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!
There are some things to consider when deciding between IPL or LASER hair removal. Below are some popular questions clients ask when making their choice.
Is IPL as strong as LASER?
The short answer is yes. IPL is as strong in terms of delivering results. The amount of sessions required are similar with both systems. In other words, you get the same results in the end. The main different between IPL and LASER is the type of light they are emitting. LASER uses a single beam, whereas IPL delivers a broad spectrum. This means that the system delivers different types of treatments because you have more range in that light spectrum.
What are the advantages of IPL over LASER?
If we are basing it on results, they are on par with each other. Now, based on the comfort level of the service, IPL tends to be more gentle with the surrounding tissue. The reason for this is that broad spectrum we mentioned earlier. Within that spectrum, depending on the person’s hair tone, skin tone, and the number of sessions they’ve had, the machine will filter out a specific depth of penetration that will only affect the target so that the surrounding tissue is not compromised.
Do IPL and LASER hair removal feel similar?
IPL and LASER do not feel similar. With IPL, the system wIll make direct contact with the person’s skin, whereas LASER will hover over the skin.
Another difference is that LASER typically uses a hose that outputs cold air to cool the skin. On the other hand, with IPL, depending on the system, the technician may use an ultrasound jelly to keep the skin cold. Other systems, for example the Sharplight system that we use, uses contact cooling, via the actual window that touches the skin.
Yes, you can safely switch because they are both light based treatments. Some differences you may notice are the way the treatments are delivered. Examples include the cooling mechanism, the sitting time, and possibly the frequency of treatments.
When it comes to your currents results, it should not have an effect on your current results or cause any regrowth to happen. If this happens, it’s most likely not the system. However, it could be that your settings are not set accordingly. This is why it’s important to let your technician know that you have had previous treatments, how many treatments you’ve had and also the efficacy of those treatments.
Teen acne can start as young as eight to 10 years old. At this young age, children can experience blackheads and congestion in the skin. However, this is uncommon. Typically we start seeing acne between the ages of 13-16 years in females, and 13-18 years in males.
How long does teen acne last?
Teenage acne can last for years well into the early to mid 20’s. It depends in what is causing the acne, typically it is internal factors that cause breakouts.
Acne treatment for teens: Getting rid of acne
Home care
First and foremost, proper home care is very important. Having a cleanser that contains a light dosage of salicylic acid is helpful. Salicylic acid keeps the skin clean and clear of inflammation at home. The cleanser will help strip away the thick oil barrier, clean out the pores, and rebalance the skin’s ph. We recommend using it twice a day along with a light-weight moisturizer.
Treatments
Our go-to teen acne treatment of choice is our Teen Facial. In general, teen facials focus on manual extractions. The skin is prepared with a deep-pore cleanse before extractions.
Peels for Teens?
Depending on the level of acne and the age of the teen, chemical peels may be too strong. However, at 10-20%, a peel boost is light enough to be done on teens over 16 years old.
Peel boosts are mild skin acids we use to treat skin conditions such as acne and hyperpigmentation. They are an add-on service for facials meant to amplify results. The downtime required is 24 – 48 hours, where the teen must refrain from heat, exercise, or strenuous activity.
Adding a peel boost to your teen’s Pore Facial is ideal when breakouts are consistent.
What can worsen teenage acne breakouts?
Picking at the skin can sometimes get rid of whatever buildup is in the pimple, but it is typically not done properly when done at home. As a result, it leaves your skin susceptible to infections. We have all the right tools and aftercare when we do extractions here.
Another factor that can worsen breakouts is improper cleansing. For example, not using the right products or not cleansing at all, or using products that are too strong for their skin.
Some teens wear makeup. Makeup can block the skin. Makeup may not be being washed away properly. Having a good pre-cleanser is very important for those that are wearing heavy-based makeups, such as primers, foundations, concealers, and powders.
By comparison, primers alone are a huge contributor! Someone that has an oily skin type is likely to be using a pore minimizing or mattifying primer. These products are relatively heavy as they are meant to give you a nice, smooth canvas. The downside is that they can really clog and congest the skin.
As far as diagnosing acne, this is something that would be done by a physician. Hormones are a big factor; they are fluctuating which can cause acne. Sometimes there can be dietary issue. If the acne is cystic or out of control, your teen may need to see a dermatologist first in order to go on a treatment cycle because sometimes antibiotics or acne medication such as accutane is needed to help from the inside.
Signs that your Microblading isn’t healing properly
There are microblading infection signs to be on the lookout for that tell you your microblading is not healing properly.
Let’s start with fluid secretion. Normal fluid is translucent with a pinkish tone. It should stop secreting by the second day. If fluid secretion continues on the 3rd day, pay attention to any changes. If the fluid starts looking yellowish, orangish, greenish (along those tones) and gumming up, this is a sign that you are not healing properly.
Next, let’s discuss itching. Whenever you’re healing from a scab and your skin is closing itself, it itches. So, itching can be a good sign, however, if it is accompanied by tenderness or swelling, it is a warning.
During the healing process, you may also experience inflammation. This is normal, however, if you still see inflammation accompanied by itching after days 3-4, your microblading may not be healing properly.
Why do brows not heal properly sometimes?
Most cases of infection are a result of a pathogen being introduced during the most vulnerable stages. Infections can be related to hygiene. For example, if a person sweats while sitting out in the sun or working out, then inadvertently touches their brows, they may have “contaminated the scene”.
Touching the brows with dirty hands is the main reason for infections, but so is improper post care. While you cannot soak the brows, you must ensure to clean them well. Not cleaning the brows properly and/or using dirty makeup sponges, brushes, or dirty makeup in general around the area is an open invitation for pathogens.
Other sources of pathogens include hot tubs, saunas, swimming pools, lakes, and yes, pets licking the face. Though some of us here at Dérmica love dog kisses, we recommend keeping away during the vulnerable healing period.
Knowing the microblading infection signs will help you along the healing process.
Allergic reaction vs Infection
Allergic reactions are completely different than infections caused by poor hygiene. Allergic reactions manifest themselves as early as during the procedure or shortly after. Another way you will be able to tell the difference is by the size and feel of the inflamed area. Inflammation from allergies is not irritating and usually encompasses a larger area like the eyes, and feels firm like a goose egg. On the other hand, inflammation from an infection is softer and eventually turns into a liquid that can be removed.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) are both types of chemical exfoliants commonly used in skincare products. Both have the ability to improve the health and appearance of the skin. However, they vary in terms of the skin concerns they address:
1 | Chemical Structure
AHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acids are water-soluble acids derived from various natural sources such as sugarcane, milk, sugar, and apples. Water soluble acids dissolve in water and interact with the hydration levels of the skin.
BHA: Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil-soluble acids, such as salicylic acid are typically derived from willow bark or synthetically developed. Oil soluble acids only dissolve in oil and interact with the skin’s oils and other oily substances.
2 | Depth of Penetration
AHA: AHAs are water-soluble, and work primarily on the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells, promoting anti-aging, smoothness, and a more even complexion.
BHA: BHAs are oil-soluble, allowing them to penetrate deeper into pores. BHAs are particularly effective for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin types. BHA’s dissolve excess oil, clear out clogged pores, and reduce oiliness.
3 | Exfoliation
AHA: AHAs are effective in removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, leading to improved texture, reduced fine lines, and a more even skin tone.
BHA: BHAs also exfoliate the skin’s surface, but their unique property of oil solubility allows them to get into the pores, helping to prevent and treat blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts.
4 | Skin Concerns
AHA: AHAs are great for addressing sun-damaged, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and surface-level imperfections. They can provide a gentle exfoliation suitable for most skin types, except for very sensitive or reactive skin.
BHA: BHAs are particularly useful for those with oily, acne-prone, or congested skin. They help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation associated with acne and rosacea. BHAs can also be helpful for individuals dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, and congestion.
5 | Sensitivity
AHA: Some AHAs can be slightly irritating to sensitive skin, especially when used in higher concentrations or for those not accustomed to chemical exfoliation.
BHA: BHAs are generally milder and better tolerated by sensitive skin compared to AHAs. Salicylic acid, the most common BHA, has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin.
Professional Peels
Your skin care professional will ensure your skin type and specific concerns are considered when choosing between AHA vs BHA acid for your treatment. In some cases, your technician will use both acid types in your treatment, alternating them on different sessions to get the benefits of both acid types. Overall, Acid Peels are a tried-and-true method for treating various conditions and delivering lasting results.
If you’re looking for a result driven skincare service to treat coarse, hyperpigmented, or acne prone skin, Back Peels may be the ideal treatment selection for your skin care goals. While facial peels are quite popular, their benefits extend beyond just the face. Back Peels are an effective solution to address various skin concerns on the often-neglected back area.
So, what are the benefits of Back Peels and why they are they so effective?
1 | Provide Deep Exfoliation
Back Peel treatments involve the professional application of specially formulated solutions containing high concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These potent acids work by gently lifting the top layer of dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and promoting a rejuvenated complexion. Back Peels provide significant improvement in skin texture, reducing the appearance of roughness, clogged pores, blackheads, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
2 | Control & Treat Acne
Back acne can be frustrating and difficult to treat. Back Peels have proven to be a valuable tool in combating acne and blemishes in this hard-to-reach area. The peels work by clearing and controlling excess oil production, reducing inflammation in acne blemishes, and eliminating acne causing bacteria. This combination not only clears current breakouts but helps reduce future flareups.
3 | Lighten Hyperpigmentation
If you have dark spots, sunspots, or hyperpigmentation on your back, Back Peels can be an effective solution. By accelerating the shedding of pigmented cells and promoting the growth of new, even-toned skin, these peels can visibly reduce hyperpigmentation, revealing a clearer and more even complexion.
4 | Minimize Scarring
Whether you have acne scars or other minor scars on your back, Back Peels can help fade their appearance. The exfoliating action of the peels stimulates collagen production, which aids in skin regeneration and leads to a gradual improvement in the texture and visibility of scars.
5 | Soften Rough Skin
Back Peels not only exfoliate the skin but also help improve its ability to retain moisture. By removing the dead, dry surface cells, the skin’s ability to absorb and retain hydration from moisturizers and serums is enhanced. The result is noticeably softer, smoother, and suppler skin on your back.
6 | Smooth Fine Lines
Even if you’re not experiencing significant signs of aging on your back, prevention is key. Regular Back Peels can be an excellent preventive measure against premature aging. The stimulation of collagen and elastin production helps maintain skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, delay the appearance of wrinkles, and reveal a fresh glow to the skin.
Back Peel treatments offer a myriad of benefits beyond what standard homecare routines can achieve. Whether you struggle with acne, hyperpigmentation, or simply want to maintain healthy and radiant skin on your back, Back Peels are a game-changer.
Acids sound a bit too scary?
Start with a back treatment (formerly known as a Back Facial). The main focus of the Back Treatment is to extract the pores on your back. We recommend adding a BHA boost; Boosts are mild versions of the acids used in Back Peels, and are a great way to introduce your skin to AHAs and BHAs.
Knowing the healing stages of microblading can help you better plan for your procedure. Here is what you can expect of your brow healing journey.
The first stage if healing is typically inflammation. So, you body will send signals to the areas which will make for higher activity in that area than you are used to. For example, you will likely have some inflammation, redness, and weeping.
Weeping is lymphatic fluid seeping though the cut. This process helps move along the healing process. Blood and fluids clot the area usually within the first couple of hours after your microblading, that is, if not during the procedure.
Days 2-3 see the forming of scabs. These are filled with a little bit of ink, lymphatic fluid, and blood. The scabs eventually separate which is how you get that flaking part of the process. Flaking can last between days 4-6, depending on your skin.
Once all the flaking has finished, you will have fresh juicy cells at the top. Still, you may feel a little tenderness and it could still look scabby and patchy during days 7-10.
End of Healing
By the time you get to week 2, the skin cells have begun to compress and dry, therefore the colour starts to come back up to the surface.
From there, everything seems pretty consistent as you are now healed. Keep in mind that the colour continues to come closer to the surface. It can take up to 6 weeks for the colour to come up and your skin to look visibly healed. However, for up to 12 weeks, your skin is still reforming all of the collagen fibres and networks that make it solid under the surface. The 12th week marks the end of the stages of healing for microblading.
Are you medically eligible for procedure?
Microblading, like all other forms of tattooing, has risks associated with the procedure that though uncommon, must be reviewed. Please read carefully through the following contraindications to ensure you meet criteria.
