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!
Let’s start with a little background on salicylic acid. It does not go as deep as glycolic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs); it is more superficial. Therefore, as a treatment for razor bumps, it helps to get rid of the crust of skin that grows over the opening that is keeping the hair trapped in the skin.
In addition, salicylic acid breaks down the oils on the skin. As a result, it helps to loosen and unclog the pore where the hair is trapped. It also helps take down inflammation in the area where the razor bumps are present.
Finally, salicylic acid helps to prevent future infections. Razor bumps that may not be puffy at the current time could and most likely will become puffy later on. Including salicylic acid in your skincare routine can help prevent that.
Why are multiple treatments needed?
We have 3 hair growth cycles going at all times in our skin. The razor bumps treated on your first treatment are the bumps that already “bloomed”. There are still 2 other sets of hair awaiting their attempt to surface. One of these sets is just in the development phase, the other is just about to sprout. The latter have the potential to become bumps as well. However, a second treatment will increase their chances of breaking free through the surface.
Pairing your treatment with the use of salicylic acid at home will decrease the amount that would have become bumps.
Are black men more prone to razor bumps than other ethnicties?
In general, beard hair is already more susceptible to ingrown hair. As far as ethnicity, black people often have very textured hair that often coils. At times, rather than the hair pushing through the skin and out the pore, it will be often get pushed back into the skin and start to coil thereby creating razor bumps.
In addition, darker skin tones tend to be more susceptible to keloid scarring. Therefore, there may be an abundance of scar tissue over follicles that might have been damaged through shaving or previous ingrown hair. Susceptibility to keloid scarring contributes to razor bumps.
Will it ever go away permanently?
Unfortunately, razor bumps do not go away permanently. People who get razor bumps are prone to them because of the texture of the hair, plus the skin where the hair is growing is thicker and tougher. As a result, they will always be susceptible to that coil back.
Maintenance Mode
If you’d like to get to a place where you have your razor bumps under control, we recommend starting with 3 sessions. This means coming in every 3-4 weeks for a peel. Get into maintenance mode sooner by using salicylic acid or retinol at home. That will continue the exfoliation process.
What about exfoliating scrubs?
Scrubs are not the best option because the area is usually pretty tender due to shaving. Plus, you want to avoid any grit from getting stuck in the hair. At the very least scrubs are time consuming to remove completely from areas with hair.
Beads and beards don’t mix.
The best option for exfoliation if you have razor bumps is an enzyme exfoliant because it removes the dead surface layer via enzymes, instead of manually scrubbing away. Another option are the clear complexion pads.
Finding the best moisturizer for your skin type can be difficult. When it comes to skincare, the effectiveness and suitability of a moisturizer can vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Finding your perfect match can be narrowed down by considering the following factors.
1 | YOUR SKIN TYPE
Understanding your skin type is essential for selecting the best moisturizer for you. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin will influence the type of moisturizer you should use. Different formulations cater to specific skin types in order to provide optimal hydration, address skin concerns, and maintain a healthy pH balance. During skincare visits, your technician helps determine your skin type to properly select products for your service.
2 | ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Look for moisturizers with high-quality ingredients that are beneficial to your specific skin type. Common ingredients include humectants like hyaluronic acid, emollients like natural oils and butters, and additional active ingredients that target specific concerns. Examples of concerns include acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and redness.
Understanding how the ingredients interact with your skin type can make the selection process much easier. During skincare visits, your technician selects products specific to your skin type, according to the active ingredients.
3 | PRODUCT FEEL
Moisturizers come in various forms such as creams, lotions, and gels. Choose a texture that feels comfortable on your skin and suits your preference. For example, if you have oily skin, a lightweight lotion may be more suitable, whereas those with dry skin may prefer a rich creamy texture. Skin care services are finished with aftercare products which include serums and moisturizers. This is a great way to try on your potential daily moisturizer.
4 | PERSONAL PREFERENCE
Skincare is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Factors such as fragrance, packaging, brand, allergies, and price can also influence your decision when choosing a moisturizer. Professional products tend to have a higher retail price due to their clinical-grade ingredients. These products are not only meant to maintain a healthy moisture balance, but they also help treat skin conditions.
It’s always a good idea to do some research and consult with your skincare professional to determine which moisturizer is your best match. Check out our online store.
Do you have questions regarding skincare products or your skin type? Talk to one of our professionals at (780) 885-7108 or let us know at your next visit!
Located in Edmonton, Dérmica offers waxing and IPL hair removal options.
Waxing- Short term hair removal
Traditionally, waxing involves the use of warm wax, typically honey or pine resin-based and cloth strips. The esthetician first preps the area by disinfecting and applying a protective barrier to the skin. The warm wax is then applied using a wooden spatula and covered with a cloth strip; this is referred to as strip waxing or soft waxing. The strip is then quickly pulled off parallel to the skin and voilà your skin is left smooth and hair free!
Prior to booking a wax service ensure your hair is at least ¼ inch long, and has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or prescription acne medications. Avoid caffeine for a couple hours before your appointment to reduce sensitivity. Results are visible for about 2 weeks, with 4-6 weeks before you are ready for your next visit. After care for waxing includes: avoiding heat, sun exposure, strong/fragranced, lotions, and washes for 24 hours and frequent skin exfoliation.
IPL- Long term hair removal
For a permanent solution, opt for IPL hair removal treatments. These advanced treatments should only be performed by trained and certified technicians. They are somewhat of an investment and can cause injury to your skin if not delivered properly, so do your research and make sure operational requirements are met by both the business and technician.
If you choose to have your treatment performed by the experts at Dérmica, here’s what you can expect:
Our tech begins by disinfecting your skin, she provides you with your protective eyewear, then off she goes zapping away.
Some lasers, like ours, are equipped with cooling systems, making your service a breeze. The cooling system makes your treatment significantly less painful (if at all), and 100% less messy than other lasers.
For the following 24-48 hours you will be required to avoid direct heat, perspiration, sun exposure, strong/fragranced soaps, lotions and washes. Ensure your skin has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or medications/vitamins that may affect your skin.
Typically you will notice a stunt in the growth of hair, followed by what seems to be continued growth, then towards your 4-6 week the hair will begin to fall out. At this point you are ready for your next session.
Many people with dark skin are often concerned about whether IPL Hair Removal is safe and effective for their skin tone.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal is a popular method of hair removal that uses light to target the hair follicles and inhibit hair growth.
I have a melanin rich complexion. Is IPL Hair Removal safe for dark skin?
Good news! IPL is safe and effective on darker skin tones, however, it’s important to choose the right equipment and provider. You may want to choose a provider who is experienced in treating darker skin tones. Dark skin retains heat longer. Your provider can take extra steps to make every session painless and comfortable.
As for the right equipment, this includes IPL machines with longer wavelengths. Another example includes equipment with adjustable settings that can be customized to the patient’s skin tone. The wrong equipment or settings can cause damage to the skin, such as burns or hyperpigmentation.
IPL/DPC power combo
At Dérmica, we believe that SharpLight Technologies is the new way of IPL Hair Removal. Sharplight hair removal systems use advanced technology to provide safe, effective, and long-lasting hair removal for a wide range of skin tones and hair colours.
One of the key benefits of SharpLight hair removal systems is that they use a combination of IPL and radio frequency energy to target hair follicles. It is this combination that allows for treatment on a wide range of skin types, including darker skin tones.
In conclusion…
Overall, IPL hair removal is a safe and effective way to achieve long-lasting hair removal for many skin tones and hair types.With the right provider and equipment, IPL hair removal can be a highly effective way to achieve smooth, hair-free skin for all skin types!
Located on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Dérmica offers waxing hair removal service amongst other spa services
Traditionally, waxing involves the use of warm wax, typically honey or pine resin-based and cloth strips. The esthetician first preps the area by disinfecting and applying a protective barrier to the skin. The warm wax is then applied using a wooden spatula and covered with a cloth strip; this is referred to as strip waxing or soft waxing. The strip is then quickly pulled off parallel to the skin and voíla your skin is left smooth and hair free!
Ensure your hair is at least ¼ inch long prior to booking a wax service. In addition, skin must not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or prescription acne medications. Avoid caffeine for a couple hours before your appointment to reduce sensitivity. Results are visible for about 2 weeks, with 4-6 weeks before you are ready for your next visit. After care for waxing includes: avoiding heat, sun exposure, strong/fragranced, lotions, and washes for 24 hours and frequent skin exfoliation.
Saturday Waxing Special
Take advantage of our ongoing waxing deals! Save 20% on all body and bikini waxing every Saturday!
Long term hair removal
For a permanent solution, opt for Laser/IPL hair removal treatments. These advanced treatments should only be performed by trained and certified technicians, so do your research before going for the bargain service. Shaving is the necessary for most IPL/Laser treatments, so it’s best to have it shaved down prior to appointment.
The tech will begin by disinfecting your skin. Next, she will provide you with your protective eyewear before she goes zapping away. For the following 24-48 hours you will be required to avoid direct heat, perspiration, sun exposure, strong/fragranced soaps, lotions and washes.
Like waxing, ensure skin has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or medications/vitamins affecting the skin. Typically you will notice a stunt in the growth of hair, followed by what seems to be continued growth. Four to six weeks after, the hair will begin to fall out. At this point you are ready for your next session. Most people require 6-8 treatments to see maximum results, but of course some machines are built better than others, so results may vary.
These treatments are somewhat of an investment and cause injury to your skin if not delivered properly, so do your research and make sure operational requirements are met by both the business and technician.
TIPS
For irritating razor burn and ingrown hairs we recommend picking up some “Bump Stopper”. This solution can be found in the ethnic hair care section at most drug store/supermarkets. You can also try Glo Skin Beauty’s Purifying Gel Cleanser, a great foaming wash with powerful acne-fighting ingredients that stimulate exfoliation and clears pores.
Located in Edmonton, Dérmica offers an acne facial treatment to clean and decongest oily skin.
Known as the PORE facial, this treatment includes all the essentials of a classic facial with an emphasis on clearing congested skin by extracting blackheads, milia, and other skin blemishes.
Everything leads to extractions
Extractions are best on freshly cleansed and exfoliated skin. We begin the facial by cleansing to ensure that no harmful bacteria is present when exposing the open pore.
After cleansing and exfoliating, a specialized solution is applied to help dislodge the oily debris. The solution is commonly a sodium bicarbonate blend that creates a chemical reaction known as saponification.
Consequently, oils and fats are transformed into a soap solution. In addition, oily debris becomes water-soluble in the process.
The skin is then placed under a warm steamer. The warmth and humidity of the steam opens up the pores.
Physical extractions are performed using a special tool with directional pressure. Large pores are emptied using a “scooping” maneuver, while smaller pores are purged with a simple glide of the tool or fingers.
Following extractions, the skin is soothed and sanitized with a post extraction solution. The solution usually contains an antiseptic and a calming ingredient.
Blackhead extractions can take 15-30 minutes depending on the skin condition. They can also leave the skin looking irritated for 1-2 hours. Once the pores are cleared, they can remain clear for up to 8 weeks.
