WHAT IS AN AESTHETICIAN?

Aestheticians are licensed experts trained in skin wellness.  A variety of treatments and products are used to protect skin from environmental hazards and combat fine lines, dull, and uneven skin tone.  Aestheticians are also skilled in managing conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, dry skin, dehydration and sun damage, just to name a few!  Through specialized treatments, an aesthetician can help ease the burdens such conditions can cause.  Furthermore, skin care treatments are relaxing and rejuvenating!

If you're being treated by a dermatologist, we can provide complementary and supporting treatments.  In addition, we are trained and licensed to recognize early signs of many medical conditions, including skin cancer, and will refer you to a dermatologist in such a case.

Aestheticians have to follow a code of ethics and conduct.  We also follow the HIPPA law here at Healthy Skin and Body.  We can not tell anyone who comes to see us.  All information shared behind the closed door is completely confidential.

WHAT IS A FACIAL & DO I NEED ONE?
A facial is a professional cleansing, purifying, and beautifying treatment of the skin on the face, neck and upper chest. Facials are the number one treatment performed by aestheticians, and its a great way to understand your skin prior to suggesting more aggressive treatments.

For most people, facials can be scheduled every four weeks, although your aesthetician may recommend a different schedule. There are many variations of facials based on different needs, as well as different lengths of time.  Tell your aesthetician exactly what you want to get out of your facial.

Facials can help prevent future skin care concerns that may appear, from monthly breakouts, to seasonal sensitivities, signs of aging and fine lines.  Maintaining healthy skin is key.

Preparing for a facial
Plan to arrive 10 minutes early before your first facial to allow enough time to fill out a comprehensive intake prior to your treatment.   Remember that your hair will have some volume when you leave due to the head wrap and scalp massage so if you have somewhere to be after, you may want to bring a hat!  There is no need to remove your makeup prior to the appointment, as it will be cleansed off during the facial.

What to expect
Facials are generally very relaxing and soothing. Your aesthetician will explain to you what the treatment steps will be. Be sure to communicate with your aesthetician during the facial if any product burns, itches, or if you need anything or have any questions. Otherwise, just lie back and enjoy the experience.

After the facial
After a facial, your skin will probably be soft, smooth and well hydrated. However, if multiple extractions were needed or if you required a fair amount of exfoliation, your face may be somewhat rosy for one to two hours or more, depending on how sensitive your skin is. This is quite normal. You can apply mineral makeup after your facial if there is some redness you want to conceal.

What about home care?
Your aesthetician will go over which professional home care products are for you to continue the improvement in your skin following your professional treatment. This way, you will be using products that maximize benefits and prolong the effects of your treatment. Your aesthetician can explain how, when and how much of the products to use. Feel free to call later, if you have any questions.

WHAT IS WAXING AND SUGARING AND HOW IS IT DONE?

Sugaring and waxing are the most common methods of hair removal in spas today. Hair on any part of the body or face can be removed.

Sugaring and waxing reduces hair growth when performed at regular 30-day intervals. Because sugar/wax pulls the hair out by the root, it grows back softer, finer, and thinner. The more you sugar/wax, the less hair grows back.

Waxing should not be performed if you have particularly sensitive skin, because it pulls off a couple of layers of skin cells along with the hair. Waxing can cause tenderness and swelling. In addition, some medications will cause the skin to react badly to waxing. Don’t wax if you’re taking Retin-A, Accutane, or any type of acne prescription.

Preparing for treatment
For Waxing let the hair grow out to about a half-inch above the skin. If hairs are too short, the wax won’t adhere strongly enough to pull them out. Refrain from taking a shower or bath before the treatment. Soaking the hair will soften it, allowing it to break more easily and making waxing less effective.

For Sugaring, let the hair grow out to about a quarter-inch above the skin.  If hairs are too short, the sugar won't adhere to the hair and they will not come out.  Sugar does not adhere to the skin so it is safe enough for even the most sensitive client.

What to expect
An antiseptic lotion may be applied to cleanse the area first. We will then apply a light dusting of powder to be sure the skin is dry before applying the product.

• If soft wax is being used, the warm wax will be spread on the hairs in a thin layer. A cloth strip (muslin or pellon) is then applied to the wax, and rubbed in the direction of hair growth. The strip is then pulled quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth while the skin is held taut with the other hand.
• With sugar, the aesthetician will apply the sugar paste with a glove with the direction of hair growth performing a pull and drag technique.  When they flick their wrist, the sugar paste along with the hair comes with the glove.

How much does it hurt?
Most people tolerate it well, and get used to the sensation after a few treatments. The level of discomfort you will feel depends on your level of pain tolerance in general, and on which area is being sugared or waxed.  For women, it is generally best not to schedule waxing services just prior to or during your period, as you are more sensitive to pain at this time and will experience more discomfort.

Home care after hair removal
It’s important to care for the area properly after treatment to prevent ingrown hairs, breakouts, or other reactions. Exfoliation, using a pumice stone or exfoliating gloves with a bath gel, or a gritty exfoliator will help keep the skin clear. Avoid using a bar soap because it leaves a film on the body that could cause ingrown hairs. For the face, back, and chest, use a more gentle exfoliant and an anti-breakout lotion (ask your aesthetician about recommended products). Directly after hair removal, avoid direct sunlight and tanning booths, especially while the skin is still red from treatment. For 24 hours after waxing, avoid exercise, hot tubs, deoderant and products with harsh chemicals, perfumes, or dyes. Apply a gentle moisturizer 24 hours after treatment.

WHAT IS ACNE AND CAN A FACIAL HELP?
Acne is the most common skin disorder, and 85 percent of all Americans will experience it some time in their lifetime. While commonly thought to be an adolescent problem, it can appear at any age, most often on the face, back, and chest.

The causes of acne are complex, but usually involve the overproduction of oil, the blockage of follicles that release the oil, and the growth of bacteria in those follicles. This can be triggered by many things, including a change in medications or a change in hormone levels caused by stress or other factors. It’s important to treat acne early to avoid scarring.

There are 4 grades of acne. Grade 1 is the mildest form, with open and closed comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). Grades 2 and 3 include papules and pustules as well. Grade 4 is the most advanced form, with all the above plus the appearance of cysts or nodules beneath the skin surface, that can be dime size or larger and often require medical attention to treat. Acne is not only painful but can be very emotionally and psychologically challenging as well.

Who can benefit from acne treatment?
Anyone who has acne can benefit from treatment. Acne sufferers often state their quality of life and self-esteem improves dramatically once their acne is alleviated. If you are seeking a licensed aesthetician’s care, chances are you’ve already tried over-the-counter preparations with disappointing results.

Depending on the grade of your acne, your aesthetician will go over the treatment options that would be the most successful for you. If you have Grade 4 acne, your aesthetician will refer you to a dermatologist who can treat it medically. Once your acne is under control and improving, your aesthetician can suggest treatments that will assist you in accelerating the healing process, relieving pigmentation which often accompanies acne.

What should I expect from my acne treatment?
You should expect regularly scheduled treatments. Your treatment program may begin with an acne facial. This may include deep cleansing and extractions (clearing blocked pores), special exfoliation that will not increase inflammation or spread bacteria, a balancing/calming mask, anti-bacterial and balancing products, or some combination of these. The goal is to deeply cleanse follicles and disinfect them, clearing away oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.

Your aesthetician may also recommend a series of chemical peels. We do not encourage chemical peels May-August when you may be out in the sun often.  We do have other treatments to help during those months.

What about home care?
Your aesthetician can provide the best guidance on caring for your skin between treatments. Generally, this will involve keeping your skin clean and avoiding picking at your blemishes—the single biggest cause of scarring. It’s very important you follow instructions given to you by your aesthetician. Untreated or undertreated acne can lead to continuing, worsening outbreaks and scarring. Your aesthetician will be in close contact with you to be sure your products are working effectively for you. As your treatment progresses, your aesthetician may change your home care routine to fit your changing skin’s needs.

WHAT IS ROSACEA?
Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a chronic skin disease that causes varying degrees of redness and swelling, primarily on the face, but also at times on the scalp, neck, ears, chest, and back. It is considered a vascular disorder (a disorder of the blood vessels).

The condition can develop over a long period of time and is more common in adults, particularly those with fair skin. More women get it than men, though in men the condition is often more pronounced. Severe, untreated rosacea can lead to a disfigurement of the nose called rhinophyma.

There are four grades of rosacea:

• Grade 1: Mostly redness.
• Grade 2: Pimples and other blemishes.
• Grade 3: Edemas (swelling due to fluid retention) and inflammatory bumps on the nose.
• Grade 4: Symptoms affecting the eyes.

No one knows the cause of rosacea, but it is thought to run in families and can be aggravated by environmental factors and diet. Although rosacea can be accompanied by pustules, it is not acne. Researchers believe rosacea might be caused by several things: abnormal function of the blood vessels, sun damage, and an abnormal inflammatory reaction.

People with rosacea often learn that certain things trigger their flare-ups. It is believed that fluctuations in temperature (especially extreme heat or cold) is a common trigger. Spicy foods, alcohol consumption and stress can also cause flare-ups.

How is rosacea treated?
The key to rosacea treatment is to catch it early. It may start with skin that merely flushes red. Reducing skin temperature and calming the skin is usually the first objective. Once inflammation is under control, other treatments follow. There are many treatments, including topical agents containing azelaic acid or the antibiotic metronidazole. Both have proven helpful in relieving the symptoms of rosacea. Your physician may also prescribe internal antibiotics in the tetracycline family. Esthetically, rosacea is treated with calming, soothing, hydrating treatments.

While not a cure, any of these treatments can help control symptoms, sometimes for several years. Self-treatment is not advised, beyond a simple and gentle cleansing routine. Some over-the-counter remedies may actually worsen symptoms, as will aggressive scrubbing and rubbing.  Your licensed aesthetician may refer you to a dermatologist for evaluation and medical support.

What about home care?
Your aesthetician can provide the best guidance on caring for your skin after a treatment. In general, people with rosacea should keep a diary of things that trigger their condition: environmental factors such as sun, wind, stress, exposure to heat or severe cold, alcohol or spicy food consumption, and irritating face products. Responses to treatments vary widely; trial and error is unfortunately part of the process when working with rosacea.