8 Skin Care Tips for Spring

Spring is a time for renewal, including for your skin. Follow these eight skin care tips this spring, and bask in how renewed your skin looks and feels.

Exfoliate for Radiant Skin

As the old saying goes, out with the old and in with the new. Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin and restore your skin’s radiance. Be sure to do this for your entire body, not just your face. Take a long, hot bath, and use your favorite body scrub, paying extra attention to hands, elbows, knees, and feet. Be sure to use a gentle, less abrasive scrub on your face, however, as the skin there is more delicate.

Lighten Up on the Moisturizer

While winter required a thick moisturizing regimen to combat dryness, the arrival of spring signals a shift to a lighter moisturizer. Keep your skin hydrated but not weighed down. As outside temperatures continue to rise and humidity levels increase, you only need a lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin healthy.

Add Sunscreen

Although sunscreen is recommended for every season, it is even more important as you enter spring and on into summer. With longer days and more intense sunshine, you need to be diligent in applying sunscreen, even on the overcast days. Use a sunscreen containing between 30 SPF and 50 SPF to reduce sun damage. Be sure to reapply throughout the day.

Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body hydrated benefits all the body’s organs, including its largest, your skin. Water helps flush out toxins, which can lead to different skin ailments. It also helps to retain your skin’s elasticity, which can lessen the signs of aging.

Eat Well

With gardens and markets beginning to provide an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, eating well for your health and your skin is getting easier. Snack on fresh vegetables and fruit for important nutrients and vitamins, and also to keep hydrated. Try adding citrus fruits, apples, watermelon, grapefruit, broccoli, and lettuce to your diet.

Exercise

Exercising can provide additional help in keeping your skin healthy by increasing blood flow. Spring weather allows you to vary your exercise routine by allowing you to get outside more. Thirty minutes a day can do wonders.

Spring Clean Your Cosmetics and Skincare Products

Since you’re already tackling spring cleaning in the rest of your house, be sure to sort through your skincare products and cosmetics. Check expiration dates and toss. In particular, toss those products you use on and near your eyes and lips. Wash all your brushes, and clean bath sponges and loofahs.

Steer Clear of Harmful Chemicals

Spring cleaning products may contain harsh chemicals that can have adverse effects on your skin. Be sure to read all labels and, if possible, choose more natural products, or make your own.

You may want to consider taking your Spring skin rejuvenation one step further with a facial or chemical peel to remove all those winter layers and reveal your skin’s true radiance. For information on options available, contact Michigan Advanced Aesthetics today to schedule your consultation.

Say Goodbye To Dry Skin

Dry skin can be a challenge, especially when winter weather takes a toll. Most people experience dry skin during the winter, meaning it’s important to adjust your regimen and habits accordingly at certain parts of the year. Still, it can feel like you just don’t get results no matter what you do. If you’ve been struggling with dry skin, then here are some ways to manage it during the winter months.

Stay Hydrated

One reason your skin can become dry is that you’re dehydrated. Although many people equate dehydration with the summer months, it’s easy to become dehydrated in the winter. Combat this by drinking more water and eating foods full of natural moisture like fruits and veggies. When your skin has the hydration it needs, it can more effectively combat dry, cold weather.

Limit Your Showers

Long, hot showers can be a blessing in the winter but they can also take a toll on your skin. Hot water and steam exposure for long periods of time can damage the lipid barriers in your skin, making it harder to retain moisture. Try limiting your showers or baths to ten minutes or less, or turn the temperature down as far as you can stand.

Find the Right Moisturizer

Moisturizers help lock hydration into the skin. However, not all moisturizers are created equal. During the winter, moisturizers that are thick and creamy are able to truly penetrate the skin’s surface. However, these types aren’t always best for certain types of skin, so you should check with your skincare specialist. If changing your moisturizer doesn’t cut it, consider including additional oils or hydrating serums into your regimen.

Check Your Soaps and Cleansers

Consider checking your soaps and cleansers for ingredients like alcohol, heavy fragrances, and antibacterial detergents. These ingredients often exacerbate dryness and other associated problems. Instead, look for gentle, unscented cleansers or soaps and even try using them less frequently.

Use a Humidifier

If you don’t already use a humidifier, consider putting one in your bedroom or living area to add moisture back into your environment. Winter and dry, cold weather can suck moisture out of the air, meaning being inside your home isn’t much of a relief for your skin. Sleeping or relaxing with a humidifier nearby can passively add moisture back.

Assess Your Wardrobe

Although it’s tempting to bundle up with warm fabrics like wool, these can be rough on your skin and rub away at its protective moisture barriers. The result is exposed skin that dries out quickly. Consider wearing softer fabrics like cotton against your skin to get some relief and protect it from chafing.

Schedule a Consultation

If you can’t find relief at home, our team can help. During a consultation, we can create the right treatment plan for dry skin with the right lifestyle changes and products for you. To get started, we invite you to contact our Rochester Hills office by calling or filling out our online form.

What to Know About Oxylight by Sapphire 3

If you want to do something terrific for your complexion and boost your at-home skincare regimen, then it’s important to know that you’ve got options. Sapphire 3 Oxylight is one new therapy that utilizes microcurrents, oxygen, and light all at the same time. This can come with a lot of benefits, so here’s what to know about this exciting new option.

What is the Sapphire 3 Oxylight?

This platform includes a selection of technologies to address many different aspects of your skin. These include:

  • Light Therapy
  • Diamond Microdermabrasion
  • Oxygen Facial
  • Microcurrent
  • Ultrasound

With a complete regimen of these treatments, you can enjoy a relaxing treatment session to rejuvenate and enhance your skin with non-invasive techniques. During a consultation, our expert team can create the right treatment plan for you to address your unique concerns.

How Sapphire 3 Oxylight Can Help

If you have noticeable wrinkles and fine lines that are part of the natural aging process, then Sapphire 3 Oxylight may be a suitable treatment course for you. It can also be ideal if you have any concerns that involve loose skin, visible pores, hyperpigmentation, and even acne. The greatest benefit is that it’s non-invasive, meaning there’s no downtime or recovery. That means you can return to your regular schedule immediately.

Many patients see improvement after their first session, but you can improve your results with repeated treatments. These usually last for around 45 minutes. Most patients can benefit from a package of four to six treatments for best results.

Schedule a Consultation

To get started on the best skincare treatments in Royal Oak, Michigan, we invite you to contact our office by calling or filling out our online form. Our expert team can craft the right skincare treatment for you using our best technologies and physician-grade products.

What is Better – Botox or Juvederm?

There are all sorts of aesthetic treatments on the market today. However, people who want to feel and look younger often turn to widely known injectables such as Juvederm and Botox. These two treatment pathways sometimes lead to results that are similar, but they’re very different in their methods and goals. If you’re looking at your best options for non-surgical rejuvenation with injectables, then here’s what to know about these two popular options.

Wrinkles, Juvederm, and Botox

There’s a substantial difference that exists between Juvederm and Botox. This difference involves wrinkles, a key part of the natural aging process. Juvederm is best for wrinkles that are a result of volume less, commonly in areas that don’t often experience movement. Botox, on the other hand, can be suitable for wrinkles that happen because of regular movement and muscle contraction. This means that each option will be best for different types of wrinkles and different areas of the face.

What are Juvederm and Botox?

Juvederm fillers have different formulations for specific concerns and areas. They’re created with hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar that is naturally found in your skin and joints. This formulation is injected under the surface of the skin to pad out wrinkles and restore volume that’s often lost over the course of aging.

Botox injections are different. Botox is a kind of protein that promotes muscle relaxation. During treatment, your injector targets the muscles that contribute to creases and tension. When the muscles can no longer contract, it can release and relax frown lines and creases as well as prevent further wrinkle formation.

There are some similarities between Juvederm and Botox. They’re both quick and effective options for people who want to take charge of their appearances. They lead to quick and effective outcomes, too. With either treatment, improvement may be apparent relatively swiftly– within just a few days, even. You don’t have to wait for weeks or months like you would a surgical procedure. Botox outcomes tend to remain intact for anywhere in the range of three to 6 months. Juvederm durations tend to vary based on the specific formulation, but tends to last for around one year.

Schedule a Consultation

Injectable treatments can be an excellent way to achieve your cosmetic goals without downtime or recovery. To get started and discuss your options, contact our Royal Oak office by calling or filling out our online form.

What You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Botox

Botox has been a choice for millions of people around the world dealing with issues like frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet. In fact, it’s one of the leading and most sought after procedures used to treat signs of aging with great success. One of the primary reasons why Botox injections are so popular is because there is minimal downtime and few side effects while giving impressive results. Below is useful information that will answer common questions about Botox. 

What’s Involved in Botox?

Botox is a prescription product that has been approved by the FDA. It’s used to diminish the appearance of fine lines that often show up around the eyes and on the forehead. Botox is injected into the muscles of the area being treated. It works under the surface of the skin with botulinum products. A Botox procedure can take as little as 10 to 15 minutes and involves the use of a small needle to inject the solution into the muscle area that’s targeted. 

Generally speaking, several injections are needed to resolve forehead wrinkles. The weakening of the muscles will cause the wrinkles to eventually fade and ultimately disappear. This is not a painful procedure and most people describe the injection as feeling like they have been slightly pinched. Although there isn’t a lot of pain involved, there is a numbing cream that can be applied during the treatment. There is little-to-no downtime, and aftercare for Botox is minimal. Most people resume their normal activities directly following the procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Botox

A good candidate for Botox is someone that has crow’s feet and frown lines. Whether or not Botox can work for your situation requires a consultation with a qualified professional to discuss any concerns that you have along with your desired result. By meeting with a team member of Michigan Advanced Aesthetics, you can be sure that you are getting the best care from a highly-trained professional. We will create your personalized treatment plan based on your goals and individual skin situation.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies, Botox may not be a good option for you. There’s a possibility that you might have an allergic reaction to products with botulinum toxins. If you are pregnant, have experienced a nerve condition or have issues with your muscles, you may not be a good candidate for Botox. However, it’s always best to discuss these issues with a professional.

Results You Can Expect From Botox

Most patients who get Botox receive several treatments. Although there is typically an improvement within 48 hours of the first procedure, the most notable changes occur after about a month. When performed by a trained professional, you can expect the results of Botox treatments to enhance your appearance. It’s important to have a consultation so that you can get answers to any questions you have, discuss your desired results, and ensure you’re a good candidate.

Other Considerations

It’s important to know what substances are being injected during a Botox treatment. As long as you see a qualified and respected professional, this should not be an issue. The goal is to eliminate the chances of receiving injections that are contaminated, expired, or otherwise dangerous. You should also communicate any medications that you are receiving prior to the procedure because some medicines can lead to bruising and other issues. 

About Michigan Advanced Aesthetics 

Michigan Advanced Aesthetics is a skin spa that offers a wide variety of clinical skin care procedures, such as facials, Botox, permanent makeup and Oxylight. Owner Laura E. LoCricchio has two decades of experience in the skin care and beauty industry. The team at Michigan Advanced Aesthetics can answer any questions that you have about Botox and other cosmetic procedures.

HydraFacial VS. Three Top Competitors: Which is Right for You?

We all want to put our best face forward, and aesthetics play a big role in this. Spa treatments have long been efficient in minimizing issues like acne and rosacea and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. 

As with most technology these days, improvements are continually being made. When it comes to facials, this comes in the form of the HydraFacial. Could this method be for you? The staff here at Michigan Advanced Aesthetics believe an informed patient makes the best decisions, so let’s see how this increasingly popular method measures up to three of its biggest competitors. 

What is the HydraFacial?

If you haven’t heard of the HydraFacial, it’s certainly not because it’s a new concept. HydraFacial was officially founded by US-based Edge Systems over two decades ago in 1997. (This is around the same time our founder, Laura E. LoCricchio, began her career in skincare)! 

The process involves the use of a proprietary machine that performs four skincare procedures in a single treatment. It features a suction tip that loosens impurities in the pores and effectively vacuums them out. This is followed by the application of serum directly into the pores. Just a few benefits include:

  • Results are immediate and long-term
  • Pain-free procedure
  • No downtime
  • Compatible with all skin types

What Issues Does HydraFacial Address?

The HydraFacial has been shown to offer a viable solution to some of the oldest and most frustrating skin issues. These include:

  • Wrinkles
  • Dark spots
  • Acne
  • Clogged pores
  • Excessive oil
  • Enlarged and clogged pores

Now that you have a better understanding of what it is, let’s compare HydraFacial to other popular skincare methods on the market to see if this could work for you.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels remove dead skin cells using salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acid. Chemical peels can be a great solution for people who have:

  • Fine lines
  • Age spots
  • Skin that’s not overly sensitive
  • Dark skin pigmentation

Due to its use of chemicals, this option wouldn’t be a good fit for patients with skin disorders. For you, HydraFacial could be the way to go.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a process during which tiny needles shallowly penetrate the skin’s surface to trigger an increased production of collagen. This not only smooths but also plumps the skin and provides a younger, more vibrant appearance. Microneedling could be for you if:

  • You’re trying to reverse scarring
  • You’re targeting loose skin
  • You suffer with acne

If you have a low tolerance for pain, you may find the procedure to be uncomfortable. It also isn’t a good fit for people with immune disorders. 

Microdermabrasion

As the name implies, microdermabrasion uses an abrasive tool to essentially sand away the thick outer layer of skin. The newly exposed skin is then treated with a special serum to rejuvenate. You might want to consider microdermabrasion if you are treating:

  • Stretch marks
  • Excessively rough skin

One major downfall of microdermabrasion is the fact that it’s known to cause discoloration of the skin. It also may not be the best option for people suffering from issues like rosacea, psoriasis, warts, open sore, and other similar issues. If this sounds like you, HydraFacial is an excellent alternative. 

The best way to determine which treatment is best for you is to schedule your consultation at a quality medspa like Michigan Advanced Aesthetics. A professional aesthetician can meet with you to examine your skin and discuss your concerns to determine the best course of treatment. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. 

Rezenerate Nano Facial

Rezenerate Nano Facial is now being offered at Michigan Advanced Aesthetics in Royal Oak. We are one of just a few spas in the area that are first to offer this amazing facial termed “The Best Facial Ever”.

Clients have been thrilled with the results offering: no-downtime, decreased wrinkles, more refined texture, decrease in pores and hydrated skin. The Rezenerate Nano Facial is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment that’s designed to restore vibrance and improve your skin’s texture. The Rezenerate Wand, which is an exclusive cosmetic tool that helps the skin easily absorb our specialty cocktail serums and collagen to increase the effectiveness of the facial.

Rezenerate utilizes the breakthrough science of Nano-Technology, the pressure points of Acupressure, principles of Yoga facial exercises, and the cool touch of ‘Cryo’ (Cold) Therapy and our series of proprietary processes to create what we have dubbed the “Rezenerate Nano-Tech Golden Ratio.” Using are specialty serums and collagen boosters the Nano Wand helps the serums and nutrients penetrate through the outer layer of the skin, immediately leading to a more voluminous appearance and activating cellular repair and renewal. Considered a no-down time treatment. You can choose do the Nano Facial as a stand alone treatment or pick one of our more advanced treatments.

We have enhanced this treatment by adding it to some our most popular treatments including: dermaplaning with Collagen Boost and LED light therapy, Oxygen Facial, Signature Multi-Layer Facial, and Micro-current treatments for more anti-aging and dramatic results. What can you expect with the treatments? The treatment is very relaxing and feels like a light vibrating facial massage. As serums are enhanced into the skin a slight tingling sensation occurs. All of our advanced treatments include LED light therapy for more enhancement of the serums and effective collagen benefits. After the final part of the treatment the skin has an immediate glow and feels firmer and hydrated. Avoiding exfoliating products such as glycolics, scrubs, and retinols 3 to 5 days prior and after treatment is recommended. Treatments can be done on all skin types including rosacea. Acne skin will need to be evaluated to see if the Nano Facial can be done.

Treatments start at $125 for our basic treatment with the more advanced treatments ranging from $150 to $195. If your looking for a treatment to instantly revive your skin this may be the treatment for you. Consultation are available to help choose the best option for your skin and concerns. The treatments can be done every two weeks to achieve maximum results.

Once in awhile an amazing new treatment comes to the aesthetic field that really offers wonderful results. We have been researching this device and after trying on staff, family, and friends we were sold. Our clients are always looking for treatments with minimum downtime that achieve results. We are very happy that we decided to bring this treatment to our spa and that we are getting positive feedback from our clients. Look for specials in our monthly newsletter or call our office.

Oxylight: The Total Workout for Your Skin

Oxylight facial treatment is a total workout for your face. By incorporating several modalities in one treatment the Oxylight helps to smooth, lift, tighten, and tone the skin. Also helps with acne and uneven skin tone. No down-time treatment. Recommended in a series for optimum results with regular maintenance treatments. Results usually after one treatment. Expect your treatment to last about and hour and half.

The Treatment

The treatment starts with a diamond microdermabrasion to exfoliate the face and has a special tip to gently exfoliate the eye area. This exfoliation process prepares the skin for advanced treatment for anti-aging and treatment for skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and uneven skin tone.

96% O2 Spay is applied to the skin along with a topical skin anti-aging treatment to oxygenate the pores. This step is a wonderful treatment for acne prone skin. The procedure is a light refreshing spray.

The next two steps involve LED Light Therapy with one or more light treatments that are selected based on your skin condition. Example red for anti-aging, blue for acne, or yellow for uneven skin tone.

Biosonix with LED light therapy helps to tone, hydrate, and repair the skin using Ultrasound, specialty serums, and LED Light therapy all in one process.

Myolight with LED light therapy is used to tighten and firm the skin. Increasing ATP production (5-fold), protein synthesis & amino acid transport through different layers of skin. Following Myolight the O2 Spray is applied for a second application.

Oxygen Therpay LED Panel. This is the last step of the Oxylight treatment. The panel of LED Lights is placed just above the face utilizing pure Oxygen through the 12 nozzles on the Light Panel, patient is exposed to full spectrum LED light and Oxygen simultaneously to improve the overall appearance of the skin.