Skin Protection Tips

There’s much you can do to protect yourself and to help keep your family’s skin healthy. In fact, one of the most effective means may be the simplest: protect yourself against the sun. The sun remains a major cause of premature skin aging such as dry skin, wrinkles and age spots. No matter what your age, it’s important to protect yourself against the sun. A few sun safe habits to make your own and to instill in your family are:

• Do not sunbathe.
• Avoid peak hours if possible. The sun’s damaging rays (called ultraviolet or “UV” rays) are the strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. the peak hours for harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Remain inside or seek out the shade.
• Apply sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, and follow directions carefully paying attention to expiration dates. UV rays can pass through clouds and reflect off of cement and even snow. So be sure to wear sunscreen every day. Apply liberally and remember to apply to the areas that you tend to miss such as your ears, hands and feet
• Stay away from tanning beds.
• Instill good sun protection habits in your children at an early age. The damage that leads to adult skin cancer can start in childhood.
• Wear protective clothing. Wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses and dark, tightly-woven fabric to reduce exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Clothing specially designed to filter out sun should be considered an option if you simply cannot avoid exposure.

Skin care glossary

Acne: Localized inflammation of the skin as a result of hyperactive sebaceious glands at the base of the hair follicle.

Acne Rosacea: A chronic skin disorder which results from chronic inflammataion of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, and/or eyelids. Often associated with increased rednessor acne-like eruptions in these locations of the face.

Acne Vulgaris: Acne resulting from the bacterial infection of cysts deep within the skin. Without treatment this condition may result in scarring.

Actinic: Pertaining to changes caused by the ultraviolet rays in the sun.

Aesthetics (Esthetics): The science and study of beauty.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA): Acids derived from fruit and milk sugars and used in certain creams and lotions. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are believed to reduce spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, sun-damaged skin.

Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on the body’s normal responses without directly affecting the cause.

Biocompatible: The ability of a substance to interact with the body without harmful effects.

Biodegradable: A material that breaksdown or dissolves biologically or by natural means.

Botox® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A): A purified protein produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria, which reduces the activity of muscles that can cause frown lines.

Chemical peeling: The application of a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are often used for this purpose.

Collagen: The major fibers of protein found in connective tissue, cartilage and bone.

Commissures: Corners or angles of the lips or eye.

Cryotherapy: The use of cold for treatment of a condition.

Cyst: A sac containing liquid or semisolid material usually in the dermis.

Cystic Acne: A form of acne resulting from the bacterial infection of cysts deep within the skin generally requiring treatment with antibiotics. May result in scarring.

Dermabrasion: A procedure performed with a special instrument to smooth the skin’s surface. The procedure removes the upper layers of skin and improve irregularities in the skin surface, such as acne scars or chicken pox marks.

Dermal: Relating to the skin or dermis.

Dermal Filler: A substance injected into the skin to restore volume to the skin and smooth out facial wrinkles.

Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin.

Dermis: The “middle portion” of the skin and its support structure, containing nerves, blood vessels, oil glands, and hair follicles.

Eczema: A form of dermatitis occuriring as a reaction to many internal and external agents. Characterized by erythema, inflammation, crusting, scaling, hyperpigmentation, and/or hjypopigmentation.

Elastin: A protein in the middle layer of the skin that helps maintain resilience and elasticity.

Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin.

Epithelialization: Growth of cells.

Erythema: Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries resulting from a variety of causes.

Excision: The act of cutting away or taking out.

Facelift: A surgical procedure to remove excessive skin, normally from the lower part of the face and the chin.

Fitzpatrick Skin Types: A scale that divides skin into six different types.
Type I: White skin that never tans and always burns easily.
Type II: White skin that tans slightly and always burns easily.
Type III: Light brown skin that tans gradually and can burn moderately.
Type IV: Moderately brown skin that tans well and burns slightly.
Type V: Dark brown skin that tans profusely and burns rarely.
Type VI: Black skin with deep pigmentation that never burns.

Folds: Ridges or edges that appear to form when a layer bends back upon itself.

Follicle: The tiny shaft in the skin through which hair grows, and sebum is excreted from the sebaceou glands to the surface of the skin.

Glabellar Creases (Lines): Creases in the forehead between the brows. Also called “frown lines.”

Glycolic Acid: A member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family, is a sugar cane extract which has the ability to dissolve the stratum corneum and smooth thickened skin reducing fine lines an wrinkles and correcting acne.

Hemangiomas: A reddish-purple birthmark, also known as “port wine stains.”

Hyaluronic Acid: A substance found in the connective tissue of the body that cushions and lubricates. Hyaluronic acid also creates volume in the skin.

Hydrophilic: Attracting or associating with water.

Hyperpigmentation: A lack of skin color caused by a deficiency of melanin production or a loss of pre-existing melanin or melanocytes.

Inflammatory: ”Causing inflammation,” usually used to describe lesions that are inflamed by chemical reactions or bacteria clogged follicles.

Isovolemic Degradation: The process by which a substance dissolves as each molecule progressively binds with more water.

Keloid: Sharply elevated, irregularly shaped, progressively enlarging scar due to formation of excessive amounts of collagen during the healing process.

Keratin: A protein that is a primary constituent of hair, nails, and skin.

Laser: A device that concentrates high amounts of energy into a beam of radiation.

Laugh Lines: A loss of volume in fatty tissue between the mouth and cheeks that creates lines or ridges.

Lipid: Oily substances that include fats, waxes, and oils. Primary ingredients of sebum. Free fatty acids can be irritating to the skin.

Marionette Lines: Lines going down from either side of the mouth. Also known as “oral commissures.”

Melanin: Dark brown or black pigment of the skin.

Melanocyte: Skin cells that synthesize melanin pigment.

Melanoma: Tumor arising from the melanocytic system of the skin and organs.

Melasma: Tan or brown pigmentation, generally located on the forehead, cheeks, and nose associated with pregnancy and oral contraceptives.

Microdermabrasion: The use of tiny particles which are blown against the skin to remove the damaged or aging outer layer and to stimulate the growth of new cells.

Milia: “Whiteheads;” Keratin plugs sometimes seen in patients post laser.

NASHA™ (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid): Hyaluronic acid that does not come from animal parts.

Nasolabial: Relating to both the upper lip and nose.

Nasolabial Folds: Ridges or folds that appear from the root of the nose to the angle of the mouth.

Non-steroidal: Not containing steroids, the family of chemical substances found in many hormones, body constituents, and drugs.

Oral Commissures: Lines going down from either side of the mouth. Also known as “Marionette Lines.”

Oxidation: The process of oxygen taking up electrons resulting in a loss of efficacy in particular products.

Papule: Small circumscribed, superficial, solid elevation of the skin.

Perioral Lines: The lines on the upper lips, also referred to as “smoker’s lines.”

Periorbital Lines: The lines and wrinkles around the eyes, also known as “crow’s feet.”

pH: The value used to indicate acidity and alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 7, with 0 indicating potent acidity, 7 indicating a more alkaline reading, and 3.5 being neutral.

Photoaging: Damage from sun exposure over time, especially skin wrinkles. Pre-testing: Testing done before a procedure to determine if any allergic reactions might occur.

Pigmentation: Coloration of the skin determined by melanin production within the melanocytes.

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: The residual discoloration left after an underlying skin disease or condition has healed.

Psoriasis: A chronic dermatosis characterized by micro-abscesses and pustules.

Restylane®: A dermal filler that restores volume to the skin, giving a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Retinoids: Any of a group of natural or human-made substances similar to Vitamin A.

Rhinoplasty: Surgery of the nose to improve apprearance and/or function.

Rhytid: A skin wrinkle.

Salicylic Acid: A member of the Beta Hydroxy Acid family and a lipid soluble agent used for epidermal exfoliation. Also, has anti-inflammatory properties that minimize stinging and irritation making it good treatment for acne, rosacea, and melasma.

Sebaceous Gland: Normal gland of the skin which empties an oily secretion into the hair follicle.

Seborrhea: Increased discharge of sebaceous matter upon the skin.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Inflammatory skin rash resulting from hyperactive sebaceious glands in the skin.

Sebum: A thick substance secreted by the sebaceous gland consisting of fat and cellular debris.

Skin: The protective covering of the body.

Smile Lines: Lines appearing on the cheeks.

Solar Lentigo: A spot on the skin resembling a freckle, except that its border is more regular, and it contains more melanin pigment. Also known as “age spots” or “liver spots.”

Subcutaneous: Under the skin.

Subcutis: The inner layer of the skin, also called the subcutaneous tissue, consists mainly of fat and keeps the body warm, stores energy and protects inner organs

Sun Protection Factor (SPF): How many times longer a person wearing sunscreen can stay in the sun before beginning to burn than they would without any sunscreen at all.

Telangiectasia: Dilated superficial blood vessels, especially of the upper reticular dermal plexus.

Tissue: A group or collection of similar cells that perform a particular function.

Ultraviolet Rays (UV rays): An invisible form of radiation found in sunlight that can change and damage skin cells.

Vermillion Border: The line around the lips, area where the red or pink lip border meets the skin. (Dori has the most beautiful, heart shaped, vermillion boarder)

Vitiligo: Skin disorder characterized by patches of non-pigmented whte patches varying in size.

Worry Lines: The horizontal lines that appear in the forehead, also referred to as “brow lines.”

Wrinkles: A ridge on the skin caused by age, fatigue, or other reasons.

Though we’ve all heard the phrase “beauty sleep,” we probably don’t actually think about how beneficial a good night’s rest can be for our skin. When we were younger, staying out all night and looking decent the next day was no problem. However, as skin ages, it doesn’t recover as well from a lack of sleep as it once did. Here are some ways a solid 8 hours can improve your skin:

Restful sleep promotes the production of new skin cells. As the surface skin cells die, our complexions begin to look dull and damaged. Sleep helps to clean up the daily damage we’ve inflicted upon our skin (unprotected exposure to UV rays, contact with pollution and free radicals, etc.) by encouraging skin cell turnover more so than during the day, according to Alex Khadavi, M.D., associate dermatology professor at the University of Southern California.

Your skincare products are more effective at night. The retinoids, vitamins, and other anti-aging ingredients in skincare products become less effective after extended exposure to sunlight. At night, the lack of sunlight means that anti-aging ingredients stay active longer than during the day. This is why more nighttime skincare products contain more active ingredients than daytime products.

Lack of sleep can increase stress hormones. Sleep deprivation increases the amounts of stress hormones in your body which can lead to increased inflammation and flare ups of skin conditions like acne or rosacea. This effect can speed up the skin’s aging process leaving you looking older the less sleep you get.

Not getting enough shut eye can decrease hydration. When your body doesn’t get the amount of sleep it needs, its ability to maintain hydration decreases. Once supple skin can become dehydrated, damaged, and dull. This also makes the skin less able to protect itself, leaving it more susceptible to harsh chemicals and environmental contaminants regardless of your skincare regimen.

While it’s important to maintain a healthy skincare schedule, regular anti-aging cosmetic treatments, and avoid skin-damaging sun exposure, getting enough sleep at night is just as important in preserving your skin’s youthful appearance. For those who may have not have gotten to snooze as long as they should have through the years, Style MedSpa offers patients anti-aging and wrinkle reduction treatments including facial fillers, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and more.

Whether you are an athlete seeking a competitive edge, seeking health and physical attractive benefits for your skin, or you are just tired of shaving, laser hair removal is your best bet to effectively and permanently remove your unwanted hair.  Men have different reasons for wanting to remove hair. Pesky facial hair is a daily hindrance to men with professional jobs. We have to wake up earlier to make sure we a clean shaven for work. Another type of benefits that we see our men pursuing are the athletic benefits of having streamlined hairless skin for competition. The third, but not least, common benefit we see our male clients seeking are the health and beauty attributes that laser hair removal offers.

Daily Shaving

Skin not treated by laser hair removal on average grows one-half inch per month. Facial hair tends to seem to grow faster, because it is typically shaven down to the skin. Facial hair actually grows just as fast as any other hair on the body, but seems to grow faster because men are used to having a clean shaven face. Regardless, one-months’ neglect of shaving would leave most of us looking like a mountain man. Daily shaving is a routine that most of us have became slaves to, but I have good news for you! Laser Hair Removal is quick, effective way to get rid of your unwanted facial hair at a cheap cost to you. Just think about the long term savings of never having to buy razors or shaving cream again and the amount of spare time you will have in the morning!

  Athletic Benefits

From Olympic swimmers to occasional runners, men with athletic pursuits of all levels can benefit from having laser hair removal done in strategic areas to improve their streamlineness and smoothness of their skin. You don’t have to be a major professional athlete to consider having this procedure done. Take your body to the next level for your next swimming competition, running competition, or triathlon!

Healthy and Handsome

Laser hair removal is a common form of hair removal for men. Skin with hair removed from its surface is healthy and smooth. Razors can be harmful, create scarring, and dry out your skin. Laser hair removal will leave your skin smooth and healthy while allowing daily moisturization in the area treated.  Men today are realizing the importance of their skin and the benefits that laser hair removal provides.

Laser hair removal is considered to be one of the safest of the non-invasive cosmetic procedures. However, that does not mean it should be entered into without first making yourself aware of the process and all the possible outcomes.
Facial hair removal may have some considerations that do not arise when dealing with less sensitive body parts.
A reputable laser hair removal specialist should discuss all of your concerns and make you feel comfortable with the process. The spa should also talk to you about the special considerations of facial hair removal.
Considerations and cautions
• Your eyes can be damaged by the intense laser light. You must ensure they are not exposed. Be certain that the proper safety equipment to shield the eye is always used and used properly.
• The skin on your face is more delicate and sensitive than that of the rest of the body. Special care must be taken to cool the skin during the procedure. Redness may occur as well. You may not want to return to work the day of your procedure and should plan to stay home that evening.
• Your hair color may influence your candidacy for laser hair removal. Most lasers are very effective at removing darker hair but fine, light colored hair may not respond to laser treatment.
• Certain parts of the face are especially tricky to treat with laser hair removal. Nostril hair can be treated but requires a clinic or spa specially trained and experienced in this treatment.
Safe laser hair reduction
Safe Areas
Most reputable medi-spas and clinics will not treat the area just below the eyebrow in order to protect the patient’s sight. However most other areas are eligible for treatments. This includes the chin, the upper lip, cheeks, forehead, nose and the area between the eyebrows.
The Nose
In younger women, the fine, light colored hairs on the surface of the nose are virtually invisible. As we age, these hairs can be replaced with thicker, darker hairs. Fortunately, darker hair responds best to laser treatments.
Within the nose, nostril hair keeps dust and other airborne particles out of the nasal passages. An excessive growth in this area can be unattractive and problematic. It is unadvisable to direct a laser at the sensitive tissues within the nose. However, certain streams may be directed at the surface of the nose and still penetrate deeply enough to effect a change on the hairs inside. Choose a spa or clinic skilled in this troublesome area.

The Face
Hands down, this is a favorite area to be treated by men and women alike. Women tend to have the upper lip, chin, or sides of the face smoothed by the laser, and men have embraced the procedure because it offers a hairless appearance without fear of severe razor burn. It is recommended for individuals considering a facial treatment to schedule it two to three weeks prior to any big event as there may be some redness and even slight discomfort due to the sensitivity of the skin in the facial region.

The Chest
While chest hair may be a sign of manhood, it isn’t always loved by the guys who sport it. For that reason, many have turned to laser hair removal, which is far less painful than waxing.

The Back
Similarly, back hair is rarely loved by those who don it. More and more men are recognizing the benefits of laser hair removal, especially the permanency of it. In fact, many men who play professional sports are required to remove any hair from the back and chest. Waxing the back is difficult, if not impossible, to do on one’s own and can be quite pricey to have done regularly at a salon. The laser can remove the hair rather quickly, with less discomfort, and it will stay away much longer.

The Bikini Line
For women, hair removal boils down to one very intimate and sensitive area – the bikini line. Waxing, shaving, and other forms of hair removal can result in unsightly rashes and must be done regularly to keep the area appearing smooth and hairless. Lasers, on the other hand, work swiftly, and the effects last.

The Legs
Shaving in the shower is no longer necessary, thanks to laser hair removal and legs everywhere are looking smoother, sleeker, and better than ever before.

One of the most distressing side effects of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is known as hirsutism. Pronounced her-soo-tizm, this condition can cause extreme facial and body hair in women, often leading to low self-esteem. Many of us with PCOS do not realize the devastation that imbalanced hormones can cause in our lives. That’s why Insulite wants to share with you the natural solutions that can help stop excess hair growth on your face and body, as well as female baldness.

If you or someone you know suffers from excess facial hair, for example, there’s a strong chance it’s a sign of PCOS, according to a new report. As many as 15% of women and teenage females have excess facial hair and PCOS is the cause in 70% to 80% of cases. The same is true of excess body hair as well as hair loss known as male pattern baldness.

Women of all ages worried about excessive facial or body hair should consult their doctor to be tested for PCOS, say researchers.

Laser hair removal is nothing new. Its been around for a long time, and has been FDA approved since 1995. Since the Laser Hair Removal Center/Style MedSpa has been opened, we’ve helped thousands of women get rid of their unwanted hair on their chins, upper lips, sideburns, bikini lines, armpits, chest, backs and more! The interesting thing is that I hear very often, “Can you take care of my husband’s back hair?”

Well there is some good news…YES! We can help your husband!

With just 6-8 treatments, we can help men to reduce their hair growth and enjoy not having to shave, tweeze, or wax to groom for their ladies. Many men are taking notice now, and they’re not all movie stars. Normal men are jumping on board to laser hair removal by having the procedure applied to their neckline, back, and chest.

There are some things that need to be taken into consideration when doing laser hair removal such as color of the hair and skin tone (since the procedure works by using the laser beam to destroy the bulb of the hair), but at the Laser Hair Removal Center/Style MedSpa, a free consultation will answer all of these questions!

Remember we guarantee the lowest prices in our region and we specialize in only Premium Lasers such as Diodes by LightSheer XC (not cheap diodes, our diode has 100 diodes in the handpiece not just one like other weak diodes) and Alexandries.  Non premium lasers are Yags and IPL’s.

3 treatments at $150/treatment – check out the awesome results.  Perfect time to start, we don’t have to worry about sun exposure now.  You’ll be ready for spring/summer weather again without those unsightly vessels.

$10/unit for botox tomorrow, Monday. Regular price is $12/unit. We have supply left for 2 more people then we are sold out at our promotion rate. Thank you Botox for supplying us promotional product.

Botox has long since been the industry leader in cosmetic botulinum toxic injectables, but with new products continuing to be FDA approved, will Botox continue to dominate the market in the fight against wrinkles? Botox was the first botulinum toxin to receive its FDA approval for cosmetic purposes in 2002, but since then others, such as Dysport, have received the same approval and have now provided Botox with some much needed competition. So what are the differences between Botox and its competitors?

While both Botox and Dysport injectables use the botulinum toxin type A to relax facials muscles to help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, the major differences between the two can be found in the cost, recommended dosage, dosage forms, formula, and usage. Botox Cosmetic, which has also been licensed under the name Vistabel, is primarily used to prevent and reduce the appearance of expression related wrinkles (Glabellar Lines).  Botox is equally distributed between five separate injection sites, blocking nerve impulses which paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles and allows the skins surface to smooth out as a result. The effects of Botox have been shown to last up to 4 months and should not be received more often than every 12 weeks.  Botox is available in single use vials of 50 units or 100 units, while Vistabel is only available in vials 50 units.

Just like Botox, Dysport, and its cosmetic counterpart Azzalure, are also injected into the facial muscles surrounding expression lines causing these muscles to smooth out and relax the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. While the recommended dose of Botox is 20 units equally distributed between 5 injection sites, both Dysport and Azzalure have a recommended dose of 50 units. The results of both Dysport and Azzalure have been shown to last up to 4 months and just like Botox, should not be received more often than every 12 weeks. It has been said that both Dysport and Azzalure are lower in concentration then Botox, and has fewer proteins surrounding the toxin, which should not only stimulate a weaker immune response but some also claim that it works faster and lasts longer than Botox. Dysport is available in single use vials of 300 units or 500 units and Azzalure comes in a customized single use vial of 125 units and is available in packs of 1 or 2.

While Botox and Dysport have gained popularity for cosmetic purposes, both products have been used for medical conditions as well.  Both Botox and Dysport have not only been FDA approved for the treatment of Glabellar lines, also known as brow furrow lines, but as well for the treatment of Cervical Dystonia, a condition that causes neck muscles to tighten or spasm without control. In addition to Botox and Dysport, Xeomin and Neurobloc have also been approved by the FDA to treat Cervical Dystonia. Though there has been no clear indication of the difference between Botulinum Toxin Type A or B, each of the above mentioned products fall under these two categories. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are all forms of Botulinum Toxin Type A, while Neurobloc is a form of Botulinum Toxin Type B. Both Toxins work to inhibit the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the activation of muscle contractions. Administering either Toxin results in the weakness of the injected muscle allowing for improved posture and function of the dystonic muscle(s).

Each of these above mentioned products differ in their recommended dose, for example Neurobloc’s recommended starting dose is 10,000 units (2.0ml), Xeomin’s is only 120 units, Botox is 200 units and Dysport is 500 units. The other significant difference between these products is the way in which they are stored. Botox, Dysport and Neurobloc all need to be kept refrigerated and only have a 2 year shelf life, while Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated allowing for less risk of developing antibodies and has a shelf life of 3 years. Each of the products come in a variety of single use vials, Dysport is available in 300 unit or 500 unit vials, Botox and Xeomin are available in 50 unit or 100 unit vials, and Neurobloc is available in 3 sizes starting at 2500 unit vials. All products are effective in treating Cervical Dystonia and though some have shown faster and longer results, all effects will gradually diminish and the treatment will need to be repeated in intervals of a duration no less than 12 weeks.

When it comes down to the decision of choosing which product is the right choice please keep in mind that all products mentioned above are minimally invasive and affordable ways to achieve effective treatment whether being used for cosmetic or medical purposes. Whether a product has been shown to take effect quicker, or have results that may last longer should not be the number one factor in making a decision as to which product is right for you. The most important thing to consider when making a decision on which product to use is the practitioner that will be administering the injection.   Choosing a practitioner who is knowledgeable and experienced will ensure you have chosen the product that is best suited for you and your individual needs.