News and Events

Written by Makayla Allison, Licensed Esthetician

Some dermatologists across the United States are refusing to treat cellulite! The thought of this may seem a bit absurd at first, but if you read further I will explain. According to Dr. Howard Murad, board certified dermatologist, ninety percent of women are affected with this non-painful, albeit irritating, orpathoalogical (non-malignant), topical skin change. Due to natural processes, fat cells accumulate and toxic fluids develop underneath the skin, weakening the epidermis. This causes the fat to push up to the surface, thus resulting in lumps and bumps. So what does all of this mean? That cellulite is NORMAL. Physicians are advocating across our country to put research and treatment dollars to work primarily on harmful conditions that could cause body damage. As an esthetician, I know that cellulite can feel emotionally harmful. Continue reading below for ways to reduce and prevent the appearance of orange peel skin.

First, you must accept the fact that cellulite has many contributing factors. If you are not committed to ALL of these areas of treatment, you will not get results, period. These factors include: reducing stress in your life (yoga, meditation, church, hang out with friends, see a therapist, make up with your mom, etc) eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water (lean meats and fats, vegies, and eliminate garbage such as alcohol, caffeine and sweets), workout (cardio AND resistance), and finally, use some fancy creams. Then and ONLY then is it time to move on to more expensive spa treatments you can discuss with your esthetician, according to Heather Talbot, Licensed Medical Esthetician and owner of Rejuvenation Skin and Body Solutions in Centennial, Colorado. We will first go over some professional creams, then I will let you know what to ask your esthetician about as far as treatment options.

There is a fine line to using anti-cellulite creams. The goal of these creams is to increase the production of collagen with the use of ingredients such as Vit A (Retinol), and to firm and tone with ingredients such as horse chestnut and ginkgo biloba. The trick is to find a regimen that works for your skin type that will keep it supple and hydrated. Vit A can dry the skin out very quickly, which will only make your cellulite appear worse. Be sure to use something in addition to the active cream to keep that from happening. A good rotation would be Sanitia?s Moisture Mist and Image?s Vital C Cream in the morning, and your more active retinol cream at night. The hyaluronic acid in the moisture mist binds 1000xs its weight in water and the Vitamin C in the cream has moisturizing and healing properties. Its always best to use more active products in the evening to protect your skin from sun damage.

After making the above commitments to your cellulite regimen, it is time to focus on a more narrow treatment approach that will now actually have a chance to make a difference. Unless all of the other factors are a priority, these specific treatments can not be successful. Depending on the location of your cellulite, your age, your skin type, your lifestyle, and time and money factors, discussing these options with your esthetician will help you to determine which one or ones may work best for you. Treatments can include: body wraps, deep tissue massage, manual lymphatic drainage, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser and endermology. When you are ready, reach out to your medical esthetician and made an appointment.

Written by Makayla Allison
Licensed Esthetician

One of the most common complexion complaints I hear is being unhappy with the presence of large pores, particularly in the Tzone (right down the center of our face). You may see or read about tricks to shrink the size of your pores in magazines and commercials, but ask a professional and we will assure that is not possible. You CAN, however, reduce the appearance of the size of your pores with just a few simples steps.

First of all, you must make sure your skin is truly clean. Removing debri from your pores is the only way to keep them from continuing to enlarge with excess dirt, dead skin cells and makeup. The best way to do this is to see a professional for a deep cleansing facial. Your skin care therapist may use one or more professional treatments such as steaming, galvanic, extractions, or even microdermabrasion to properly cleanse your pores.

Second, continue the upkeep of your clean skin. Find a skincare regimen that is appropriate for your skin type as directed by your esthetician in order to optimize the condition of your skin. This will include proper cleansers to reduce or balance excess oil production, as well as exfoliators to keep your skin smooth. Furthermore, use products that are non-comedogenic such as mineral makeups and professional moisturizers. Continue visiting your esthetician for regular facials so that he or she may help guide you in caring for your face and to keep it debri free.

Third, use sunscreen. No, I don’t just throw this one in every blog I can because it is what I feel most passionately about (okay, maybe I do.) Really though, sun damage causes skin to thicken. Thicker skin is then going to allow more debri and dead cells to collect around our pores, making them appear larger. Better yet, use a tinted sunscreen so that you don’t have to wear as much much makeup which can cause further buildup.

The last step to reducing pore size is to ask your esthetician if chemical peels are right for you. Chemical peels have the ability to tighten up the skin’s pores, making them appear much smaller. There are many different chemical peels available to you at a spa visit, such Alpha, Beta and TCA varieties. Your skin care therapist can choose the right one for your skin type to provide optimal pore tightening results.