FAQ's  

What are the benefits of a facial?

What is the facial experience like from Aesthetic Profiles?

What are Alpha Hydroxy Acids?

How do Alpha Hydroxy Acids work?

How long before I will begin to see results?

Are all Alpha Hydroxy Acids alike?

Will AHAs help the discoloration of my skin?

How does the loss of a layer of dead cells and increased collagen improve the appearance of the skin?

What is Glycolic Acid skin peel?

How do I use Glycolic Acid?

How long do I need to use Glycolic Acid before my skin improves?

Are there any restrictions on who can have a Glycolic Acid peel?

Can Glycolic Acid peels be used on areas of the body other than the face?

What type of skin problems will not be improved with Glycolic Acid?

How do Glycolic Acid peels improve acne?

Like Retin-A, will Glycolic Acid cause my skin to become more sensitive to sunlight and other products?

How much time will I miss from work with a Glycolic Acid peel?

 

What are the benefits of a facial?
Receiving a professional facial is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable services available in our day spa. When performed on a regular basis, facials can result in a noticeable improvements to ones skin tone, texture and appearance. A facial can restore the normal balance of oil and ph for the skin. Facials can remove various clogged pores.
Benefits of Body and Facial treatments

  • Skin becomes soft and pliable
  • The circulation of the blood is increased
  • The nerves are soothed and rested
  • Pain is sometimes relieved
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    What is the facial experience like from Aesthetic Profiles?
    A facial done by our aestheticians will leave you feeling relaxed and younger. A facial removes milium and dead skin cells, restores balance to the skin and relaxes the muscles of the face.

  • During your facial he / she is made as comfortable as possible
  • Any make up is removed and the face, neck and chest are cleansed (proper skincare products are chosen for your specified skin type)
  • A skin analysis will be done during the cleansing process. The aesthetician will look for dry or oily areas that need extra attention. (i.e. comedones, milia or pustules) and these will be extracted if necessary. Our aestheticians are trained to notice areas of the skin that are suspicious (i.e. moles that change, spots that remain irritated and won't heal and small elevations to the skin that could be cancerous or a result of sun damage.)
  • While you're enjoying a gentle flow of steam across the face and neck, a mild brushing of the skin gently exfoliates the skin, which stimulates and rejuvenates.
  • After steaming and necessary extractions, High Frequency is used to disinfect the skin and to help reduce redness and irritation.
  • An ampoule of specific herbs and/or vitamins is applied.
  • Massage of the neck, shoulders and face follows using a botanical cream for your skin type. Massage stimulates the skin, increases the blood flow to the surface and helps the penetration of the products deeper into the skin.
  • Last, a time of relaxation while your skin rests with a mask that re-hydrates and soothes. It will stay on the skin for 10-15 minutes and will be removed with a warm aromatic compress.
  • Come, relax and indulge yourself, treating your skin and body to a wonderful experience.

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    What are Alpha Hydroxy Acids?
    The discovery of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) founded by Dr. Eugene Vanscott and Dr. Ruey Yu technology, has revolutionized skincare. There are many exceptional skincare benefits with AHAs on daily use or also with glycolic acid peels, lunchtime peel procedures, even those with sensitive skin can benefit.
    Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a group of naturally occurring acids which are derived from certain plants and fruits, including sugar cane, apples, grapes, and citrus. These "fruit acids" have been used ofr hundreds of years as moisturizers and skin fresheners. Over the past 10 years, medical research has advanced our understanding of these acids and allows us to create better formulations of these products. In addition, we are now able to use these acids in specific programs to improve acne, dry skin, weathered sun damaged skin, blotchy pigmentation and fine wrinkles.

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    How do Alpha Hydroxy Acids work?
    Basically, AHA's disolve the "glue" that holds dead cells onto the surface of the skin. This allows dead cells to slough off, leaving behind a layer of smoother, softer skin. In addition, AHA's help dissolve materials that clog pores. This permits pores to drain better, decreasing the tendency for acne lesions to form. At the same time, the deeper portion of the skin (dermis) is stimulated to produce new collagen and elastin, both important components of healthy skin. This thickening of the collagen layer along with the smoothing of the epidermis, results in improving the appearance of the fine lines on the face.

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    How long before I will begin to see results?
    Acne treatments with AHAs formulas will begin to see improvements as early as two weeks. Visible signs of aging will improve within 4 to 6 weeks, getting rid of dry skin will improve texture and allow the skin to look smoother, look healthier, feel softer and aid in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

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    Are all Alpha Hydroxy Acids alike?
    No! While all AHA's share the properties previously outlined, some are too irritating to be used on a regular basis. Furthermore, some are not properly formulated. Most researchers agree that GLYCOLIC ACID, derived from sugar cane, is the best choice for skin therapy because of its gentle yet effective action on epidermal cells. Because of this, all of our Alpha Hydroxy Acid skin care products have Glycolic Acid as the active ingredient.

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    Will AHAs help the discoloration of my skin?
    The use of a formula that contains AHAs and a 2% or 4% hydroqinone will help lighten skin discoloration such as freckles, age and liver spots or pigment change due to hormone levels.

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    How does the loss of a layer of dead cells and increased collagen improve the appearance of the skin?
    A thick layer of dead cells on the surface of the skin gives the complexion a rough, dull appearance. When these cells are removed, a fresh new layer is exposed. This layer has a smoother texture and a more uniform color. At the same time, deeper layers of the skin are stimulated to produce new collagen and elastic fibers which lend support to the overlying epidermis (surface skin cells). Recent scientific studies show that continued use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids over time can cause the top layer of living cells to actually become plumper, creating a more youthful tightening of the skin. In some AHA users, this tightening can even lead to a reduction in fine wrinkles or superficial scars.

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    What is Glycolic Acid skin peel?
    A solution containing high concentrations of Glycolic Acid is applied to your skin for a brief period of time and then removed. This solution causes several of the top layers of skin to dry up and "peel off" over a period of several days. This "peeling" generally does not cause an unsightly shedding of the skin, instead it results in a temporary slight reddening of the skin, ultimately exposing a new layer of undamaged skin which has a smoother texture and more even color.

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    How do I use Glycolic Acid?
    We have a variety of products available that contain Glycolic Acids which include cleansers, astringents, creams, lotions, and gels. As other products become available (shampoos, sunscreens, etc.) we will evaluate them for our patients. We can advise you on which products are appropriate for your skin type. Together we can create a long term regimen of skin care to keep your skin looking its best.

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    How long do I need to use Glycolic Acid before my skin improves?
    Most people can begin to feel a softening of their skin with 2-3 weeks. However, it can take several months of continued daily use of Glycolic Acid to achieve the optimum results.

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    Are there any restrictions on who can have a Glycolic Acid peel?
    As with any procedure, some patients are more sensitive to the stronger solutions of Glycolic Acid. For this reason, we recommend a gradual progression from low to more intensive strengths, as tolerated by the skin. Unlike many other peels, Glycolic Acid usually does not permanently lighten the skin. Therefore, peels can be performed on patients with darker skin types, including Hispanic, Asian and Black.

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    Can Glycolic Acid peels be used on areas of the body other than the face?
    Many areas of the body appear to respond well to treatment with Glycolic Acid. Generally, the arms, hands, neck and chest improve at a slower rate than the face. If the patient elects to treat these areas, more aggressive, stronger solutions of Glycolic Acids will need to be used as well as having several peels performed.

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    What type of skin problems will not be improved with Glycolic Acid?
    Generally, deep skin folds and creases, ice pick acne scars, tattoos and the like are not affected by the use of Glycolic Acid.

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    How do Glycolic Acid peels improve acne?
    One of the most prominent contributing factors in the formation of pimples and blackheads is the accumulation of dead skin cells and excess oils around openings of hair follicles (pores), which form a plug and clog the pores. This can prevent the escape of oils and bacteria, which are produced in greater abundance in acne prone skin. Furthermore, the plugs and surrounding dead skin layer, prevent topical acne medications from reaching the maximum potential in the skin. Glycolic Acid treatments remove the dead skin barrier and help to unclog the pores, allowing oil to emerge and topical medications (antibiotics, Benzoyl Peroxide, Retin-A, etc.) to penetrate the deeper layers of the epidermis where they are most effective.

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    Like Retin-A, will Glycolic Acid cause my skin to become more sensitive to sunlight and other products?
    The use of Glycolic Acid rarely causes sensitivity to sunlight. The vast majority of people can use Glycolic Acid with little or no redness, irritation or flaking, as is otherwise seen with the use of Retin-A. Interestingly, many patients combine the use of Glycolic Acid creams and lotions with Retin-A to enhance the effects of both products.

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    How much time will I miss from work with a Glycolic Acid peel?
    Glycolic Acid peels can be of many different depths. They can be very superficial, causing some pinkness or slight reddening of the skin for 1 or 2 days, or they can be deeper, taking up to 7-8 days to heal. The most superficial peels can normally be done without having to miss any time from work. However, since they are light peels, it is usually necessary to perform a series of peels in order to achieve optimum results.

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