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!
Can you do IPL or laser hair removal over a tattoo?
Phototherapy treatments such as IPL or LASER hair removal cannot be done over tattoos. This is due to the fact that phototherapy targets the melanin (pigment) cells in the hair bulbs. As it happens, the tattoo contains pigment as well. Therefore, IPL or LASER hair removal is going to blast those pigment cells as well. This could cause adverse reactions and side efefcts such as burns.
Also, phototherapy over a tattoo can diminish the pigmentation or even partially remove the tattoo. While laser is used to remove tattoos, the laser equipment used to remove hair does not use the appropriate forms and levels used in tattoo removal light treatments.
Phototherapy around a tattoo
If you are getting IPL or LASER hair removal around a tattoo, it is always recommended that you stay within a centimetre of the border of the tattoo. If there is a faded effect on the tattoo, stay about 2 cm away . The reason for this is that when the light penetrates into the skin we get an effect called ‘scatter’. Although the light pulse is going straight to the target, a bit of light literally scatters on to the surrounding tissue.
How long does IPL take to remove hair permanently?
Plan ahead! Depending on the area being treated, it can take anywhere from 12- 24 months. This is because different areas of the body are treated at different cycles. For example, facial areas are treated on a 4-6 week cycle, whereas body areas are treated on an 8-12 week cycle. The reason for that difference in treatment cycles is because the face has a different growth rate than body hair.
Safe Methods of Hair Removal After Tattoo
If you’re looking for safe hair removal methods after getting a tattoo, shaving and waxing are the most popular methods.
What about hair removal creams?
Epilation creams are typically made of corrosive material that interacts with the keratin protein in the hair which is also found in the skin. In addition, some epilation creams can cause irritation which can distort the pigment in the tattoo.
There are many different reasons for new pigmentation on your face that was not there before. Some reason could be skin conditions such as melasma, medications, hormonal fluctuations, excessive sun exposure, or aging. Trauma or injury to the skin can also cause hyperpigmented scarring.
Treating hyperpigmentation with products.
Hyperpigmentation reacts well to alphahydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid. Glycolic acid penetrates into the skin and lifts away the top layers of the skin by separating and dissolving the intracellular bonds. This causes controlled chemical damage to the skin which then stimulates it to regenerate new fresh cells at an accelerated rate to replace those that have been purged.
Look for other AHAs in your homecare products such as lactic acid, vitamin c, and retinol to help you treat hyperpigmentation with products at home.
Spa treatments that get rid of new pigmentation on the face.
Photofacials are a top choice for those seeking the removal of dark spots, sun spots, and pigmented acne scarring. It works by delivering quick pulses of UV light to the targeted area. Subsequently, the spot breaks up and the pigment is brought to the surface. The pigment is shed with your skin’s natural processes. As a result, a clear and uniform complexion is revealed.
The other option we offer are chemical peels, specifically, deep peels. Deep peels are classified as medium to strong skin acids. They range from 20% to 85% and can be layered. They are ideal for pre-treated skin and provide deeper resurfacing of the skin. Some peels may cause visible shedding and flaking.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
