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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!

Remove Pigmentation on Hands

remove pigmentation on hands

What causes dark pigmentation on the hands?

There are a few different yet common causes. One of them is sun damage or ‘sun spots’. A symptom of premature aging is sun spots. Especially for people that drive a lot. The sun rays are magnified as they come through the glass window. As a result, drivers are more prone to premature aging caused by sun damage on the hands.

Aging is another cause of hyperpigmentation on the hands. As we age, we start to get hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. This can be part of the aging process, especially for people that naturally have freckles.

Genetics is another cause. Genetically there are people who are prone to freckling and pigmented blemishes on the skin.

Another reason for pigment on the hands is scarring from trauma to the skin, especially on certain skin tones.

How can I lighten my hyperpigmentation on my hands?

Treatment wise, the best option is IPL phototherapy treatments on the hands. Because the skin on the hands is thinner than areas such as the forearms or the face that we typically treat, you tend to get faster results with IPL treatments.

How does phototherapy remove pigmentation on the hands?

The energy that is emitted from the IPL device penetrates directly into the layer of the skin that holds the melanin cells. It heats those pigment cells to the point of destruction. The body then processes and digests these cells which then causes the sloughing that happens over the pigmented areas of the skin.

When these cells make their way up to the surface of the skin, they take on a very fine scab-like appearance similar to little granules of coffee grinds at the surface. In other words, they are visible. The more pigmentation there is, the more dramatic the process will look. In mild cases you see a slight sloughing.

Alternative treatments

remove pigment on hands

Not everyone is eligible for IPL phototherapy treatments. However, another option to remove pigmentation on the hands is through the acid peeling process.

Common acids used for lightening hyperpigmentation and evening of the skin tone are glycolic and lactic acid. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in general tend to be best for hyperpigmentation.

How to remove dark spots on the hands at home?

There are certain products that can be used to stimulate the skin’s natural processes such as the cell turnover rate. The cell turnover rate is the rate in which the “juvenile” cell transitions from that stage to a dead cell that is ready to be removed. Use products with glycolic or lactic acid.

This will naturally push pigment up to surface as well but only to a certain extent. Because products work on a superficial level, you are not targeting those pigment cells in particular. It is a mild way of treating it. Plus, depending of what the cause is, it it may not be possible to treat at home. For example, someone with melasma or another pigment related condition will need more aggressive treatments like IPL phototherapy.


Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Massage Benefits for Body

massage benefits for body

How does massage help the body?

The massage benefits for the body are multiple. Physical benefits of relaxation massage include the flushing of toxins. The movements done in a relaxation massage warm the muscle tissues. As a result, the muscles relax and release tension and toxins.

Relaxation massage does not work on a deep tissue level, however, certain movements such as effleurage have drainage benefits. With specific movements your esthetician is stimulating that circulation, helping the blood flow along. In turn, this stimulates the lymphatic system that runs along the vascular system.

When done properly, relaxation massage pushes the blood flow back to the heart which aids the circulatory system. Especially when working on the extremities, for example, your legs. Those areas have a longer way to go to push the blood back to the heart.

Mental benefits

Other massage benefits for the body include an overall calming effect. The mental benefits of relaxation massage include the release of stress and tension. It achieves this by relaxing the one’s mind in general. When your mind is relaxed your are able to release any pent-up tension in your muscles.

Plus, for a set amount of time you are forced to mentally disconnect from your surroundings, work, life, phone, all of that. The mental benefits can in turn aid in things such as digestion and sleep.

How often should you get massages?

With relaxation massage, because yo are strictly working on the relaxation aspect of a massage and not the therapeutic aspect, they can be done as often as you like, or as a part of a 6-8 week routine.

Does body massage help skin?

Relaxation massage can help boost the skin’s natural function. An emollient is used to glide over the skin. Depending on the type of massage medium being used, it can help moisturize the skin including hard to reach areas, for example, the back.

Our Relaxation Body Treatment is our Relaxation Massage 2.0. It includes dry brushing as well which has benefits on the skin. The dry brushing helps to boost any effects on the skin because it sloughs away the dead surface cells and introduces hydration to the new cells that are ready to absorb that nourishing oil.


Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Getting Rid of Toenail Fungus

pedicure for nail fungus

How do I get rid of fungus on my toenails?

There are a few different steps that can and should be taken depending on the severity of the fungus. A nail fungus case is considered severe when the fungus has grown capillaries towards the tip of the toenail. If this is the case, it may be necessary to start antibiotics or other prescribed medications prior to having an advanced pedicure for nail fungus in a spa.

On the other hand, mild to moderate nail fungus can be treated with proper treatment, home care, and follow up care. The proper treatment is a specialized pedicure in which the nails are trimmed and filed down to an appropriate length. Next, the nails are thoroughly cleaned of any debris that may be obstructing and contributing to the condition.

The Anti-Fungal also includes detailed instructions for home care, along with products to sustain the progress.

How long does it take to treat fungus?

The process can take up to a year as a result of potential contamination. As a result, the natural nail must grow out. A healthy nail will then replace the infected nail. Healthy toenails take up to 12 months to fully restore themselves. In the case of infection and/or injury to the nail it can take longer.

What does fungus look like on feet?

In general, the toenail typically starts to thicken at the beginning. You may find excessive debris beneath and around the nail. There can be a foul odour associated with the fungus. In addition, you may see darkening and discolouration of the nail as well as change in texture.

Moreover, the growth rate may be affected. In severe cases, you may see visible vessels or roots at the tip of the toe nail as well as lifting of the nail.

Home care recommendations

We recommend you accompany treatments with home care. Footlogix Nail Tincture Spray is our recommended home care product.  This anti-microbial spray penetrates into the skin under the nail to eliminate fungus.


Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Wait! Getting IPL Hair Removal Before Tattoos

ipl laser hair removal over tattoo

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.


Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Why am I getting pigmentation on my face?

pigmentation on face

Hyperpigmentation on the face.

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.


Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

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

Get in Touch

Sun 10am - 5pm | Mon 10am - 5pm | Tue 10am - 6pm | Wed 10am - 6pm | Thur 10am - 8pm | Fri 10am - 5pm | Sat 10am - 5pm
10518 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton / Get directions
(780) 885-7108 bookings@dermica.ca