WHAT'S NEW

Spring is a time for renewal, and Retinol is the perfect way to refresh and rejuvenate this season! During the month of April, purchase a medical microdermabrasion or peel of your choice and receive a complimentary retinol treatment. Remember, Mother’s Day is right around the corner and this is something every woman could use…

Retinol: Pure vs. Complexes

When using a retinol based product, it is important to keep in mind the differences between pure retinol and retinol complexes, as each will have different effects on your skin. Retinol is one of the most versatile ingredients used in skin care today. The unique benefit of delivery and stabilization technology combined with skin-specific formulations has led to the most comprehensive line of retinol products.

A retinol complex is a blend of retinol and retinoid esters or other support ingredients designed to increase the retinol’s efficacy and stability. When percentages are listed for retinol complexes, the amount reflects the total amount of all ingredients of the complex, not only the retinol. On the other hand, a product that contains pure retinol truly provides the entire percentage of retinol stated. Both retinol complexes and pure retinol have a place in the industry, and having options to treat patients individually is absolutely necessary.

PCA has just launched two new products, Intensive Age Refining Treatment and Intensive Clarity Treatment. Both contain 0.5% pure retinol. These products are rare in an industry where complexes are far more common, and making these products even more unique are their customized formulations suited specifically for acne and hyperpigmentation or visible aging.

Products containing retinol complexes, such as A&C Synergy Serum and Retinol Renewal with Restorative Complex offer the benefits of retinol with a reduced risk of topical irritation. While visible results will be achieved using a complex, it might take longer to see than when using a pure retinol. Those struggling with skin conditions such as visible aging, hyperpigmentation, or acne will often benefit more from a potent pure retinol product. Retinol complexes are more appropriate for patients looking to maintain a youthful appearance, reduce oil production, as well as anyone who cannot tolerate pure retinol. Always follow treatment protocols and/or instructions given by a skin care professional while using these products.

Lindsey Tisdale, Medical Esthetician

Treat yourself to a Luxury Microdermabrasion for $75 this month and receive a complimentary product tour, tailored to your skin type and condition. pHaze 13 Pigment Gel is an effective and affordable way to expose more youthful looking skin, especially when combined with a Diamond Tome treatment. This PCA Clinical Care Product is medical grade and only $42.00.

Treating Hyperpigmentation with PCA Clinical Care Products and Diamond Tome Microdermabrasion:

Lactic and citric acids are natural constituents of the skin. Lactic acid is the AHA of human skin, manufactured in our muscles. It is the acid that compromises our skin’s acid mantle. Our skin is roughly 30% lactates and salts. L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is a skin strengthener, not a moisturizer. Citric, pyruvic, fumaric and malic acids are the acids in the Kreb’s cycle. The Kreb’s cycle regulates the tissue respiration process and oxygenation of our skin. The combination of citric and lactic acids work synergistically to simultaneously prevent/inhibit melanin production, lighten the skin and lift hyperpigmentation.

Hydroquinone is also a tyrosinase (TY) inhibitor. When hydroquinone is combined with other tyrosinase inhibitors such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, rumex crispus and/or licorice,  lactic and citric acids, which accelerate the bleaching action,  salicylic or resorcinol, which are exfoliating and antibacterial agents, and alcohol, which is a drying agent, hyperpigmentation is drastically lighten if not completely removed. These ingredients help to bleach hyperpigmentation, desquamate the stratum corneum (superficial skin, top layer) and exfoliate, therefore, eliminating skin discoloration (dyschromias).

Tyrosinase is an enzyme that works with tyrosine, an amino acid, and the two together create the production of melanin. It is stimulation and cutaneous swelling (caused by heat-generated inflammatory response) to the melanocytes that produce melanin that results in discoloration of the skin.

The reason pHaze 13 Pigment Gel is effective is because azelaic and kojic acids are natural tyrosinase inhibitors . Azelaic and kojic acids are also both mild natural antibiotics, fungicidals, and antimicrobials as well as anti-inflammatory agents.

Contrary to past rumor, there is no glycolic acid in human skin. There are however, glycogens, a polysaccharide starch which converts to glucose, which is metabolized to lactic acid.

Diamond Tome Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that rejuvenates aging, sun-damaged and acne-prone skin by exfoliating dead skin cells that have been building and clogging your pores. It can treat the face, neck, chest, shoulders, back and hands and provides the following benefits:

• Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, scars and hyperpigmentation
• Refines the appearance of pores
• Stimulates circulation, collagen and cell regeneration
• Eliminates acne
• Improves elasticity and skin texture

Utilizing the latest technology, Diamond Tome Microdermabrasion is a particle-free system that safely and gently vacuums up dead epidermal cells and polishes the top layers of the skin to expose new, healthier skin. Instead of using aluminum oxide crystals, the treatment uses a natural diamond tip hand piece which eliminates loose particles and chemicals that can irritate your skin. In the process, your skin becomes thicker, more supple and more elastic – in essence, more youthful skin. It is also a quick, painless procedure that takes less than an hour. Many patients find the treatment to be very relaxing, and with very little redness or dryness in their skin, most of them resume their normal activities directly following the procedure.

Lindsey Tisdale, Medical Esthetician

February is the month to celebrate love, whether it’s your significant other, friend, family member, or a special treat for yourself…we have something for everyone! Gift Certificates available for any product or service.

During the month of February, you may purchase any laser package 25% off. A complimentary skin evaluation, product assessment, and daily home care regimen consultation are included.

Laser is an acronym that stands for light amplification stimulation emission of radiation. Because lasers are used to treat a variety of conditions, there are many kinds. All lasers work by selective photothermolysis, a process that turns the light from the laser into heat. Depending on the intended use and type, lasers can remove blood vessels as well as hyperpigmentation, disable hair follicles, and eliminate wrinkles without destroying surrounding tissue. Lasers work by means of medium (solid, liquid, or gas, or semiconductor) that emits light when excited by a power source. The medium is placed in a specifically designed chamber with mirrors located at both ends of the inside. The chamber is stimulated by an energy source such as electrical current, which in turn excites the particles. The reflective surfaces create light that becomes trapped and goes back and forth through the medium, gaining energy with each pass. The light becomes a laser light. The medium determines the wavelength of the laser and its target.

RENEW SR for Color Correction-Foto Facial

The SR applicators are intended for skin rejuvenation, a procedure that targets both vascular and pigmented lesions. The applicators are optimized to emit light in wavelengths easily absorbed by hemoglobin and melanin. The targeted vascular or pigmented lesions absorb the heat energy, raising the temperature of the targeted tissue. The RF energy flows to the heated area and elevates the temperature to the level required for effective treatment and overall improved skin texture. The elos energy of these applicators provides targeted heating up to 0.4 mm in depth. After treatment, vascular lesions fade from sight, while pigmented lesions darken and flake away within a week or so.

Effective for removal of telangiectasia, rosacea, poikiloderma, and sun spots for more even skin tone.

DSL for Hair Removal Photoepilation uses intense light to destroy the growth of new cells of the hair bulb.  In this process, the laser beam is pulsed on the skin, impairing the hair follicles. It is most effective when used on follicles in the growth, or anagen phase. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is different from a traditional laser. First generation lasers were a solid beam of light. Pulsed light (or photo light) produces a quick “flash” of light. These short, powerful pulses shatter their target without allowing heat to build up and burn the surrounding skin. The flash destroys the targeted hair bulb and prevents hair growth.

Effective for permanent reduction and semipermanent hair removal.

Vitamin C Products - a good idea any time

Few ingredients are as versatile as vitamin C. This potent antioxidant inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and boosts collagen production, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and minimizing inflammation. Notoriously difficult to stabilize, vitamin C is dependent upon scientifically advanced stabilization and delivery systems for protection until applied topically. Our PCA C-Strength 15% and 20% with 5% Vitamin E employ advanced anhydrous vitamin suspension technology, which ensures consistent potency with every use. Because of the two available strengths, virtually every patient can enjoy the numerous benefits of this advanced treatment product, making it a staple for every daily care regimen. I highly recommend this product in combination with SR  Laser Treatments.