Call the Kokomo location at 765.457.4130 to reserve your spot!

Every day, we make decisions on behalf of our skin: How to protect it, how to care for it and how to treat it. The skin is also faced with numerous challenges, starting with external factors we encounter every day—like sun exposure and pollution—and lifestyle decisions we make that can contribute to the aging process.

The biggest way that external factors affect the skin is through the breakdown of collagen. Think of youthful skin as a hard mattress: It contains strong collagen fibers to keep it supple and firm. As we age, that mattress becomes soft and squishy as the skin loses collagen. Gravity takes over, causing sagging and increased skin laxity. Also, weak collagen cannot support the blood vessels in the skin and may lead to broken capillaries.

The primary contributor to lost collagen? You guessed it—the sun. Years of cumulative exposure cause wrinkling, brown spots and skin cancer, thanks to powerful UVA rays capable of penetrating deep into the skin and damaging its DNA. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and can intensify in high altitudes or snowy locales (where 80 percent of the sun’s rays are reflected back onto our skin).

Luckily, broad-spectrum sunscreens protect from both types of damaging UV rays. When selecting a sunscreen, look for an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 93 percent of the sun’s rays. I recommend physical sunblock as opposed to chemical formulas. Unlike the bright, opaque versions you may remember lifeguards sporting years ago, physical sunscreens now boast new, elegant formulations that absorb easily into the skin. Physical sunscreens are also less likely to cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Contrary to the marketing you may have heard from tanning salons, indoor tanning is no safer than exposure to natural sunlight. According to a startling statistic from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, there is a 75 percent increase in melanoma risk in people who first used tanning beds in their teens and twenties.

Smoking, like tanning, is a direct carcinogen to the skin. In addition to destroying collagen (not to mention being a proven cause of multiple cancers), smoking constricts blood vessels, depriving the skin of oxygen. As I tell my patients, this action can be equated with “choking” the skin from the inside. This means that the skin will be much slower to heal—in fact, just one cigarette can cause blood vessels to constrict for a full hour afterward.

Other lifestyle choices can directly affect the skin, as well. Alcohol consumption can be very dehydrating to the body and the skin, causing the complexion to look dull. Frequent drinking may also contribute to blotchiness, redness or aggravated rosacea.

The recent organic trend has led to a focus on the food we consume and how it affects our appearance. Poor nutrition can lead to slower wound healing and sallow skin. Like the rest of the body, our complexion reflects the healthiness—or lack thereof—of our diet. I advise my patients to eat a well-balanced diet, complete with fruits, vegetables and to drink lots of water.

The use of sunscreen is the number one action people can take to prevent the signs of aging; a topical regimen that incorporates vitamins A (also known as retinol), C and E is also important. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radical damage caused by sun, pollution and other environmental toxins we encounter that can affect the health of the skin.

Commit to healthy choices and protection. Though modern-day dermatologic procedures can work wonders to reverse years of damage, prevention is the best way to ensure a healthy future for your skin.

Reference:
http://www.skincancer.org/news/tanning/young-tanners-at-risk

Our new website is up and running, however please excuse us for the lack of content on some pages, or any glitches, as it is still in the late stages of development. We just wanted to get it up as soon as possible!

We hope you understand,
MedSpa Day Spa and Better Merchants Media 

Micro Dermabrasion is a procedure, performed by a trained professional, which effectively removes dead skin and dormant cells.  True physician Micro Dermabrasion noticeably minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after one treatment.  It is far more than a facial scrub in a bottle; and cannot be compared to popular facial regimes which include hand held buffers and exfoliation products.

Even though many celebrities and infomercials are praising the effectiveness and cost savings of these methods, do not be fooled.  When the celebrities want results, they see a skin care professional.  The products they endorse are expensive and can take months to produce optimal results, which pale in comparison to immediate results of one professional Micro Dermabrasion treatment.

The vacuum instrumentation used to perform Micro Dermabrasion increases circulation by oxygenation the blood vessels and capillaries of your skin, while increasing the natural production of elastin and collagen.  During this procedure, blood, containing oxygen and nutrients, is drawn to surface to feed and repair your skin, giving the cells a newer, younger, healthier appearance.  In addition, Micro Dermabrasion leaves your skin smooth and clean.  Blackheads and whiteheads become unsurfaced, dark pigmented spots lighten and acne scars, enlarged pores and wrinkles fade and become less prominent.

Professional Micro Dermabrasion is a smart choice for the overall health and appearance of your skin, and it is more cost effective over time.

For a free consultation on what true Micro Dermabrasion can do for you, please call MedSpa Day Spa at 765-497-1655.

Written by:  Dyane Roesel and Kara Couch, 2005

Electrolysis involves the use of a needle injected into the hair follicle and a small current is applied Twenty to 30 treatments or more are required.  A 70% percent reduction is hair can be expected.

Laser hair removal involves the use of a laser light energy to destroy the follicular unit; usually this system will treat all shades of skin and hair color. Typically five to 10 treatments are required but the current systems are extremely fast, and discomfort is minimal with the new dynamic cooling systems.

Intense pulse light systems use filtered wavelengths of light energy to destroy the follicular unit. Usually four to 10 treatments are required for 70% of hair reductions to be expected.

Side effects and adverse outcomes for all options can include hypo or hyper pigmentation (skin color changes), burns, scarring and infections – although all are rare.  Cost depends on the size or area being treated, but can run $400-$2000.

Vaniqa (Eflonithine HCL) is a cream available by prescription approximately $60 per month) that reduces and stops facial hair growth in many women.  The reduction in hair growth is between 30 and 60 percent and works best in light skinned women.  Hair re-growth occurs rapidly when the product is discontinued – so life long use is required for optimal benefits with this medication cream.

You should see your local dermatologist to help you determine which hair removal method is best for your skin type and hair color.

MedSpa Day Spa Sun Protection Recommendations

• Avoid outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours (11am to 2pm)
• Wear sun protective clothing – a hat with a 3 inch rim, long sleeves, pants, and gloves.
• Consider the use of clothing with special “built-in” sunscreen.
• Use sunblocks year around
• They must have substantivity (must last 8 hours)
• Must be broad spectrum (UVA and UVB)
• The product must have a SPF or 15 or greater

 
Examples of appropriate sunscreens are:

• Vanicream 15 (Chemical free)
• Vanicream 30
• Super Sunblock 25 by Glyderm
• Bio Sun, professional sun protection SPF 30 (Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation)
• Solar SPF 60, an 8 hour product
• Bain de Soliel, gentle block, all day SPF 30, Others recommended by our office

Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a product that is used intramuscularly to block the chemicals that cause facial muscles to contract. By relaxing the muscles, frown lines disappear. Botox has been used for 17 years in more than 75 countries. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox in 2002 for treatments of frown lines.

How is it used?

Botox is administered in a simple non-surgical procedure that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines in individuals over the age of 18. It can also be used to stop excessive sweating of the underarms, face, palms and soles of feet. Both procedures are done via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles or sweat glands.

What are the common side effects?

The most common side effect is slight swelling at the injection sites, occasional nausea, and very rarely temporary eyelid droop.

Will you be happy with your results?

A survey conducted in 2005 by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), found that Botox® was the most popular physician administered cosmetic procedure in the U.S. Over 90% of patients were satisfied with their results. Results can be expected within days after your treatment. The appearance of the area may continue to improve for up to 1 week. Visible results can last 4-5 months.

 
This common condition is exacerbated by sun exposure, pregnancy, birth control pills and certain medications. It can occur in non-facial sun exposed areas but is treated in the same manner as facial pigmentation.

 
Treatments for this common disorder have included cover-up or opaque cosmetics, sunscreen use, sunlight avoidance, bleaching creams, chemical peels, cryosurgery, Dermabrasion and laser or Intense Pulsed Light treatments.

Generally speaking, all women with this disorder should avoid sunlight exposure and tanning beds during the entire period of treatment and after the completion of treatment.
Topical creams are the main stay of therapy and include various medications such as hydroquinone (2-4%), tretinoin (Retin-A®), kojic acid cream/gel, azelaic acid cream/gel, occasionally vitamin C cream, mulberry extract, licorice extract, alpha Lipoic acid and other topical products.

 
State of the art treatments include professional application of chemical peels such as Jessner’s Solution, Lactic Acid or Trichloracetic Acid. In the hands of experts, these peels can significantly reduce the appearance of the facial pigmentation.

 
Lasers and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) systems used by Medspa and Randall Dermatology are some of the most affective treatment options available. Usually 4-6 treatments are required with these systems. Some mild discomfort is occasionally experienced during treatment. Mild redness and light skin peeling may be noticed a few days after the procedure.

 
Microdermabrasion can also be used to treat pigmentary disorders of the face and is usually combined with other treatments.

 
The cost of chemical peels can run between $50 to $200 depending on the product and the area being treated. Lasers and IPL systems can cost between $150 to $375 per treatment. Microdermabrasions can cost between $50 to $100 per treatment.

To treat your hyperpigmentation whether on the face, arms or chest please see a professional at Medspa or Randall Dermatology.

If the pore or follicle stays open the surface of the plug may darken causing a blackhead. If the bacteria (P. acnes) overly thrives in these pores, bacteria and pus may leak into the surrounding tissue causing a pimple. Treatments for moderate acne have included topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, Retin-A ™, benzyl peroxide, astringents and others. Many of these treatments have significant risk and side effects or are ineffective.

Now there is a safer, easier way to treat acne. Blue Light photo-dynamic therapy is now FDA approved for the treatment of moderate acne. Blue Light photo-dynamic therapy kills the P. acnes in your skin. The Blue Light can be administered alone or in conjunction with a topical application of ALA (aminolevulinic acid) for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Blue Light treats both active acne lesions and inactive sebaceous glands. Pre-treatment with topical ALA offers additional reduction of lesions, pustules and papules. Patients receiving Blue Light treatments sit in front of the Blue Light delivery system for 8 – 20 minutes. Treatments can be done on a weekly basis. The number of treatments, the treatment time, and treatment interval will vary with the severity of your acne.

Patients receiving topical ALA with the Blue Light delivery system sit with the ALA solution on the skin for approximately 60 minutes prior to exposure to the Blue Light. Once again, the number of treatments, treatment time, and treatment interval will vary with the severity of your acne.

Side effects can include sun sensitivity for a few days post treatment and mild redness/patient discomfort. After 2-4 weekly treatments most patients experience a reduction in their acne as well as long term resolution of hyperactive sebaceous glands.
For more information on this novel treatment for acne please see a professional at Med Spa or Randall Dermatology.

These systems use low energy light to gently remove unwanted hair. Multiple hairs can be treated at one time, making it possible to treat larger areas such as the back, shoulders and legs in a timely manner.

This advanced technology transcends the older, painful hair removal treatments to deliver long-lasting results.

Laser/IPL hair removal is effective on almost any area of the body where smoother, younger, hair free skin is desired.

The number of treatments you may require depends on the area treated, hair density and hairs growth cycle. Hair grows in cycles and many factors influence this such as age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medications and metabolism. Some areas are more resilient to treatment.

The laser/IPL slows the growing capacity of hair follicles only in the growth cycle at time of treatment. Not all hair follicles are in their growth cycle during your treatment, therefore multiple treatments are always required.

Laser/IPL removal treatments work in a fraction of a second. Each pulse can feel like a hard rubber band snap and treatment time, as previously mentioned, can take a few minutes to a couple of hours. Little care is required following treatment.