Don’t let the name deter you from exploring the many benefits of professional chemical peels! The acids used in chemical peels are safe for the skin. They are a popular treatment for many skin types and conditions. Above all, they deliver optimal results when performed by a trained professional.
Types of Acids
Professional chemical peels typically use acids derived from natural sources.
Most commonly used acids include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol).
Dependent on your skin type and condition, your skin care specialist will select an appropriate acid to use.
How do chemical peels work?
Chemical peels work by separating the upper layers of the skin causing an accelerated cell turnover rate. Because of their molecular structure, these acids are able to penetrate past the acid mantle of the skin and deep into the layers beneath the surface of the skin. This causes your skin to shed and regenerate a new layer of skin in a 1 to 2 week period.
What can I expect during my treatment?
Your skin care specialist begins by thoroughly cleansing your skin thereby removing any surface debris and oils.
An acid solution is then applied using cotton swabs or a gentle brush. This is typically left on for 1-5 minutes (according to the manufacturer’s instructions).
After that, the solution is then neutralized with cool water or a neutralizing solution such as sodium bicarbonate. Some peels, such as our salicylic peel, are left on the skin to self-neutralize and later convert into nutrients. Soothing moisture care is then applied along with appropriate SPF.
How can I prepare for my peel?
Sun exposure must be kept to a minimum (as in get in your car, transport yourself to where you need to be, and get indoors!).
If you are using any BHA (BetaHydroxy Acid) or AHA (AlphaHydroxy Acid) or Retin A products, you must discontinue usage approximately 1 week prior to treatment.
Unfortunately, if you are currently using or have used in the past 12 months a prescription acne-clearing medication, your skin is NOT eligible for acid peels.
POST-TREATMENT TIPS
After treatment procedures, recovery time from peels is typically 1-2 days. However, dependent on your skin’s natural reaction, scaling and flaking can be expected. Subsequently, your skin may take up to 2 weeks to completely shed. In other words, be mindful of your social calendar when booking your appointment.
Here are some tips to maximize your chemical peel benefits:
SPF is a MUST, and your sunblock should have a minimum SPF 20 protection.
Refrain from wearing makeup for 24 hours unless you are using a high-grade mineral makeup
Avoid heat, perspiration, and fragranced products for 24 hours
Proper home care regimen is vital in maintaining and promoting acid peel results.
Chemical Peel Benefits
Typical results with most peels include
Increased vibrancy
Improved hydration
Intensified product penetration and absorption
Clearance in skin tone
Smooth and improved texture
Clearance or reduction of active blemishes
Improved appearance of scarring
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There are 2 important factors when determining eligibility for IPL/ Laser Hair Removal
IPL HAIR REDUCTION Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is IPL different than Laser hair removal?
A: Yes, they are different permanent hair removal procedures that have a similar purpose and achieve similar results. While laser uses an actual laser, IPL Hair Removal uses pulse light. You may hear different terms such as laser hair removal, IPL Hair Reduction, IPL Hair Removal that basically refer to permanent hair reduction/removal.
Technology
Q: What is IPL-DPC?
A: IPL-DPC stands for Intense Pulse Light- Dynamic Pulse Control. By emitting a light beam into the hair follicle, this treatment coagulates the melanin when the light beam turns into heat energy. This sort-of-speak zaps the hair follicle, leaving it unable to grow new hair. The DPC technology means that we can determine the “aggressiveness” of the treatment based on the duration of the pulse- shorter pulses are more aggressive, delivering the light beam in a shorter period of time, while longer pulses are less aggressive as they have a longer period to deliver the light beam. The different range of pulse durations results in a major increase in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Q: How does light-based technology work?
A: Light-based technology works through Selective Photothermolysis. This is the selective thermal damage of pigmented structures. It selects tissue to be destroyed by selecting tissue with significantly greater optical absorption than the surrounding tissue. In layman’s terms, the light beam is attracted to darker pigments, thereby being able to distinguish the hair from the skin.
Q: Is everyone eligible for IPL Hair Removal/Reduction?
A: No, not everyone is eligible. Like other advanced treatments involving the application of heat, factors such as your rating on the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification Scale and your previous experience with sunburn may make you ineligible for this procedure.
Ensure that wherever you go for this procedure provides you with a thorough consultation!!!
Treatment
Q: Are IPL Hair Reduction Treatments painful?
A: No, during the procedure you may feel a slight, momentary sting, such as the snap of an elastic band, but not pain.
Q: Are IPL Hair Reduction Treatments Safe? What are the possible IPL Laser Hair Removal side effects?
A: Our Skin Experts are knowledgeable on DPC technology, AND on the biology of the hair and skin. This increases the safety of all of our treatments. Our treatments are non-invasive and safe, with minimum side effects if any at all. IPL Laser Hair Removal side effects could include:
Q: How many treatments are required?
A: The typical regimen is 8-12 treatment sessions, spaced 4-12 weeks apart, depending on the body area.
Biology
Q: Why are multiple treatments necessary?
A: Active follicles go through different phases in their cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Return to Anagen. Only follicles in the Anagen phase have enough melanin pigment to absorb the light and reach necrosis temperature. At any given time, about 20-25% of follicles are in the Anagen phase; therefore in order to eliminate as much hair as possible, we must treat multiple times.
Discomfort (stinging sensation up to one hour after treatment)
Change of Pigmentation (most cases occur on people with darker skin and can be avoided by conducting a test patch
Fragile Skin (skin may become temporarily fragile)
Purpura (purple bruising lasting from 5-15 days)
Scarring (may happen on darker skin but still, very rare)
Q: What is the average rate of hair growth?
A: About 0.35mm/day, but this is truly dependent on age, ethnicity, gender, and body area.
Q: Why did my hair come back after my pregnancy?
A: Aside from our hand palms and our feet plants, our entire body is covered with hair follicles, however, not all follicles actively grow hair. Dormant follicles do not grow hair, but may become active due to hormonal changes (such as pregnancy) or other reasons.
Other questions?
Contact us at (780) 885-7108 or email bookings@dermica.ca Thanks and have a great day!
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This is a very common issue in Alberta and amongst both men/women.
Let’s begin with the cause. Aside from possibly suffering from dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, excessively dry cuticles and hands can be caused by frequent exposure to extreme fluctuating temperature in the winter months. We often go from the frigid outdoor temperature to warm blasts from our heating systems. Both of these extremes are hard on our cells and cause them to loose vital moisture and hydration. Cold temperature slows our cell metabolism, which in turn slows the skins natural absorption and oil production. In addition, we have the artificial dry heat exposure which then dries the skin further by drawing moisture out of our skin.
Now with that background knowledge here are my recommendations, follow through and your hands will feel and look amazing!
Cracked/Dry Cuticles – Always ensure that you have good quality cuticle oil on hand for application throughout the day. Apply a generous amount and massage into the cuticle and nails. Leave the excess oil to absorb, trust me it will. Also remember to include your nails in the application, as they can use a good dose of moisture to prevent brittle nails.
If you have inflamed cracks in the cuticles, this is most likely a sign of infection. Apply a small amount of Polysporin™ to the affected area and finish off with your cuticle oil for protection and moisture.
Dry Hands – First and foremost use a good quality hand moisturizer morning, day, and night, and re-apply after washing. Moisturizers specific for hands feature non-greasy formulations, which are great if you’re not used to wearing moisturizer. Some of us though don’t mind the gleam of moisturizer on our hands and the heavy moisture, butters and balms are great for this. Now when heading out apply a good coat of moisturizer before putting on your gloves, the warmth of your gloves will aid in product penetration and keep your hands safe from the elements.
ACLARA tightens skin and reduces the appearance of brow spots for younger looking hands.
Since we are on the topic of hands, let’s talk about some Advanced options available for Hand Care. The Glorious Summer months bring hours of fun in the sun, and some unexpected effects due to both intentional and unintentional exposure to the harmful sun rays. This can leave your hands freckled with unsightly brown spots that only get worse with age. Dérmica has the solution, and with the winter darkness upon us now is the time to reverse these effects.
Our ACLARA treatment is suitable for hands as well, in fact some of the greatest results are seen on the hands. Not only will this treatment reduce the appearance of brown spots, but it will also rejuvenate and plump the skin.
Home Recipe Cuticle Balm
Melt 1 tbsp of Coconut Oil (great for moisture protection) in a small saucepan on very low heat
Once melted stir in 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (increases moisture and elasticity)
Remove from heat and pour into a small jar with tight lid (lip balm containers work great)
Place closed jar in the freezer and let cool for 10-15 minutes (until hardened)
Q: Dear Dérmica, I find myself breaking out during my period without fail every month! Do you offer treatments to treat acne that I get from my period? Can I prevent acne breakouts during my my time of the month? – Aunt Flow’s # 1 Enemy
A: Dear #1 Enemy, Yes, Aunt Flow leaves behind some parting gifts…But you are not alone in breaking out during your period.
Can i prevent acne breakouts during my period?
Body hormonal levels are different during the menstrual cycle, and hormones typically affect the skin, hair and nail growth.
Although you cannot prevent your body from producing hormonal acne, (especially during that time of the month) you can do things to minimize the effects that breaking out will have on your skin.
For example,
the scarring
how many blemishes will pop up
the length of time the blemishes will last
Minimize the effects by fighting back with the appropriate products. Anything that contains salicylic acid will help to reduce the inflammation that surrounds blemishes and will help to clear out those pores. In addition, avoid touching/picking at the area. During this time, avoid wearing high collars or anything that grazes the jawline.
It is normal for a couple of new blemishes to pop up in the lower region of the face around that time of the month. If you have excessive amounts it may be something that you want to take up with your physician. There could be a hormonal imbalance.
Do you offer treatments to treat acne that I get from my period?
Just when your face clears up again, here she comes to wreck the day! Luckily, we offer the Dérmica Pore Facial.
This facial was developed as a treatment for acneic, acne prone, and blemished skin.
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.
Q: Hi Dérmica, what would you recommend as a safe cost-effective way to whiten my teeth?
A: Teeth whitening can be accomplished at spas with few treatments. However, if you are looking for a cost effective way, here’s a great way to deliciously whiten and brighten your smile using mother nature’s fruit.
Teeth Whitening Recipe
Ingredients: 1 Strawberry 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda
Instructions: 1) Crush your strawberry into a pulp 2) Add baking soda 3) Mix to a paste 4) After gently brushing your teeth, apply the paste and let sit for 5 minutes 5) Rinse with warm water 6) SMILE!
Repeat once a week for best results and maintenance.
Until next time, KEEP SMILING!…;)
Dérmica Spa Menu
Dérmica MedEsthetics is a full service spa in Edmonton, Alberta offering a wide variety of spa services. Click HERE to see our menu.
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