Retinol Eye Repair

Retinol Eye Repair

intensive anti-aging serum for reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

This Retinol serum surges needed hydration into the skin and contains high levels of antioxidants and proven anti-aging ingredients to revive under-eye skin.

-Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
-Contains Retinol in a time-released delivery system to minimize irritation
-Softens and moisturizes skin
-Enhances the skin’s own natural exfoliation process
Who benefits – All skin types, except extremely sensitive.

 

frequently asked questions

1. I have used Retinol products in the past that irritated my skin. Will this product do that? It is unlikely that Retinol Eye Repair will irritate the skin. It contains Retinol in a unique time-released delivery system to minimize irritation around the eye area.
2. Is Retinol the same as Retinoic Acid? No. Retinoic Acid is a prescription drug in various forms and many cannot tolerate its side effects. Retinol is a less aggressive alternative.
3. Can I use this product while I’m pregnant or breast-feeding? We do not recommend you use Retinol Eye Repair while you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Studies have shown that exposure to high amounts of Vitamin A during pregnancy may have detrimental effects. As with all products, check with your physician before starting any skincare regimen.

Skin Care Tips…

Many of you are asking, “How often should I use this…or how often should I do that?” So let me break it down.  Here is a basic outline of what I would tell my clients.  Please keep in mind this is a basic guideline and if you have a specific skin condition this may be more or less.

How often should you wash your face?
2 times a day is ideal.  If you over wash you can strip your skin of natural oils.  Always wash for a minimum of 45 seconds to make sure you are actually cleaning all the impurities off of your skin. It is also important to wash your face with warm (not hot) water.  This will help open your pores for a deeper clean. Also, cleansing your skin more than twice a day can strip your skin of its natural oils and can actually cause your skin to produce MORE oil. Even if you are prone to breakouts or have super oily skin you should still only wash your face morning and night.

How often should you exfoliate?
2-3 times a week.  If you over exfoliate you can actually cause small scratches on your skin which can result in hyperpigmentation (little brown spots).  Try to stay away from scrubs that contain harsh exfoliants such as crushed walnuts, especially if you have sensitive skin.    Try to choose a exfoliant that is an enzyme.  Like Cosmedix pure enzymes http://www.cosmedix.com/products/pure-enzymes-exfoliating-mask

How often should you wear sunscreen?
Every day.  Even if you do not plan on going outside you can still get sun damage through car and house windows. EVERY DAY!!!  If you are outside for long periods of time, it is also important to re-apply!!

How often should you clean your makeup brushes?
At least once a month.

Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly will extend the shelf life of your makeup and help prevent the spread of bacteria, which can cause nasty side effects such as eye infections, acne and skin irritation. Learn how to proplerly clean your brushes here: http://makeupblog.janeiredale.com/blog/2012/02/01/how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes/

Hope this is helpful!!

3 Minute Brow

3 Minute Brow

Five quick steps to a Perfect Brow with Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics

1. Evaluate and Tweeze.  If redness appears apply our lemon lid primer with the camouflage brush to cancel it out and prime the area around the eye and brow.

2. Brush and Define.  Using the spoolie brush from the Bitty Brow Kit, brush the hairs in an upward direction to define their shape.

3. Define with Pencil. Using and eye pencil, Taupe, define the front of the brow from underneath making a smooth strait line from the beginning to the arch. Next apply a strait line from the top of the arch to the end.

4. Shape and Wax. Using the Angle Defining brush in the Bitty Brow Kit, apply wax to the brows in smooth strokes to give them a consistent direction. Start at the front of the brow and brush to the end.

5. Fill In. Using the other side of your defining tool from the Bitty Brow Kit, fill in the brows with the powder to give them a finished look.

Bitty Brow Kit

  Taupe Pencil

  Camouflage Brush

Fraxel Laser for Acne Scarring

What is the Fraxel laser treatment?

The Fraxel laser is a non-ablative treatment used to improve upon the appearance of acne scarring.  The Fraxel is a fractional laser, meaning that it only treats a portion of the skin at a time, leaving healthy intact skin adjacent to the treated areas.  The technique of “fractional” resurfacing allows for safer treatments and decreased healing time.

How does the Fraxel Laser treat acne scars?

The Fraxel laser treatment produces tiny columns of energy, which penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin.  This process stimulates the skin’s own process of healing; the skin responds to this signal by producing new collagen to improve the damaged skin.  The Fraxel laser treatment effectively treats atrophic (pitted) acne scars, while also removing the red and brown spots presents after the initial acne lesions have resolved.

What types of acne scars can be treated with the Fraxel?

The Fraxel laser treatment is effective for removing many types of acne scars.  Atrophic (“pitted”) scarring, post-inflammatory erythema (red marks) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown marks) can all be treated with the Fraxel laser.  The treatment is appropriate for all skin types; it does not target the pigmented cells in the skin, so even patients with darker skin types may treat their scars with the non-ablative Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment.

What should I expect during the Fraxel Laser appointment?

Upon arriving for your appointment, your skin will be thoroughly cleanser and a numbing cream will be applied to the surface of the area to be treated.  The cream will stay on your skin for sixty minutes prior to your Fraxel resurfacing treatment.  The Fraxel treatment itself takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes.  It is not painful, though you may feel a very mild discomfort and minimal heat.  Prior to leaving, you will receive a handout reviewing exactly how to care for your skin in the days following the Fraxel resurfacing laser treatment.

Do patients need to stay home after their Fraxel treatment?

For two to three days following the Fraxel treatment, you may experience mild redness and swelling.  Most patients compare this to a severe sunburn.  You may leave the home and wear makeup immediately after the treatment, though you may not want to schedule important social or work plans during the first few days after the treatment.  After three days, you will look okay and resume regular social plans.

How many Fraxel resurfacing treatments are needed to treat acne scars?

Most patients require four Fraxel laser treatments to improve the appearance of their acne scars.

 

Call to schedule your consultation today 404-250-0882

Hydroquinone: Is the Cure Worse Than the Problem?

Article found in Skin Inc. magazine:

With any aging population comes the manifestation of skin that includes not only wrinkles, but also hyperpigmentation. Along with this, consider an increased incidence of adult acne often leading to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and the newest baby boom, which accounts for more melasma among women, and the result is an increased demand for skin-lightening products in the United States.

For many years, hydroquinone has been considered one of the most effective skin-lightening agents for treatment of sun-induced pigmentation, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation often associated with aging skin. In the United States, hydroquinone is classified as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that may be used in concentrations of up to 2%. Most prescription-strength hydroquinone formulations contain 3–4%, but concentrations as high as 10% may be available through compounding pharmacies. When prescribed by a physician, it is often combined with other actives, such as tretinoin, retinol, vitamin C or glycolic acid.

How does hydroquinone work?

There are various theories about how hydroquinone works to affect hyperpigmentation. Some researchers claim that it denatures the melanin-protein complex, causing a decoloration of the skin. Others claim it inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, as well as the synthesis of the protein associated with melanin. Because of its cytotoxic impact on the melanocyte, it is said to disrupt basic cellular processes, including DNA and RNA synthesis.Regardless of the mechanism used to lighten skin, the focus these days should really be on the more important concerns regarding the safety of hydroquinone.

Is it safe?

There is no doubt about it, hydroquinone is an effective pigment-lightener; however, much attention is now focused on its safety. Not only is safety an issue, but concerns also stem from its designation as “an extreme sensitizer;” many individuals are allergic to hydroquinone, and others experience serious contact dermatitis with repeated use, leading, unfortunately, to a prescription for a steroid cream to counter the associated irritation. In extreme cases, a condition known as onchronosis can occur, resulting in blue-black macules or hyperpigmentation accompanied by acne-like lesions. Onchronosis generally requires higher concentrations of hydroquinone and is more prevalent in darker skin. However, lower concentrations may also illicit a poor response, too, which has led many dermatologists to a prescriptive cycling of hydroquinone involving using hydroquinone-containing products for four months, stopping for four months and resuming again for four months, and so on. During the off months, a hydroquinone-free brightener is recommended. At the other end of the spectrum are concerns that hydroquinone causes hypopigmentation, or white spots. This is more prevalent in olive complexions.

Being a metabolite of benzene, hydroquinone has potential mutagenic properties. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States claims “hydroquinone is mutagenic and has cancer-causing potential.” In 1994, the Journal of the American College of Toxicology (now known as the International Journal of Toxicology) published “The Addendum to the Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Hydroquinone.” Its conclusion stated that “hydroquinone is a potent cytotoxic agent that causes mutations and alterations to DNA, and that it should not be used in any leave-on type of product; it is safe for rinse-off products when used in concentrations less than 1%.” When this was published, many cosmetic manufacturers opted to discontinue their hydroquinone lighteners and some countries went so far as to ban hydroquinone from skin-whiteners. For example, hydroquinone is strictly regulated in many African and Asian countries, and its use is prohibited in the European Union (EU) and Japan. Unfortunately, many hydroquinone-containing whiteners remain on the market to this day. As a matter of fact, most skin-whitening serums and creams currently available contain 2% hydroquinone.

For whatever reason, hydroquinone still remains the only ingredient recognized as a “lightening agent” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and its use falls under the regulations as stated in the monograph on skin lightening, which designates hydroquinone as the sole acceptable lightening agent. This means that the use of other ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation cannot be called skin-lighteners or whiteners, so the industry has coined the term “brightener” for these nonhydroquinone alternatives. As recently as 2007, the FDA reported its intent toward banning the use of hydroquinone in nonprescription products due to safety issues, but as of yet has not implemented any new regulations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Board has agreed to revisit the safety of hydroquinone and report back by March 2009. Perhaps the FDA is awaiting the new report before passing any new regulations or amending the monograph on lightening.

Alternatives to hydroquinone

Retinoids. Many dermatologists combine hydroquinone with prescription vitamin A formulations, such as tretinoin, to improve skin-lightening results. Tretinoin has an effect on skin pigmentation as seen by a decrease in freckling. Freckling is created by the irregular grouping of melanocytes, which can be normalized with retinoids through alterations in pigment transfer. Although this effect is more dramatic with topical prescription tretinoin, topical OTC retinol has been thought to provide similar effects. Retinoids, such as retinol or retinaldehyde, can also be used as penetration enhancers for other skin-lightening agents. Ingredient combinations where each ingredient affects a different portion of the skin pigmentation pathway may be more beneficial for skin-lightening than single-ingredient formulations. Because there are many steps in pigment formation, skin lighteners can interrupt melanin production and transfer at multiple sites. Formulations that have activity at multiple sites have a better chance of stopping pigment production.

Ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is used in OTC pigment-lightening formulations. It interrupts the production of melanin by interacting with copper ions to reduce dopaquinone, an important intermediate in pigment production. It is a potent antioxidant that is sometimes combined with hydroquinone to prevent oxidation of the hydroquinone. By itself, low-concentration ascorbic acid is a poor skin-lightening agent. In higher concentrations, ascorbic acid can be a strong skin irritant due to its low pH, but may induce pigment-lightening by providing skin peeling in lighter-skinned individuals. High concentrations of ascorbic acid must be avoided in people of color, because the irritation paradoxically will darken the skin.

Licorice extract. Licorice extracts are used in many OTC products to lighten skin. The active agents are liquiritin and isoliquertin. Liquiritin induces skin-lightening by dispersing melanin pigment and enhancing more even pigment distribution. It must be applied to the skin in a dose of 1 g/day for four weeks in order to see a clinical result. This may not be practical in OTC formulations because of the expense of such a high concentration. Because the liquiritin is an anti-inflammatory, irritation is not a side effect with licorice extract, unlike with hydroquinone, retinoids and ascorbic acid, where irritation is the dose-limiting problem.

 

Controlling inflammation. Controlling inflammation is another strategy for treating hyperpigmentation. The use of anti-inflammatory agents, such as white tea, licorice and green tea, helps address the connection between inflammation and pigment formation. These extracts also may act as antioxidants, slowing many of the oxidation steps involved in melanin formation.

In the past decade, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has been used to control melanin synthesis. Newer stabilized derivatives of vitamin C include magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), ascorbyl glucoside and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. These derivatives scavenge free radicals that cause erratic melanocyte activity, as well as act as antioxidants inhibiting oxidation steps along the biosynthetic pathway of melanin. They have also been shown to inhibit tyrosinase synthesis and activity.

Finally, the newest and perhaps most exciting agents to fight melanin formation are the peptides. Oligopeptide-34 is a state-of-the-art synthesized peptide that has been shown to decrease alpha-MSH activity and inhibit tyrosinase activity. Although the mechanism is not clearly understood, results indicate that it brightens skin, especially sun-induced hyperpigmentation, in half the time when compared to other brightening complexes. The use of peptides, such as oligopeptide-34 to control pigmentation, may very well be the newest and most effective approach to treating hyperpigmentation. And if safety studies are a good indicator, they are a lot safer for the end user.

Prevention is key

With all clients, especially those undergoing treatment for hyperpigmentation, a discussion about preventive measures is vital. The necessity of daily sunscreen application cannot be emphasized enough. Too often, clients are the cause of recurrent hyperpigmentation due to a nonchalant attitude toward sun exposure.

Furthermore, following treatment for hyperpigmentation, a more focused approach to daily skin care should be implemented. Clients can much better maintain the positive effects of treatment through the use of professional skin care product lines that include proven active ingredients coupled with effective delivery systems. As is recommended for all individuals, a regimen involving four steps—cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and protect—should be standard.

You are what you eat: Foods that are great for the skin

Although finding the correct skincare products is important, conditioning and nourishing your skin from the inside is equally beneficial.

Feeding your skin the correct balance of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, along with great skincare, can help it appear smoother, softer and blemish-free – you might start to feel better for it too!

Remember, when changing your eating habits for the better it’s important to be patient. It can take up to four weeks for newly formed skin cells to rise to the surface, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see the effects straight away – stick with it!

Here are my five top tips for eating your way to a radiant complexion:

1.    Embrace the good fats – Essential fatty acids are my holy grail. Omegas 3, 6 and 9 are the building blocks of healthy skin, and help maintain the natural barrier that locks moisture in. They are also powerful anti-inflammatories and calm the digestive tract, making them particularly effective in treating conditions like eczema and acne. If your skin is in need of a pick-me-up, you can find these fatty acids in foods such as oily fish, nuts, avocados and flaxseed.

2.    Remember your ABCs – Eating foods rich in Vitamins A, B & C has countless benefits for the skin. Here’s why:

Vit A – helps skin grow
Vit B – helps skin glow
Vit C – produces collagen

Collagen is responsible for holding skin together, so the more collagen, the firmer and plumper your skin will appear.

3.    Eat your greens – Your mum was right. A recent study by The University of Nottingham showed that eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables gives the skin a more golden healthy glow than the sun. This is down to carotenoids. Carotenoids are antioxidants that protect the skin from pollutants and chemicals in our environment. They are most often found in foods with a red, orange or dark green pigment.

4.    Iron Woman – Iron helps even out skintone. Although I am partial to a steak now and then, iron can also be found in many vegetarian foods such as apricots, almonds, broccoli and spinach (a great source of carotenoids too).

5.    Don’t skip meals – Eating three meals a day and avoiding crash-diets is beneficial for your skin as well as your general health. Repeatedly losing and gaining weight reduces the skin’s natural elasticity and vibrancy, and strict diets often deny you those nourishing fats, vitamins and minerals.

I always say that everything is ok in moderation. Eat well, but don’t forget to indulge in the odd treat – life’s too short after all!

 

 

recent testimonials

Sonya’s facial and Kai – The Medical Spa: “Better than the Venetian’s Canyon Ranch in Vegas!!” Jason 9/29/12

Genevieve’s massage: “Best massage I have every had! I have never had anyone massage the area near the arm pit. Never knew how much that relieved my pain…” Cathy 9/28/12

Genevieve’s massage: “Best massage I’ve EVER had…very relaxing yet therapeutic. Really listens to what you want/expect from massage. Very professional & warm. Would definitely recommend to family & friends.” Sonya

Genevieve’s massage: “Loved her spirit. She has an amazing touch and is very knowledgeable.” Cari

Fraxel for the Treatment of Stretch Marks

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks (aka “striae”) are linear areas of thinning of the superficial layers of the skin.  They occur in areas of increased growth during a short amount of time.  For example, many people develop them during growth spurts, after weight training and during pregnancy.  Stretch marks are not dangerous, though they can be aesthetically unpleasing to those who have them.

What is the Fraxel Treatment?

The Fraxel Laser treatment uses a non-ablative fractionated erbium laser to resurface the skin and improve the appearance of the skin.  Fractionated lasers treat only a portion of the skin’s surface, leaving untreated skin surrounding the treated area.  This technique of laser treatment is safe and effective, with a shorter healing time than traditional resurfacing laser treatments.

How are stretch marks treated with the Fraxel Laser?

Tiny columns of laser energy are produced by the Fraxel Laser; these tiny columns are absorbed in the deeper layers of the scarred tissue of the skin.  This energy stimulates the body’s own healing process.  The skin is stimulated to produce new collagen in order to “fill in” and “soften” the appearance of stretch marks.  The Fraxel Laser improves upon both reddish and hypopigmented (“white”) stretch marks, both deep and shallow.

What should be expected during my visit for Fraxel Laser treatment of stretch marks?

When you arrive for your appointment, you will change into a gown and an anesthetic (“numbing”) cream to be applied to the area of the stretch marks.  You will sit with the numbing cream on the area for approximately one hour prior to your laser treatment.  The Fraxel Laser treatment itself takes around thirty minutes, depending on the size of the area treated.  During the treatment, you will feel only very minimal discomfort, mostly in the form of a dull heat.  After the treatment, we will apply ice to the treated areas for a few minutes and then apply a moisturizing cream.  We will review the post-treatment direction thoroughly with you, so that you know how to care for the treated areas in the days following your Fraxel Laser treatment for stretch marks.

Is there “downtime” after the Fraxel Laser treatment?

Most patients will experience redness and swelling for two to three days after their Fraxel Laser treatment.  Most patients being treated for stretch marks find that this doesn’t cause them to adjust their work or social schedules at all, as the treated areas are easily covered by regular clothing.  There is no pain associated with the Fraxel Laser treatment in the days following the treatment and all patients resume their normal schedules immediately following Fraxel Laser treatment of stretch marks.

How many Fraxel Laser treatments are required to treat stretch marks?

Most patients require four Fraxel Laser treatments to adequately treat their stretch marks. However, more treatments may be needed.

Call to book you free consultation today 404-250-0882.

“LIKE” us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaimedspa?ref=hl

Jane Iredale- Glow Time™ Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream has arrived…

 

Enhance your radiance with two transformative NEW products from Jane Iredale THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP

 

Glow TimeFull Coverage Mineral BB Cream: A multi-tasking dynamo that combines foundation, concealer, sunscreen and moisturizer in a versatile one-step product.Glow Time covers blemishes, minimizes pores, disguises wrinkles and smoothes and brightens skin.

Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener: Smooth Affair is a translucent formula packed with fragrant botanicals that have anti-aging properties that brighten & even skin tone, minimizing the appearance of pores and controlling oil. Use it on it on its own for a sheer glow or enhance the look and wear of your favorite mineral foundation.

Our mineral-based formula nourishes your complexion and helps protect skin from UV and free radical damage.

• Contains a broad spectrum SPF 25 UVA PA++ that is water resistant for up to 40 minutes.

• Available in 6 shades: BB1 (Fair), BB3 (Light), BB5 (Light to Medium), BB7 (Medium), BB9 (Medium-Dark to Dark), BB11 (Very Dark)     
• Grapefruit Extract promotes luminosity and skin radiance, minimizes appearance of pores and wrinkles, and may help to fade uneven pigmentation.
• Apple Extract is a skin-smoothing antioxidant that exfoliates, refines and rejuvenates the skin.
• Sunflower Seed Oil is rich in moisturizing vitamin E.
• Aloe Leaf Juice soothes and calms the skin.
• Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, sensitivity tested, clinically tested, dermatologist tested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_d-SPgaQ0E&feature=player_embedded#!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBu90yWHdGg&feature=relmfu

Defy the years and ensure that you retain your beautiful complexion.

Beautiful skin starts with healthy skin. To maintain and improve your skin health, an effective pharmaceutical grade skincare regime is essential. Over-the-counter products only treat skin’s surface layer. Optimal skin health is achieved by reaching live tissue. IMAGE skincare professional products work on a cellular level to diminish fine lines, fade sun damage, increase skin hydration and stimulate cellular turnover for more youthful, radiant skin.

Treat your skin to a new level of health with a AMAZING “4-Layer Facelift” Facial. This revolutionary treatment performed in four layers will change the image of your skin in just one application:

Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, and gentle but highly active enzymes promote cellular turnover, brighten, tighten and lighten your skin. The combination of 30% Vitamin C, antioxidants and peptides quenches your skin, diminishes the appearance of fine lines, and restores the vitality and texture of your skin.

Perfect “GLOW” for any special occasion or in a series of 6 every 2 weeks for overall skin improvement.

By far my personal favorite treatment for healthy looking skin.

HEALTHY SKIN IS BEAUTIFUL SKIN!!!

Sonya