Skin Health – Page 4 – New Leaf Wellness

Ultimate Guide to Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is one of the hottest new skin care services in the industry. That’s right…you’re certainly intrigued now. Here’s our ultimate guide to dermaplaning…

It’s not really new though. Japanese women have been utilizing facial “shaving” as an anti aging treatment for decades.

Today, I would like to take you on an exfoliation endeavor. I will teach you all about dermaplaning, from what it is, to who should receive it, and why you’ll keep it up in the future.

What is Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a physical skin rejuvenation treatment that removes dead skin and vellus facial hair (peach fuzz), producing more radiant, smooth skin. An Esthetician or RN gently strokes a sterile blade along the surface of the skin to “shave” off unwanted cells and hair.

If you’re thinking to yourself now, “you want to put a what to my face?” – you are not the only one.

Yes, a sterile surgical blade is used, and yes, many women initially express concerns.

All of these women, though, quickly come to love the results (in my experience).

The service is completely safe and pain-free. It’s important to iterate the importance of finding a trained, licensed professional to perform this service. This is not something you can do at home. This is not something an inexperienced provider should do. Dermaplaning takes precision and must be performed by an experienced professional.

Dermaplaning vs. Shaving

Dermaplaning is not facial shaving, but it is. Have I lost you? Shaving is defined as “cutting the hair off one’s face with a razor.” Dermaplaning uses a scalpel blade, not a razor, but it does cut the hair off the face. Dermaplaning works in similar fashion to at-home razors but is significantly more aggressive.

Both the blade and razors are placed at a 45-degree angle to achieve optimum results with a minimal result in injury (you may experience the occasional nick).

So, what’s the difference?

Dermaplaning is more aggressive than shaving.
Dermaplaning uses a surgical, disposable blade.
Dermaplaning cannot be performed at home.
Dermaplaning blades are singular, whereas razors are usually stacked with 2-3 blades.
Dermaplaning is a skin rejuvenation treatment intended to remove dead skin cells and improve fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin tone and texture.
Dermaplaning should not be used to get rid of terminal hair (such as beard hair).
Dermaplaning should not be received any sooner than 21 days apart.

Let’s now discuss the benefits so you may understand why the industry is abuzz over this service.

Benefits of Dermaplaning

Fact: Did you know Marilyn Monroe regularly shaved her face?

Ask any skin care professional (or Hollywood actress) what the secret to flawless, youthful skin is, and they’ll tell you it’s exfoliation.
Dermaplaning is one of the best methods of exfoliation that has zero downtime – a major plus.
Some clients experience mild erythema (superficial reddening of the skin), but it subsides quickly. Besides that, and the radiant skin recently achieved, no one would ever know a service was rendered.

Top 11 Benefits of Dermaplaning

Eliminates vellus hair and dead skin cells.
Increases product absorption and efficacy (products work better).
Promotes cellular proliferation (your anti aging BFF.)
Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
Improves skin texture.
Lessen acne occurrence.
Makeup application is smooth and flawless.
No down time. (Seriously, you can schedule this at lunch.)
Brightens skin and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Great alternative for those with sensitive skin or rosacea.
Safe for all skin types.

Exfoliating the skin also stimulates circulation and increases blood flow to the epidermal layers of the skin. The epidermis does not contain blood vessels and receives nutrients through diffusion. By stimulating blood flow, essential nutrients are delivered to the epidermis and thereby supports anti aging and radiant skin.

What is a Dermaplaning Service Like?

As mentioned earlier, dermaplaning is a skin rejuvenation treatment that is safe and highly effective without downtime. The service takes less than 1 hour with results lasting 4-8 weeks. It can be repeated monthly.

If you have questions or ready to schedule, contact a New Leaf Wellness staff member today! We’re now offering dermaplaning at all locations.

Treating Skin Changes During Perimenopause

What Is Perimenopause?

What could be more frustrating than having wrinkles AND pimples? It is not uncommon for an esthetician to see a client in her 50’s coming in for both anti-aging and acne treatments. And as with so many of life’s irritating moments, women can blame it on hormones. Hot flashes, moodiness and sleep disorders are some of the uncomfortable symptoms every woman going through Perimenopause has experienced to some degree. New Leaf Wellness specializes in hormone care and treating skin changes during Perimenopause and more.

While these symptoms are well-known, the hormonal changes ushering in menopause can cause a wide spectrum of skin disorders, ranging from acne to extreme skin dryness. Lower levels of vital female hormones such as estrogen can also accelerate skin aging. While some women go through perimenopause without problems, others experience great changes, especially with their skin.

Let’s look at how fluctuating hormones can affect the skin, as well as suggest effective treatments and ingredients to mitigate conditions brought on by these unavoidable hormonal changes. We also will offer suggestions to help soothe Perimenopause symptoms such as sleep disruption and hot flashes, which can affect skin health.

Hormones and the Skin

Perimenopause is the time period during which a woman’s body is transitioning to complete loss of fertility—menopause. A woman can enter Perimenopause at different ages. It usually starts in the mid-40s, but can begin as early as the mid-30s. During this time, the ovaries gradually shut down, which results in the fluctuation of hormones.

Although Perimenopause may not commence until the 40’s, a gradual decrease in ovarian activity already has begun, which leads to reduced estrogen and progesterone production. These lower levels of hormones lead to decreases in collagen and elastin fibers, in turn causing wrinkling and sagging known as elastosis.

The woman’s body is thrown off balance due to the declining production of the dominant female hormones such as the common estrogen β-estradiol and progesterone. Conversely, although women produce only a small amount of male sex hormones (androgens), the effects become more dominant due to the depletion of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to skin becoming excessively oily as well as excessively dry during different times of the month, a kind of skin crazy that can really add insult to injury.

How New Leaf Can Help

First, we offer a combination of services including natural hormone therapy as well as professional aesthetic services. Our hormone therapy is personally designed to restore and rebalance your hormones to the levels appropriate for your life and health. And we find hormones and skin care have such a correlation. At your complimentary consultation, we can provide solutions for you that addresses your concerns, irritants and help you live a better life!

To get started, contact us for a consultation!

For WOMEN

For MEN

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Why Laser Hair Removal Now?

Why laser hair removal now is a common question we answer daily. Here’s what we say: It’s currently winter, so most of us are swaddled in layers of sweaters and outerwear, covered up to the eyebrows. Over the winter, we don’t tend to be thinking ahead to the summer months although they will be here in just a couple months… So, as some of us may be just trying to get keep our walks shoveled. We’re waiting for the snow and gloom to go and summer to come!

But summer comes around in a hurry, once the seasonal wheel turns. The transition from winter to spring can be a little abrupt in some parts of the USA, so it pays to start thinking about summer preparation now.

Below, we’re going to share with you why winter is a great time for laser hair removal. There are several advantages to having the treatment during the cold months of the year. Read on and find out why winter is a great time to get smooth!

Baby, it’s cold outside.

Following laser hair removal, you’ll need to cover up the areas you’ve had treated, to protect them from the sun. Your skin can be sensitive to UV rays and heat after treatment.

With sunlight during the winter greatly reduced and your skin covered up to keep warm, conditions are ideal for laser hair removal. Technicians can even treat your unwanted hair at a higher frequency to expedite the process.

The cold weather offers the perfect setting for laser hair removal, enhancing the process by offering a cool environment.

Transitioning to smooth.

Laser hair removal causes your hair to fall out on its own, but this can take time. Exfoliating the skin adequately helps the process and encourages ingrown hairs to resolve themselves. Winter also offers you the opportunity aid the process with summer-ready skin care rituals.

Because you’re covered up, you’ll be more inclined to let the therapy do its work, without attempting to hasten it. Those residual fuzzy bits won’t bother you a bit, because they’ll be your little secret until the big reveal, when warm weather hits.

Ready for summer, 2018!

Depending on how much hair you’re treating, laser hair removal may take several sessions to rid you of all the hair being targeted. Another reason why winter is a great time for laser hair removal is that it gives you time.

When you pursue a course of laser hair removal treatments, you’ll find that a down develops, which is not at all like hair that returns after shaving, which is coarse. Eventually, you’ll see less and less of this down and more and more smooth.

Which means you’re ready to hit the beach, looking stunning and feeling incredible!

Get your smooth on.

At New Leaf Wellness, we know that beauty is a personal thing. It’s also a process that requires expert assistance. Sometimes, it pays to know the ropes before approaching a cosmetic therapy like laser hair removal, so we offer you a free consult… feeling beautiful for you is important to us!

Men + Skin Care: What You Need To Know

Today, we are talking about men + skin care and what you need to know. Men are a fast-growing segment of consumers in the esthetic market, yet they can be underrepresented in an often female-dominated industry. But it seems the tide is changing.

A survey by Allergan found that 48% of men would be open to discussing treatment for facial wrinkles with a doctor in the next two years. Additionally, 71% say they want to look good and almost half are willing to spend money on their facial appearance—40% of which would spend more than $250 for a single treatment.

71%

[of men] say they want to look good and almost half are willing to spend money on their facial appearance—40% of which would spend more than $250 for a single treatment.

Men + Skin Care

A polished appearance in men helps them feel more confident, have stronger interpersonal relationships and stay more competitive in the job market,” she explained. “Another big trend is the prevalence of social media where your appearance is everything, especially when it comes to online dating. … It’s also become more accepted in today’s world so they don’t feel ashamed to get Botox, waxing, hair restoration or even manicures.

When men get Botox injections, they differ from women in that they are more prone to have their whole face done if instructed by an esthetic professional, according to Allergan.

Key injection areas for men include:

Glabellar lines
Eye area
Forehead
Frown lines
Double chin

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying:

Feel better overall. Friendly staff, easy to schedule, easy access, and very warm and comfortable environment. – George M.

View More Testimonials>>

Call New Leaf Wellness for any of your Professional Aesthetic Needs at 888-728-7555.

Why Add a Hyaluronic Acid to Your Skincare

Is it good for acne and also normal to dry skin?

Hyaluronic acid is phenomenally helpful for all skin types. For those with oily skin, and sensitive or normal skin hyaluronic acid does remarkable things in the skin. Most acne patients are terrified of the word moisturizer, but Hyaluronic Acid is exceptionally lightweight texture that feels weightless on skin even though it has such concentrated moisturizing properties. It also replenishes moisture level so the helping the skin from overproducing oil. For those with sensitive skin it’s also incredibly gentle but drenches skin with long-lasting hydration.

10 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

The dermatologic and aesthetic benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Serum are too numerous to count. Here are just ten of the amazing ways hyaluronic acid enhances the health and appearance of your skin.

Hydration – Able to hold up to 1000 times its molecular weight in water, the acid penetrates the skin and binds skin cells to water, infusing all layers of the skin with valuable, rejuvenating moisture.
Humectant – After infusing the epidermis with valuable moisture, the acid continues to draw moisture in from the surrounding environment to provide lasting hydration benefits.
Lipid barrier enhancement – Hyaluronic acid fortifies the skin’s natural barriers to lock moisture in for an even more dramatic hydrating effect.
Increased resilience – By enhancing the skin’s natural barriers, the skin is better able to defend itself against environmental age-factors and pollutants.
Tighter skin tone – As it fills the skin with moisture, the acid tightens the overall complexion and firms facial contours for a more youthful appearance.
Smoother texture – Much in the same way it tightens the skin, it also smoothes the texture of the skin for a silky smooth finish you can see and feel.
Less visible fine lines and wrinkles – the acid reduces the size and visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating skin cell production of collagen and elastin, two fibers that contribute to skin elasticity.
Stimulates skin cell regeneration – In addition to stimulating skin cell production of collagen, hyaluronic acid promotes skin cell regeneration for healthier cells and a more vibrant complexion.
Pigmentation – A description of hyaluronic acid wouldn’t be compete without mentioning ability to reduce and prevent age spots and pigmentation issues.
Clarity – By promoting proper moisture balance in the skin, the acid prevents the over-production of oil that clogs pores to cause breakouts.

If you feel your skin could benefit you from a Hyaluronic Acid treatment, give us a call at 888-728-7555 or contact one of our professionals to get your additional questions asked about our skincare services.

Is What You’re Eating Making You Sick?

Do you make eating a healthy diet a priority? Did you know that some of the healthy foods you eat, even ones that you eat frequently, may actually be making you feel bad, as well as harming your overall health?

Sometimes even a ‘good’ food can be ‘bad’ for a certain individual, due to their personal allergies and sensitivities.

For optimal health, it is beneficial to determine the best foods for you to eat to help you feel, look and live your best, as well as determine the foods that you should avoid.

You may think that you don’t have any food sensitivities, but perhaps the symptoms have gone unnoticed. Your body, however, is very aware of the sensitivity and it is affecting you internally.

There are two types of allergic reactions to food. One is easier for you to identify, the other often goes unnoticed and unaddressed.

The 2 Types of Allergic Reaction

Immediate Reaction: this occurs within hours of ingesting the specific food item

Symptoms can vary including:

Wheezing
Coughing
Nausea
Abdominal Cramps
Throat Constriction
Tingling Extremities
Diarrhea

Because of the immediate, usually strong reaction after eating a certain food, it is usually easier to tell that you are allergic to something and what that specific item is.

Delayed Reaction: these symptoms occur up to 72 hours after food is ingested.

Because of the delayed reaction, it’s often difficult to tell which food you have sensitivity to (think of all the different things you eat in a 3 day period!) Unidentified food sensitivities can actually contribute to many serious illnesses including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Infections and even Eczema, as well as many others.

Foods that you have a sensitivity to can cause internal inflammation in your body, which opens the door to potential future serious health conditions.

The Most Common Sensitivity Causing Foods Are:

Milk
Wheat
Soy
Eggs
Peanuts
Fish
Shellfish
Tree Nuts

Though these items are the most common foods people have sensitivities to, there are many others foods that can cause a inflammation reaction as well. This is why we test for 90 different foods in our patients with the Food Sensitivity Test. Once the offending foods have been determined, we can customize an eating and treatment plan to address your needs.

The end result?

Inflammation is greatly reduced in your body, preventing many different diseases
Sensitivity symptoms are eliminated: everything from excess bloating to skin irritations related to your sensitivity dissipate
Overall health and quality of life, including energy, will greatly improve. Your body will be functioning at it’s optimal level based on the customized fuel you are feeding it.

To learn more about our Food Sensitivity Test and more options to relieve your symptoms and understand what is causing them, give us a call at 1-888-728-7555 or contact us.We look forward to you having your best year yet!

What Now?

Follow the Dr’s recommendation on the elimination diet. Test yearly for the latest information on what is causing inflammation in your body. Be sure you are getting your follow up tests completed and you will not have chronic health problems due to inflammation caused by sensitivities of food.

CooLifting: New Aesthetic Service

CooLifting is a non-invasive facial rejuvenation technique that creates a strong CO2 gas flow and a hyaluronate facial solution comprised of a high concentration of atomized actives to reduce wrinkles and instantly hydrate the skin. The proprietary blend is applied to the face at a low temperature with very high pressure.

NEW CRYO TECHNOLOGY, FREEZE TIME AND LOOK YOUNGER IN 5 MINUTES!

Introducing CooLifting services at New Leaf Wellness Centers – Unlock your skin’s potential for radiance and luminosity in just 5 minutes with the newest facial technology from Europe. CooLifting is a new facial that combines a controlled spray of carbon dioxide and a blend of hyaluronic acid and botanicals to generate beautiful results with no downtime, no injections, and no pain. CooLifting treatments leave skin looking and feeling tighter and firmer. The proprietary HA gel infused with CO₂ increases skin hydration and improves the appearance of fine lines. Results can bee seen immediately!

Check to see if CooLifting is available at a location near you >>

Benefits of CooLifting:

A comfortable, 5 minute treatment with NO DOWNTIME
Luminous and radiant skin
Increase hydration for a more youthful and healthier looking skin
Tissue stimulation for even skin and fine line lifting
Calming of skin after micro needling, microdermabrasion, laser surgery and other procedures

Take Our Skin Care Quiz! >>

5 Awesome Ways to Prepare Your Skin for Fall

Summer is drawing to a close. Is your skin ready? It’s in store for a fairly dramatic transition. After becoming accustomed to the warm, sunny, moist weather of summer, your skin must adapt to the drier, cooler air of fall. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to do it alone. By taking the right steps and using the right products, you can lay the foundation for a seamless transition from summer to fall–and for glowing, beautiful skin throughout the year.

Five Tips for Preparing Your Skin for the Fall

1. Keep Using Sunscreen

One of the worst mistakes that people make when fall rolls around is to stop using sunscreen. Just because the weather gets cooler and less sunny doesn’t mean that your skin isn’t still pummeled continuously by damaging UV-A and UV-B rays. You don’t have to use a separate sunscreen if you don’t want. Instead, choose a primer that contains SPF 30 or higher.

2. Use a Serum Under Your Moisturizer

During the summer, a lightweight moisturizer is all that’s typically needed to keep skin from drying out. Cooler weather brings drier air, however, so you’ll need to switch to something heavier and creamier. It’s a bit soon for that, though, so try using a serum beneath a medium-weight moisturizer instead. This gives you the added benefit of using thicker moisturizer while shielding your skin from pore-clogging cream.

3. Keep Exfoliating

Skin gets drier during the fall, and this makes it more susceptible to damage. Still, don’t stop exfoliating. Just take it a bit easier when you do. After all, the dryness of the season will cause dead skin cells to accumulate quickly. Keep your skin looking fresh and new by using a gentle exfoliant twice a week. After exfoliating, apply a serum and moisturizer.

4. Protect the Area Around Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is especially fine and fragile. Not surprisingly, it doesn’t cope well with constant exposure to dry, cool air. Ward off fine lines and wrinkles in this area by using a moisturizing eye cream. They have special formulas that can be worn at night for exceptional moisture, and there are lighter weight formulas that are perfect for use by day.

5. Eat Right

Fall is often a busy time of year. It’s easy to fall off the healthy eating wagon. Healthy skin starts within, though, so get back on track by eating right. Stick with whole foods that are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Fish like salmon and seafood like oysters are good for this. As for antioxidants, you’ll get your fill from carrots, blueberries, cucumbers, cauliflower and many other fruits and veggies.

After being so careful to protect your skin throughout the summer, don’t let that hard work go to waste. By keeping the above advice in mind, you can transition your skin from moist, humid, hot summer weather to cool, dry fall weather with ease. Get on track now to ensure that your skin stays in tip-top shape into the New Year and beyond.

Take our skin care quiz to know what condition your skin is in!

For WOMEN

For MEN

Raspberry Could Ride Anti-pollution

Looking for a natural therapy for great skin you can implement today? Check out these recent findings that explain why raspberries can truly benefit your skin!

New work published online in advance of the January 2017 International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences suggests raspberries are good for more than just pie. Here, a raspberry fruit extract formulated in an emulsion-gel was shown to improve erythema and melanin levels in skin.

This corroborates work presented a few years ago in Cosmetics & Toiletries by a different group of researchers. In that study, a hydrosoluble stem cell culture extract from Rubus idaeus (American red raspberry) was found to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, mainly due to the presence of high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins.

In addition, it provided antioxidant power due to the presence of natural phenolic components, and induced genes responsible for DNA protection and repair—more so than resveratrol.

While it’s not a new ingredient, interest in raspberry is. Could become the next super fruit for natural skin care? It’s in the perfect position to ride the anti-pollution trend to the top.

Sources: International Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cosmetics & Toiletries

5 Easy Tips for a Healthy Skincare Lifestyle

It is easy to overlook the importance of healthy skin when you are younger and your skin is glowing and vibrantly youthful. However, as soon as the first telltale signs of aging appear, you may begin to grow concerned. Unfortunately, for most people, those first few wrinkles, spots or other age-related skin-blemishes are often followed by many others.

The best way to care for your skin is to start taking of its health earlier in life. This can ideally delay the onset of wrinkles, spots and other issues.

However, even if you have already noticed a few signs of aging on your skin, rest assured that any steps you take now may delay future wrinkles and spots from developing so quickly. AND – We have services that will reverse aging, wrinkles, sagging, and many other items you’d like to address!

1. Wear Sunscreen

Damage from the sun can be difficult to reverse, and exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can lead to everything from sun spots to cancer. The sun can be harmful to skin on cloudy days and in the middle of winter when you rarely would think about wearing sunscreen. With this in mind, it is important to apply sunscreen daily throughout the year.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Hydrating your skin is equally as important as wearing sunscreen. This is because your skin is actually an organ, and both superficial and deep tissue layers need water to rid the body of toxins and to promote healthy skin. Drinking extra water can also help your products that contain hyaluronic acid to work more effectively.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet

Because your skin is an organ, the nutrients that you take into your body are also important. If your diet is not currently rich in fruits and vegetables, making a change now is a smart idea for optimal skin health. Taking a multi-vitamin is also a smart idea.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

Getting plenty of sleep each night can do wonders for preventing wrinkles, but stress should also be considered as a cause of wrinkles. Taking steps to de-stress regularly, such as through yoga or meditation, can be beneficial.

5. Pamper Your Skin

You may not think about skin facials improving your skin, but these are incredibly beneficial to the superficial layers of your skin as well as the deep tissues. This is because a facial gives you a deep tissue massage on the face and neck, and this can work to tighten skin naturally.

As you can see, there are many steps you can take to improve the health of your skin. Even if you have already noticed a few signs of aging, it is never too late to start caring for your skin and to prevent more wrinkles and spots from appearing. Contact us today for more customized tips to help you improve the health of your skin.