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Dérmica MedEsthetics

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!

Common Signs of Aging

common signs of aging

What are the most common signs of aging?

Knowing the most common signs of aging can help you retain your youthful looks longer. Let’s discuss the most common signs, and the steps we can take towards delaying the aging process.

Loss of Elasticity

Loss of elasticity or ‘plumpness’ is attributed to collagen loss. Collagen is a building block of the skin. During our youth, collagen plumps the skin thereby creating volume. However, as we age we stop producing collagen at the same rate. This in turn affects the elasticity leaving us with saggy skin as we age. Plus, the loss of muscle tone is going to cause expression lines.

Loss of Hydration

Skin becomes dryer as we age because the sebaceous glands in the skin, like any other structure of the body, are not as active as we age. This loss of hydration manifests itself through a dull, sallow appearance, crepey skin, and fine lines. Overall, the texture of the skin changes as a result of water loss.

Hyperpigmentation

There are environmental factors such as sun exposure and climate as well as other pollutants and oxidants in the air that cause aging in general. These environmental factors can also contribute to hyperpigmattion which can cause an aged appearance to the skin. Hyperpigmentation can be in the form of freckles, sun spots, lentigines, etc.

Thin Skin

The thickness of the skin changes as well with aging. The skin tries to thin out as a result of the deficiencies in collagen and hydration.

Fighting the common signs of aging at home

Try to incorporate products that accelerate your skin’s cell turnover rate; They are very useful. Examples include retinol, glycolic and lactic acid. When combined, vitamins C and E make a good protectant.

When it comes to exfoliation, try using an enzymatic exfoliant. These are really good for anti-aging because they achieve deep exfoliation and hydration without causing friction at the surface.

Wearing SPF daily helps. Be mindful when you are being exposed to the sun for periods longer than 15-30 minutes consistently. Wear a hat during longer periods of sun exposure. Cooling the skin also helps, for example, cold spoons kept in the fridge will calm the skin and reduce inflammation.

Finally, avoid the use of irratating cleansers and moisturizers. Stick with products that actually bring nutrients to the skin.

Professional Treatments

When it comes to skin rejuvenation, photofacials are amazing because they do not cause superficial damage to the skin. The light energy penetrates directly to the main contributing factor of loss of elasticity which is the collagen cells.

We have a certain amount of collagen cells in our skin at any given time. When the light energy hits those cells, they are stimulated/traumatized enough so that they regenerate new collagen cells in order to replace those “traumatized” collagen cells. However, those collagen cells that are affected by the light energy for the most part are not completely destroyed, yet they are “repaired” in a sense so you end up with a multiplied amount of collagen present in your skin after a photofacial treatment.


Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Blackheads in the Ears

ear blackhead removal

How common are blackheads in the ears ?

Blackheads in the ears are more common than you think. Like the face, the ears are an area that collect oil, ear wax, dead skin, and debris. The pores in the ears can also become enlarged and clogged. As estheticians, we see blackheads in the ears, especially in oilier skin types, or in people that do a lot of physical activity.

Can ear wax cause blackheads?

Ear wax would be part of the blockage among with dead skin.

Do earbuds cause blackheads in the ears?

Do earbuds cause blackheads in the ears?

Earphones can contribute to the issue if they are not kept as clean as they should be. If you use ‘airpods’, Apple has announced that they are ok with using rubbing alcohol to disinfect your devices.

How do you remove blackheads in your ear?

Ear blackhead removal is done through extractions during a facial. Let your technician know to check the ears. Keep in mind the blackheads will return after a facial. The facial will clean the pores, but the area will continue to collect oil and debris.

Our facial menu includes a variety of facials.

Tips for home

To increase the amount of time between ear blackhead removal facials, blot your cleanser behind your ears and in the concha of the ear. Dry gently but thoroughly. If you are prone to blackheads in your ear we suggest limiting the amount of time you wear earphones.


Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Wearing Makeup After a Chemical Peel

makeup after chemical peel

Can you wear makeup after a chemical peel?

You can wear makeup after a chemical peel, however, when it comes to applying base makeup, the quality of the base make up is going to make a difference. You are better off using a professional mineral-based makeup. Mineral-based makeup helps protect the skin and is very gentle.

Typically, mineral makeup brands do not have harmful ingredients that absorb into the skin. Instead, they veil the skin and allow it to breathe while also providing an added physical layer of UV protection.

On the other hand, if you are using department store makeup, avoid using it for 48 hours after your chemical peel treatment.

Keep in mind that your skin will look more textured underneath the make up- whether you’re using mineral makeup or not- when you’re going through the shedding process.

How do you wash your face after a peel treatment?

Use a mild cleanser for the first couple of days after a chemical peel. Use it in a typical cleansing routine- once in the morning and a double cleanse in the evening. After that, you can go back to your regular cleansers and incorporate exfoliation after 72 hours.

How do you sleep with a chemical peel?

Well… you don’ have to sleep suspended from the ceiling! There’s not too much to worry about on this front. Just make sure that you have clean pillow cases. If possible, try to use satin pillow cases or a material that is not coarse on the skin . Sleep with your hair tied back so that it’s not in your face.


Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Redness on the Face

redness on face

What is facial redness a symptom of?

Facial redness can be a symptom of irritation, inflammation, damage, trauma to the skin, allergies, or skin conditions.

Should I be worried about broken capillaries?

Broken capillaries on the nose.

Although broken capillaries do not typically cause discomfort, they can cause inflammation due to an increased circulation to the area. In turn, this can cause enlarging of the pores. So, the concern is not so much from a health perspective as it is from an esthetic concern.

If the visual appearance bothers you, you should be concerned! If left untreated, it’s going to continue to progress and can cause other unsightly or esthetically unpleasing effects to the skin. It always good to consult with physician or a dermatologist to be aware of what the causes or contributing factors are.

Broken capillaries and redness on the face can make you photosensitive, meaning more reactive to sun exposure.

How do you get rid of redness and broken capillaries on your face?

The first step is to get the contributing factors under control if possible. From there, you can remove the redness and broken capillaries with phototherapy, in particular, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) photofacials.

The reason why IPL is highly recommended for alleviating broken blood vessels and inflammation on the skin is because of it’s target precision. IPL is a very targeted treatment that goes straight to the source without injuring or traumatizing the surrounding tissues or cells. It will not cause further damage or irritation as the light penetrates into the skin thereby preserving the surrounding tissues.

Other treatment options.

Second to photofacials, you can treat using an acid-based method. These treatments are on a topical level. We treat redness using salicylic acid. It helps reconstruct the superficial layers of the skin by causing controlled injury to the skin. In turn, this stimulates the skin to rebuild new cells and also helps to take down inflammation.

Often, broken capillaries are accompanied by a general redness or flush to the skin. This is usually caused by inflammation. Salicylic acid reduces the inflammation which helps to shrink down the pores. It also helps to decongest the pores that clogged up as a result of them opening up more than usual due to the inflammation.

Finally, acid-based treatments strengthen the skin and help to rebalance the skin’s ph level.

Salicylic vs Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Betahydroxy acids work more on a superficial level than alpha hydroxy acids. They don’t absorb as deep. This makes them ideal for treating sensitive or sensitized sin.

Home tips for redness and broken capillaries.

Avoid extended heat and sun exposure. If or when you do experience extended exposure, use different means to cool your skin down as soon as possible. We recommend putting spoons in the fridge (not freezer) and using them to calm the skin. You can also use cooling eye gel packs. Finally, use products that contain aloe.

How do I know if I have rosacea?

There are 5 telling symptoms of rosacea. Symptoms of rosacea include sensitivity, enlarged pores, constant flush to the skin, broken capillaries, and pustules. Consult with physician or a dermatologist if you think you have rosacea to be aware of what the causes or contributing factors are.

What is the best moisturizer for rosacea?

Use a nourishing moisturizer that is ph balanced and is hydrating to the skin. It should contain aloe or other active soothing ingredients.

Does rosacea get worse with age?

Yes, rosacea is a progressive skin condition that is not known to have a cure. But never fear, there are steps you can take to manage rosacea symptoms. The cause is unknown but can be linked to genetics.

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Maintaining Your Brows After Microblading

microblading healing process

How do you maintain your eyebrows after microblading?

Maintaining your brows after microblading is easy! Follow the steps for a smooth healing process.

Short Term Maintenance

The first ten days.

For starters, it is important to keep the brows dry during the microblading healing process. You can blot them clean but you don’t want any soaking in the area. Try to avoid heat application, for example, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers. No picking at the scabs! You will need to moisturize the area with the provided barrier balm a minimum of 2 times per day to keep the area soft, protected, and moisturized.

Gently clean the eyebrows morning and night with a damp cotton pad or gauze and a mild cleanser.

During the healing process and only during the healing process, avoid the use of sunblock and any makeup over and around the brow area. Also, avoid direct and extended sun exposure.

Finally, avoid waxing or tweezing your brows for 2 weeks.

Why can’t you get microblading wet?

You cannot get the eyebrows wet because the microblading healing process creates scabs in the skin. Those scabs serve a purpose in microblading- they seal in the pigment. When the skin is ready, it will detach and release the scab. But in the meantime, there are still connections between the scab/s on the outside and the tissue on the inside of the open incision. Soaking the brows area is going to make those scabs soggy and will make them potentially lift prematurely.

How long after microblading will my brows look normal?

The eyebrows start looking normal usually by weeks 2-3 the brows have healed and settled.

Long Term Maintenance

Waxing the brows after microblading.

If you waxed your brows before, then you’ll need to continue to wax them after microblading. However, don’t be surprised if your eyebrows start growing in areas where gaps existed before! Microblading has a tendency to stimulate the region and kickstart the growth cycle.

Do you still have to fill in the brows after microblading?

Whether or not you will have to continue to fill in your brows depends on how much coverage was achieved with the procedure and your desired look. If the microblading level is chosen appropriately, it should give you a natural brow that does not require a fill. But if you’re going for a glamorous or full make up look, you’ll still add a little pencil to compliment the look, but not necessarily to fill gaps.


Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Help! How can I tighten my skin?

skin tightening treatment

Will loose skin ever tighten?

The short answer is yes, loose skin can be tightened with a skin tightening treatment course. However, there are factors that contribute to how much the skin can be tightened, if it can be tightened at all. One factor is the area being treated. Some areas of the body have ticker tissue, for example, the limbs, and torso, including the abdominal area. Their underlying structures go a lot deeper. If you are looking to shape or form those body areas, you may want to consider radio frequency and infrared technology.

On the other hand, loose skin located on the chest, neck, face, or hands, can be tightened with IPL phototherapy.

Does skin tightening really work?

Another factor that determines whether skin can be tightened is the root cause of the loose skin. It could be related to age, environmental, or internal factors. As for age, we can’t stop the process. So, even though the skin can appear tighter and smoother after a treatment, it will still age. Therefore, skin tightening treatments will have to be maintained. IPL phototherapy can help you achieve a smoother, tighter complexion while reducing fine lines and mild wrinkles. Moderate up to severe wrinkles may see some improvement but those will not be resolved.

Dehydration

Hydrating products absorb better after a photofacial.

If the loose skin is caused by dehydration or some superficial factor, an IPL skin tightening treatment will help because they get rid of dead skin. Plus, any hydrating products that are applied to the skin after a treatment absorb better into those fresh cells, rather than being blocked by the dead skin. Dead skin piled up can also create fine lines and creases in the skin. But once dead skin is cleared, the fresh, plump cells are revealed.

How long do photofacial results last?

Treatment results last about 3 months after each treatment. The progression of each treatment plateaus at about the 3-week mark post treatment. That is how long it takes for your skin to go through a full process. Keep in mind that it takes the skin up to 2 months to do a full turnover and rebuild those structures.


Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Get in Touch

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10518 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton / Get directions
(780) 885-7108 bookings@dermica.ca