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!
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!
When deciding which service to go for- Microblading vs Tattoo- ask yourself two questions: How long do I want it to last? What do I want it to look like?
There are 2 main differences between microblading vs tattooing. One is the esthetic of the brow: microblading gives a natural appearance because it’s delivered strand by strand. It is meant to mimic natural hair growth and the fibres of the hair. On the other hand, tattooing has a solid finish, there is no separation between the colour.
However, microshading or powdered ombre give the same look as a tattoo but with a gradient because you are not going that deep.
The other main difference is the longevity. Tattoos last the longest whereas microblading or microshading will last half the time. A true permanent makeup tattoo lasts 5-6 yrs, microblading or microshading lasts 1-3 years.
The reason for the difference is not the product itself. Instead, it’s the depth of penetration of the layer in which you are depositing that ink. With microblading you are depositing at an artificIal layer, however, with tattoos you’re depositing closer to the dermis so you are in the deeper levels of the skin.
Different Tools
Microblading uses hand-held tools and the technician manually breaks the skin in a scratching motion. With microshading, the technician uses a power tool, however, it also used manually. As the technician is scratching with the tool, the tool is also vibrating.
Brow tattoos are delivered using a permanent makeup machine.
A tip to the wise
The thing to remember with permanent makeup tattooing is that the pigment is in the skin for very long. The actual composition of that pigment is going to change overtime. This occurs because certain colours absorb out of the skin before others. So when you see the salmon-coloured eyebrows- you can assume those are the last layers of the tattoo.
If you are thinking of using hair dye on the eyebrows consider this. Hair dye has two components: there is the colour aspect, and the developer. The key active ingredient in developer is peroxide.
Peroxide levels are measured according to what you’re doing to the hair. Peroxide content in professional dyes used at a hair salon can range up to 40%. For example, if you are depositing colour, then you’re woking at a lower percentage of peroxide (about 10%). On the other hand, if you are lifting colour, the peroxide level will increase.
Specialized dyes for use on facial hair have a lower peroxide content of 3%.
Peroxide’s Purpose
The role of peroxide is to open up the seal of the hair. Peroxide pops the scales of your hair up so the colour can tuck itself into the cuticle of the hair. Eventually you mask it and seal it back up. Higher percentages really open up those scales often resulting in split ends. The wider the scales are opened, the harder it is to close them once you’re done.
Relatively speaking, the 3% found in specialized facial hair tint is very mild. It won’t completely open the hair, just enough to deposit the colour.
Drugstore Dyes
Box dyes contain lesser percentages of peroxide than professional dyes. Again, if you’re lightening your hair it will be a higher percentage, if you’re darkening it will be a lower percentage. However, professional hair dyes filter out harsh chemicals that can affect the hair and/or skin of people with sensitivities.
Using hair dye on eyebrows may result in the colour not being stable since it’s not the right formulation for that type of hair strand. Even though all hair is made up of the same thing, there are different amounts of layers and density, depending on the type of hair.
Hair Repair
Treating the eyebrows or eyelashes with a daily conditioner will help to repair and strengthen the hair. There are a few options available for lash and brow serums to boost the health of natural lashes. At Dérmica, we retail Adoreyes Lash and Brow serums in-store or online.
Let’s just say…the quicker the appointment the better.
Bikini wax pain is a hard measurement to report since our pain tolerance varies. According to most clients, on a scale of 0-5, with 0 meaning no pain, and 5 meaning maximum pain, the average rating is a 3.5. If you prefer a hairless look without the pain, we recommend IPL Hair Removal. In comparison to waxing most clients report a 1. While its about twice the price per session, you only need 8-12 sessions to reach a permanent reduction/removal.
But never fear! If you prefer waxing, our technicians are trained in efficiency and customer care. This means that your service will be completed under 30 minutes with as little discomfort as possible, and a high regard for quality care. Less bikini wax pain!
Can i get a bikini wax if i am on my period?
Yes, we ask that you wear a tampon and the string is tucked away so that it doesn’t get pulled out with the wax. However, keep in mind that you may be more sensitive to pain during this time.
