I have oily skin, do I need a moisturizer?

Yes.  A moisturizer creates a barrier to keep your skin's natural moisture from escaping into the elements.  Even people with oily skin need this protection.  We carry products that are appropriate for all skin types and can find one that protects, but does not add that greasy feeling.

Help!  I have bad acne.

If your acne is cystic, you need to see a doctor, as this cannot be treated in a salon/spa. However, if you have less severe acne, there are great treatments available.  The bacteria that cause acne cannot survive in oxygen.  We can use chemical peels to open up the skin, kill the bacteria with an ozone application, and finally apply an anti-bacterial product.  These products can be even more effective with good homecare.

What about acne scars?

Chemical peels and/or microdermabrasion give marvelous results in clearing up acne scarring.

What is a chemical peel?

The purpose of a chemical peel is to remove the layers of dead skin, revealing fresh skin underneath.  The body creates new cells to replace the ones that the peel removes.  Many medical specialists believe that new collagen is also generated following the peel procedure.  In a chemical peel, we apply an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to cleansed skin.  The acid is left on for a short time (this depends on the condition of the skin, your tolerance level, etc).   The acid is neutralized and removed.  Your skin is moisturized, we apply sunscreen, and you are on your way.

Will a chemical peel help my skin?

A chemical peel is a procedure that rejuvenates skin. Most individuals find benefit from the application of glycolic acid. In almost all cases, patients will notice a improved vitality of skin.

How long does it take to have a chemical peel?

About thirty minutes in total, hence it has often been referred to as "the lunch time peel".

Can I go right back to work?

In most cases, work or other normal activities may be resumed immediately.

Will I peel – like Samantha on “Sex and the City”?

No, we seldom do the kind of peels in the salon/spa that show visible peeling.  Also, with those more invasive peels, you don’t start to peel for 3-4 days.

Is a chemical peel painful?

No. There is a mild degree of "tingling" or a slightly itchy sensation while the glycolic acid is in contact with the skin. Upon neutralizing the peel, the skin feels fresh and smooth without discomfort.

Can I go out into the sun after having a chemical peel?

You may go outside, but sunscreen must be worn for at least a few days after the peel as your skin will likely be a little more sensitive to sun exposure.

How many chemical peels should I have and how often is it recommended?

Many individuals find the most effective program is a series of 6 peels performed weekly, followed by monthly maintenance peel gives optimal results. Also, your therapist should use enzyme treatments to boost the effectiveness of the peel. Glycolic acid peels complement the regular use of other products such as glycolic acid containing preparations that can be used on a regular basis at home. The short-term exposure of a higher concentration of glycolic acid on a periodic basis helps maintain skin health and appearance.

What is the difference between enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, glycolic acids, etc.

Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids are compounds that are derived from natural products (fruits, vegetables, and other plants) that are used to exfoliate the skin.  They loosen the “glue” that holds the dead skin cells on your face.  Fundamentally there is little difference in the effect of alpha and beta acids.  The difference is in their chemical structure.  Glycolic acid is an Alpha hydroxy that is more effective than some of the others because of its molecular structure.  Where the acids loosen the dead cells, enzymes, such as papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin, actually “gobble up” those cells.  You have heard of taking papaya after a big meal for digestion – this is the same basic concept.   Enzymes are very effective following peels and microdermabrasion to clean up the debris.

Will a chemical peel remove deep lines or wrinkles?

A glycolic acid peel will not remove deep lines. However, a peel will often improve the tone, texture, smoothness and appearance of skin.

My sensitive skin will not tolerate waxing, especially around the bikini line, so I am considering electrolysis. Is this an option for my skin type?

If you're skin is extremely sensitive to waxing, electrolysis may not the answer for you. Electrolysis might further irritate your skin . We recommend you visit a salon in your area for a consultation with a trained professional who will access the level of your skin's sensitivity, and will advise you as to which method would work best for your skin type.

I have been having a 30-50 per cent Alpha Hydroxy peel done about every three weeks for the past year and my skin has recently become dry and rough. Is it possible that I have had too many peels?

It is possible you have had too many treatments especially if you have been having 50 per cent Alpha Hydroxy peels. Normally, we recommend a series of 6 peels over a 6-week period, with monthly follow-up treatments.  If your skin has a rough appearance to it the best thing you should consult you’re your skin care therapist and possibly stop the peels for a while. If you do wish to continue with them, be sure to allow at least four weeks from one treatment to the next. Another option would be to do some enzyme peels and alternate with your chemical procedures.

I have terrible eczema on my hands - the skin on my fingers is peeling to the point where I am bleeding. I have been to a dermatologist and have tried numerous home and herbal remedies to no avail. Any ideas?

One of the causes of eczema is a lack or loss of moisture in the skin. The best thing you can do to treat it is visit a dermatologist who will prescribe a medicated creme or lotion to you. If the doctor does not prescribe anything to you, make sure you keep the affected area as dry as possible. Try to keep any moisture away from the eczema - it will only further aggravate skin . Beauty Store Tip: To help treat and protect hands over night, apply a silicone creme before you go to bed and sleep with cotton gloves on.

How does smoking affect my skin?

Once nicotine enters the body, blood vessels become dehydrated, and blood and lymphatic circulation is drastically reduced. Because the lymph is not circulating properly, the body is not being cleansed of toxic waste. As these toxins accumulate, they begin destroying the body's natural vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamins B and C. Once these nutrients are destroyed, the skin reflects this internal damage: in addition to becoming extremely dry, the skin loses muscle tone, elasticity and vitality.

When the skin reaches this point, intensive cleansing and hydration treatments are a must. Treating the skin with an enzyme mask containing vitamins and natural cleansers, such as oatmeal, pineapple and papaya extract, feeds the face and cleanses away toxins, leaving skin both nourished and refreshed. Before applying the mask, gently massage the face with essential oils to help relax the skin and promote deeper penetration of the nutrients.

To further revitalize skin, we recommend applying a concentrated, topical vitamin C complex. When used daily under moisturizer, this super-concentrated booster helps hydrate, oxygenate and brighten skin, and smooth fine lines. Vitamin C is the best thing smokers can use on their skin - It's the most powerful product on the market today to help fight and prevent the signs of aging.

What are the correct methods for a man to shave his face without irritation?

Wet System:

1. Always shower first, then shave. While in the shower, use a foaming gel wash or bar cleanser with a natural bristle brush to cleanse the skin and help lift any ingrown hairs.
2. Out of the shower, warm the razor blade under hot water.
3. Apply moisturizer lightly over the beard area for lubrication and to buffer the skin from shaving cream, which is alkaline and often contains chemicals to soften the hair structure.
4. Apply shaving cream, using the natural bristle brush to work up a foam.
5. Shave, taking care not to press too hard. Use both hands, one stretching the skin, the other holding the blade.
6. Rinse with plenty of water and foaming wash.
7. Spritz with alcohol-free toner, then apply after shave soother to sooth the skin irritation and reduce redness and blotchiness.
Note: Men using an acid-based cleansing gel or bar in lieu of shaving cream can eliminate the buffer in step three.

Dry Electric System:

1. Use a foaming gel wash or bar cleanser with a natural bristle brush to cleanse the skin. Apply scrub, massaging it well over the face and throat for one minute, rinse well and dry.
2. Apply an oil-free lotion for "easy glide."
3. Shave with an electric shaver.
4. Spritz with after-shave tonic.
5. Apply soother and oil-free comfort lotion

Can sea salt actually be a good skin exfoliant?

"Sea salt scrubs not only remove the outer layer of dead skin from the body, but they also stimulate circulation, and help firm and tone the skin. The treatment is fairly rigorous, and is not recommended for pregnant women or for people with high blood pressure, because the salt can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.

Prior to the salt rub, you are sprayed with a high pressure Scotch hose to wet the body and massage the spine, shoulders and limbs. Lying on your stomach on a treatment table, a mixture of dead sea salts, natural minerals and aromas is rubbed across your legs, arms and back, then vigorously scrubbed in with an exfoliating brush. Once the salt is rinsed off with a warm water brush, the process is repeated on the front of the body.

How does aging affect the skin?

With age the amount of subcutaneous (under-the-skin) fat is reduced resulting in a looser look to the skin. Skin sags because of a loss of collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for the skin's elasticity, tone and texture.

Collagen forms the structural network of our skin and gives skin its strength and durability. Elastin is similar to collagen but is a more stretchable protein that maintains the skin's elasticity. It provides the matrix that holds individual skin cells in place. Together, collagen and elastin permit the skin to stretch, then regain its original shape. With age, the skin's collagen begins to deteriorate, causing the skin to become thinner and sag. The elastin breaks down and causes wrinkling.  Pregnancy, poor health or nutrition, aging, gravity, being overweight, excessive sun exposure can all contribute to skin that is loose and sags.

What is the remedy for sagging skin and wrinkles?

Certain herbals extracts are known to improve the firmness and elasticity of skin. Vitamin E is also known to slow the aging of skin. Creams are available combining these ingredients along with moisturizers. We can improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin with collagen and/or elastin treatments.

What are age spots and is there any remedy?

Age spots are flat, gray, brown or black spots that occur on more than 90% of fair-skinned people past the age of 50. They range from freckle-size to a few inches in diameter. They are most common on skin areas most exposed to the sun. Real age spots don't become cancerous and require no treatment, although sometimes they can look like cancerous growths.  One advanced skin formula contains maximum strength hydroquinone that gently fades darker skin and age spots.

Can anything be done for varicose veins?

Varicose veins or 'spider' veins are enlarged veins that look blue and bulging in the legs. The veins become twisted and swollen because of impaired blood flow through the veins through a faulty valve. The condition is rarely dangerous, but many feel conscious of them due to their unsightly appearance. Laser therapy may remove smaller varicosities while more severe cases can be treated with injections or the veins can be 'stripped out' with surgery. Alternatively, a painless method using a cream rich in vitamin K can produce good results. The cream builds healthier, thicker skin layers so the appearance of varicose veins is greatly reduced.