Reflections on Beauty

Reflections Spa for skin rejuvenation

Skin cells produce melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. According to the National Institutes of Health, when skin produces too much melanin it is called hyperpigmentation. While this condition is usually harmless, it can leave people feeling self-conscious about their skin and uncomfortable with how they look. Luckily, there are treatment options out there, including laser facial rejuvenation.

Daily Glow reports that laser therapy can have a dramatically positive effect on hyperpigmentation disorders, and scientists are working on developing new laser treatments to further improve the look of skin for women who have discoloration stemming from pregnancy, sun exposure, or skin injuries.

Summer is a good time for laser facial rejuvenation

Summer is coming up, and with more time in the sun can come sunburns, which sometimes leave behind areas of hyperpigmentation. Scotsman.com recently published an article by one woman who visited her local clinic to recieve laser facial rejuvenation to combat sun spots.

She reported that the treatment only lasted 15 minutes, and the most she felt was a slight prickly sensation in her skin. After a week, most of the side effects of the treatment, such as red marks – and the author's hyperpigmentation – were gone.

"The marks heal quickly. Only two weeks after treatment, one area is just pink skin and after [two weeks] two have all but disappeared," wrote Claire Hay for the news source.

She said she "loved the results" and would consider going back for more if she finds herself battling sun spots once again.

New combination light and laser facial rejuvenation treatment

Recently, Skin and Allergy News reported on a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, which found that using a combination of a nonablative, fractional laser and an optimized pulsed light may improve hyperpigmentation in a single treatment.

This approach to facial rejuvenation was also found to improve wrinkles, but not significantly. All of the patients reported that they were satisfied with the results of this treatment, and most even said they were "very satisfied."

"A single treatment with this combined approach to facial rejuvenation can lead to modest improvement in wrinkles and significant improvement in pigmentation," said researcher Chung-Yin Stanley Chan, M.D.

The scientists added that while one treatment was successful, multiple sessions may lead to even better results.

People who experience hyperpigmentation may find effective treatment in laser facial rejuvenation techniques, and should talk to their doctor about which may be right for them.
 

As summer begins winding down, you may be tempted to spend as much time in the sun as possible before fall arrives. You might also be tempted to brush off sunscreen, thinking that a few hours outdoors won't do any harm. But the more you expose your skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays without protection, the higher your risk is of experiencing sun damage. Wrinkles, fine lines and red or brown spots can be brought on by failing to smooth on a protective ointment with adequate sun protection factor (SPF), a process that only takes a few minutes.

Over the years, many scientific studies have emerged, introducing innovative ways in which to fend off UV rays. One such research paper published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggested that eating grapes could potentially protect skin cells from experiencing sun damage, according to Fox News.

A team of scientists from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council explained that this popular fruit contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may stop the chemical reaction that leads to skin cell death and, consequently, damage. Additionally, drinking wine could have the same protective benefits.

According to biochemist Maria Cascante, "this study supports the idea of using these products to protect the skin from cell damage and death caused by solar radiation, as well as increasing our understanding of the mechanism by which they act," quoted by the news source.

However, using the tried-and-true method of applying sunscreen has proven to be a reliable way of keeping skin safe from harmful UV rays. Items that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can help reduce the amount of sunlight that penetrates the dermis, and many products are noncomedegenic.

Techniques do exist to address sun damaged skin for those who have developed wrinkles and fine lines as a result of UV exposure. There are many laser skin rejuvenation methods available at reliable medical spas, such as the Fraxel treatment, which addresses sun spots and other premature signs of aging.

Such procedures are safe, effective and minimally invasive. However, it's a good idea to protect your skin in the first place. Purchasing and applying a reliable sunscreen can help prevent the development of damaged skin and serious conditions such as melanoma, allowing you to look younger for longer. 

If you have ever felt a baby's skin, you know that it has a delicate, smooth texture that is soft to the touch. Although we would all like to keep those qualities forever, the truth is that life is rough on your skin. Exposure to the elements – be it sun, rain or wind – as well as environmental toxins can take a toll on your body's biggest organ. Then there's a little problem called growing older, which decreases the elasticity of skin and causes wrinkles, fine lines and brown spots to form. Many people in their 40s and 50s may notice sagging skin and a lackluster complexion, which can make them look tired.

Can anything be done about aging skin, short of jumping into a time machine? The answer is yes, thanks to advancements in medical research that have led to the creation of a technology called the Fraxel laser treatment.

This device, which is approved by the FDA, sends laser energy into the skin to tackle irregular texture, skin discoloration, wrinkles and enlarged pores. The process takes up to five 30-minute sessions that are safe, effective and minimally invasive. Fraxel laser treatment, which is available at cosmetic facilities throughout the U.S., can be performed on the face, neck, hands, arms and chest to give patients a fresher, more youthful appearance.

What many individuals love most is that the technique involves no surgery and consequently, no downtime, allowing them the convenience of getting back to their everyday lives.

Kathy Weatherwax, who underwent the procedure, said that she wanted to "look brighter and younger and fresher," quoted by the Centre Daily Times. "I wanted maximum results with minimum downtime because I have two little ones."

Following the treatment, the 48-year-old mom said that she felt she could pass for looking a decade a younger.

Cosmetic specialists all over the country agree that Fraxel laser treatment is the way to go, from experts at Reflections Medical Spa in New Jersey to other facilities across the U.S.

"[The device] is a great skin resurfacing technology that has shown consistent safety and efficacy over the years that it has been in widespread use throughout the world," said Yale University-trained surgeon Alexander Rivkin, quoted by Monsters and Critics. "It is my go-to resurfacing laser for patients who cannot afford the downtime [of more invasive techniques]."

Getting your baby skin back might be impossible, but looking fresher and younger can be done by looking into laser skin rejuvenation. 

The awkward teen years may be over, but don't be surprised if one annoyance in particular follows you into your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Acne is not just for kids, since the characteristic blackheads and bumps are more common in adults than most people would think. More than 25 percent of visits to the doctor to treat acne in 2008 were made by ladies between the ages of 35 and 60, according to research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In fact, it is estimated that as many as one out of every two adult women will experience acne at some point in her life.

"I think the reason for the increase in adult acne is in two parts," said skin care expert Francesca Perino, quoted by the West Australian. "[One cause may be] our stressful lifestyle. We produce higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and this can lead to acne and breakouts."

She suggested that another contributor may be a high-fat, sugary diet that consists of too much processed food, although the association between nutrition and acne is still unproven.

The condition is the result of clogged pores, which are filled with dirt, bacteria or dead skin cells. It can arise when hormonal fluctuations stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce too much oil, which then leads to inflammation.

This is when patients begin noticing signs such as comedones – plugged oil glands that are commonly known as whiteheads – or papules, which appear as small raised bumps that may occur in abundance on the face. Pastules, red spots called macules and pus-filled cysts can also appear.

Regardless of an individual's age, acne can be distressing. Store shelves often groan from the weight of countless creams, gels and solutions that are supposed to cure the condition, but unfortunately, topical therapies take a long time to work or are not effective at all.

This is why many patients turn to laser acne treatments for relief, since the procedure targets the root of the issue. Light energy that penetrates the skin can kill the bacteria responsible for the condition, and is a safe, efficient treatment that is minimally invasive and allows individuals to get back to their daily routines with no downtime.

Whether an individual is 14 or 54, addressing acne in a prompt manner can help clarify skin and boost confidence. 

Pink cheeks are a sign of youth and beauty, which is why so many makeup products fly off the shelves each year. Typically, when we think of the act of blushing, we associate it with positive things like brides, romance and modesty. But what happens when there is too much reddening? Large ruddy patches spread across the face, neck, chest, back and scalp are certainly not attractive and may even be embarrassing for those who have them.

The condition is known as rosacea and is most common among those in their 40s and 50s. Although no one cause has been pinpointed, genetics are likely to be a contributing factor. In the early stages, individuals may experience persistent redness and spider veins in the cheeks, followed by bumps that may contain pus. Later on, if the disease is allowed to persist, it may spread to the eyes and lead to inflammation.

There is currently no cure for rosacea, but laser skin rejuvenation can be a good way to bring the redness under control. In many cases, a topical medication is prescribed, since applying an antibiotic ointment may be able to manage milder forms of the disorder. Patients who have more severe redness, however, may prefer a minimally invasive technique such as the intense pulsed light laser treatment.

Those who undergo the procedure can request general anesthesia, but it is generally not needed. The process involves passing light over the afflicted areas, which purposefully damages the pigmented lesions. The body then naturally recovers itself, leading to an even, natural appearance that looks more vibrant and youthful.

According to the Toronto Sun, the newly married Prince William of Wales is a sufferer of rosacea, as are comedian W.C. Fields, actor Ricky Gervais and former President Bill Clinton.

"We do know that people who suffer from [the condition] tend to have very sensitive skin," said dermatologist Jason Rivers. "It seems to be more common in fair-skinned people."

According to a recent survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society, 87 percent of patients said that the disorder made them feel uncomfortable and prompted stares from others.

Undergoing laser skin rejuvenation can be a quick, effective way to address the condition and help boost self-confidence.

When you think about it, your skin takes quite a beating over the years. During your lifetime, your face is exposed to sunlight, harsh weather, cigarette smoke, layers of makeup or even that fast food meal you know you shouldn't have eaten. Is it any wonder, then, that wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and other blemishes begin appearing as you grow older?

But have no fear – that's what techniques like Fraxel laser treatment are for. Through the application of laser energy to the skin, the procedure addresses everything from acne and hyperpigmentation to sun damage.

"The perfect candidate for Fraxel laser is someone who is equally concerned about their appearance aesthetically and about the condition of their skin medically," said Phillip Werschler, a clinical professor at the University of Washington, Seattle, quoted by Modern Medicine.

Some experts recommend undergoing Fraxel in combination with Thermage, a procedure in which radio frequency technology stimulates the production of new collagen in the skin. Together, the two techniques work to firm and smooth while improving overall tone.

Treating yourself to a fresh, revitalized face can be as simple as talking to a laser cosmetic specialist at your local medical spa.

Each year, as the weather gets warmer, spring cleaning mania takes over many a house in the U.S. If you are one of those people who are eager to get their homes looking fresh, clean and presentable for spring, why not do the same for your face?

Getting youthful, glowing skin to go with your sunny weather outfits can be as simple as visiting your local medical spa. These facilities offer laser skin rejuvenation procedures that can help fade flaws like spots and wrinkles, and even treat conditions like rosacea.

"[People] often feel self-conscious about their particular problem, and it can affect their well-being," explained skincare expert Lisa Callaghan, quoted by the Galway Advertiser. "Lots of people [have] problematic skin and they don't know where to start. The complaints include acne and rosacea."

She added that rosacea causes redness and is very noticeable among individuals who have fair skin. The chronic condition, which researchers believe occurs as a result of dilated blood vessels, tends to affect people in their 40s and 50s.

Although it may cause patients to be self-conscious, rosacea is easily controlled through the use of lasers. Specialists send pulses of light into affected areas in a quick, minimally invasive procedure that reduces redness, leading to clearer, brighter skin. 

Staying indoors might be the best way to avoid damage to the skin, but it's no fun. After all, most people want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine after a tough winter. Wearing sunscreen and dressing appropriately can help, but catching too many rays can lead to spots, wrinkles and sagging. These, in turn, can make a person look a lot older than they actually are.

Luckily, for those who have enjoyed tanning a bit too much, there are technologies that can help, such as Fraxel laser treatment. Dermatologists and skin care specialists are swearing by this tool to treat a variety of skin conditions, not least of which is sun damage.

Experts say that the procedure is safe and comfortable, as well as versatile enough to allow multiple body areas to be treated simultaneously in one session. Lasers penetrate the skin to help fade spots and fine lines, leading to a fresher, younger appearance.

Beautician Phillipa Hodgson told the Inner West Courier that her respect for Fraxel laser treatment began when she saw so many men and women experience significant improvements.

"I could see the effect these treatments had on their confidence and poise," she said, quoted by the news source. 

With all of the fancy gadgetry that we use these days, like iPhones and iPads, it should come as no surprise that technological advancements have also been made in the field of skincare. It seems that new procedures are literally being developed at the speed of light, and consumers now have a wealth of options, such as laser skin rejuvenation.

Lasers have proven to be effective for many purposes, from addressing sun-damaged skin to treating conditions like acne and rosacea.

Now, scientists from Tulane University in Louisiana are exploring electricity to see whether it can be as safe and useful in terms of improving the appearance of skin. For decades, physicians have used electrical devices to stimulate bone growth, reduce pain, adjust heartbeats and improve hearing.

"As dermatologists, we use electrical devices daily in our practices," said Patricia K. Farris, a professor at Tulane. "Based on these proven medical capabilities, electricity is being studied in the cosmetic arena to further improve aging skin."

In the meantime, patients who are looking to enhance their appearance can seek out laser skin rejuvenation, an established procedure that has met with a high level of satisfaction. 

If you have varicose veins, you are not alone. Men and women all over the world deal with this condition, which can really detract from the appearance of a good-looking pair of legs.

There are a variety of causes for varicose veins, from genetics to prolonged sitting or standing, and they typically begin appearing after the age of 30.

Traditionally, patients undergo a procedure known as vein stripping, in which an incision is made in the leg. A flexible instrument is threaded into the offending vein, which is then hooked and removed. The operation is minor, but can take a couple of hours and may be painful.

As a result, more people are opting for laser vein removal, a minimally invasive technique that requires neither cuts nor needles. These treatments take about 20 minutes, during which pulses of light energy are delivered to the veins, causing them to fade away.

Many patients have found that this procedure is quick and effective, and allows them to get back to their daily activities as soon as they leave the office.

This method of laser skin rejuvenation has helped many men and women get rid of unsightly veins, which affect as many as half of all middle-aged adults, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.