Posts Tagged ‘skin conditions’

One of the common questions and misconceptions associated with laser hair removal is the difference between laser and IPL (Intense Light Therapy). Many people are unaware that there is a difference, few understand how each works and the dangers associated.

IPL was originally created as flash lamps to treat other skin conditions (such as skin rejuvenation and thread vein treatment) and doctors and patients observed hair loss as a result. Therapeutic lasers were specifically developed to deliver premium hair reduction results.

SPL is another recently released hair removal technique and stands for Square Pulsed Light – it’s from the same family of devices as IPL or Intense Pulsed Light, but an SPL pulse lasts a fraction of a second longer. The light wavelength isn’t as intense, meaning it does the same job but your skin is less likely to be overheated and results may take longer.

In theory, laser hair removal , IPL and SPL all work in very much the same way. Both emit light to target the melanin (or colour) within the hair and kill the follicle. What characterizes laser and IPL is the light source and how it is distributed.

Lasers are single wavelength devices, meaning that the light source is focused and can target individual hairs. IPL on the other hand, emits a spectrum of various wavelengths meaning that the light source is scattered and not as targeted. Unlike authentic lasers, IPL is unable to use what is known as ‘selective photothermolysis’ (precise rapid heating of a select structure and surrounding areas ).

So, what does this mean for you? The spectrum of wavelengths emitted by IPL & SPL means many clients are needlessly exposed to unnecessary and or/ineffective radiation compared with the single wavelength from laser hair removal.

IPL hair reduction, unlike laser hair removal may cause skin damage of burning and scarring if not handled by a professional who knows what they are doing. As IPL nor SPL are not pin point accurate, the margin for error is much higher. Many also see inferior results and higher levels of regrowth from IPL as compared to laser hair removal.

The levels of pain experienced when undergoing laser hair removal, IPL or SPL are all very similar. The feeling is described as similar to being flicked by a hot rubber band. However, Candela lasers (used in most reputable clinics) features a dynamic cooling device in each machine to maximise client safety and comfort.

As laser hair removal IPL and SPL all target the hairs melanin, none are effective at treating grey, red or blonde hair. In the past, only IPL was successful at treating a range of skin types. This is no longer the case; laser hair removal now uses a range of lasers to treat the full spectrum of skin types.

Including:

 
Alexandrite lasers – Used to treat fair to mid toned skin with medium to course hair
Nd Yag – Used to treat darker types with course dark hair
Diode – Used to treat fair to mid toned skin and can also treat dark fine hair

If you’re looking for a permanent hair reduction solution, chose a reputable organization who use only medical grade lasers, these are specially designed for therapeutic use. Ensure all staff are fully trained to use the machines and the highest hygiene practices are up held.

Waxing is a popular hair removal method, as it removes unwanted hair and dead skin leaving a silky smooth finish that lasts. As the skin is being stripped of hair and dead skin it can leave it dry or it can become irritated and sore if the skin is not cared for after waxing. It is imperative to treat the skin with care to ensure that the desired affect is achieved, and to prevent any unwanted skin conditions. Here is a guide on how to care for skin after waxing:

• Post waxing care

Waxing can leave skin feeling delicate and sore, so good care is needed to ensure that the feeling fades fast, and the skin is left looking beautiful. The first two days after waxing the skin will be tender; it is advisable to take care of skin to avoid any irritation to ensure that the skin is smooth and soft as desired. Use cool water to cleanse the skin after waxing, a cooler than usual shower will remove any residue whilst cooling the skin. Use a mild non perfumed soap to gently wash the skin, and avoid using any abrasive products, as they can cause aggravation. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water, take a soft towel and gently dab the skin dry.

• Moisturize for smooth skin

Waxing removes the dead skin, and it can cause the skin to feel tender, it is advisable to carefully select a good moisturizer that will care for the tender skin. Aloe Vera is favorable, as it has soothing properties, and it won’t cause any irritation. Alternatively, natural moisturizers that are designed for sensitive skin are preferable, and products that contain tea tree oil are especially good for tender skin. Opt for products that aren’t highly fragrant to use post-waxing to ensure that they don’t cause irritation. Liberally apply moisturizer in a gentle circular motion ensuring to cover all areas, massaging it thoroughly into the skin. It is essential to moisturize the skin after waxing to allow it to recover lost oils and aid in soothing the skin.

• Dress for comfort

Post-waxing the skin will be fragile; therefore it is advisable to keep any areas of skin uncovered if possible. However, if this is not a possibility, then wear loose fitting lightweight clothes, and opt for cotton and natural fibers that will be gentle against the skin to prevent irritation for the first couple of days. Ensure to keep the skin covered under lightweight clothing when exposed to the elements to prevent damage, especially where sun exposure is concerned. Once the skin has had time to recover, and it is looking radiant then one can enjoy wearing their favorite garments to benefit from their silky smooth skin.

• Continue caring for skin

Waxing leaves the skin feeling silky smooth after the short 48 hour recovery time. It is essential to continue caring for the skin to keep it in optimum condition between waxing. Skin should be regularly moisturized to keep it in great condition, and to care for the skin. In addition to this, exfoliating should be carried out weekly after waxing, to remove dead skin, and to prevent ingrown hairs from occurring. There are many different exfoliating products that make this an effortless task, and the skin really benefits from it, and it prepares the skin for the hair to grow back, and for the next waxing treatment. Exfoliating should be followed up with moisturizing.

If smooth soft skin is desired, then good skincare should be followed after waxing to keep skin in healthy condition to leave it looking and feeling radiant. The skin requires special care for the first couple of days to allow the skin to recover, and after that it needs to be treated with care to keep it in the best possible condition to enjoy the benefits of waxing.

The skin is the body’s largest organ. And because it’s on the outside of your body for everyone to see, you want it to not only be healthy, but to look great as well. Women of any age want skin that is clear, smooth and radiant. However, the biggest mistake I see women make when it comes to their skin is failure to customize their skin-care routines. Your skin-care routine needs to change and adapt according to the season, your age and your lifestyle. Also, what works for your friend or your sister won’t necessary work well for you when it comes to your skin.

That said, customizing a skin-care routine doesn’t require a lot of time and effort. With just a few easy steps you can create a routine that works for you and simply tweak it over time as your lifestyle or skin-care needs change.

1. Consult a professional. If possible, the best way to start is with a visit to a dermatologist, especially if you feel that you have particularly problematic skin (ex: acne, sun damage, unusual dryness or other skin conditions). Not everyone can afford this step, but keep in mind that the visit may be covered by your insurance plan. Explain your skin care concerns to your dermatologist and ask for product recommendations. They can help get you on track to customizing a routine and can help you narrow down your focus when it comes to product so that you don’t waste your hard-earned money on products that aren’t right for you.

2. Start with the basics. Wash your face every morning when you wake up and again before you go to bed. Never, under any circumstances go to bed without removing your makeup. Clogged pores will lead to unsightly blemishes. Eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. What you put into your body will show in your complexion, so make sure to drink lots of water (to flush out toxins and hydrate) and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from cigarettes; they cause premature aging of the skin. If you do one thing for your skin each day (besides your daily cleansing), apply a sunscreen each morning (don’t forget to cover your neck as well), to avoid premature wrinkles, sunspots and skin cancer risks.

3. Customize a skin-care routine. Now that you’ve consulted with a professional and are taking care of your body from the inside out, it’s time to create a routine that will optimize all of your healthy habits. While everyone is different, most people benefit from a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil or Purpose come highly recommended by most dermatologists), a pore-cleansing toner (I prefer SeaBreeze for sensitive skin) and a good moisturizer (again I prefer Purpose, which also has added sunscreen).

I beef up my daily routine according to the season and my skin care needs. During the winter, when my skin gets dry, I like to use a moisturizing mask once a week. During the summer, when my pores tend to get clogged with dirt and sweat, I will add a once-a-week exfoliator or deep-cleansing mask. I also like to use Biore pores strips about once a week for blackheads on my nose and chin. Unfortunately, I am at that in-between age where I still need to worry about breakouts and blemishes, but am beginning to see the early signs of aging (no doubt accelerated by my frequent visits to tanning salons in my youth).

As you can see, taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be a huge commitment of your time or your money. If you take a little time to set up a routine, it will become a healthy habit that your skin will thank you for. Once you’ve taken the time to find out what works for you, making small changes here and there will be a breeze.

Waxing is a popular hair removal method, as it removes unwanted hair and dead skin leaving a silky smooth finish that lasts. As the skin is being stripped of hair and dead skin it can leave it dry or it can become irritated and sore if the skin is not cared for after waxing. It is imperative to treat the skin with care to ensure that the desired affect is achieved, and to prevent any unwanted skin conditions. Here is a guide on how to care for skin after waxing:

• Post waxing care

Waxing can leave skin feeling delicate and sore, so good care is needed to ensure that the feeling fades fast, and the skin is left looking beautiful. The first two days after waxing the skin will be tender; it is advisable to take care of skin to avoid any irritation to ensure that the skin is smooth and soft as desired. Use cool water to cleanse the skin after waxing, a cooler than usual shower will remove any residue whilst cooling the skin. Use a mild non perfumed soap to gently wash the skin, and avoid using any abrasive products, as they can cause aggravation. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water, take a soft towel and gently dab the skin dry.

• Moisturize for smooth skin

Waxing removes the dead skin, and it can cause the skin to feel tender, it is advisable to carefully select a good moisturizer that will care for the tender skin. Aloe Vera is favorable, as it has soothing properties, and it won’t cause any irritation. Alternatively, natural moisturizers that are designed for sensitive skin are preferable, and products that contain tea tree oil are especially good for tender skin. Opt for products that aren’t highly fragrant to use post-waxing to ensure that they don’t cause irritation. Liberally apply moisturizer in a gentle circular motion ensuring to cover all areas, massaging it thoroughly into the skin. It is essential to moisturize the skin after waxing to allow it to recover lost oils and aid in soothing the skin.

• Dress for comfort

Post-waxing the skin will be fragile; therefore it is advisable to keep any areas of skin uncovered if possible. However, if this is not a possibility, then wear loose fitting lightweight clothes, and opt for cotton and natural fibers that will be gentle against the skin to prevent irritation for the first couple of days. Ensure to keep the skin covered under lightweight clothing when exposed to the elements to prevent damage, especially where sun exposure is concerned. Once the skin has had time to recover, and it is looking radiant then one can enjoy wearing their favorite garments to benefit from their silky smooth skin.

• Continue caring for skin

Waxing leaves the skin feeling silky smooth after the short 48 hour recovery time. It is essential to continue caring for the skin to keep it in optimum condition between waxing. Skin should be regularly moisturized to keep it in great condition, and to care for the skin. In addition to this, exfoliating should be carried out weekly after waxing, to remove dead skin, and to prevent ingrown hairs from occurring. There are many different exfoliating products that make this an effortless task, and the skin really benefits from it, and it prepares the skin for the hair to grow back, and for the next waxing treatment. Exfoliating should be followed up with moisturizing.

If smooth soft skin is desired, then good skincare should be followed after waxing to keep skin in healthy condition to leave it looking and feeling radiant. The skin requires special care for the first couple of days to allow the skin to recover, and after that it needs to be treated with care to keep it in the best possible condition to enjoy the benefits of waxing.

Waxing is a popular hair removal method, as it removes unwanted hair and dead skin leaving a silky smooth finish that lasts. As the skin is being stripped of hair and dead skin it can leave it dry or it can become irritated and sore if the skin is not cared for after waxing. It is imperative to treat the skin with care to ensure that the desired affect is achieved, and to prevent any unwanted skin conditions. Here is a guide on how to care for skin after waxing:

• Post waxing care

Waxing can leave skin feeling delicate and sore, so good care is needed to ensure that the feeling fades fast, and the skin is left looking beautiful. The first two days after waxing the skin will be tender; it is advisable to take care of skin to avoid any irritation to ensure that the skin is smooth and soft as desired. Use cool water to cleanse the skin after waxing, a cooler than usual shower will remove any residue whilst cooling the skin. Use a mild non perfumed soap to gently wash the skin, and avoid using any abrasive products, as they can cause aggravation. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water, take a soft towel and gently dab the skin dry.

• Moisturize for smooth skin

Waxing removes the dead skin, and it can cause the skin to feel tender, it is advisable to carefully select a good moisturizer that will care for the tender skin. Aloe Vera is favorable, as it has soothing properties, and it won’t cause any irritation. Alternatively, natural moisturizers that are designed for sensitive skin are preferable, and products that contain tea tree oil are especially good for tender skin. Opt for products that aren’t highly fragrant to use post-waxing to ensure that they don’t cause irritation. Liberally apply moisturizer in a gentle circular motion ensuring to cover all areas, massaging it thoroughly into the skin. It is essential to moisturize the skin after waxing to allow it to recover lost oils and aid in soothing the skin.

• Dress for comfort

Post-waxing the skin will be fragile; therefore it is advisable to keep any areas of skin uncovered if possible. However, if this is not a possibility, then wear loose fitting lightweight clothes, and opt for cotton and natural fibers that will be gentle against the skin to prevent irritation for the first couple of days. Ensure to keep the skin covered under lightweight clothing when exposed to the elements to prevent damage, especially where sun exposure is concerned. Once the skin has had time to recover, and it is looking radiant then one can enjoy wearing their favorite garments to benefit from their silky smooth skin.

• Continue caring for skin

Waxing leaves the skin feeling silky smooth after the short 48 hour recovery time. It is essential to continue caring for the skin to keep it in optimum condition between waxing. Skin should be regularly moisturized to keep it in great condition, and to care for the skin. In addition to this, exfoliating should be carried out weekly after waxing, to remove dead skin, and to prevent ingrown hairs from occurring. There are many different exfoliating products that make this an effortless task, and the skin really benefits from it, and it prepares the skin for the hair to grow back, and for the next waxing treatment. Exfoliating should be followed up with moisturizing.

If smooth soft skin is desired, then good skincare should be followed after waxing to keep skin in healthy condition to leave it looking and feeling radiant. The skin requires special care for the first couple of days to allow the skin to recover, and after that it needs to be treated with care to keep it in the best possible condition to enjoy the benefits of waxing.