative reactions are occurring (the pain and blanching we discussed above) cannulas (blunt needles) can be used in some areas, to help reduce damage to vessels. The research is mixed on cannulas, so they’re not the end-all-be-all (meaning, other safety precautions still need to be taken). Some final thoughts: keep in mind if you go to an injector that uses synthetic fillers (non-hyaluronic acid), once the filler is injected, it is virtually impossible to remove it. Products like Sculptra are great, but they act as an irritant, stimulating the body to produce more collagen. Because this collagen is self-produced, it isn’t easy to remove like hyaluronic fillers. On the other hand, it lasts longer, but that’s a different conversation. Other products like Radiesse are just as difficult to manage once it’s been injected. Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxyapatite, which ends up having the consistency of bone. We’ve had a few clients come in after having had it for 5+ years, and it hasn’t disappeared, which is great…unless you’re not happy with the results. I wouldn’t recommend you let the potential for issues stop you from getting injectables, especially since it’s so rare. It would be like not getting surgery just because of the potential complications of anesthesia, or not driving because you’re afraid of getting into an accident. Which is way more common, by the way. However, I recommend never, ever getting filler in the nose, and understand that any area can have risks. So, like I always say, and will probably say until the day I die, and probably even after that from the grave: do your research. Don’t go to some random person working out of a van (yes that does happen) just because it’s cheaper. If some crazy person gives you bad filler, well, as I like to say, that’s one doodle that can’t be undid. I hope I haven’t scared anybody off! I swear we’ll be back to fun topics next time! In the meantime, just take all of this information in stride, and go forth being a knowledgeable consumer. #YouGoGlenCoco Take care, lovelies! 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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PART TWO Welcome back to Part Two of the 411 On Sun Damage! If you missed last week’s article, we talked about all of the ways you can prevent sun damage. However, most of us have at least a little…and some of us have a lot. (Excuse my while I hang my head in shame.) Here’s what you can do to help repair the skin: 1. Use the steps listed last week to prevent even more sun damage. 2. For specifically sunborn-freckles (sun damage in disguise), skin discoloration (patches of brown, for example), and just a generally uneven skin color, consider IPL treatments. It’s possible to just do a spot treatment, or the entire face. I’m going to include a photo below of one of the treatments we did that was so close to miraculous I almost wept. Seriously, y’all. IPL can do amazing things. For those of you who don’t know, IPL is Intense Pulse Light (a laser), and it works by targeting pigment differences in the skin. 3. For sun damage that includes issues like fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sun spots, consider getting a Fractional treatment. Some of you may recognize this as “Fraxel”, but since we use use a Venus Viva Fractional laser at Infinity, I’m trained to say Fractional and that’s what I’m going to do. Moving on. Fractional is basically a “head” or a “tip” that has a bunch of needles grouped together. The button is pressed, those needles go into the skin, and you get a solid dose of radio frequency (heat) that tells your skin “SOS! Repair! Send collagen!”. Which is precisely what your skin does. Generally three treatment are all you need to start out with. Fractional won’t target pigment the same way IPL will, but it also works on more issues, and since usually sun damage = wrinkles, it’s great that it can treat everything at once. FYI, it also helps with enlarged pores and overall skin texture, in case those are also concerns. 4. If you’d prefer to stay away from lasers, consider a medical grade peel. A peel is basically asking your skin to fall off at a faster than normal rate, and as the skin sheds, all of the sun damage will start to fall off, too. Peels, in my experience, don’t work as quickly or efficiently as laser treatments. But, they can be equally as effective with time and dedication. 5. Make sure your skincare routine supports cellular repair and collagen production, amongst other things. A great skincare routine can work wonders, especially in conjunction with other treatments. Skincare is your daily tool. Lasers and peels are fantastic, but it comes down to what you do at home that’s going to make the biggest difference. If you don’t know what kind of skincare products you should be using, go to an esthetician and get their recommendations. Some great skincare lines are: Eminence Organics, Lira Clinical, SkinMedica, Image Skincare, Herbivore Botanicals, ZO Skin Health, and One Love Organics, amongst others. Some great makeup/sunscreen combo lines are: Eminence Organics, Lira Clinical, ColorScience, and Jane Iredale. It’s important to follow recommendations from your esthetician or dermatologist, but I’ll also list some products that help with sun damage. These are: Retinol products, hydroquinone (you have to have physician approval for this), and AHA/BHA products (to help the skin exfoliate properly). Keeping the skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and applying good products, such as those containing hyaluronic acid, will also keep the skin looking soft and dewy, in the meantime. Some last considerations: -Everything I listed may sound overwhelming, but it breaks down to this: drink water, use good skincare products, see an esthetician, get a laser treatment (or a few), wear a hat, and reapply sunscreen as much as you can. -When you’re out in the sun, enjoy yourself! The sun has great qualities. Many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and the sun can help with that. It also has the ability to lift the mood, and even help acne. So don’t be afraid of it. Treat it like a piece of chocolate: full of good things, like magnesium and iron, but also sometimes full of sugar, so moderation is key. Remember that life is a balance! You don’t have to be a hermit in a cave in order to have beautiful skin. And it wouldn’t be worth it, would it? So go to Hawaii, and enjoy laying on the beach–just bring you sunscreen with you! Ok lovelies! Let me know if you have any questions. 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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PART ONE Not so fun fact: even on a cloudy day, 80% of harmful UV rays can reach your skin. Just say no to the myth that cloudy = safe! I am going to start by telling you that I am 100% a sun worshipper. I’m like a lizard. I think I was born cold-blooded, because my natural instincts tell me to go lay out in the sun for most of the day, and retreat under cozy blankets at night. I was on the tennis team in high school, which meant that in the summer, we were on courts that were upwards of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, since the courts get about 15 degrees hotter than the actual air temp. This could be unpleasant at times, but while my teammates were roasting and fainting, I sort of felt like, “wow, it’s a bit hot.” Then I would drink some ice water and get back to playing. Like, I said…lizard. I’m saying this because I want to connect with all of the people out there who are like me, and love being out in the sun. I’m not here to make you afraid of the sun; on the contrary, you’ll enjoy your time outdoors so much more because you’ll have an understanding of all the risks and benefits. To begin: let’s talk about what the sun does to your skin. Remember that blog post I did on LED lights? You can read it here. We talked about allll of the different rays, from gamma rays to x-rays to infrared waves. Basically, if you read that article, you’re a scientist now. Congratulations! The sun emits all of the above rays mentioned, plus more. That’s why the sun can have great benefits: just like heading into an infrared sauna, the sun (especially at dawn) can give you the same perks. The downside? The sun is a giant sphere of hot plasma, which is pretty much just as violent as it sounds. This means it has the ability to do some serious damage. Namely, UV aka ultraviolet rays. So let’s break down UV rays. There are three parts: 1. UVA is the most abundant form of UV light we receive (about 95%). It laughs at clouds and car windows and barges right through anyways, causing, horror of horrors, the dreaded “W” word: wrinkles. Take deep breaths, ladies (and gents, if you happen to be reading this. I support you. #weallhaveskin). UVA also causes sun spots. Eeek. 2. UVB is what causes burns, so it tends to cause problems on the surface of the skin more than anything, and it’s what gives you a tan. You can remember it this way: UVB for “Burns”. UVB is only present on sunny days, unlike UVA, which we now know can cut through clouds and more. 3. UVC is extremely dangerous, but luckily, if you’re reading this I’m assuming you’re not an astronaut, and only those out in space have to worry about UVC, since it’s absorbed by our atmosphere. For now, that is. Remember to reduce your carbon footprint whenever possible! Otherwise, we’re all going to be frying in the future. #savetheplanet If I’ve freaked you out and your dreams of becoming an astronaut are now crushed, I’m sorry. I don’t make the rules. The sun is a pretty amazing thing, and like I said, I LOVE being out in the sun. But, unfortunately, the sun doesn’t always love us, especially as our atmosphere continues to erode, and things get more, shall we say, intense. There are basically three things you can do to protect yourself before you get sun damage: 1. Avoid the sun. Become a hermit and/or live in a cave. This doesn’t tend to work for most people so let’s skip to options 2 & 3. 2. Be careful when you’re out in the sun–try to find shaded areas; cover up whenever possible; and when in doubt, at least wear a big hat to protect your money maker aka your face (for the purposes of this article). 3. Wear sunscreen, and replenish it often. Try for SPF 30, and reapply every 1.5-2 hours or so. Supposedly you should be reapplying every 80 minutes, but honestly, trying to time that is irritating. If you’re in extremely intense sun where you have to be perfect about reapplication, well, you shouldn’t be out there in the first place, so go back inside. If you are, you should be reapplying pretty much non-stop anyways. So although I appreciate the 80 minute rule, if it drives you nuts like it does me, just try to reapply every 1-2 hours and leave it at that. So that’s all the preventative stuff, and it’s great and all, but unfortunately, some of us lived in decades where putting on baby oil before laying out by the lake and deep frying our skin was the norm. And once the sun damage has occurred…well, that’s one doodle that can’t be un-did (kind of. We’ll get to that in a minute). That’s why that old saying is so true:” an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure”. So get your broad spectrum sunscreen going, buy a cute cover-up for days at the pool, invest in a trendy-yet-practical hat, and prevent prevent prevent! Let’s come back to that doodle that I said can’t be un-did. I kind of lied. There is an extent where if you’ve really roasted your skin, it’s hard to come back from it. If your entire body is covered in wrinkles and sun spots, it’s pretty difficult to completely repair that. HOWEVER. There are things we can do to improve texture, sun spots, smooth wrinkles, and clear other skin discolorations, particularly those on the face. Since most of us don’t walk around in the nude, it’s our face, chest, and arms that take the brunt of the sun over the course of our lives. If you do walk around in the nude…well, like I said. Broad spectrum sunscreen is your friend. Otherwise, you do you, boo. But for the purposes of this topic, I’m going to assume you’re most worried about your face, neck, chest, and arms. That’s why it’s important to know what you can do to treat sun damage….which will be the next post! Stay tuned! It’ll be in your inbox bright and early next Sunday morning. Have a great week, lovelies! 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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WHAT LORI G. HAS TO SAY ABOUT SUNSCREEN & MORE Hi lovelies! Layla here. Normally I’m the one writing the blogs, but when it comes to skincare, I want the best of the best for y’all, so I asked Lori G., one of our amazing estheticians, about some things she wished people knew about skincare. These posts she wrote are going to be short, to-the-point, informative blogs that help you stay on track with your skin health and understand what’s really going on with sunscreen, facials, skincare products, you name it. This week, we’re combining two great topics for a double-whammy of info, just in time for your summer skincare needs. Enjoy! What Lori G. has to say on sunscreen, everyone’s must-have (and must-use!) product when it comes to the summer months: Bigger numbers are better than smaller numbers right? Wrong! At least it’s wrong when it comes to sunscreen. The standard formula for calculating what number SPF you should be using has been inconsistent at best. That causes many people to default to the highest number they can get, with the belief that higher SPF numbers are going to give them longer protection. An SPF 30 is generally sufficient. Those higher digits aren’t helping you out as much as you think. It seems reasonable that an SPF 50 will give you twice the protection of an SPF 25. But, let’s look at a few facts. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays (The Burning Ray). Higher SPF numbers do not deliver significantly more protection. Truthfully, the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. An SPF 15 sunscreen filters out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. You also want to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. No sunscreen protects you completely, so it’s important to re-apply at least once a day, fairer skin more often. Be liberal with the amount of product for each application. Apply sunscreen evenly every day, rain or shine. UVA is a silent and invisible ray, and it does penetrate through heavy cloud cover, non-tinted windshields, non-tinted eyeglasses, and is present in most fluorescent lights. So heads up…literally look up and see if your workplace or school is using fluorescent lights. Look for Physical sunscreen ingredients, specifically Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. These two physical ingredients are best for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Don’t forget UV sunglasses, floppy hats, and UV protective clothing for outdoor activities. Be aware that layering or mixing SPF products on top of one another can be misleading. For example if you have a moisturizer with an SPF 15 and, let’s say, a makeup product with an SPF 15, layering the two will not get you to an SPF 30. The two products will somewhat neutralize each other. To be safe, always choose at least an SPF 30. As a reminder, water-resistant does not equal waterproof. Water-resistant just means it doesn’t rinse away as quickly as traditional sunscreen. So if you’re sweating, or you’re in water, you have about 40 minutes before you should reapply. Be aware that environments with lots of water, including swimming pools, lakes, oceans, etc, and white surfaces such as white sand and snow intensify the ultraviolet that hits your skin. This accelerates the aging process, hyperpigmentation, and the possibility of certain skin cancers. So here is a concise list of do’s and don’t to practice all year: 1. Reapplication of sunscreen during the day is by far the best way to boost your sunscreen protection. 2. Use a Broad spectrum SPF to help protect from UVB and UVA rays. 3. Use at least an SPF 30. 4. Apply sunscreen liberally. 5. Do not neglect to use your sunscreen on an overcast or rainy day. 6. Utilize UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. 7. When possible limit long-term sun activity. 8. Physical SPF ingredients (Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) are best for sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Sunscreen product manufacturers are able to formulate more sophisticated products than ever before, including lighter weight sunscreens for those who prefer an extremely sheer feel, and retractable powders that are ideal for those quick makeup and sunscreen touch-ups. New research and the launching of new ingredients is just beginning to address other ways skin can receive damage from sun and the our changing environment. The exciting thing is that we will continue to see formulations change as they incorporate new technologies to deliver more choices and more protection for consumers. And as consumers all we have to do is stay informed and BE CONSISTENT! For more personalized information about how the sun and environment may be uniquely affecting your skin, it’s best to schedule a consultation and analysis with an esthetician. What Lori G. has to say on The HydraFacial, a must-have treatment for glowing summer skin: I’ve been an esthetician for 34 years and from the beginning there have always been new treatments, devices and products. Some of of them have lasted the test of time, such as microdermabrasion, microcurrent, LED therapy, ultrasound, Retinol, peptides, stem cells, chemical peels, and massage therapies, such as manual lymphatic drainage and pressure point. Although these are considered to be of the most elite treatments, therapies, ingredients and modalities in skin care today, they are delivered as part of very different systems and compartmentalized in different facial treatments. From the perspective of your esthetician, the introduction of Hydrafacial is revolutionary, as it combines many different therapies. Here’s why I love this skin therapy system: 1) The Results Some modalities are considered back in technologies. This basically means that you have to wait for the results. Sometimes the wait is weeks or months. It’s very difficult for people to stay motivated during this wait time. The Hydrafacial therapy system delivers many immediate results. Deep pore cleansing, smoother texture through exfoliation, and the use hydroxy peels. This creates plump, moist, and very hydrated skin. 2) Time Consideration Hydrafacial is able to accomplish multiple results in 30 or 45 mins. Using smart technology considering skin types and conditions to deliver the most beneficial doses of specialized products for maximum results. 3) Extractions To be honest, I never thought I would see the day where a device could better accomplish extraction procedures over my manual extractions. I have 34 years of extraction experience and I have to concede that I cannot come close to the amount of extractions that this device is able to deliver. Furthermore, the Hydrafacial accomplishes these extractions pain-free! Although I consider myself to be gentle with extractions and effective, I have to throw in the towel here–I can’t compete with totally pain-free. It really makes me happy for my clients. 4) Congestion Removal Confirmation: I literally just made up that term myself. But this is possibly my favorite part of the HydraFacial. It comes at the end of the treatment when I can remove the plastic container that has been collecting the debris removed from the skin during the treatment, along with the many solutions used. My clients and I can observed their skin debris floating around in the used solutions, blackheads, and dead skin cells. Reactions to this sight from my clients are typically somewhere between disgust that all of those things were in/on their skin, but mostly, it’s relief that its all gone! The real reward is handing my clients the mirror following the HydraFacial and letting them see the incredible glow, the softness, the plumping and vitality that they often haven’t seen in many years. I often hear comments such as: I feel like my face had lost weight My face feels really light My face feels like it’s breathing for the first time This is what my skin looked like years ago Or, I’ve never seen my skin look this happy. I have to admit, that last one is my favorite.
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