Anti-Aging LED Light Therapy Facials

LED Light Therapy Facials are the newest innovation in anti-aging and skin health treatment. LED Light uses 100% safe light emitting diodes at specific spectrums of light to stimulate and repair cells, increase circulation and promote collagen activity. Revive the skin’s natural cellular activity with absolutely no down-time or redness, just healthier skin.

To learn more click here. To read more Tamara's go to here

Sun Damage? These May Be The Chemical Peels For You!

Tamara's - The Best Chemical Peels in Orange County!

Chemical peels can be tricky things. If the person giving the peel is not well trained, the result could be scarring. If the person receiving the peel does not follow OR does not receive instructions on what to do after the peel, those results could also be scarring. I am pleased to say that I have received many hours of hands-on training with the best in the business on every peel that I offer. Along with this training, I have been giving professional chemical peels for nearly 10 years. These types of peels makes it possible to safely gain the correct amount of exfoliation just for you.

If your skin is sensitive to hydroquinone (we'll test if you don't know) a hydroquinone -free chemical peel can work. On skin that needs to get rid of all the remnants of that youthful fun in the sun, I offer chemical peels containing hydroquinone. For resilient skin with lots of damage, wrinkling and unevenness- I have a peel for that as well

Hydroquinone-Free (Non-Resorcinol) Chemical Peel

This is the perfect chemical peel for sensitive skin types or those allergic to hydroquinone. This peel will help unclog pores, eliminate troublesome acne and rejuvenate the skin.

Chemical Peel with Hydroquinone (Non-Resorcinol)

A chemical peel with hydroquinone is often used to create an even skin tone  for those without a sensitivity to hydroquinone. This formula will help to correct melasma, sun damage and pigment discolorations of many kinds. It will inhibit active acne and correct post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown-spotting) that often results from acne. This treatment can also be used to treat the neck and chest for sun damage.

Chemical Peels with Hydroquinone and Resorcinol

This peel is the most potent version of exfoliating treatments and for use only on lighter skin types with no allergies to hydroquinone. It is a deeper peel that will provide more exfoliation for oilier, thicker, resilient skin types. It is for extremely sun damaged thickened skin and can also be used to treat hands and arms. It is also excellent for those with active/cystic acne and asphyxiated skin (dry on the surface, oily underneath).

Let's make an appointment where we'll customize a plan for your skin, including finding the perfect peel to meet your needs!

Can Stress Cause Acne?

Although stress does not directly cause acne, it can aggravate acneic conditions in those who are prone toward acne. Stress increases cortisol. And, long term stress keeps the cortisol levels elevated for long periods of time. Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal gland and it:

* Is a diuretic dehydrating the skin.
* Increases blood sugar.
* Weakens the the immune system.
* Creates inflammation of the skin and other organs.

Common causes of adult Acne are:

* Heredity
* Hormones
* Stress (see above)

In my practice, an acne facial consists of deep cleansing the skin, addressing the infection and inflammation and soothing the soul to calm your stress. It's more than just an acne facial.
Schedule Now

Laser vs Peels

Your face is clearly a journal of your life past – all those suntans and burns, all the smiles, frowns grimaces, the not so great diet mixed with the too strenuous diet, poor sleeping habits and even lack of exercise will show up on the skin in time.

Many of these tattletale marks on the face can be addressed with laser or peels. I’m not an expert in laser since I don’t do it (you need to be a licensed physician). However, I do know that it is expensive, painful and the downtime is significant.

Similar results can be achieved with peels over a longer period of time at a fraction of the cost of laser.  Peels use a variety of naturally occurring acids. While the acid is being applied there is some discomfort which is monitored by the licensed esthetician and does quickly subside. The discomfort indicates that the peel is doing its job. You will leave the office slightly red and glowing and should be able to return to your everyday activities (although strenuous activities may be limited for the first couple of days). You will begin peeling on the third and fourth day and should be able to pursue your regular activities.

Either way pigmentation will lessen and wrinkles will soften. You will still need to stay out of the sun and have healthy habits. The issues are cost, downtime, and pain.

What has been your experience?

Gee, You Look Good . . . . For Your Age

Gee, you look good . . . . for your age! Is that a compliment, a qualifier or an insult?

Perhaps only the giver and receiver of such a remark are the only ones to decide.

Regardless, as we age, the only thing we can hope for is to keep looking our best. As time trots on the looking our best target takes a little more time, care and money.

How much time, care and money? That's up to you.

If you are a person who has moved away from thinking that looking your best is looking as young as possible in favor of wanting to look as good as possible for your age. Away from the rarely natural looking facelift for youth to a maintained subtle natural beauty. There are many safe, no or low downtime, cost effective, healthy options.

In reality, "Gee, you look good for your age" says that you look as if they have a healthy lifestyle and are happy.

Its easier to maintain your looks rather than getting on the "turn back the clock" treadmill. Here are some options:

~ Diet. That's easy. Eat healthy.
~ Exercise. Heard that one before. You know what to do.
~ Beauty treatments. They are restorative. Read on.
~ Maintenance. Of your health and your beauty. Value yourself.

All on the list are about looking better, not younger. In the beauty treatment and maintenance department here are some possibilities:

` Professional skin care options such as microdermabrasion, microcurrent, oxygen, LED, peels or just a good facial.

Some things these treatments can help with:

. As we age our mouths tend to turn down giving us an unhappy look. Microcurrent can help retrain those muscles giving a more pleasant look.

. Light peels will help keep the skin glowing. A glowing complexion is far more important to a "Gee" look than a line here or there.

. Microdermabrasion, LED and peels can create a look of luminosity and get rid of the sun damage (brown spots and superficial wrinkles).

And last but not least - use the recommended products from your skin care professional to keep up to "Gee" look in between treatments.

Increased Hydration & Suppleness With Microcurrent

We all know that through exercise metabolism is increased, muscles are strengthened, circulation is improved, inflammation is decreased and our stamina and energy is increased.

What if you could accomplish all these things for the skin? Truth is you can. By maintaining a proper daily skin care regimen the skin is stimulated and protected. A daily regimen is how the skin's beauty, function and longevity are continued.

Added to that proper skin care regimen  microcurrent services can gently stimulate sagging facial muscles, increase circulation, significantly increase collagen and elastin production as well as hydration and suppleness regardless of past history of photo-damage or negligence. For these reasons  microcurrent sessions have been given the nickname of "non-surgical face lift".

Facials with Ultrasound

Ultrasound, when used by a trained skin care technician, is a non-invasive and painless topical facial rejuvenation treatment. Research using ultrasound has demonstrated its ability to stimulate fibroblast activity (collagen formation), increase local circulation and increase the rate of wound repair.

Ultrasound is a method by which sound waves are created by a rapidly oscillating hand piece. By altering the frequency of the oscillations the depth of penetration is controlled. For the skin, these oscillations are superficial to impact only the epidermal tissue and not muscle, bone or other tissue.

In facial treatments ultrasound waves cause epidermal tissue to warm increasing blood flow, stimulating fibroblast activity resulting in collagen production. It stimulates wound repair to environmentally damaged skin. It also drives the nutrients from serums, gels and creams into the skin.

Research has shown that clients receiving ultrasound with their professional skin care have improved skin texture,  reduction in skin laxity and a youthful plumping of the skin. Unlike many treatments there is no downtime and all skin types can receive benefits.

Smoking and the Puckered Pout

So you smoked or are smoking and are noticing those little tiny lines above your lip. Some of the lines are the natural result of all those years of pursing those lips. However, the added pursing of the inhale, the heat and chemicals from the smoke take an additional, and in some cases dramatic, toll. The skin of the upper lip is 1/3rd as thin as the rest of the facial skin (excluding that around the eyes).

There are at least 12 "expression" muscles that are attached to the dermis are around the lips. Besides frying that upper lip drying it out and poisoning it; you've trained the muscles to contract further wrinkling and creasing the skin.

What to do? Things that can help from your esthetician:

• light microdermabrasion
• microcurrent
• hydrating treatments that include hyaluronic acid
• An SPF30 sunscreen with a physical block (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide)
• a clear waxy lip liner can help to keep lipstick from bleeding up the creases

To just have the lip treated would run around $25 - $50 each treatment plus take home products to continue the treatment.

Things that can help for more severe cases:

• hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, etc.)

Dermal fillers run about $400 per treatment.

More on Botox

As reported in the OC Register today - Dr. John DiSaia of San Clemente and Anaheim says, there is no proof that using Botox over any period of time is a guarantee that you won't wrinkle in those areas. He says, "This would be very difficult to prove. Whether or not aged tissue would form some sort of wrinkle even with less activity may be more a matter of genetics than of use of a paralytic."

Plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Cruise of Newport Beach says, "Certainly, permanent wrinkles can be avoided if there is no motion within the skin. The real cause of wrinkles, however, is not from our facial muscles getting stronger with age. Facial muscles are just like every other muscle in the body - they get weaker with age. Wrinkles occur with age because the facial fat that separates the skin from the muscles 'melts' away."

Doctor's agree that focusing on Botox as a wrinkle-fighter misses the most important causes of wrinkles. "Stopping cigarette smoking and limiting sun exposure may be more effective and would certainly be cheaper," says Dr. DiSaia.

I will add that adding monthly facials can do wonders for keeping the skin clean, increasing circulation and moisture. Try a microcurrent facial at a fraction of the cost of Botox for healthy skin, encouraged collagen and elastin replacement and amazing facial rejuvenation.

Microcurrent Facial Rejuvenation is in the News

Microcurrent, those tiny little impulses that can rejuvenate your face (and hands) has been shown on Channel 2 News in NYC says about this fabulous technique. Then, call me for an appointment.

Botox Can Add Wrinkles

In a recent article in The Orange County Register columnist Colin Stewart interviewed several cosmetic doctors about the new wrinkles appearing on famous and Botoxed faces. Seems that the rules kick in "for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction". That is to say that if you paralize one set of muscles other muscles kick in to help out their paralyzed buddies thus creating what is called adjunct wrinkling. Now we're seeing "bunny lines" that start at the sides of the bridge of the nose and end at the outer edge of the eyes. So now the "bunny lines" muscles need Botox.

I'm nether here nor there about Botox. However, I have seen some miraculous softening and rejuvenating effects on my clients who receive regular Microcurrent rejuvenating facials for far less cost and no injected botulism. An added benefit to the Microcurrent rejuvenating facial is that your entire face is lifted and the skin is revitalized.

More About Microcurrent

Microcurrent has been featured on Oprah and is talked about on other high-profile shows, and in high-fashion and health trend magazines.

All that have reviewed it or experienced it agree that with the Bio-ultimate microcurrent sessions the signs of aging can be reduced.

The microcurrent face rejuvenation lift gives you the freedom to attain anti-aging goals without the recovery, downtime and expense of surgeries and other aggressive services. The skin is re-hydrated, circulation improved, and a firmer, revitalized appearance is achieved after the first session and continue to improve with successive sessions.

Microcurrent is a low level of electricity that mirror’s the body’s natural electrical currents, triggering chemical reaction at a cellular level, enhancing the production of natural collagen and elastin, providing circulatory benefits and assisting in product penetration. 

When used in conjunction with specialized products and manual manipulations, the tiny microcurrent impulses encourage the body’s currents; tightening and strengthening the muscles of the face and neck The result is immediate firming, smoothing, and re-hydrating the skin while greatly reducing the appearance of fine line and wrinkles. Results are immediate and cumulative.

Unlike chemical peels or microdermabrasion that take off layers of skin, microcurrent builds up the skin layers by healing and encouraging cell renewal and regeneration of tissue.  

Benefits of microcurrent face rejuvenation:

• Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles.
  
• Tightens and tones skin and facial muscles.
  
• Product penetration.
  
• Hydrates and revitalizes the skin.
  
• Closes open pores and improves skin quality..  
  
• Thickens thin skin by regenerating tissue.
  
• Lifts sagging skin and improves elasticity.
  
• Heals acne.
  
• Diminishes scaring.
  
• Addresses sun damage.
  
• Erases dark circles and puffiness.
  
• Improves skin texture. 
  
• Improves circulation.
  

Microcurrent is a preventative treatment for younger clients and rejuvenating for mature clients. There is no recovery or downtime. The body's ability to maintain skin tone and elasticity is controlled by chemical reactions within and between the cells of the skin. These reactions are triggered by electrical impulses.  As the body ages, these reactions slow down and the skin loses elasticity and suppleness.

As we age, facial muscles either relax causing poor muscle tone or stay contracted (expression lines). Microcurrent can re-educate muscles to respond more effectively to regular nerve stimulation. Microcurrent can help return muscle memory to the muscle, giving better tone and shape to the face, relaxing over contracted muscles and smoothing fine lines. 

Another benefit of microcurrent stimulation is the enhancement of tissue repair. Circulation is improved providing better cellular exchange and regeneration, improved skin tone, elasticity, increased moisture hydration and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Microcurrent is a gentle, relaxing, and effective process. It is painless; no anesthesia is needed, no irritating side effects, no recuperation time and no down time. For the best long-term results a series of treatments is recommended.

Results depend on the condition of the skin, age, current health, skin care goals, and the frequency of initial treatments. To achieve optimal results, it is recommended that you receive 2 treatments per week for the first month to establish muscle tone. Once initial treatments are completed then results can be maintained with monthly treatments. As in any professional skin care treatment, you must do your part with a proper home care regime.  

 

The neck area will not be treated until the fourth initial treatment. The facial muscles must be strengthened first. Since the neck muscles are stronger then facial muscles we don’t want the neck pulling down on the facial muscles.  

Recent Studies using frequency specific micro amperage performed at the University of Washington indicated a 10-14% increase in the production of collagen, 48% increase in elastin production, and a 38% increase in blood circulation over the course of 20 days of use of the current.

Science The technology increases the chemical fuel that energizes the cell function, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) up to 500%. It increases cellular detoxification and oxygenation, balances out the skin pH, stimulates fibroblasts secretion of collagen, elastin and other protein synthesis and generally restores biological homestasis or well being.

The Microcurrent Session is relaxing and lasts about 60-minutes. You may even fall asleep during the session. At the end of the session, you will see a difference in the muscle tone and skin texture on the face and neck. Remember that these treatments are cumulative. 

The Benefits of Oxygen for the Skin

Oxygen is one of the latest esthetic finds to change the structure and appearance of the skin.

Oxygen applications to the skin began with its being applied topically to assist in the healing of severe burns. 

Oxygen skin care is based on the belief that stable natural oxygen increases skin cell metabolism. Applying oxygen with a serum or hydrosol offers several advantages. The chemistry of the serum by itself is healing, transforming and antioxidant. When the serum is delivered with oxygen it carries the oxygen directly into the epidermis feeding the skin.

Generally the serum(s) are lightly misted over the skin. The mist is a very fine and consistent particle size for better infusion into the skin.

For maximum benefit, the oxygen needs to remain on the skin to stimulate the skin's metabolism. The longer the oxygen is on the skin the better the results. Proper oxygen application can flatten out wrinkles.

If you're looking to feed the skin beneath the surface and receive better benefit from serums and hydrosols. This may be the treatment for you.

ATP and Microcurrent

The body's cells contain a natural energy. As we age, that energy depletes (yet another "As We Age" fun fact) leading to a breakdown of collagen (the connective tissue) and elastin (gives skin its elasticity). Along with the loss of cellular energy and breakdown of tissue, the muscles become more contracted and elongated. In the skin and the face these conditions lead to less supple skin, sagging jowls, and wrinkles. 

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the natural energy that makes life in every living organism possible. As we age we want this to increase even though it naturally decreases. Studies indicate that a healthy body will use the equivalent of their body weight in ATP daily. By the time we reach 60, ATP production has decreased to half. A topical application of a serum with a quality grade of ATP and using microcurrent with oxygen can significantly increase the ATP effectiveness to the skin.

Microcurrent can help. Microcurrent uses a gentle electrical stimulation triggering an increase in the body's natural ATP. In fact, studies have shown that ATP may increase as much as 500%.

Besides the massive increase in ATP, microcurrent encourages better muscle conditioning helping to lift those jowls and minimize those expression lines.

Studies show that microcurrent increases:

• blood circulation (38%)
• blood vessels & capillaries (35%)
• lymphatic drainage (28%)
• collagen production (14%)
• elastin production (40%)
• glucose (40%)
• dispersion of scars
• product penetration

With microcurrent ATP levels are stockpiled making results cumulative. The increase in ATP allows muscles to stay in the re-educated positions longer, the increased blood circulation improves function, condition, color, and overall health of the skin, underlying tissues and muscles. 

With these impressive results a microcurrent facelift incorporating oxygen may be something for you to investigate. Or, if you're nearby, book a consultation with me.

Oxygen Infusion Facials

An oxygen infusion facial involves a machine called an air exchanger. Attachments use a stream of pressurized oxygen to spray atomized serums onto the skin. The treatment deeply hydrates the skin making the face appear smoother and plumper. Results are immediate and cumulative.

This is the ultimate hydration therapy that makes your skin look better instantly and stay that way for several days with the first treatment. These can provide a moisture boost that makes skin smoother .

The theory is that pressurized oxygen speeds the skin's absorption of moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid.

The equipment that I use is Bio-Oxygen™. Based on results seen on my clients AND myself oxygen infusion truly does revitalize the skin by encouraging the infusion products containing the latest, most powerful, and proven ingredients to address expression aging as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

With oxygen infusion I see:

» Complete product penetration
» Diminished expression aging
» Plumping, firming, and improved skin suppleness
» Hydrated and revitalized skin
» Improved circulation

Who gets excellent results?

• sun burned skin,
  
• smokers,
  
• dry skin,
  
• oily skin,
  
• mature and young skin.
  

This treatment is relaxing and leaves the skin firm & glowing!

Summer Skin

As temperatures rise and days get longer, many of the most common skin conditions will worsen. Whether suffering from acne, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation, summer is the season for problem skin. Prolonged exposure to sun, heat and humidity not only causes a dehydrated surface area, trapping oil and bacteria, but also causes an increase of salt-containing perspiration which acts as an irritant, exacerbating breakouts. With UV exposure being a major cause of inflammations, all pigmentary conditions may worsen int the summer months, ofter reversing what you've accomplished throughout the year. Rosacea flareups are sure to increase as well, with heat and sun being the main culprits in this inflammatory condition. This is no time to give up your professional and home care routine.

LED (light-emitting diode) and Aging Skin - NASA Research

Skin changes are among the most visible signs of aging – the skin sags and there are fine lines, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. The skin loses its ability to retain moisture, produces less collagen and elastin fibers. In other words, the skin breaks down much as if it was damaged.

With aging the skin thins and becomes more pale and translucent. Large pigmented or “age” spots appear in areas that were exposed to the sun. Blood vessels just below the skin’s surface become more fragile, leading to bruising, bleeding under the skin and cherry angiomas (red spots). Aging skin repairs itself more slowly. LEDS stimulate the basic energy processes causing the skin to repair itself more quickly.

Skin changes are related to environmental factors, genetic makeup, nutrition, sun exposure/tanning beds, smoking and other factors.

According the NASA research, LED (light-emitting diodes) delivers enough energy to stimulate a response from the body to heal itself without any thermal damage. LEDs stimulate the energy processes of cells and create a reaction that speeds the recovery of the skin. LED has been proven to increase and enhance the action of fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) and skin cells increasing collagen and tissue healing.

LEDs deliver enough energy to stimulate a response from the body to reduce the visible effects of aging by stimulating structures of the skin and suppressing further breakdown.

Five Things You Shouldn't Keep From Your Esthetician

When an esthetician hands you a questionnaire to complete, it’s not just a formality. The information that you give the person giving treatments to your skin, not only on the initial questionnaire but before each session, helps the skin care provider to give you the best possible service and results without harming you.

Aspirin: If you are allergic to aspirin and your esthetician uses products containing salicylic acid in your treatment you could wind up with a severe allergic reaction. If you are taking aspirin or have taken aspirin within 48-hours of your treatment, your esthetician needs to know because you will have a greater probability of bruising and/or bleeding during extractions or waxing.

Botox: If, 48-hours before your treatment, you have received Botox injections, tell your esthetician. A facial massage could move the Botox diminishing the Botox result that you were expecting.

Microdermabrasion: If you have received this treatment up to one week before a facial let your esthetician know before your treatment. Microdermabrasion thins and sensitizes the skin for a period of time. The skin needs to be treated gently, if at all, after microdermabrasion.

Allergic to seafood, shellfish or iodine: Your esthetician needs to know this. Many skin care products contain products from the sea. You could have an allergic reaction countering any benefits of the facial.

Medications: Many medications have an impact on the general condition of the skin. They can also cause the skin to respond differently than expected to various products. Also, knowing your medications, gives your esthetician a better understanding of your general health and the condition of your skin.

Why Would a 95-year Old Woman Want a Facial?

In celebration of her 90^th birthday, Emma thought that she would do something she had never done before – get a facial. Upon arrival for her appointment, Emma explained that her family was having a big bash for her and she wanted to look her best. She pointed out that although she couldn’t see them, she could feel pesky hairs on her face as well as wrinkles. Mostly, she confessed, she wanted to see what all the fuss was about – after all, she knew how to wash her own face, she’d been doing it for years!!

Emma had her face cleansed and all those pesky hairs she was feeling removed. To soften the wrinkles a masque was applied. Emma complained of arthritis in her hands and feet so they were thoroughly but gently massaged and then placed in paraffin mitts and booties.

During the entire process, Emma talked about her life, her family and what ails her. She had someone caring for her and listening to her.

When all was done, Emma checked herself in the mirror. She felt the wrinkles were the same, the pesky hairs were gone. And, her hands and feet didn’t hurt. She thanked me for my time saying that I did a better face wash than she did and booked an appointment for the next month.

During the course of the next five years Emma has stopped driving. All of us at the spa have become involved with her. One of us picks her up and another takes her home. Hair nails and facials are all coordinated between those of us who care for her. So now, once a month, Emma has a spa day.

Emma says she comes to us because even though her wrinkles remain, hair is still thinning and gray, and the arthritis returns – we touch her, we listen to her, and we care about her.

Sometimes, it not as much about the service as the heart that goes in to it.

What is a Facial Anyway?

A facial, when done by a professional, should deep-clean the face, neck and chest areas.

The skin is cleansed twice. Once to remove makeup, dirt and pollutants and once to actually cleanse the skin.

A good professional facial offers thorough and appropriate to the skin type and condition exfoliation. The exfoliation could include a scrub and perhaps an enzyme or other exfoliant used under steam.

If there are clogged pores there should be gentle extractions.

The appropriate massage for the skin type and condition brings circulation and strengthens the facial muscles.

A mask is applied that addresses the condition of the skin. Masking activates body’s self cleansing mechanism. To work properly, a treatment mask should be applied to cover the skin and prevent any exchange between the skin and the environment creating increased circulation while bringing nutrients, hydration and oxygen to the area. Therefore, the skin is treated by the mask on the outside and the increased circulation on the inside.

During the mask there should be a foot or hand massage. The esthetician should not be leaving the room - you are paying for their time. A good and proper hand or foot massage will benefit the entire body.

In the end, there's eyecream, lip treatment, a serum and sunscreen.

By receiving a facial from an esthetician once a month, you receive the benefits of a trained professional using professional products. Your esthetician can also recommend appropriate products for you to use at home to prolong the benefits of your facial.