Jhoenna has taken her 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and known expertise to develop the Dérmica line of results-driven esthetic treatments that are sure to surpass your expectations!
The betahydroxy acid (BHA) in your chemical peel works by lifting the stratum corneum (the upper layer of the skin). As it lifts, it dissolves the lipid layer between the dead skin cells. As a result, a fresh layer of skin cells is exposed that has a healthier and more active cell function than the dead layers that were exfoliated with the treatment.
Better Absorption of Products
In turn, the BHA in the treatment allows for better absorption of products applied to the skin. This is especially true for serums or other topicals being used to treat acne or blemishes; They are better able to reach the pores and target inflammation since there is no longer a layer of excess oil and dead skin blocking the way.
After a BHA chemical peel, you will also be able to achieve deeper cleansing on a daily basis. Again, this is due to decreased pore congestion and a reduced amount of oil barrier at the surface. Your cleanser is able to get into those pores and keep them clean which helps you maintain results.
Inflammation and Sensitivity Reduction
BHA chemical peels can also be used to treat inflammatory conditions of the skin, as well as sensitivity. This is due to the strengthening effects of betahydroxy acids. Also, BHA is part of the same family as anti-inflammatories such as aspirin. So, the BHA in chemical peels has anti-inflammatory properties.
Who should avoid BHA in chemical peels?
BHA is not suitable for people that are allergic to aspirin or other similar medications. People that are taking medications that cause photosensitivity or adverse reactions to the skin should avoid BHA treatments.
In addition, avoid BHA if you are using topical medications for skin conditions or are on oral medications for acne. It is always best to consult with your dermatologist, physician, or pharmacist, and go by their recommendations.
Keeping your skin happy during the winter months is really quite simple…watch for the hints and DO as it asks! After all, your skin is your first line of defence and will show you who is BOSS when not tended to.
Extra oily this winter?
Your skin is constantly fluctuating with changes in the temperature and moisture levels in the air. With the winter being a dry season both indoors and outdoors your skin is under an accelerated rate of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), an evaporation and diffusion of skin hydration.
Although water is what your skin requires, it compensates for the lost moisture by producing more oil. This causes a buildup of dead cells saturated in excess surface oils, clogged pores, and frequents breakouts. In order to restore your skins moisturizer balance and hydration, choose products containing hydrating (water) ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E.
Stay away from heavy creams and oil based products as these will only block and clog further.
Addressing WINTER oily skin at home
Use light gel cleansers free of parabens and sulfate. A thorough cleanse in the morning and double cleanse at night gives your skin the fresh cleanse it desires without stripping away vital moisture.
Using a hydrating toner or mist. This gives your skin a boost of hydration which helps your skin absorb moisture from deeper into the skin.
Moisturize regularly. Using a lightweight oil-free moisturizer morning and night while skin is still moist will provide the right amount of moisture without leaving your skin feeling heavy or greasy.
Spa treatments for WINTER oily skin
Photofacials, chemical peels, and traditional facials are a great way to give your skin a fresh start, balance pH levels, and deliver a much needed boost of nutrients for the season. They also help clear clogged pores, excess oil, remove painful blemishes before they spread, and diminish existing scars.
BHA is used to treat a variety of skin conditions. it is an organic acid derived from willow bark. In the skincare industry it is known as a chemical exfoliant. The ph level of this acid is typically between a ph of 3-5.
BHA is considered to be a fat soluble solution. In other words it dissolves in fats. As a result, it can break through the lipid layer which is the oil layer of the skin. For that reason, it is recommended for oily and acne-prone skin types.
However, that is not the only use for BHA on the skin! It is also a recommended treatment for sensitive skin types because it has a lower risk of irritation versus other types of acids.
How does BHA interact with the skin?
BHA produces exfoliating benefits by dissolving the build-up at the surface of the skin which then balances the oiliness of the skin. It is also able to penetrate into the pores which then dissolves the build-up in clogged pores.
It treats conditions that involve scaling or overgrowth of skin, like milia.
BHA helps with milia because it has resurfacing properties. So, not only does it help remove excess oil on the skin, but it helps to exfoliate by removing the dead skin cells so it dissolves the binding glue or the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together so it reveals a fresh new layer of skin at the surface which then pushes impurities up to the surface such as milia and deep acne.
Anti-inflammatory properties
BHA also has anti-inflammatory functions which makes it a suitable treatment for inflamed acne and/or rosacea. Compared to other acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid has a more superficial affect on the skin by interacting mainly with the lipid layer.
In other words, it is not as irritating because it won’t penetrate as deep. However, it will promote exfoliation which in turn promotes cell growth. These new skin cells have been strengthened by that process and so the skin is improved overall.
Finally, BHA is also very good at treating Keratosis pilaris which a is a condition that affects the back of the arms and legs.
Located in Edmonton, we offer an eyebrow lightening service in our spa menu: The Brow LITE.
How does eyebrow lightening work?
Have you recently dyed your hair and now you want your brows to blend better with your new ‘do?
Try the Brow LITE. This brow lightening service works in similar fashion to hair lightening. In other words, we are lifting the colour out of the hair rather than depositing colour into the hair. Similarly, the solutions used are a creme bleach and a peroxide-based developer.
These products are a lot milder than what you would use on the scalp and are intended for use on the brows. The setting time is also a fraction of what you would do on the scalp.
How much can Brow LITE lighten my brows?
As far as how much it can lighten the brows depends on the client’s preference. We can lighten various shades. For example, we can take a dark tone eyebrow to a very light tone because its such fine hair. Typically with the Brow LITE, like other hair lightening services, we are not simply bleaching the colour out of the hair. We are also sealing and depositing new colour into the hair which neutralizes a lot of the brassy undertones you get when you bleach out a darker hair. This helps to achieve the right hair tone and colour level.
How long does eyebrow lightening last?
Any hair that has been bleached out will permanently be lightened until it starts to grow out. You will eventually start to get a demarcation where you have the new growth versus the bleached growth. So, the lightening itself lasts until your treated hair naturally sheds, but the toner that is applied afterwards can last anywhere from 3-4 weeks before it starts to fade.
Brow Lightening Safety
The contraindications for brow lightening are the same as any other lash or brow tinting service. Let your esthetician know if you have sensitivity or allergies to peroxide-based products or if you are taking oral medications that sensitize the skin. If you have previously reacted to hair lightening products or hair colour you should avoid this service.
Other contraindications include the use of strong topical products (normally prescribed) or recent advanced skincare treatments such as chemical peels, light-based resurfacing, or other deep exfoliating treatments.
Yes, exercise can cause back acne, however, pimples on the back can be caused by a number of things. Like the face, acne can affect the back as well. But what causes it? Some professionals will say hormones, diet, medication, and the environment all play a contributing factor.
How can exercise play a factor in acne?
Gym equipment is often microscopically dirty. When your skin comes into contact with a dirty surface, there is a chance bacteria will be transferred. For example, a client who used a punching bag to support herself while doing calf raises learned to wipe the bag before pressing her forehead onto it!
Try to avoid touching your face or scratching your back after lifting weights. Wash your hands immediately after exercising.
Another way exercise can play a factor in back acne is related to your pores. When you sweat during a workout, your pores become enlarged thereby opening up to bacteria. Close your pores by taking a quick refreshing shower.
How do I stop my back from breaking out?
If your back acne is a result of exercise, showering shortly after physical activity will help. If you currently have acne on your back, try using salicylic acid. It helps to decongest the skin’s surface and pores. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce the size of postules.
Back Treatment. Ideal for all skin types
The BACK Treatment, also known as a “back facial”, begins with a deep pore cleanse followed by exfoliation. The exfoliation process removes build up and dead skin on your back. After that, a relaxing steam session warms and softens the skin in preparation for manual extractions.
Dérmica offers ingrown nail treatment in Edmonton, AB.
Is an ingrown toenail causing you pain?
An ingrown toenail is a nail that has grown outside of the nail grooves where the nail typically grows along. The nail grooves are like tracks that guide the nail out towards the tip of the toe.
This causes the nail to grow into the side walls (the skin tissue that surrounds the sides of the nail) creating pressure and at times breaking through the skin. This can then lead to infection and inflammation, severe pain, and trouble walking and wearing closed-toe shoes. They can even cause pain during sleeping from any pressure, for example sheets, blankets, or socks.
We start off by assessing the severity of the ingrown toenail. If there is an active infection that is beyond the point of treatment, you are first referred to your physician to address the infection.
But if the toenail is found to be treatable with the Ingrown pedicure, the technician will prepare the nail by using softening agents. The sides of the nail are then cleared of any debris and buildup. Finally, the nail is trimmed accordingly using specialized tools.
Your technician will ensure that you feel sufficient relief. This process can take anywhere from one hour to an hour and a half depending on how severe it is or if the use of topical anaesthetic is necessary.
Dérmica ensures quality service by providing a complimentary follow up within the first 2 weeks once the swelling has dissipated. If the condition has not resolved. Your technician may include the use of a specialized serum in order to prevent or minimize future occurrences.
