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Facial Imperfections

Visible facial veins are dilated blood vessels. They are usually found on the forehead, nose, cheeks, eyelids, neck, and upper chest. Visible veins are most commonly seen in fair-skinned women and usually appear after the age of 35.                                 

Blood vessel dilation is due to the weakening of the elastic fibers in the walls of the vein. Although the exact mechanisms leading to blood vessel dilation are not understood, visible veins are associated with excessive sun exposure, normal aging, the decline in estrogen, medication use, genetics, and physical trauma. On the face, visible veins can range in size from the tip of a pencil to bigger than a pencil eraser. Visible veins may occur in a spider web fashion on the face.

Visible veins are often considered to be a cosmetic issue. However, they can be found in people with rosacea and more rarely, an autoimmune disease. Hormonal changes can be associated with visible veins as well.

There are many different treatments options available for visible veins:

1. Telangitron uses electric current from a handheld needle. Utilizing high-frequency energy, this non-invasive treatment delivers gentle electrical currents to break down the irregularity at its source. These currents are emitted from a specialized prob that will barely make contact with the skin. Over time, the targeted area will scab and fall off, revealing clearer radiant skin. The Telangitron experience offers a fast treatment duration with greater comfort than many other approaches.

2. Lasers are sources of high-energy focused light. Certain lasers, called vascular lasers, are designed to target a component of blood called hemoglobin. Vascular lasers destroy the blood vessel and leave the surrounding tissue undamaged. The side effects of laser therapy can include pain (similar to a rubber band snap) and temporary purpura, or purple pigmentation of the skin similar to bruising. The purpura usually resolves in a week. There is a risk of scarring.

3. Intense pulsed light therapy is similar to laser therapy except broadband light is used instead of focused light. The procedure itself is similar to lasers, but there is usually less purpura.

Laser treatments and intense pulsed light are typically done at four to eight-week intervals. Several treatments may be required. When new vessels appear, patients return for more treatments.

Viktoria De’Ann

Viktoria De’ANN Peptide Cosmeceutials are proudly featured at Advanced Skincare.

 

Viktoria De’ANN is a technologically based company that synthesizes in a FDA-certified laboratory its own unique Peptide Messengers that are administered transdermally. Optimizing the cells in growth areas of the skin (dermis and epidermis) allows for an internal re-establishment of Natural Healthy Cell Cycle. As these supporting layers of the skin peak towards their natural operating function the affects can be seen in the subsequent outer layers through corrective balance exfoliation, skin health, and visible skin beauty.

 

These powerful products employ Active Natural Biological Peptide Messengers which are beneficial to the health, repair, and rejuvenation of the skin.

 

Peptides work in harmony with the body to regenerate cellular communication. This communication is proven to be a key component in healthy, ageless & beautiful skin.

 

Working as the body’s cellular messengers, peptides relay information for the initiation of processes such as repair and remodeling. This translates to collagen regeneration, healthy cellular metabolism, reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, lifted skin, improved texture, increased smoothness, and more clarified skin.

 

What are Peptides?

Peptides are natural biological messages, produced by the body, in order to communicate necessary tasks to be performed. Peptides are your body’s language and communication network. Each peptide, or message, is composed of a specific order of amino acids (the same building blocks of protein). There are many different amino acids and therefore millions of different combinations or messages that can be made out of them. It is best to think of amino acids like the English alphabet. Alone the letters (amino acids) are just letters, but once you start combining them in a specific combination, they become words, and then words become whole sentences (peptides) which can then communicate an exact message. Some of those messages can promote healthy skin through initiating collagen production or another message to relax facial muscle contracts to help soften wrinkles.

 

As skin ages it loses the message to replenish itself at the proper rate. Damage from the environment slows cell turnover rate, causing the dead cells on the surface (stratum corneum) to accumulate and become thicker reducing moisture, nourishment, and protection from within, producing rough unhealthy skin. The ultra violet (UV) rays from the sun, increase pigmentation and damage to skin cells, resulting in age spots and freckles. Collagen and elastin,which is the structure that holds the skin together, start to break down causing it to lose its firmness and resilience.

 

Peptides allow the skin’s cellular function and skin renewal cycle to become optimized and renewed, which replaces the upper thick dead skin cells. Rejuvenation of the dermis helps to renew and smooth the skin’s surface. Renewal of the stratum corneum also helps reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation and freckles, while healthy Collagen and Elastin promote firm, youthful skin.

 

Why makes Vitoria De’Ann different?

Unlike other product lines who must buy their peptides from raw material suppliers, Viktoria De’Ann sysnthesizes its own unique messengers. This allows them the unique opportunity to formulate with a higher concetration of active and also offer a superior product treatment at unbeatable price point.

The Difference Between OTC & Cosmeceutical Grade Skincare Products?     

Do You Know The Difference Between Over The Counter and Cosmeceutical Grade Skin Care Products?                                                                       

Over-the-counter (OTC) is any skincare product that can be purchased at a store or online without supervision.  OTC’s products do NOT have the same amount of active ingredients that cosmeceuticals have.   They are NOT allowed to under the law.   Cosmeceuticals are pharmaceutical-grade products that are only available through licensed skin care professionals!  Cosmeceuticals contain a much higher amount of active ingredients than you could purchase OTC and they penetrate much deeper into the skin.

 

Why are active ingredients important? These are the ingredients that MAKE a change in the skin. Some of the conditions or concerns that most consumers are trying to correct: Hyperpigmentation, Melasma, Acne, Fine lines & Wrinkles, Hydration, Sun Spots ext.

 

OTC products ONLY work with the outermost layer of the skin.  By law, they cannot penetrate nor correct. So when you use OTC products you are applying the product and it just sits on the surface of the skin. It will not penetrate any deeper!   Bummer RIGHT!   I know. Think of all the money spent over the years on products that just work on the surface.  OTC products have so many fillers, parabens, dyes, fragrances ext and they are most likely watered down.

 

One the BIGGEST reasons consumers purchase OTC products is because they think they cannot afford medical-grade cosmeceuticals. This is not true. Most OTC products you get from the drug store, department stores, independent cosmetic sales consultants, or even a mall kiosk are often the same price or more expensive. You end up using more of the product and replacing it sooner which means more $$$$ all for products that regardless of what you pay do nothing except give the appearance of working.

 

Medical Grade Cosmeceuticals are actually more affordable because they have a much higher concentration of pharmaceutical ingredients, they last longer because you do not use as much, and don’t pay for  T.V. infomercials, packaging, perfume, or big advertising campaigns.

 

So does this mean OTC products do not work? If you have never used a skincare regime before… maybe but only with a minimal result as again under law OTC cannot penetrate nor correct a skin condition.   They will only work superficially. And this is where you end up with multiple skincare products that you get tired of because they do not work and you throw them in a drawer or trash can.   Again waste of $$$$.

 

Whether you want to combat the signs of aging, resolve problematic skin issues or simply maintain healthy skin, we can recommend a skincare products that will meet all of your needs.

Skin Tightening

Skin-Tightening Treatments                                                                                                                 

When cosmetic laser- and light-based tightening treatments were first introduced, it was with the old adage in mind, “More is more.”

Higher energy levels created more tissue injury and, in the process, significantly more associated pain. Time has revealed that the exact opposite is true: less is actually more.  Lower energy levels delivered via multiple passes over the skin produce a superior result with greater patient comfort.

One of today’s most popular skin-tightening treatments use today is radiofre­quency (RF) technology, which places the heat energy effectively into the dermis where it produces maximum results with minimal injury to the skin. This modality is used to tighten and contour skin, including sagging under and above the eyes under the chin, and along the jaw. As an added bonus, RF can be used on all skin types with virtually no downtime.

3DEEP RF technology works by delivering heat energy to where your skin can most effectively use it to regenerate itself, both in the deeper and in the more superficial layers of your skin. The heat energy stimulates your body’s natural healing process, causing both the growth of new collagen and the strengthening of the existing collagen.

In attacking the appearance of cellulite and body contouring, 3DEEP RF heat energy helps shrink fat cells and speeds fat metabolism, causing a smoother appearance of localized fat deposits. It can be used to treat many body areas, including those that are not normally treatable by other means.

As solutions with both immediate visual improvement and longer-term effects:

  • smoother skin that has better tone and texture
  • an improved appearance
  • a smoother body contour
  • an improvement in acne scars
  • fewer wrinkles
  • a reduction in skin laxity

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE ENDYMED™ 3DEEP® RF PROCEDURE?

During the procedure the EndyMed™ 3DEEP® RF handpiece will be constantly moved around the treatment area, a gel will be used on the skin to make this easy to maneuver. The skin will warm-up, feeling like a hot shower or bath. The practitioner’s expertise and the advanced controls and safety features will help make the procedure comfortable and optimize safety. The deep skin layers are gradually heated, while the skin surface remains around 40° C (hot shower temperature).  Your skin temperature will be constantly monitored.  Depending on the size of the treatment area, treatment may take between 30-45 minutes. The treatment is relaxing, pain-free, and carries no side effects.

There is no downtime and normal activities can be resumed.
A course of treatment normally consists of 6 sessions 2 to 3 weeks apart. The results are due to natural changes in the skin and as such are ongoing and long-lasting. These can be enhanced with good evidence-based skincare, UV protection, and periodic facials.

What is the recovery time?

Following treatment, you may immediately resume all routine activities.  You may notice slight redness around the treatment area, which usually disappears in a couple of hours.

How many treatments are required to see the results?

According to your treatment program, your laser technician will offer a series of treatments, up to six, in intervals of one to two weeks. You should start to see improvement in your skin following the second treatment and additional improvement will gradually appear as the treatment course progresses.
As new healthier collagen is formed, tighter, more natural-looking, and firmer skin will be produced. The gradual improvement in your skin will continue even after the completion of the treatment series.

Tomorrow’s skin-tightening treatments will deliver multiple results. Not only will the skin be firmer and tighter in less time, but micro needling, intense-pulsed light (IPL), and RF will be used in combination to simultan­eously minimize pore size, improve texture, eradicate broken blood vessels and increase collagen production

How Often Do You REALLY Need A Facial?

From day one of entering the beauty profession in the mid 1980s, my schooling taught me that people should get a facial once a month. The reason for this is that it takes that amount of time for the skin cells to move through a full life cycle of cell growth and make their way from the dermis to the surface of the skin where they are naturally sloughed off. Ask most any esthetician today, and they will more than likely say the same thing, as this has always been the common thought.

 

But, is getting a facial really necessary every four weeks?  What does a facial actually do and why is one needed so often?                                     advanced skincare

 

In today’s world of high tech facial, there are a lot more modalities that can be added to a basic facial to enhance the results.

 

Micro current, photo facials, ultrasound, micro needling and radio frequency are just a few examples.

 

While it’s true that the full life cycle of cell growth is about 30 days (give or take), this thought process was established way back in the day when schools only taught the basic European Facial. Today, exfoliation products are used almost daily, facial scrubs, retinol and serums with ingredients like lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids.

 

So if the sole purpose of a facial is for catching the cells at the end of their life cycle like what has always been told, you do not have to get a once-a-month facial. With that being said anyone who is looking for skin rejuvenation and corrective treatment must receive treatments monthly to get results.

 

You really NEED a facial once a month (if not more), if your skin has…

 

  1. Little clogged bumps or whiteheads (known as closed comedones) that are under the skin, are not painful and don’t go away no matter what you do at home. (No laser or exfoliating peel can take the place of professional extractions to remove the blockage in the pores. Once the pores are cleaned out, exfoliating products with salicylic acid will help to keep them clean so eventually less extractions are needed.
  2. Acne that needs to be dried up and post-breakout marks that need to be faded.
  3. Brown spots and discoloration that you’re looking to lighten.
  4. Wrinkles and laxity that need to be minimized.
  5. Sun damage that needs to be corrected.

 

I consider facials a true necessity and often times will recommend clients to come in  bi -weekly for additional treatments above and beyond a  basic facial.

Benefits of Cupping?

Advanced Skincare

How lymphatic drainage benefits the skin!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Your body’s lymph system is the sewage system for even normal metabolic toxins, and more so if there are health issues. Lymph nodes provide antigens for purifying fluids containing anything from allergens to cancer cells. That fluid is simply called lymph. There is more lymph in your body than blood, but unlike blood, there is no pump for lymph. Lymph nodes are not glands, but the accumulation of contaminated lymph fluids leads to all sorts of health complications, some serious.

If lymph doesn’t move out of small lymph nodes through their ducts into the kidneys and liver, it backs up like a clogged sewer line. “Stagnation or blockages in the nodes mess with the filtration process, which increases the number of toxins in the blood and lymph system. An excess of these fluids can cause acne, increased sebum levels, and blockages in the pores.”

Cupping Lymphatic Drainage Facial

If you like to take a more relaxing approach treat yourself to a lymphatic cupping facial.

The Benefits Of a Lymphatic Cupping Facial Massage. …

If your lymphatic system isn’t in tip-top shape, it’ll show in your complexion. You can always tell when someone has lymphatic fatigue because they have dull skin, darker circles & puffiness around the eyes, sometimes more fine lines.

Since a large number of lymph nodes are located under your chin, near your clavicle, and behind your ears, a facial that’s specialized in lymphatic drainage can help revitalize your skin (and immune health) on a deeper level. “A lymphatic drainage facial involves a lymph-specific massage that moves toxins from the centerline of the body towards the lymph, filtering areas on the perimeter of the body using a cupping device. “This then creates muscle movement, which clears the lymph, improves cellular communication, and leads to healthy nourishment while eliminating toxins.” This reduces puffiness and keeps our complexion healthy.  Beyond a radiant complexion, lymphatic drainage facials act as a face workout: The massage strengthens your facial muscles, boosts oxygen flow, and releases endorphins. “This offsets negative effects of adrenaline, like stress. With pumping lymph, you’ll look amazing and feel amazing.”

 

 

Fall Detox

Detox

Fall is right around the corner, slowly and steadily nature is showing signs of unfolding from one season to the next. Fall is a natural time of transition and an ideal opportunity for a gentle detox to reset your whole system and ready the mind and body for a winter of wellness. Just as the trees shed their leaves and cleanse before the winter-so does the human body begin to prepare for the winter also.  As a result of this natural process many people find themselves dealing with some kind of seasonal health flair -ups. Toxin overload in the body after a summer full of fun can be express through array of symptoms. The most common complaints are skin conditions, sinus symptoms,weight gain,digestive issues, irritability and mental fog.

 

According to Eastern Medicine fall is the element of Metal which is the energy that controls the lungs, large intestine and the skin. The Metal energy is also about protection and drives the immune system. So  Metal energy is the connection between detoxification, maximum immunity and the fall season of flu and cold.       
 
Ancient wisdom has long taught us the importance of detoxifying during the transitional seasons as a preventive measure to promote good health.
Fall presents us with an opportunity to align with with the cycles of nature and promote the body’s natural purification process by doing a gentle, whole body detox and facial detox treatments.
Here are a few suggestion to keep you healthy and your skin glowing this fall.   
      Skin Detox

Aromatherapy Lymphatic Facial 

Lymphatic facial uses a cupping massage technique that is profoundly relaxing and effective. This advanced treatment enhances the immune system, soothes the sinuses and detoxifying your body.

Seasonal Detox Element Facial

This facial treatment combines essential oils to balance skin and  a color therapy mask that leaves your skin with an even tone and a luminous complexion. A reflective energetic treatment for the face, that also enhances the body’s sense of well-being. 

Peels

Cool Peel targets sun damaged,  uneven skin-tone and problem skin. Its gentle but effective formulation protects the epidermis so there is no excessive redness or recovery time.

Photo Facials

One of the most effective treatments for removing sun spots on the skin is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial Treatment. IPL treatment removes dark spots from the skin with minimal to no side effects.

Full Body Detox

Regular detoxing of ALL major organs is essential to maintaining health.

It’s simple. You can down all the vitamins, herbs, and antioxidants you want, but you won’t see your health turn around if your body is toxic.

 Having a toxin-free and healthy body will work wonders for your metabolism, which, in turn, will provide you with a huge energy boost to get you through the day, improve your mood, and may even help you lose weight in a smart, natural, and above all healthy and effective way! 

 

Book a consultation with us and we will help you with your fall detox plan.

 

Tina McCaffrey
Certified Holistic Health Coach and Licensed Skincare Therapist 

 

Targeted Nourishment for Healthy Skin

advancedskincare.solutions

Targeted Nourishment for Healthy Skin

There is a long list of key nutrients that have been shown to support healthy looking skin including:

  • B vitamins
  • Antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E
  • Minerals calcium, magnesium, zinc, and boron
  • Amino acids L-cysteine and L-methionine
  • Plant polyphenols resveratrol, curcumin, and EGCG

While these nutrients are important, collagen is getting much of the attention in the scientific literature when it comes to skin health. This makes sense because collagen is the protein that forms the scaffold that gives skin its strength and structure. Collagen also plays a role in replacing and restoring dead skin cells and it helps form fibroblasts, which grow new skin cells. Several factors can reduce collagen production and function including sun exposure, tobacco smoking, and aging. Replenishing collagen from the inside out makes sense for those patients who are looking for additional skin health support.

Many oral collagen supplements also contain some of the synergistic ingredients mentioned above. In addition, hyaluronic acid can provide additional skin health support. According to a 2017 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, hyaluronic acid has critical moisturizing properties that can help improve the condition of the skin. Other studies involving hyaluronic acid have confirmed these results.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body that serves many important purposes. It protects us against harmful substances, helps regulate body temperature and excretes toxins. Skin health can also impact confidence, self-esteem, and other emotional issues. In addition to recommending high-quality, all-natural topical skin products, many patients will benefit from an oral supplement that supports skin from the inside out.


Selected References:

Borumand M, Sibilla S. Daily consumption of the collagen supplement Pure Gold Collagen reduces visible signs of aging. Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:1747-1758.

Genovese L, Corbo A, Sibilla S. An insight into the changes in skin texture and properties following dietary intervention with a nutricosmeceutical containing a blend of collagen bioactive peptides and antioxidants. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2017;30(3):146-158.

Inoue N, Sugihara F, Wang X. Ingestion of bioactive collagen hydrolysates enhance facial skin moisture and elasticity and reduce facial aging signs in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. J Sci Food Agric. 2016;96(12:4077-81.

Oe M, Sakai S, Yoshida H, et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:267-

Curcumin and Boswellia

Inflammation

Curcumin and Boswellia are a Powerful Combination!

Boswellia Serrata, the most commonly used form of the species, is gum resin extracted from a tree native to India and Arabia. It is also sometimes referred to as Indian frankincense. Research demonstrates that boswellia is especially beneficial in supporting joint health. The sap from the tree contains key compounds known as boswellic acids. Researchers have found that boswellic acids influence leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis.

Curcumin (Curcuma longa) is the active compound found in the spice turmeric. This spice is a common seasoning in many ethnic cuisines including India. Curcumin has been shown to support healthy inflammation in a variety of ways. A primary function of curcumin is to influence NF-κB signaling and proinflammatory cytokines. Similar to boswellia, curcumin has been shown to specifically support joint health.

“Turmeric and frankincense are two herbs with ancient medicinal usage undergoing intense scrutiny and study for their modern applications and mechanisms of action,” concluded Jeremy Appleton, ND, in a review update he wrote for the Natural Medicine Journal in 2011. He states that the active compounds in these plants “work via multiple mechanisms, rather than targeting a single enzyme or receptor.”

Working on multiple pathways together is probably the reason these two herbs in particular have been studied so extensively. Their ability to support joint health and healthy inflammation systemically is significant.

Curcumin and boswellia are now being combined in several dietary supplement formulations designed to support joint health and overall wellness. It’s a logical combination that is being applied to clinical practice by a wide variety of integrative medical professionals. It’s likely that the research will continue to support the use of this powerful combination.

Boswellia Serrata, the most commonly used form of the species, is gum resin extracted from a tree native to India and Arabia. It is also sometimes referred to as Indian frankincense. Research demonstrates that boswellia is especially beneficial in supporting joint health. The sap from the tree contains key compounds known as boswellic acids. Researchers have found that boswellic acids influence leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis.

Curcumin (Curcuma longa) is the active compound found in the spice turmeric. This spice is a common seasoning in many ethnic cuisines including India. Curcumin has been shown to support healthy inflammation in a variety of ways. A primary function of curcumin is to influence NF-κB signaling and proinflammatory cytokines. Similar to boswellia, curcumin has been shown to specifically support joint health.

“Turmeric and frankincense are two herbs with ancient medicinal usage undergoing intense scrutiny and study for their modern applications and mechanisms of action,” concluded Jeremy Appleton, ND, in a review update he wrote for the Natural Medicine Journal in 2011. He states that the active compounds in these plants “work via multiple mechanisms, rather than targeting a single enzyme or receptor.”

Working on multiple pathways together is probably the reason these two herbs in particular have been studied so extensively. Their ability to support joint health and healthy inflammation systemically is significant.

Curcumin and boswellia are now being combined in several dietary supplement formulations designed to support joint health and overall wellness. It’s a logical combination that is being applied to clinical practice by a wide variety of functional nutritional professionals. It’s likely that the research will continue to support the use of this powerful combination.

What is Acne?

Adult Acne

For most people, acne is an inherited condition of the pores.

When someone is prone to acne, their pores clog with dead skin cells much faster than normal. Adult AcneHealthy   pores shed about one layer of dead skin cells per day inside the pore, but  acne-prone pores shed up to five layers of dead skin cells per day.  The body just can’t keep up with keeping the pore clear. Technically, this is called “retention hyperkeratosis” — dead skin cells shedding more quickly than the pore can expel them.

As the dead skin cells begin to accumulate inside the pore, the cells become sticky and get stuck inside the pore and form a plug. Medically, this is called a “microcomedone” – essentially the precursor to all acne.

Hormonal fluctuations trigger more oil production inside the pore. Normally, this isn’t a problem because the dead skin cells don’t get trapped. But with acne prone-skin, when the dead skin cells shed more quickly and form a blockage, the perfect environment for the P. Acnes bacteria is created. The oil is a nutrient for the bacteria, so the bacteria proliferates. So you see, bacteria is not the “cause” of acne, it is the effect of too many dead skin cells. This is an important distinction to remember.

But, some people don’t get inflamed lesions — inflammation is also an inherited tendency. If the dead skin cells and the oil that form the plug don’t become inflamed, the plug becomes a whitehead; that is, a non-inflamed lesion under the skin, also called a “closed comedone”.

Or the plug can become a blackhead, which is a non-inflamed acne lesion where the pore remains open, also known as an “open comedone”. In the case of a blackhead, the tip of the plug darkens as it is exposed to oxygen in the environment. As the oil in the pore builds up, inflammation can develop in the cells surrounding the pore. Blackheads can be infected or not depending on whether the P. acnes bacteria have affected the cells around the pore.
 
As the oil and the dead skin cells build up, they put pressure on the cells surrounding the pore. With enough pressure, the sides of the pore rupture and the contents of the pore leak into the surrounding skin, the surrounding skin now becomes infected, creating a red bump that we know as a pimple. The medical term for this red bump is an inflammatory papule.
Now another, deeper inflamed lesion can form called a nodule or cyst. Scarring is common with nodules and can sometimes leave an impaction behind, which can flare up again and again. When a group of pustules cluster together under the skin, they form a cyst. An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled. They are usually very painful and scarring is common with cysts also.
 
Conclusion:

So you see, acne is primarily an inherited dead skin cell problem. Most acne, no matter what form it takes, starts with microcomedones. This means the solution lies in products that penetrate the pore and prevent dead skin cells from building up. That’s why professional skin treatments and  your home care routine is so crucial — it’s all about preventing the microcomedones (the beginning of acne) from forming at all.  This is the best way to get rid of acne.

Getting results from facial treatments takes time. To get the best results, you’ll have to commit to a series of specific, specialized facials.

Typically, facials are scheduled every other week, until we get the results. To keep the benefits going, you’ll need to be consistent with your acne treatment and skin care routine during your “off days.”