Oxygen Skin Treatment Benefits

One of the basic building blocks of human life, oxygen has been researched by the medical and health industries for many years. Oxygen treatment, one of the newest areas in skin care, was initially used for post-operative laser treatment. It has been shown to reduce recovery time after laser and cosmetic surgery, particularly when used in the early healing stages. This therapy has been adapted and is now being used in the skin care industry.

Many spas are now offering oxygen treatments and facials. Oxygen is used in conjunction with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids to nourish and refresh skin cells. Introducing oxygen to the skin cells also helps to control and reduce acne-causing bacteria.

How do oxygen treatments work? At the cellular level, oxygen will attach to collagen and elastin molecules, making these fibers stronger. This helps to increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Oxygen is also used to detoxify the skin by washing away harmful toxins and replacing them with healthy nutrients. The oxygen propels these nutrients to the skin cells. This promotes healing, moisturizing, firming, and conditioning. Whether male or female, young or old, an oxygen skin treatment can be an effective and relaxing process.

4 Reasons to get Oxygen Skin Treatments:

1. As we age, oxygen levels in the skin decrease. Our capillaries become fewer and less flexible, so the oxygen does not pass through properly. This decreases cell function. A gray, dull look to the skin and loss of vitality are signs of lack of oxygen in the skin that can make the skin more prone to aging.

2. Oxygen is safe, natural and highly effective at killing bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Oxygen is one of the best disinfectants and helps with even the most stubborn cases of acne.

3. Oxygen treatments are safe for pregnant women that have problems with breakouts and pigmentation.

4. Oxygen promotes healing in post surgery and with healing of new scars by speeding up the healing process, decreasing scarring and bruising.  

Ingredient Spotlight: Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) found in skin rejuvenation products and treatments. It is considered to be a gentle, yet very effective anti-aging treatment. Derived from milk, lactic acid is well known for its skin hydrating properties and is one of the gentler AHA exfoliants.

The use of lactic acid dates back to Cleopatra, who legend has it, luxuriated in milk baths filled with rose petals. At this point, you might be tempted to jump in the bath with a glass of milk as well, but lactic acid doesn't necessarily work that way (if only it were that easy). However, there are a number of useful treatments and products that contain lactic acid.

Sharing the similar skin rejuvenation traits of glycolic acid, lactic acid skin care is known for:

• diminishing fine lines and wrinkles
• reducing the appearance of age spots
• reducing hyperpigmentation
• improving skin texture
• stimulating collagen production

Typically found as an active anti-aging ingredient in professional treatments, lactic acid is noted for its rich moisturizing attributes and its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells without provoking skin irritation. Because of this, lactic acid is an excellent option for sensitive skin types.

Lactic acid peels are just one type of chemical peel, but they are preferred by many -- again, because of lactic acid's reputation as a gentler AHA. You can use peels to improve wrinkles, some types of acne and discolorations on your skin. Lactic acid isn't a cure-all -- it won't suddenly remove your deepest wrinkles, and it can't stop you from aging. But over time, it can smooth the tone and condition of your face and reduce or remove mild marks and scars. Lactic acid peels are generally part of a series, depending on your desired result. In addition, sun sensitivity is a common side effect of lactic acid peels, so limit your time in the sun and always wear sunscreen!

A is for Acne

Acne is a common, yet often misunderstood, skin condition. Did you know that Dermatologists classify acne into four grades? The classification system is based on a simple visual inspection of the skin. Knowing the grade of your acne is an important step in treating acne. All acne grades require different treatment methods. The four grades of Acne are described below:

Grade I

Grade I is the mildest form of acne. There may be a few small whiteheads, blackheads and papules (red pimples) in small number. There is no inflammation in Grade I acne.

Grade II

Grade II is considered moderate acne. This stage consists of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules (inflamed papule with white or yellow center containing pus), and redness. They will appear with greater frequency, and general breakout activity will be more obvious. Slight inflammation of the skin is now apparent.

Grade III

This type of acne is considered severe. The main difference between Grade II and Grade III acne is the amount of inflammation present. The skin is now obviously reddened and inflamed. This is the most common grade of acne and has a higher risk of scarring and deep pitting.

Grade IV

The most severe form of acne, Grade IV is often referred to as cystic acne. The skin will display numerous papules, pustules, and nodules, in addition to cysts (a closed sac of fluid/infection under the skin. They are tender, painful and cannot be extracted). There is a pronounced amount of inflammation and breakouts are severe. Cystic acne is very painful.

Acne of this severity usually extends beyond the face, and may affect the entire back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms. The infection is deep and widespread. Nearly all cystic acne sufferers develop scarring.

Summer Skin Care Tips

Summer is upon us. What skin care concerns do you have during the summer months? Sunburn? Dry skin? Excess oil? Here are a few skin care tips for keeping your skin beautiful all summer long.

Sunburn: Avoid the sun until the skin has healed completely. Sunburned skin is more susceptible to subsequent burns. Soaking in a bath of cool or lukewarm water laced with a handful of baking soda will ease the burn. Afterward, gently pat on a topical over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help reduce swelling.

Dry skin: After swimming, rinse with fresh water to remove any salt or chlorine buildup, which can further dry out and irritate skin. Keep subsequent baths and showers short (no longer than 5 minutes) and use a mild cleanser and warm water. Gently use a loofah, washcloth, or exfoliating scrub to slough off dead cells. After bathing, towel-dry and moisturize immediately.

Oily skin: Avoid using bar soap to cleanse your face. The binders that hold a bar of soap together are very alkaline (high pH), which will strip all the water and natural oils out of the skin, causing the surface of the skin to dehydrate. Your skin will then be producing more oil to compensate for the lack of water. Using soap can also cause more break outs as the dehydrated cells being caused from the drying soap can cause a layer of dry skin cell buildup which can trap oil and keep them clogged in the pores. Use a gel-based cleanser instead.

Breakouts on your back, shoulders and chest:  Wash with a body cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, ingredients that unblock pores and dry up excess oil. Also look for oil-free products that are labeled noncomedogenic, which means they won't clog pores.

Reducing Skin Pore Size

Do you suffer from large pores? Why do some people have large pores, while others have small pores? Genetics plays a big role in pore size. Also, certain areas of the body, such as the nose and forehead generally tend of have bigger pores both in men and women secreting more sebum (oil). At times, these openings become jammed with dirt and dead skin cells leading to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads; therefore making these openings appear even larger.

Unfortunately, there is no magic wand which can shrink these pores to the preferred size. However, there are a number of products and treatments available which can help you accomplish your goal of smaller looking pores.

• Schedule professional skin care treatments every 4-6 weeks: These treatments go beyond simple cleansing to remove oil and debris caught in the pores.
• Wash your face every night using an appropriate cleanser for your skin type.
• Apply a water-based moisturizer during the day and evening. The moisturizer will help balance the oil in the skin. 

Look for skin care products containing the following ingredients:

Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A to help reduce oil production in the glands and encourage skin exfoliation.

Salicylic Acid: Penetrates the follicle, reducing the number of pore blockages and breakouts in the skin.

Glycolic Acid: An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) for skin exfoliation.

As always, consult your skin care professional for the best product recommendations.

Bad Skin Care Ingredients

When it comes to skin care products, you really do get what you pay for. Cheap ingredients are more easily obtained and are often harsh and pore-clogging. Ingredients found on the labels of skin care products are listed in order of quantity. For example, the first ingredient listed on a product label is what that product contains the most of. If you cannot avoid products containing bad ingredients, try to find products that list such ingredients near the end. Also, if you are purchasing products from behind a counter at the mall or from an online store, ask to see the ingredients - you may be surprised at what you find.

Below is a list of some of the worst ingredients found in skin care and makeup:

1. Mineral Oil: Also labeled as petrolatum or paraffin is a cheap base derived from crude oil. Application of mineral oil prevents the skin from breathing. It clogs pores, traps in toxins, and can lead to acne breakouts.

2. Sulfates: Such as sodium lauryl and sodium laureth, are harsh detergents that give cleansers, soaps, and shampoos their lather.  Sulfates can cause eye irritation and skin rashes.

 

3. Synthetic Colors: They appear as FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number on the label. They can cause skin sensitivity and are reported to be carcinogenic.

4. Synthetic Fragrances: Often contain phthalates (pronounced THAY-lates), synthetic chemicals commonly used to stabilize fragrances and make plastic more pliable. There is no regulation for the naming of these fragrances on packaging; they are generally just listed as "fragrance". Avoid products that list fragrance as an ingredient unless the label states that it’s derived from essentials oils, or look for a phthalate-free label on the packaging.

LED Light Therapy Treatment

What is it?

LED Light therapy is an advanced technology in the field of skin treatments which is gaining popularity at a rapid pace. Though there are various anti-aging or acne treatments in the market offering the same advantages, this is a very unique form of skin care treatment which gives it an edge over others. Skin care light treatments do not use a UV lamp for the therapy. Professionals use a much more advanced form of technology to treat the skin problems: Light Emitting Diodes.

How does it work?

LED light therapy uses different colors of light emitting diodes that stimulate the cells in your skin. Different forms of light colors are used for treating different skin problems. For instance, the red light is the most widely used form which can treat wrinkles, fine lines and sunburn. After receiving this treatment, your skin will be more elastic, supple and soft. On the other hand, the blue light is mainly used for treating acne and pimples.

The benefits you can get from regular LED treatments (once a week for up to 6 weeks):

• Promotes collagen production
• Skin texture appears smoother
• Skin appears brighter
• Assists in killing bacteria
• Improves the appearance of aging and sun damaged skin
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces superficial hyperpigmentation

The advantages of LED light therapy over other skin care treatments:

• Excellent for all skin types and skin color
• No risk of burning or damaging the skin
• No downtime or peeling
• Progressive anti-aging treatment rather than aggressive

Fresh Faced Skin Care offers a variety of LED light therapy treatments, starting at $35. Our Summer Radiance Facial features a 60 minute LED facial treatment customized to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, redness, or wrinkles for only $68 (save 10%). Offer good until June 30, 2012. Call 302-689-3223.