BHA in chemical peels

bha in chemical peels

BHA in medical esthetics treatments

The betahydroxy acid (BHA) in your chemical peel works by lifting the stratum corneum (the upper layer of the skin). As it lifts, it dissolves the lipid layer between the dead skin cells. As a result, a fresh layer of skin cells is exposed that has a healthier and more active cell function than the dead layers that were exfoliated with the treatment.

Better Absorption of Products

In turn, the BHA in the treatment allows for better absorption of products applied to the skin. This is especially true for serums or other topicals being used to treat acne or blemishes; They are better able to reach the pores and target inflammation since there is no longer a layer of excess oil and dead skin blocking the way.

After a BHA chemical peel, you will also be able to achieve deeper cleansing on a daily basis. Again, this is due to decreased pore congestion and a reduced amount of oil barrier at the surface. Your cleanser is able to get into those pores and keep them clean which helps you maintain results.

Inflammation and Sensitivity Reduction

BHA chemical peels can also be used to treat inflammatory conditions of the skin, as well as sensitivity. This is due to the strengthening effects of betahydroxy acids. Also, BHA is part of the same family as anti-inflammatories such as aspirin. So, the BHA in chemical peels has anti-inflammatory properties.

Who should avoid BHA in chemical peels?

BHA is not suitable for people that are allergic to aspirin or other similar medications. People that are taking medications that cause photosensitivity or adverse reactions to the skin should avoid BHA treatments.

In addition, avoid BHA if you are using topical medications for skin conditions or are on oral medications for acne. It is always best to consult with your dermatologist, physician, or pharmacist, and go by their recommendations.


Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Which skin conditions is BHA used to treat?

Which skin conditions is BHA used to treat?

What is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA)?

BHA is used to treat a variety of skin conditions. it is an organic acid derived from willow bark. In the skincare industry it is known as a chemical exfoliant. The ph level of this acid is typically between a ph of 3-5.

BHA is considered to be a fat soluble solution. In other words it dissolves in fats. As a result, it can break through the lipid layer which is the oil layer of the skin. For that reason, it is recommended for oily and acne-prone skin types.

However, that is not the only use for BHA on the skin! It is also a recommended treatment for sensitive skin types because it has a lower risk of irritation versus other types of acids.

How does BHA interact with the skin?

BHA produces exfoliating benefits by dissolving the build-up at the surface of the skin which then balances the oiliness of the skin. It is also able to penetrate into the pores which then dissolves the build-up in clogged pores.

It treats conditions that involve scaling or overgrowth of skin, like milia.

BHA helps with milia because it has resurfacing properties. So, not only does it help remove excess oil on the skin, but it helps to exfoliate by removing the dead skin cells so it dissolves the binding glue or the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together so it reveals a fresh new layer of skin at the surface which then pushes impurities up to the surface such as milia and deep acne.

Anti-inflammatory properties

BHA also has anti-inflammatory functions which makes it a suitable treatment for inflamed acne and/or rosacea. Compared to other acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid has a more superficial affect on the skin by interacting mainly with the lipid layer.

In other words, it is not as irritating because it won’t penetrate as deep. However, it will promote exfoliation which in turn promotes cell growth. These new skin cells have been strengthened by that process and so the skin is improved overall.

Finally, BHA is also very good at treating Keratosis pilaris which a is a condition that affects the back of the arms and legs.


Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Ingrown Nail Treatment

ingrown nail treatment edmonton
Dérmica offers ingrown nail treatment in Edmonton, AB.

Is an ingrown toenail causing you pain?

An ingrown toenail is a nail that has grown outside of the nail grooves where the nail typically grows along. The nail grooves are like tracks that guide the nail out towards the tip of the toe.

This causes the nail to grow into the side walls (the skin tissue that surrounds the sides of the nail) creating pressure and at times breaking through the skin. This can then lead to infection and inflammation, severe pain, and trouble walking and wearing closed-toe shoes. They can even cause pain during sleeping from any pressure, for example sheets, blankets, or socks.

The “Ingrown” Pedicure

We start off by assessing the severity of the ingrown toenail. If there is an active infection that is beyond the point of treatment, you are first referred to your physician to address the infection. 

But if the toenail is found to be treatable with the Ingrown pedicure, the technician will prepare the nail by using softening agents. The sides of the nail are then cleared of any debris and buildup. Finally, the nail is trimmed accordingly using specialized tools. 

Your technician will ensure that you feel sufficient relief. This process can take anywhere from one hour to an hour and a half depending on how severe it is or if the use of topical anaesthetic is necessary.

Dérmica ensures quality service by providing a complimentary follow up within the first 2 weeks once the swelling has dissipated. If the condition has not resolved. Your technician may include the use of a specialized serum in order to prevent or minimize future occurrences.

Book your ingrown nail treatment in Edmonton!Schedule Appointment

Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

What can I do about my large pores?

large pores treatment edmonton

We offer treatment for large pores in Edmonton, Alberta.

How do you get rid of large pores?

Well, there is cleaning your pores and then there is “shrinking” your pores. Most people are looking to clean their pores by emptying the contents within. You can see immediate results through pore extraction. We do this is all of our facials. However, if your skin is visibly congested and you’ve never had a facial, we recommend the PORE facial.

While other facials in our menu include other relaxing or beautifying delights, the PORE facial concentrates on pore extraction throughout the entire duration. While we must take time to prepare the skin for safe extractions, we extract as much as possible in the hour allotted. Sometimes a second facial is required when there is severe congestion in all areas of the face.

How long before I need another facial?

It’s important to understand that facials are simply “cleanups” and the skin is bound to become congested again. Therefore, we generally recommend clients come every 4-6 weeks for a facial. However, this timeframe between facials will vary depending on factors such as age, skin type, and environmental factors. Also, getting your skin under control with the right skincare routine and possibly changing some daily habits will space those facials even further.

Can you actually reduce pore size?

Small pores indicate good skin health and present a youthful appearance. If you did not win the “skin lottery” genetically, there is not much we can do to reduce the natural size of your pores. On the other hand if your pores have become enlarged over time, there are advanced skin treatments to help you “shrink” your pores back to a normal size.

Photofacials are effective at reducing pore size, in particular, the ALISA treatment. However, anti aging is a constant battle. We must consider daily external factors that are out of our control, such as winter temperatures, when setting our expectations.

In other words, advanced skin treatments and professional skincare products are great tools to have at our disposal. But we are always fighting against time. That is why the results of any treatment cannot last forever. If you choose to treat large pores with phototherapy, you may require multiple treatments to address your concern.

In conclusion, we all show our age in certain ways. If large pores is a concern for you now and they are left unattended, the matter will only get worse in a short five years. A good skincare routine will at the least slow down the damage. Treatments have the capacity to repair.


Book your large pores treatment in Edmonton!Schedule Appointment

Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Melasma tips

melasma tips, living with melasma, skincare tips for melasma,

What is the cause of melasma?

Melasma can be caused by various different factors. One of these factors is genetics. Certain skin tones are more susceptible to developing melasma. In addition, pregnancy and other forms of hormonal fluctuations such as increased estrogen can cause melasma.

Other factors that contribute to melasma include sun exposure, inflammation in the skin, and certain medications or drugs.

What is the fastest way to cure melasma?

Melasma can’t be cured but it can be alleviated with medical esthetics treatments that improve the skin’s appearance by lightening or shrinking the lesions. The fastest, safest, and most effective way to treat melasma is by means of intense pulse light (IPL) therapy.

This treatment is similar to laser. However, when working on a condition such as melasma, IPL is believed to be more effective because its does not affect the surround tissue.

Prevention tips

There are some melasma prevention tips you can follow to reduce symptoms. You can help prevent the growth or darkening of the lesions by avoiding extended unprotected sun exposure whenever you can.

Plus, use sunscreen and if possible a physical barrier as well such as a hat or standing in a shaded area. Heat can also aggravate the condition. We recommend avoiding things such as hot tubs, saunas, extended exposure to hot temperatures. However, when heat exposure cannot be avoided, cool the skin by using skin globes, jade rollers, or cold spoons.

Other tips for melasma prevention includes the use of topical exfoliants. Topical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids- mainly glycolic and lactic acids- are great for lightening hyperpigmentation.

Retinol can also be an effective way to minimize the hyperpigmentation. Remember that retinol should always be used in the evening. If possible, set 30 minutes before other products are applied to allow it to fully absorb into the skin.

Some topical prescriptions can also help. Hydroquinone is the most commonly prescribed by dermatologists.


Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca

Microblading Oily Skin

Can you have microblading if you have oily skin?

You can safely have microblading if you have oily skin. However, the longevity of the wear and the definition of the strokes may not be as good as someone that doesn’t have oily skin. This could be due to fact that oily skin tends to be thicker. Therefore, you may not be able to see the definition of the strokes through all of the layers. As far as the longevity, oily skin tends to be more porous. This may lead to more oil excretion from the hair follicle onto the skin.

Controlling Oily Skin in Preparation for Microblading

If you tend to have very oily, acne-prone skin, and/or congested skin, a good way to prepare your skin for the treatment would be with the use of salicylic acid. Use a proper cleanser and moisturizer in your skin care routine that will balance the skin’s ph. This will result in your skin under control not only before the microblading, but will help it stay under control.

If you are using products that contain acids or other strong enzymatic exfoliants, stop using them anywhere from 2 days to 2weeks (depending on the potency). Plus, avoid using these types of products for 2 weeks after your microblading appointment.

How can I grow my eyebrows if I have oily skin?

If you are looking to grow your brows naturally, any form of exfoliation helps to stimulate the skin. In turn, this can help promote healthy hair growth. If you use a physical exfoliant for your face, you can use this on your eyebrows using a circular motion. Make sure you properly remove the exfoliant.

You can also try using a growth serum to grow your eyebrows if you have oily skin. In order to avoid clogging any follicles in the brow area, make sure you are properly removing makeup at the end of the day on and around the brow area. Clogged follicles will impede the hair growth.


Peace, Love, and Great Skin!

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