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Here is a handy, dandy list of the Perfect Peel’s FAQs: 

Q: How does The Perfect Derma Peel compare to other peels?

The Perfect Derma Peel combines powerful ingredients with effective acids to deliver outstanding results after one treatment. This unique formula allows for an increase in lifting of fine lines and wrinkles as well as reducing hyperpigmentation including Melasma. The Perfect Derma Peel is a non-invasive, virtually painless treatment with only a few days of peeling.

Q: How many treatments are necessary for visible improvement?

After one treatment of The Perfect Derma Peel, overall skin tone and complexion will appear smooth, glowing and fresh. Depending on skin conditions, multiple treatments may be necessary for desired results. A series of 2-3 treatments applied once every 4 weeks will allow for optimal results for more severe skin conditions such as Melasma and active acne.

Q: How long will my results last?

As long as the skin is maintained with proper skin care products like The Perfect A, The Perfect C, and The Perfect Bleaching Cream the improved results will last. We recommend 2 – 4  treatments of The Perfect Derma Peel per year to sustain desired results for regular maintenance and rejuvenation.

Q: What skin types respond well to The Perfect Derma Peel?

The post So you want to know more about the Perfect Peel? appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

For those looking for the easiest way to maximize their results, the solution is not the most intuitive…

In order to get the most longevity and keep cost-per-treatment down for your cosmetic-injection results, all you have to do is never let yourself get back to base-line.

The idea is that if your results never fully wear off, you will never need as much product to get you back to where you want to be. Yes, this means more frequent visits, but the treatment times should be shorter, and your cost per treatment will be less. (Bonus: More visits means more opportunities to earn reward points!)

So for example:

Let’s say that the first time you get your lips injected, you decide that you require 2x vials of to make your lips just the way you want them.

Instead of waiting until the product has completely worn away in 9-12 months (resulting in another 2x vials needed at once), come back at 3-6 month intervals for 1-vial touch-ups to keep you at your preferred Volbella/lip homeostasis. (Proceeding this way also helps to minimize any potential downtime for you. In this hypothetical situation, your lips will heal from any swelling much faster with one-vial versus how they initially responded with two-vials.)

It’s easier to process this concept if you think of your injection-product like being a piece of ice. If your lip-filler is akin to an ice-cube, the longer you have it, the more it melts and disperses. The smaller it gets, the faster it ultimately dissipates. By incrementally adding more and bulking that piece of “ice” back up, you’ll slow down the “melting” process, and prolong the effect of 2x vials — with just one vial.

Same thing with Botox.

If you regularly need 45-units of Botox (or Dysport) to achieve your desired results, and wait until your full range of movement returns before you get your next treatment, you’re likely going to continue to need (at least) 45-units at each subsequent visit.

However, if you come back as soon as you start to regain some movement, you should only require a fraction of that initial-amount to boost you back to where you want to be.

Please note: There are a bunch of caveats to the Botox scenario.

A. This advice is assuming that you are being properly treated at the get-go.

B. On average Botox and Dysport results last for 3-months, but a lot of people try to stretch out the time between visits to save money, not realizing this is actually causing the opposite effect. If you are the average person, it would be more beneficial for you to get treated every 3-months (like clock-work) before the product from your last visit has completely worn off, instead of having to start the treatment-process all over again from baseline each time.

C. To be clear, we are recommending treatments closer to every 3-months versus 6+ months, and we are not recommending anything unfathomable, unrealistic, or unhealthy, such as bi-weekly or monthly treatments.

(Bonus: The longer you can consecutively keep those forehead muscles paralyzed, the sooner they will start to weaken which in the long-run (like, ten years) allows you to need less and less neuro-toxin to stay smooth.)

Same exact principle with Sculptra and Botox / Dysport for Hyperhidrosis.

Once you reach the point that you’re happy and want to go into maintenance-mode, take baby-steps to keep-up your results and prevent having to start all over.

The only injection that this concept does not apply to?

Kybella’s results are permanent, so once you achieve the result you want — you’re set.

The post FAQ: How to Make Injection Results Last Longer? (Hint: It’s the opposite of what you think.) appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

• Is it OK to use last year’s sunscreen?
• Do you need different sunscreen for your face versus body?
• What is the difference between a mineral sunscreen and a chemical one?! 
• Is my sun protection bad for the environment??

Naomi Fenlin, owner of Philadelphia-based About Face Skin Care, believes that it is important to always talk about sunscreen, especially in Summer, because even with the increased sun awareness — skin-cancer rates are still on the rise.

Fenlin believes that this occurrence is likely due to simple human error — it is easy to overestimate what suncream can accomplish. (Plus, a lot of skin cancer occurrences are the result of past sun damage. Although there isn’t a way to rewind time and undo past sun violations, making sure to stay as safe as possible for the future is within your control.)

“I know that I preach the virtues of sunscreen and sun protection, all day everyday, but I’m also human. Even I sometimes forget to reapply as often as I should, miss a spot, or accidentally leave my hat at home. It is so easy to apply sunscreen once and then move on with your day — but to be as safe as possible in the sun is an ongoing, all-day process.”

If there are little tricks you can employ to make the process easier for you, go for it! (More on this below.) But ultimately, the topic of sun protection is a conversation that needs to be had frequently, and a little refresher course never hurt anyone.

What number SPF should I use?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in your sunscreen relates to UVB, the rays that burn skin. It multiplies your natural protection against burning. If your bare skin would normally burn after 10-minutes in the sun, SPF 20 will multiply that number by 20 — so if it’s applied properly, it would be about 200-minutes before your skin started to burn. These numbers are approximate however, and if you feel like your skin is burning sooner than the designated timeframe… REAPPLY!

However NO sunscreen provides total protection, says Fenlin. “You can also utilize cover-up clothing and accessories — hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, something over your shoulders — to help give your skin the sun-shielding it needs.”

Can I use last year’s sunscreen?

In theory you probably can. But before you apply it all over your body, check to make sure the expiration date is still good, and verify the consistency of the product. If it smellls funny or appears to have separated, don’t use it! (Some sunscreen bottles will feature little jar symbols with the lid off that shows 6M or 12M. This means that the manufacturer only guarentees the stability of the product for 6x or 12x months after opening. If you know that you opened the product longer ago than the depicted time-frame, it’d be best to use a fresher sunscreen.)

It is best to store Sunscreens in cool, dark places, and in ideal circumstances the products should be good for two years.

Worst case scenario? If you use sunscreen that is well past it’s prime, in addition to getting a sun-burn, it is also possible that the product may have broken down into compounds that will irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions.

Do I need different Sunscreens for face and body?

It’s not just marketing — most people are happiest with  at least two different bottles of sunscreen for their SPF requirements.

While there’s nothing to stop you from using the same product on your face and body, depending on your skin type your may prefer to use something on your face that caters specifically to your skin-type. (For example, if you are acne prone, you may not want to use the pore-clogging, water-resistant formula that works great for your body, on your face. Or if you have sensitive skin, your body product may sting and irritate your face.) No matter what you end up using though, per Fenlin, “The most important thing is to have a product you’re happy to use and re-apply — and with the face, that tends to mean a more sophisticated formulation.”

“It’s important to note,” adds Fenlin, “Price is not neccesarily an indicator of quality, but more expensive products may feel (and smell) more luxurious, making them nicer to use.”

You may need even more extra sunscreen options if you have children.

“When you’re dealing with kids that are likely in and out of the water, you want products that are more water-resistant,” says Fenlin. “These products can cause breakouts if you put them on your face though; they’re designed to temporarily seal the skin, which can clog pores.” Also with children, try to avoid products that have an abundance of fragrance. These chemicals can irritate children’s skin and cause allergic reactions.

When it comes to SPF-gadgetry; bracelets that change color with sun exposure, “smart” jewellery that tracks your local UV-exposure, apps that gauge your specific burining times, sun-protection “tech” has a lot of promise but still needs some tweaking to be fully dependable. (Consider, if your braceleted arm is in the shade and your face in the sun, or your Bluetooth connection is spotty, the gadgets cannot perform as promised.)

However, we repeat: Anything that encourages people to proactively think about sun exposure is great!

How much Sunscreen should I be using to protect myself?

Research suggests the biggest impact on sunscreen efficacy is how much you apply. Sunscreen quantity matters even more than which product you choose and how you apply it — generally, people don’t apply enough.

For a standard, full-body application, you should expect to use about a shot glass-full to cover your body, and at least half a teaspoon for face and neck.

Although the Cancer Research Center advises a minimum SPF-15 — the higher the SPF, the more likely it is to make up for the fact that you don’t put enough on. (Don’t feel bad, nobody does).

What is the difference between a Mineral or Chemical block?

Mineral sun protection usually contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or iron oxide, which acts like a shield of teeny-tiny rocks sitting on your skin’s surface, preventing the sun from hitting your skin. (The minerals literally form a physical barrier against the sun’s rays.)

Chemical sunscreens, which is what most SPFs are, have ingredients such as homosalate, octocrylene and octinoxate. These protect your skin by absorbing the sun’s UV energy and converting it into heat, which is released from the skin. (Our favorite sunscreens include a combination of physical and chemical blocks, this way your skin gets the most protection available.)

Could my sunscreen be harmful to marine life?

An estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen are washed into the oceans each year, which is bad for the marine environment. This year, Hawaii was the first U.S. state to pass a bill banning sunscreens containing two ingredients — oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3) and octinoxate (also known as octyl methoxycinnamate and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) — because research has shown these ingredients harm coral reefs.

If this is especially worrisome to you, sunscreens made by Green People and The Organic Pharmacy are marine-friendly.

Which sunscreens are best-sellers at About Face? 

Great question! 

• Porification Protect SPF-50+ ($45.00) Tinted, moisturizing, oil-free face formulation
• SunBum SPF-50 Spray ($15.99) Ultra sheer/dry touch continuous spray, water resistant
• Sunshine & Beach Gypsy Godess SPF-30 ($22.00) Eco-friendly biodegradable gold glitter SPF, infused with natural antioxidants.
• SkinCeuticals Physical Matte SPF-50 ($34.00) Universally-tinted, oil absorbing, mousse BB-cream
• DermaBlend Cover Creme SPF-30 ($35.00) Highly pigmented camoflauge makeup with SPF-30

The post Your Burning Sunscreen Questions, Answered (Version 4.0) appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

Everyone’s injection visit and treatment will be different, but whether you are interested in Botox, Restylane, Kybella, Sculptra, or a combination of all the above, your appointment should roughly follow this routine:

1. You will talk with your treatment provider about your goals, concerns, and history before treatment begins. Together, you’ll agree on the best plan to move forward. (Prices will be reviewed at this point, there should NOT be any surprises at check-out.)

2. “Before” pictures will be taken to document what you look like prior to treatment.

3. Your healthcare professional will cleanse, sterilize and prepare the area(s) to be treated.

4. Optional: Depending on the treatment area, you may have a topical numbing cream applied to help make the treatment more comfortable.

5. The selected injectable-product(s) will be carefully used for the treatment area(s) using an ultra-fine needle to create the desired aesthetic effect. Your treatment-provider will talk to you through the visit, informing you of what is going on, and what to expect next.

6. Once the injections are complete, your treatment-provider may gently massage the treatment area(s) to make sure that the dispersion and placement is correct, and you may be given some ice to help prevent any swelling or bruising.

7. Your treatment provider will review with you any after-care instructions regarding what to expect / do for the future.

8. Enjoy your results!

Depending on which treatment you decide upon, there will be varying amounts of recommended time that needs to pass before you can fully assess your results. (For example, Botox and Dysport can take a full 14-days to fully kick-in, whereas Kybella requires about 6x-8x weeks before results manifest.) At the appropriate time-point for you, if your treatment-provider has not yet followed-up with you, please feel comfortable to call and ask any questions you may have.

The post FAQ: What will my injection treatment be like? appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

Hi Kellie! Welcome to Philadelphia!

1. It must be quite a change to work in Philly after Beverly Hills, but to begin with, what’s your favorite part in general about working in the aesthetics industry? 

I. Love. My. Job. It is such a joy to be able to empower others by increasing their sense of confidence, and I love the artistic /aesthetic challenge that each person presents for me.

Blending medicine and art is my passion. No person or face are ever the same, so this is the best combination for me — I get to make other people happy, while satisfying the creative outlet and challenges my own soul needs to be satisfied.  I know it sounds cheesy, but treating patients doesn’t feel like “work” because I enjoy it so much.

Being an injectable-trainer is also very fulfilling because I learn more and more about the treatments, products, and personal interactions as I see how other injectors absorb and process the training information. Additionally, teaching about injections forces me to always strive for more advanced-education for myself so that I can always be confident in the knowledge that I am sharing to my professional peers, and my patients.

2. What is your favorite treatment to do, and why? 

I absolutely love injecting dermal-filler. For the same reason patients love it, I love it — with filler you get immediate gratification, and I live for the happiness patients get when they see their results. (Their happiness is everything!)  I also love the artistry filler-injections allow me, any type of injectable treatment presents a creative opportunity to create a safe, effective, flattering way to help others attain their beauty goals.
3. Be honest, when (you’re not at work and) you look at people — are you just imagining what you can do to them in your head?

Honestly, it depends on the person. If I randomly meet someone who has an extreme-situation that could be corrected with injections — I kind of can’t help but to (secretly) muse over the options I’d pursue if they were my patient.

It also depends on what products are top-of-mind. When Kybella or Voluma were first launched, and everyone was going crazy over them, I couldn’t help myself but to gauge everyone’s jaw-line and cheek-curvature.

Normally though? If I’m out-and-about meeting new people, as long as there aren’t any physical extremes staring back at me — I just take the person as they are and leave my injecting-thoughts on the back-burner.

4. When you look at Kylie Jenner, you think….?

…. If she is happy, than I’m happy for her. Each person has their own individual look they want to achieve, and she seems like she is fully owning and loving hers.

5. Lips are obviously the current injection-obsession. Any predictions about what injection trend may be next? 

Personally, I think that lips will always be popular, which is fine by me because that’s one of my favorite injections to do.

However, I also think we are only at the tip of the iceberg in learning what Kybella injections can accomplish. In addition to improving someone’s overall facial-appearance by slimming the jaw-line and eliminating a double-chin, it’s exciting to hear whispers about the additional applications of a fat-melting / skin-tightening injectable…

6. What was the craziest / funniest story that happened to you in celeb-populated LA?

I don’t kiss — or inject — and tell. 🙂

7. Are there big differences between Philadelphia aesthetics and Los Angeles?

Yes and no.

In LA, it’s a given that everyone is doing something, and out there people talk about Botox and Juvederm in the same breath they mention Yoga and daycare.

In Philadelphia however, even though almost everyone is doing something, it’s much more hush-hush and secretive.

Ironically though, despite Philadelphia being a more conservative city when it comes to everyday aesthetic conversations —  the desired results are the same on both coasts. (Despite what you might think, the majority of people in both cities truly want natural-looking, flattering improvements.)
8. What is the #1 thing you miss the most about California? 

Rollerblading and playing volleyball at the beach! (It’s like this answer was written by the Californian tourism committee, but it’s true!)

9. What was the most amount of product you went through on your craziest LA day? 

A group of women flew in from Dubai, just for their aesthetic treatments! It was a whirlwind of a day, we started at 6am and finished at 11pm. When all was said and done, we had gone through about 30 syringes of Voluma, 50 syringes of Juvederm, and 20 vials of Botox, and everyone also had laser treatments! Crazy, crazy day, and I loved every minute of it!
10. What were your initial thoughts about Philadelphia? Has your impression changed since you’ve been here? 

At first I was intimidated to move here — I thought that people would be more reserved and harder to get to know here versus California — but I’ve been pleasantly surprised! The Philadelphians I’ve met so far have all been extremely warm and welcoming.

I also love all of the history surrounding this city, and while I’m still new to Philly I feel like almost like a tourist — I’ve been trying to take advantage of all of the museums and major sight-seeing spots.

11. Describe your dream day. 

I wake-up early, work out, do something outdoors with friends, and then maybe go to a museum or explore a new part of the East Coast!  (I’m dying to check-out New England, and next on my travel-list is Maple Syrup Tasting and hiking in Vermont.

12. Favorite LA food?

Sushi from Katana and Mastro’s butter-cake in Beverly Hills.

13. Favorite Philly food?

Ohhh, that might be the hardest question here? Pat’s cheese-steaks are obviously great, but I also really loved all of the food at Zahav!

14. You’re stranded on a desert island. What 3x things (beauty or otherwise) do you HAVE to take with you? 

A lifetime supple of AquaHydrate water — the body must be hydrated to be beautiful! Mascara and SPF-50 sunscreen are also must-haves.

15. Describe your aesthetic in 3 words:

Natural, artful, beautiful.

16. If you won the gazillion dollar lottery tomorrow, what would you do?

I would start a program to fund underrepresented populations gain health-care and education. I would also buy my parents a house, of course!

17. Cats or dogs? (Sprout wants to know.) 

Dogs, of course! My family owns 2 rescue dogs and I plan on adopting one of my own in the next year. 🙂

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