We offer vascular lesion removal treatments in Edmonton, Alberta.
What are vascular lesions?
Vascular lesions are due to conditions such as Rosacea, couperose skin, sensitized skin, or simply genetics. Frequent, consistent redness and broken capillaries are typical characteristics present of these types of conditions.
How do I know if I have Rosacea?
Talk to your doctor if you think you may have Rosacea. Common symptoms of Rosacea include:
Flushing
Persistent Redness
Bumps and Pimples
Visible Blood Vessels
Broken Capillaries
Burning or Stinging
Swelling
Eye Irritation
Dry Appearance
Skin Thickening
Plaques (overgrowths of skin)
Phototherapy reduces redness and broken capillaries
We do vascular lesion removal with phototherapy, more specifically, with our ALIVIA photofacial.
To understand how phototherapy reduces Rosacea symptoms, let’s begin with the fact that oxyhemoglobin is formed by the combination of hemoglobin with oxygen, present in oxygenated blood. When we apply light energy, oxyhemoglobin in the blood within the targeted vessel absorbs the energy. In turn, this causes the blood to coagulate and the vessel to break up into particles. Finally, these particles are naturally filtered away through the body’s lymphatic system.
Is the ALIVIA photofacial painful?
Most clients would agree that phototherapy is not painful at all. During the procedure, you may feel a slight, momentary stinging sensation. This sensation is comparable to the snapping of a small elastic band, but not pain.
We provide post care instructions for your treatment. While there are some minor recommendations we as you to follow, the ALIVIA photofacial does NOT require any downtime whatsoever!
Our Skin Experts are knowledgeable on our technology, AND on the biology of the skin. This increases the comfort and safety of all of our treatments. Our treatments are non-invasive and safe, with minimum side effects if any at all.
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Dérmica offers treatment for aging skin. Phototherapy is included in our treatment menu as a powerful treatment to fight the common signs of aging.
Common Signs of Aging Skin
While we all age at different rates depending on several factors, for example, genetics and diet, there are four common signs of aging.
1. Loss of Elasticity
As we age we stop producing collagen at the same rate. This in turn affects the elasticity leaving us with saggy skin as we age.
2. Loss of Hydration
The sebaceous glands in the skin are not as active as we age. This loss of hydration manifests itself through a dull, sallow appearance, crepey skin, and fine lines.
3. Hyperpigmentation
Environmental factors as well as other pollutants and oxidants in the air cause aging in general. These environmental factors can also contribute to hyperpigmentation which can cause an aged appearance to the skin.
4. Thin Skin
The thickness of the skin changes as well with aging. The skin thins out as a result of the deficiencies in collagen and hydration.
How can I improve my aging skin?
When it comes to the best treatment for aging skin, phototherapy is amazing because these treatments do not cause superficial damage to the skin. The light energy penetrates directly to the collagen cells.
More specifically, IPL phototherapy consists of irradiating the target with pulsed visible radiation. As a result, the targeted area is heated above body temperature which causes the proteins to coagulate. Because the target absorbs the radiation much more strongly than the surrounding tissue, this surrounding tissue is almost not heated at all.
Show off a younger, brighter, tighter, and supple face!
Acne can be caused by many different factors and can be treated using different methods.
Genetics
One of the causes of acne is genetics. Some skin types are more prone to developing acne such as oilier skin types this is due to the fact that they have overactive sebaceous glands which can clog the pores trapping bacteria, germs, and other environmental pollutants thereby creating a backlog.
It can be harder to cleanse oily skin because most products are not fat soluble. In other words, they cannot break down that oily barrier at the surface. As a result, the skin is left congested.
Hormones
Another factor that causes acne is hormonal disruptions or fluctuations. This can start as soon as puberty. The skin starts to produce more oils as it goes through changes. Some women will develop acne during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes. This typically resolves after delivery but can carry on during breastfeeding. Additionally, some women may develop acne after having the baby due to hormonal fluctuations.
Hygiene
Another cause of acne can be improper hygiene and skincare. This can range from not cleansing the skin enough which can leave bacteria and other environmental pollutants on the skin. These can then enter the pores or breaks in the skin potentially causing infections.
Skincare products
Acne can also be due to using improper skincare products. If the skin is not cleansed properly with a fat-soluble cleanser, then you are leaving a film on the skin that creates a backlog with every wash. If the improper cleanser is used it can also disrupt the skin’s health by causing it become too oily and congested. Examples include oil-based moisturizers, rich creams, or body lotion when used on the face.
Overusing certain products that dry the skin can cause skin types that may not be acne-prone to develop minor acne due to over drying of the skin. When this happens, the skin ends up overcompensating by producing more oil. As a result the skins’s balance is thrown off.
Diet
Another factor could be diet. It is said that some acne may be caused by certain dietary intolerances or allergies, such as high fructose, meat products, or other food products that disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. This is a matter that should be discussed with your doctor.
Customizing your winter skin care routine will help you combat the drying and flaking effects of the season. The following tips should help you address flaking skin on the face this winter.
Use Hyaluronic Acid for added moisture. This excellent hydrating ingredient can attract and hold 1000 times its weight in water, making it a must have for dry skin. Try Glo’s HA-Revive Hyaluronic Hydrator with a powerful antioxidant combination of phyto-retinol and hyaluronic acid.
Also, exfoliate every 2-3 days. This ensures that your skin is always fresh and reaping the benefits of your skin care product ingredients. For those who enjoy a regular scrub try Glo’s Hydra Bright Polishing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid (BHA), amino acids, and gentle Jojoba beads.
Use skin scrubs that are made specifically for the face. It may be easy to reach for the body scrub in the shower, but the granules are not shaped or sized for use on sensitive skin such as the face. Facial scrubs contain micro beads that are smooth and will not cause tears in the skin.
Another option is enzyme exfoliation. Enzyme exfoliation eliminates scrubbing altogether and acts on a chemical level “eating away” at the dead skin.
Another tip is using Lactic Acid for AHA benefits. This hydrating milk acid is excellent for gently dissolving surface cells, boosting hydration, and balancing pH, and brighten dull complexion. Try Glo’s Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator with benefits of vitamin C and lactic acid.
We hope these tips help you to keep your skin happy and healthy throughout!
When using a BHA such as salicylic acid at home as a treatment or for maintenance for the skin, the ideal dosage is between 0.5-2% for professional products. Anything lower than that is ineffective. Salicylic acid for home care use typically comes in the form of a serum. The serum can be combined in a moisturizer. It can also come in the form of an exfoliant or a cleanser.
If you are using a salicylic-based serum it is important to combine it with a moisturizer. More specifically, a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Acneic skin types should go for an oil-free moisturizer.
On the other hand, if you have a sensitive skin type or rosacea, you would benefit from a soothing moisturizer that has calming ingredients such as aloe vera.
Notes for BHA Home Use
If you are using salicylic acid serum, it is important to let it sit until it is fully absorbed before applying a moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin or if you are new to using acids on your skin, it is recommended that you apply 2-3 times a week in the evening after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Do this for two weeks or until you notice that the sensitizing effects have reached a plateau. From there you can start using it on daily basis and even up to twice a day.
Avoid using salicylic acid serum around the eye area as it can be drying.
Product recommendations for cleansing
If you are looking to introduce salicylic acid into your routine in a cleanser, try the Purifying Gel Cleanser. It is good for oily skin, congested skin, and for acne maintenance.
However, if you have severe acne or inflamed acne, try the Beta Clarity Cleanser. This one is also great for use on back acne.
If you have Rosacea or sensitive skin, try the Hydra-Bright Polishing Cleanser because you can use it as an exfoliant but also as a mild foaming cleanser on a daily basis.
Product recommendations for moisturizing
If you are using salicylic acid at home, you should be moisturizing as well.
For combo to oily skin types, we recommend an oil free moisturizer. Very oily to acne prone skin should try the Oil Control Emulsion. Keeping the skin hydrated when using salicylic acid is very important. Both of these moisturizers contain effective dosages of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid attracts and maintains hydration to hold 1000 times its weight in water.
On the other hand, if your are using BHA to treat sensitive skin, we recommend the Phyto Calm Aloe Hydrator. As the name implies, the aloe vera improves skin hydration and delivers strong anti-inflammatory benefits.
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.
