Lately my hands and cuticles have been very dry. What is a good dry cuticle treatment?
Dry Cuticles/Hands
A: This is a very common issue in Alberta.
Here are our recommendations. Follow through and your hands will feel and look amazing!
Cracked/Dry Cuticles
Dry cuticle treatment requires that you 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 us, 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.
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)
Remove and lube away!
Manicures to remove dry cuticles
Dérmica offers manicure treatments designed to provide you with all the benefits of a traditional manicure combined with our treatment approach.
In essence, our manicure services help improve and maintain the overall health and esthetic appeal of your hands.
Furthermore, our signature touch of luxury makes our manicures a treat for tired hands. Coupled with their corrective quality, they are a favourite on the menu.
This manicure service is ideal for hands in need of professional nail and cuticle grooming, detailing, and a paint service with attention to detail.
Gel polish add-on
Price: $10 application fee; $5 removal fee; $15 removal fee as a stand-alone service.
Timing: + 15 min.
MINI MANÍ
Price: $40
Timing: 30min
The Mini MANÍ includes cleansing nail soak, light cuticle & nail care, polish application, and moisture care. Undeniably a treat for little hands!
Gel polish add-on
Price: $10 application fee; $5 removal fee.
Timing: + 15 min.
Manicure Contraindications
Though rare, some medical conditions exist that may present individual harm from a manicure, or a risk of infecting others.
Some conditions are contagious and require treatment before your Service Provider can proceed. Correspondingly, other conditions may require modification of service.
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Dérmica offers a couple of back acne treatment options. Back acne, also known as “Bacne”, can be caused by several factors but seems to be more prevalent in physically active people.
Treating Back Acne at HOME
Besides maintaining proper skin care through professional care, there are other factors we recommend:
Stay on top of your diet Remember that anything ingested by the body has effects on major organs. Your skin is not only the largest organ, it is the most visible of all. Therefore, it is the window into your internal health.
Consistently wash your bed sheets Especially if you eat in bed, it is important to wash your sheets approximately once a week. In addition, it is not uncommon to sweat during your sleep. Sweat on your sheets may attract bacteria.
Shower after physical activity When you sweat during a workout, your pores become enlarged thereby opening up to bacteria. Close your pores by taking a quick refreshing shower. Avoid using a mitt or a loofa as this will aggravate acne and continue the scarring process. Opt for a liquid cleanser that contains salicylic acid if they are still breaking out, or glycolic acid if you are strictly in the scarring period.
Professional Back Acne Treatment Options
1. Back Treatment. Ideal for all skin types
Our Back Treatment, also known as a “back facial”, is up to 75-minutes in treatment time. It is our treatment of choice for active acne breakouts.
It begins with a deep pore cleanse followed by exfoliation. The exfoliation process removes build up and dead skin on your back. After that, a relaxing steam session warms and softens the skin in preparation for manual extractions.
A custom mask application delivers nutrients through a relaxing massage on your back. Moisture care is applied. The Back Treatment is meant to maintain skin balance, clear infected blemishes, and of course, to pamper ;)
Consider adding a peel BOOST to your back treatment. Peel boosts are classified as mild versions of the stronger chemical peels. They can be used to pre-treat the skin before transitioning into stronger skin peels. Downtime: 24 – 48 hours.
2. Back Acid Peel. Treatment for back acne scars.
Our BACK ACID PEEL treatment is a Professional AHA/BHA Chemical Peel. This treatment is designed to balance the skin’s pH, lift scarring, and help prevent future breakouts. These treatments are ideal for problematic acne prone skin.
WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?
A chemical peel is a medical esthetic procedure. It safely removes the outer layers of the skin through the application of organic acids derived from various natural sources. This process brings fresh new cells to the surface of the skin giving it a healthy, smooth and even appearance.
Located in Edmonton, Dérmica offers back facial and peel treatments to combat acne or hyperpigmentation on your back.
All of our Skin Care treatments are designed to meet your skin’s specific needs. Back care products are selected based on your expressed skin concerns in consultation with our skin specialist.
2 types of treatments
1. Back Treatment. Ideal for all skin types
Our BACK Treatment, also known as a “back facial”, is up to 75-minutes in treatment time. It is our treatment of choice for active acne breakouts.
It begins with a deep pore cleanse followed by exfoliation. The exfoliation process removes build up and dead skin on your back. After that, a relaxing steam session warms and softens the skin in preparation for manual extractions.
A custom mask application delivers nutrients through a relaxing massage on your back. Moisture care is applied. The Back Treatment is meant to maintain skin balance, clear infected blemishes, and of course, to pamper ;)
2. Back Acid Peel. Treatment for back acne scars.
Our BACK ACID PEEL treatment is a Professional AHA/BHA Chemical Peel. This treatment is designed to balance the skin’s pH, lift scarring, and help prevent future breakouts. These treatments are ideal for problematic acne prone skin.
WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?
A chemical peel is a medical esthetic procedure. It safely removes the outer layers of the skin through the application of organic acids derived from various natural sources. This process brings fresh new cells to the surface of the skin giving it a healthy, smooth and even appearance.
Back acne, aka ‘Bacne’ can be a sensitive subject to approach when searching for back acne treatments. This condition can be caused by several factors but seems to be more prevalent in physically active people.
Besides maintaining proper skin care through professional care, there are other factors we recommend:
Stay on top of your diet Remember that anything ingested by the body has effects on major organs. Your skin is not only the largest organ, it is the most visible of all. Therefore, it is the window into your internal health.
Consistently wash your bed sheets Especially if you eat in bed, it is important to wash your sheets approximately once a week. In addition, it is not uncommon to sweat during your sleep. Sweat on your sheets may attract bacteria.
Shower after physical activity When you sweat during a workout, your pores become enlarged thereby opening up to bacteria. Close your pores by taking a quick refreshing shower.
Book a consultation with our skin health experts and begin your journey to clear and healthy skin. We will help you develop a skin health plan that is right for you!
Located in YEG, Dérmica offers facial treatments that are customized to suit your skin care goals and needs. They are ideal for treating mild skin conditions and improving the overall appearance of the skin. There is no downtime required following the treatment.
Dérmica facials include all the essentials of a classic facial procedure such as deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam, and application of suitable serum, eye care, lip treatment, and moisturizer. The products used in our facials are handpicked at each visit in order to adapt to the skins changes and progress.
FACIAL MENU
BEAUTY Facial
$ 125
The BEAUTY Facial includes all the essentials of classic facial with mild extractions, a brow Sculpt, nourishing mask application, and Pressure-Point facial massage. It is ideal for those preparing their face for an occasion or want to freshen the skin and brows. 75-90 min.
RELAX Facial
$ 125
The RELAX Facial includes all the essentials of classic facial procedure with light extractions, nourishing mask application, relaxation-face/shoulder/arm/hand massage, and moisturizing paraffin hand-dip. 75-90 min.
PORE Facial
$ 85
Undoubtedly the most popular of the facials, the PORE Facial includes all the essentials of a classic facial with an emphasis on clearing congested skin by extracting blackheads, milia, and other skin blemishes. 60 min.
BEARD Facial
$ 85
The BEARD Facial includes all the essentials of a classic facial along with mild extractions, and a beard shampoo & conditioning treatment. it is the best option for men with beards in particular. 60 min.
TEEN Facial
$65
The TEEN Facial includes a deep-cleanse and pore extractions leaving the skin feeling fresh and renewed. Teen must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian.
35-45 min.
BACK Treatment
$ 100
The BACK Treatment focuses on treating skin conditions affecting the back. In similar fashion, it is structured much like a facial service that includes cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions, and back massage. 60-75 min.
SAVE 15% ON ALL in-store GLO SKINCARE with your facial.
Get to know Glo Skin Beauty! Visit our online store to acquaint yourself with our preferred professional skincare line. Shop professional skincare products recommended by Dérmica!
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.
Located in Edmonton, Dérmica offers waxing and IPL hair removal options.
Waxing- Short term hair removal
Traditionally, waxing involves the use of warm wax, typically honey or pine resin-based and cloth strips. The esthetician first preps the area by disinfecting and applying a protective barrier to the skin. The warm wax is then applied using a wooden spatula and covered with a cloth strip; this is referred to as strip waxing or soft waxing. The strip is then quickly pulled off parallel to the skin and voilà your skin is left smooth and hair free!
Prior to booking a wax service ensure your hair is at least ¼ inch long, and has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or prescription acne medications. Avoid caffeine for a couple hours before your appointment to reduce sensitivity. Results are visible for about 2 weeks, with 4-6 weeks before you are ready for your next visit. After care for waxing includes: avoiding heat, sun exposure, strong/fragranced, lotions, and washes for 24 hours and frequent skin exfoliation.
IPL- Long term hair removal
For a permanent solution, opt for IPL hair removal treatments. These advanced treatments should only be performed by trained and certified technicians. They are somewhat of an investment and can cause injury to your skin if not delivered properly, so do your research and make sure operational requirements are met by both the business and technician.
If you choose to have your treatment performed by the experts at Dérmica, here’s what you can expect:
Our tech begins by disinfecting your skin, she provides you with your protective eyewear, then off she goes zapping away.
Some lasers, like ours, are equipped with cooling systems, making your service a breeze. The cooling system makes your treatment significantly less painful (if at all), and 100% less messy than other lasers.
For the following 24-48 hours you will be required to avoid direct heat, perspiration, sun exposure, strong/fragranced soaps, lotions and washes. Ensure your skin has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or medications/vitamins that may affect your skin.
Typically you will notice a stunt in the growth of hair, followed by what seems to be continued growth, then towards your 4-6 week the hair will begin to fall out. At this point you are ready for your next session.
