At About Face Aesthetics, our skin experts have compiled everything you need to know when it comes to learning what your skin needs, how to properly care for it, and more! 

Step 1 | Understanding Your Skin

To find the best skincare in Philadelphia, you first need to understand what skin type you have and your skin needs. The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes that there are 5 different skin types: 

• Sensitive skin
• Normal skin 
• Dry skin
• Oily skin
• Combination skin

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is characterized by stinging, burning, and itching sensations, especially when you apply any makeup or skincare products to your skin. While you can have this skin type naturally, many people develop it after excessive exposure to environmental factors like intense cold, heat, sun, pollution, or moisture. 

Normal Skin 

Having normal skin is typically the goal for those who are looking for skincare in Philadelphia. This skin type is characterized by having skin that is neither too oily nor too dry. It is not sensitive to touch, and while it may turn slightly red from intense scrubbing or sunburn, should not react negatively to the use of makeup or normal skincare products.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by developing patches of itchy, flaking, scaly, or rough skin. These patches can occur anywhere on your face. While some people have this skin type normally, it is typically caused by repeated exposure to environmental factors like cold or dry weather and sun damage. It can also be caused by the use of harsh soaps and over-bathing. Many people confuse this skin type with dehydrated skin, which is a completely separate skin condition.  

Oily Skin

Oily skin is a common skin condition that is characterized by the appearance of shiny or greasy skin. The overproduction of sebum, or “oil,” is the main cause of oily skin, which can create issues with acne and enlarged pores. Anyone can be born with oily skin, but it is often developed after repeated exposure to heat and humidity, as well as certain makeup and skincare products. 

Combination Skin

Combination skin is just that—a combination of oily and dry skin. You may experience oily skin in certain areas of your face, like your cheeks or your “T-zone” (around the forehead, nose, and lips). While this skin type is purely genetic, it can change with seasonal or hormonal shifts. 

How to Determine Your Skin Type

While the best way to determine your skin type is to come and visit our skin experts for a consultation, there are certain tests you can do at home to discover your skin type. While these tests may not be as accurate as a professional consultation, they will help you gain a better understanding of your skin. 

There are 2 main tests you can do to find your specific skin type, which can help you determine the best products for your skincare in Philadelphia. 

The Day Test

For some, the best way to determine your skin type is to see how it works within a 24-hour period. In the morning, you wash your face with a mild cleanser, but otherwise do not apply any other skincare products or makeup. Then you go about your normal day, and once it is time for you to go to bed, you examine your skin to determine your skin type. 

The Wash Test

The wash test works very similarly to the day test, but is accomplished in a much shorter time frame. If you cannot go a whole day without skincare products or makeup (or if you take a shower in the middle of the day) this test may work best for you. You wash your face with a mild cleanser then wait about 30 minutes. Then, you examine your skin to determine your skin type. It is best to try this test when your skin is calm, meaning you have not undergone any specific skin treatments, scrubs, or have experienced a sunburn. 

Results

If you complete these tests but still find it difficult to determine which skin type you are, then we suggest visiting our providers for a consultation. We have certain tools that will help you receive an accurate skin type diagnosis, which can help us find the right product for your skincare in Philadelphia. 

Your Age Affects Your Skin, Too

As we age, our skin produces less and less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. These proteins and compounds are responsible for many aspects of our skin health, including: 

• Elasticity
• Cellular turnover
• Moisture retention 

Statistically, our bodies produce 1% less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid each year after we turn about 20 years old. 

That is why our goal at About Face is to increase your skin’s natural production of these essential components in order to maintain its healthy structure and appearance. We customize your plan to include treatments and products for your skincare in Philadelphia. We recommend either visiting our team for a consultation or using our virtual consultation tool to find the best options for your skin.

Step 2 | Finding In-House Treatments

Caring for your teeth requires consistent care. You go to the dentist once every 6 months for thorough cleaning and check-ups, then maintain the health of your teeth by flossing and brushing daily. 

The same idea applies to your skincare in Philadelphia; you visit our team once every few months for an in-house treatment and then maintain your results with a daily skincare routine. We offer a variety of treatments for your concerns to help you feel confident in your skin. To find the best options for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our providers, but here are our most popular skin rejuvenation services and what concerns they address: 

Skin Tightening

At About Face, our skin tightening services provide the perfect base for your at-home skincare in Philadelphia. These treatments are designed to drastically increase your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin, while also delivering additional benefits based on your specific goals. We offer Thermage, SculpSure, and Morpheus8 microneedling as options to tighten skin, shrink stubborn fat, and create smoother, healthier skin. 

BBL

The BBL photofacial targets fine lines, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, superficial blood vessels, and more. This uses broadband light to target deep within your skin, removing damaged cells to create a more even and smoother complexion. This process also stimulates your body’s natural healing response, which increases collagen and elastin production. 

IPL

IPL works very similarly to BBL, but whereas BBL can target one or two issues deep within your dermis, or the deepest layer of your skin, IPL can target a wider variety of concerns within your epidermis, or the top layer of your skin. We typically provide IPL treatment for those who have more mild skin issues and BBL to those who are needing a more intense and targeted treatment. 

Laser Resurfacing 

Laser skin resurfacing is an exceptional aesthetic treatment that gently removes the uppermost layer of skin while heating the underlying layers. This stimulates the body’s natural healing response, increasing the collagen and elastin that is in your skin. This process focuses on correcting texture concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, scarring, and more. 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a minimally invasive treatment that uses a mixture of chemical compounds to peel away the top layer of your skin. This process removes dead and damaged skin cells and stimulates your body’s healing response, increasing collagen and elastin production. There are a wide variety of chemical peels available to target unique concerns, so you and your provider can talk to determine the best peel for you.  

Custom Facials

These facials use specific serums and products depending on your individual needs. While facials can be considered as a “once-in-a-blue-moon” luxury, we actually recommend receiving facials about once a month as part of your regular skincare in Philadelphia. This is because they deliver compound results over time, improving your skin’s health and appearance. 

Step 3 | Establishing an At-Home Routine

At About Face, we make caring for your skin simple, so we’ll break down the basic steps of what you should be doing for your skincare in Philadelphia:

Cleansing

The first goal of any skincare routine is to remove toxins and debris from your skin. The best way to do this is by first wetting your skin with lukewarm water, then using your fingers to apply a gentle, non-alcoholic cleanser to your skin. You gently rub the cleanser into your pores for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, avoiding the temptations to scrub, as this will irritate your skin. 

Once you are done, you rinse your face with lukewarm water and then pat your skin dry with a clean towel or washcloth. Make sure to limit the amount of time you wash your face to 2 times a day, as over-cleansing your skin can impact your skin’s health and cause you to develop dry skin. 

Toning

Toners are a water-based lotion or tonic that helps remove residual impurities in the skin after cleansing. While cleansing is a vital part of your skincare in Philadelphia, cleansers remove protective oils and proteins from your skin. Toners are used to increase the water content of your skin, which supports the absorption of products that will come after you apply your toner. 

However, while toners do not contain alcohol, they do contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid in moisturizers. These work to restore the pH balance of your skin, which will help you achieve and maintain a normal skin type. 

Moisturizing

There are 3 different kinds of moisturizers: occlusives, emollients, and humectants. 

• Occlusives work by creating a barrier over your skin, preventing water from evaporating and keeping your skin moist. 
• Emollients penetrate the skin and make it softer and more flexible, helping capture and maintain moisture in your skin. 
• Humectants are made of molecules that help keep water in the epidermis and increase the production of ceramides, which are molecules that prevent water evaporation from your skin. 

Most moisturizers have a mixture of all three, so you can receive the benefits of all their moisturizing methods, but all of them have one goal in mind: keeping the water in your skin!  

Treating Specific Concerns

Acne

On top of our popular in-house AviClear acne treatment, we also offer at-home products to help with your acne. There are many products available that you can include as part of your skincare in Philadelphia, but finding the right one depends on your needs. 

Some acne products target the acne-causing bacteria in your skin, while others may remove excess oil or speed up cellular regeneration. Other products try to accomplish all these goals. Our skin experts can help you find the best products based on your unique needs during your consultation. 

Redness

For redness, which may also be diagnosed as rosacea, you can apply specific creams or gels that constrict the superficial blood vessels within your face. These creams can address mild-to-moderate rosacea, but severe rosacea may need to be treated using prescription creams and possibly laser treatments. Our providers can help you determine the right course for your concerns. 

Wrinkles

The most common ingredients in wrinkle creams are retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, bakuchiol, tranexamic, and azelaic. All of these products work to brighten skin tone, deliver and maintain skin hydration, reverse sun and pollution damage, and increase collagen and elastin production. Products containing these ingredients can be helpful for your skincare in Philadelphia. 

Dark Spots/Sun Spots

When searching for products that treat sun spots or dark spots, you’ll want to look at options that contain ingredients like aloe vera, licorice extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, acetic acid, green tea extract, lactic acid, honey, glycolic acid, hydroxy acid, kojic acid, or deoxyarbutin. All of these work at lightening the skin and creating a brighter and more even tone. 

Dark Circles

There are many products and treatments that claim to correct dark circles, but you will want to look at products that specifically contain vitamin C, kojic acid, caffeine, and vitamin K. These products not only brighten skin, but the caffeine will help constrict the superficial blood vessels under your eyes, which will reduce the amount of darkness that appears within your skin. 

Dry Skin

Ointments and creams are better than lotions at treating dry skin. Our providers can share tips and tricks on how to change your lifestyle so you can find relief from dry skin, but there are products that can also help. For dry skin, look for products that contain ingredients like jojoba oil, dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and shea butter. These products will be an essential part of your skincare in Philadelphia. 

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you’ll want products that are specifically listed as “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic.” These mean that the products will not clog your pores or cause acne. For your skincare in Philadelphia, we will most likely recommend products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, retinoids, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These will help regulate your sebum production to balance out the oil in your skin.  

Dullness

Dull skin is typically caused by slow cellular turnover, which leaves your pores congested and full of dead and damaged skin cells. What you will want are products that exfoliate your skin and increase collagen and elastin production. Retinoids typically do this the best, but you will need to speak to one of our skin experts to determine which of our offered products may work best to refresh your skin. 

Large Pores

Large pores are usually caused by excess sebum and dead skin cells, which can be treated by exfoliating your skin. When looking for products for your skincare in Philadelphia, you should look at ones that contain retinoids. You should also look at items labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic”, as these products will not clog your pores moving forward. 

Not All Products Work Together

When combining certain products, especially retinoids and any acids, you will need to be careful as to which products you use together. Certain products react negatively to one another, so you may need to separate products between your morning and evening skincare routines. 

Products That Do Not Work Together

The Best Skincare Combos 

Niacinamide + Retinoids

Retinoids are known to be irritating to your skin since they can increase cellular turnover. However, pairing these products with niacinamide actually reduces the irritation to your skin, reduces the signs of aging, evens out skin tone, and improves acne. 

Vitamin C + Vitamin E

Both of these vitamins work to reverse the signs of aging and UV damage, but together, they multiply the benefits for your skin, doubling their antioxidant effects. 

Hyaluronic Acid + Retinoids

Hyaluronic acid is both hydrating and soothing, so it is known to work well with retinol and other retinoids, working against their irritating effects. 

Ferulic Acid + Vitamin C

Ferulic acid fights free radicals within your skin. When paired, ferulic acid extends the life of vitamin C and stabilizes its formula so it is less likely to evaporate before it can effectively improve your skin. 

Vitamin E + Sunscreen

Vitamin E works to increase the effects of your sunscreen and prevent UV damage. However, we do not recommend mixing these products together. For your morning skincare in Philadelphia, we suggest applying vitamin E first, and then making SPF the last step of your routine. 

Skincare Brands We Offer

At About Face, we understand that variety is important when curating your unique skincare routine. That is why we offer products from 3 different brands for your skincare in Philadelphia. Each one provides high-quality, medical-grade skincare products, but each one differs in how it accomplishes your skin goals. 

Colorescience

Colorescience products are designed to meet you wherever you are on your skin journey. Theri products use therapeutic ingredients to cleanse, hydrate, repair, strengthen, and protect your skin. Their products have been proven to deliver clinical results while using natural ingredients. 

SkinBetter

Established in 2016, this exceptional brand delivers biotech-based skincare. Their brand is based around 3 main values: scientific innovation, rigorous clinical studies, and a partnership with dermatologists and medical doctors. All of these values are the foundation of their work, creating best-in-class skincare solutions.  

Alastin

One of the most popular brands for skincare in Philadelphia, Alastin is one of the fastest-growing physician-dispensed skincare brands in the country. Founded in 2015, they provide a comprehensive collection of clinically proven products that deliver optimal results for your skincare routine. 

Discover Exceptional Skincare

No matter where you are in your skincare journey, our team at About Face Aesthetics can help you with every step of this skincare process, from discovering your skin type to curating a unique skincare routine that will deliver the results you need.

Our experts understand more than just skin—they also understand that every patient is unique, and that taking the time to understand your needs will help us deliver results and increase your confidence. Schedule a consultation with our experts today and take the first step towards creating healthier and happier skin.

Schedule a Consultation

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Wouldn’t you say it’s time to find a solution that actually works, and for good? At About Face Aesthetics, we can help you figure out the best plan of action to treat your acne. With an acne facial in Philadelphia, you might just be looking at a future that is free from acne, pimples, and breakouts!

The Science & Solutions

Pimples come and go as they please. They are incredibly unpredictable and show up at the most undesirable times, making them even more frustrating. 

These pimples appear either as little red dots or raised whiteheads and are, for the most part, alone. They rarely come in groups or clusters. But if you do seem to have several all at once or in the same area, then this is often referred to as a “breakout” of acne. 

The nice thing about our treatment options is that we customize everything for you. We want you to have the best results possible. So, whether a strong chemical peel or a refreshing custom facial is right for you, we will determine the best fit and get started with your treatment.

By clearing away dead skin cells and opening up clogged pores, an acne facial in Philadelphia refreshes your complexion. Get rid of stubborn pimples and persistent acne—and with regular treatments, you’ll see prolonged results! Our facials can treat your concerns without triggering a breakout, and adding medical-grade skincare to your at-home routine can take your results even further. 

Start the Journey to Clear Skin and Visit About Face Today!

About Face Aesthetics is all about you! Give us a call or send us a message if you are ready to book an appointment or if you would like to know more about the best acne facial in Philadelphia for your skin type. We would love to hear from you!

If you are not quite ready to come in for an in-person consultation, you can take advantage of our Virtual Consult tool to get instant treatment recommendations based on your needs and goals.

The post Time to Say Goodbye to Acne for Good appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

So, if you are currently struggling with pimples or breakouts, we’re here to help you clear up your complexion and kick acne to the curb! Pimples and breakouts can require different approaches, but the end goal remains the same, and so does our dedication to your results.

Here at About Face Aesthetics, we can offer you answers and solutions to every teenager’s worst enemy! Have you found yourself asking, “How can I get rid of pimples versus breakouts?” That is a very valid question! Many don’t know the differences between pimples, acne, and breakouts, and that there are different ways of treating each of these. 

How to Treat Pimples 

Now, when treating pimples, because they are smaller and less invasive, you may want to consider acne treatments like a mild facial. A facial would cleanse and polish your skin to get rid of all that oil and dead skin that cause pimples.

Here at About Face, we offer a variety of medical-grade, prescription strength skincare products to make sure you can care for your skin the best way possible everyday at home! Feel free to come into our office to check out and discuss our available skincare and makeup options that could help your skin.

How to Treat Acne Breakouts

For the more intense concern of acne breakouts, we like to take a look at more intense solutions—“intense” meaning more guaranteed results. Breakouts are very annoying and nearly impossible to just wait out because sometimes they hang around and come back! 

One of our best options for more severe acne like this is chemical peels. Chemical peels are a stronger version of facials. They are able to go deeper than just surface level. So, not only will they take away those oils and dead skin cells that cause acne, but they will help regulate the concerns below the skin as well.

Discover Freedom From Breakouts Today – Visit About Face Aesthetics!

About Face Aesthetics is all about you! Give us a call or send us a message if you are ready to book an appointment or if you would like to know more about the best tips for figuring out how to get rid of pimples versus breakouts. We would love to hear from you!

The post Pimples & Breakouts: What Should You Do? appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

If the typical creams, solutions, washes, and patches aren’t working, then let us help you in trying something that is a little more promising. At About Face Aesthetics, you can find solutions to acne concerns in an environment that you are comfortable in. 

Why Choose About Face?

For over 10 years, About Face Aesthetics has been dedicated to meeting the aesthetic med spa demands within the Philly region. Within our lush and cozy facility, highly trained professionals perform premier medical spa procedures. 

We are also always striving to prove our techniques to be top tier when paired with our personalized commitment. If you want to prioritize self-care and skin health, choose our team!

Our Founding & History

Founded in 2011 by Naomi Fenlin, About Face Aesthetics emerged from Fenlin’s desire to establish a distinguished medical spa. With a diverse educational and professional history, Naomi could build a distinctive med spa that is dedicated to enhancing clients’ view of themselves as well as their health within.

Since then, our journey has been one of advancement in medical aesthetics throughout Philadelphia. We prioritize ongoing learning and development, guaranteeing our patients receive tailored solutions. 

Our expertise and insight in the realm of medical aesthetics set us apart, offering an unparalleled level of care. We are now proud to offer services like microneedling, facials, laser hair removal, Botox, and acne treatments in Philadelphia.

Why Does Acne Happen?

The causes of acne can be pretty varied, some of the most common being hormone changes during puberty and an oilier skin type. But there are so many other reasons! 

Identifying the specific cause behind your acne can reveal some clues to how you can get rid of it. Rather than approaching acne-prone skin with the same blanket solution, we can tailor your plan to address the underlying problem and provide the most effective treatment. 

Puberty & Hormones

When children hit a certain age, which is different for everyone, their bodies start producing more hormones than they are used to. Of course, we know this is normal and a natural part of the puberty process, so their bodies just have to get used to it. But this is easier said than done. 

Testosterone is the most common hormone to cause acne issues. Some areas of our skin are particularly sensitive to oil, so when too much oil is produced because of the testosterone, that oil will just hang out on the skin, clogging up pores and resulting in acne. 

Naturally Oily Skin

Your skin falls into one of five skin types—normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive—each with its own set of characteristics. Having an oily skin type means that your skin overproduces sebum. 

Sebum is an oily substance that helps keep our skin hydrated and healthy, but too much of it can cause problems for your complexion. Excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, clogging follicles and pushing upwards, creating what we know as a whitehead. Additionally, this process can also cause blackheads, which is where this patch of oil is more open, instead of covered by skin. 

Genetics

If your child is struggling with acne and you have tried everything from changing up their diet to changing their products, but nothing has worked, maybe it’s something else. Acne can also run in families!

So, if you or their other parent had acne, then your child is more likely to have acne throughout puberty. And some studies have even shown that if both biological parents had acne, then their child might have acne even earlier on than most.

Menstruation & Pregnancy

Yet another reason for acne—but more specifically acne among women—are the hormonal shifts brought by periods and pregnancy

Menstruation causes estrogen and progesterone levels to drop, potentially increasing sebum production. As a result, breakouts are more likely to occur, which can be frustrating to deal with and difficult to prevent.

Pregnancy also affects acne for similar reasons, as the hormonal shifts and changes in the body can worsen the appearance of acne. 

But here at About Face, we are all about your face! So, if you come in for a consultation, we will try to find the best solution using modern, advanced technology for your acne treatments in Philadelphia.

Diet & Foods

Shocking to some, but food is definitely part of the acne discussion! How? Well, as we have discovered, acne is all based on levels of oil on your skin. So, when you eat food that contains high levels of oil and grease, your body doesn’t know how to deal with it, and will sometimes show up on the surface of your skin. 

Other types of food contain high levels of sugars and carbohydrates which enter the bloodstream quickly, altering your blood sugar. Certain kinds of acne are caused by blood sugar levels being out of control so that is why it is recommended to avoid white breads, rice, sodas, and fast foods.

Makeup & Medications

When you think about it, makeup and skincare are fascinating. No two people have identical skin, so no single product will work the same for them both. That is why there are so many types of makeup and brands of skincare. 

We aren’t made to fit the products—the products are made to fit us! So, it might take time and effort to discover the right brand for you. If you or your teen regularly wear makeup, consider regularly cleaning brushes or experimenting with products labeled as “noncomedogenic,” which means they don’t clog pores.

Not only is it important to pay attention to products, but you may also want to look at any medications you are on. Medications can sometimes have weird effects on different people. So, you don’t necessarily have to go straight to switching up your products. Instead, ask your doctor about the side effects of your medication and whether that could be impacting your skin.

Our Solutions for You

No matter the stage of life you are in, no one likes getting acne. Painful red bumps? No, thank you! Frustrating red marks? No, please. Blackheads that appear out of nowhere? If we could click unfollow on these skin happenings, we would. 

Thankfully, About Face Aesthetics offers a wide range of acne treatments in Philadelphia that treat active breakouts and can even stop pimples before they appear.

Custom Medical Facials

Facials have been around for years, decades, even centuries! But this new take on custom medical facials is unlike those of the past. We combine medical-grade products with expert, custom care to give you the best relaxed skincare experience to address your concerns.

You can generally expect a deep massaging cleanse that helps with lymphatic drainage, extractions if needed, and infusion with the best products. Some facials include a peeling aspect to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, pores, and discoloration. 

Our facials are gentle and refreshing. Thought is put into each patient as our experts pick out the best facial combination for you. 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are just one acne solution that we offer here at About Face Aesthetics! Chemical peels have changed the facial game. Whereas facials are designed to take away any exterior and cosmetic concerns, chemical peels can go significantly deeper.

Though each chemical peel contains unique ingredients tailored for specific purposes, the fundamental concept remains consistent: to exfoliate the skin and eliminate the damaged outer layer.

The skin undergoes the shedding or flaking commonly associated with chemical peels, unveiling the fresher and revitalized skin underneath.

Something to Keep in Mind

Certain chemical peels are not ideal to do during summer, as many have suntans and even sunburns, making the skin fragile. With that said, we have some options that we can offer to you for your acne concerns this summer. If you are interested in using chemical peels for acne treatments in Philadelphia, talk to our experts about what might work for you! 

Get Started With a Summer Acne Treatment in Philadelphia!

At About Face Aesthetics, we’re all about providing a personalized, one-of-a-kind experience. 

When the best care meets the most effective and advanced aesthetic technology, you know you’re in for a transformative experience. You deserve nothing less than the best, and you shouldn’t have to settle for anything but the latest and greatest.

Exceeding your expectations is always our goal. No matter your age, gender, skin tone, or skin type, we want you to be happy with your results, and even more importantly, we want you to be happy with yourself.

Give us a call or send us a message if you’re ready to book an appointment or if you’d like to know more about acne treatments in Philadelphia. We’d love to hear from you!

In the meantime, you can use our Virtual Consult tool to get instant treatment recommendations based on your needs and goals.

About Face is all about you!

Book Online

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The DiamondGlow™ Treatment

DiamondGlow™treatments are 100% customized to your skin type, condition, and concern.

The resurfacing treatment includes a four-step process that removes dry and damaged skin cells, thoroughly cleans your skin’s surface, extracts debris from pores, and then delivers active SkinMedica® serums deep into the skin for a smooth, hydrated, and healthy appearance.

At About Face, your skin will be dermaplaned beforehand to remove all dead skincells at the surface, which will allow for a more effective DiamondGlow session.

DiamondGlow’s unique technology is powered by a patented handpiece that incorporates exfoliating diamond-tipped treatment heads, pneumatic suction, and SkinMedica® Pro-Infusion serums. The treatment heads come in various levels of abrasiveness that your treatment provider will customize to suit your unique skin concerns. By eliminating the time between exfoliation and active serum application, the DiamondGlow™ treatment ensures optimal skin receptivity and retention.

DiamondGlow™ is a non-invasive treatment that is gentle and painless. With minimal downtime, you can return to your daily activities right after treatment. Your skin is mildly pink to red for about 1-2 hours after treatment. DiamondGlow™ is a great service to schedule prior to a social event!

How Can DiamondGlow™ Treat Acne?

DiamondGlow™ has a specific protocol to treat deeply congested skin and acne. First, a customized handpiece with a specially designed brush-head is used to remove surface debris and excess oil. Next, extractions are performed to remove blackheads and congestion from pores. Finally, skin is bathed in SkinMedica’s Pore Clarifying Pro-Infusion Serum. This highly active serum contains a soothing blend of plant and chamomile oil extracts, decongesting salicylic acid, and bacteria-killing oregano oil to improve all forms of acne.

What are the Benefits of DiamondGlow™ for Acne?

• Reduces oil production over time
• Clears active acne
• Reduces future breakouts
• Hydrates stressed, dehydrated skin
• Soothes irritation, and inflammation
• Extracts blackheads and pore congestion
• Kills surface bacteria that can lead to acne
• Removes dead skin cell build-up that can congest pores and lead to acne
• Improves the appearance of acne scarring over time

How Many DiamondGlow™ Treatments Will I Need to See an Improvement in My Acne?

DiamondGlow™ provides both immediate and long-term results for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Your first treatment will deeply cleanse pores and immediately begin to clear any active breakouts. Regular treatments will regulate oil production, destroy acne-causing bacteria, soothe inflammation, and regulate cell proliferation to prevent clogged pores. Our treatment providers recommend bi-weekly or monthly treatments until the acne has cleared, and then scheduling a Pore Clarifying DiamondGlow™ treatment every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain your clear complexion.

Enhance your results further by using the acne-prone skincare products recommended to you by your provider!

The post Custom Acne Facials With DiamondGlow appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

Everyone KNOWS they need to apply sunscreen to keep their skin safe from UV harm, but do you know that the type of product used can make a massive difference in your overall skin’s health? Read on for a crash-course on all things SPF.

What’s the difference between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreen?

What’s better for your FACE?

It’s imperative to know that all sunscreens are NOT created equal.

There are two main types:  MINERAL and CHEMICAL—both work very differently.

Mineral sunscreen also known as Physical Sunscreen contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are small particles that sit on the surface of the skin and PHYSICALLY protect UV rays from penetrating the skin.

Chemical sunscreens on the other hand, will allow UV light into the skin. Light is absorbed into the skin, and the chemicals in the sunscreen (ingredients usually include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate) create a chemical reaction causing the UV light to be converted to heat, and then heat dissipates from the skin.

Cons of Chemical Sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens can cause skin reactions in certain people, especially those with more sensitive skin, inflammatory and allergy prone skin, acne prone, and can worsen rosacea and melasma.  Melasma is a condition which causes hyperpigmentation/brown spots to the face that can be very difficult to treat because it’s typically caused by hormones, genetics, medications, etc. The heat dissipation of chemical sunscreens can exacerbate melasma.

Pros of Mineral Sunscreen: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are actually the only sunscreen ingredients generally recognized as safe and effective by the FDA.

Therefore, when you are using sunscreen every day, MINERAL SUNSCREEN is much safer for people who are concerned about long-term exposure to chemical ingredients, or who have sensitive, reactive skin. And unlike chemical sunscreens which can take about 20-30 minutes to absorb into the skin, mineral sunscreens offer IMMEDIATE protection with no waiting needed.

Bottom Line: MINERAL sunscreen Is Best, but whether it’s chemical or mineral—Something Is Better Than Nothing!

In our practice, the clear favorite Mineral Sunscreens are SkinBetter’s Smarttone SPF 75, their tinted compact mineral SPF, and SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF. (All available through our online store.)

The post Which Type of Sunscreen is Best For Your Face? appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

What is AviClear?
AviClear is a laser treatment that can safely and effectively treat all skin types and can be used on all acne severities.

How does AviClear work?
AviClear targets acne at the source. This revolutionary laser treatment uses a 1726nm wavelength to selectively target and down regulate the sebaceous glands. Overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands is one of the leading causes of acne.

How many treatments are needed?
Three quick 30-miunute treatment sessions over 3 months.

Is it safe?
Unlike most traditional acne treatments, AviClear is free of harmful side effects, free of chemicals and toxins, and safe for all skin types and tones. After treatment, mild symptoms such as redness, inflammation and flareups are normal but fade quickly.

Who can receive an AviClear treatment?
AviClear can be used on adolescents and adult patients, suffering from mild, moderate and severe acne.

Is the treatment comfortable?
AviClear is equipped with exclusive AviCool™ sapphire skin cooling and sensory controls that maintain your skin’s temperature during treatment for a more comfortable experience.

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The post New Beauty’s AviClear 101: What to Expect From the First and Only FDA-Cleared Energy Device for the Treatment of All Acne Severities Clear skin ahead. appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

Sun exposure is the biggest enemy of the skin. Cumulative sun exposure causes premature aging including: deep and crisscross skin wrinkling, many types of hyperpig­mentation, wrinkly and sun damaged, can worsen rosacea, roughen skin’s texture, and is the major cause of skin cancer. (There are more cases of skin cancer than any other form of cancer, and sun is the major cause of melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer.)

Let’s examine some common myths and misunder­standings that people have about sunscreens and sun protection:

Myth 1: I use sunscreen whenever I am in the sun, but I’m not really out in the sun much…

Truth: For most people, the majority of sun damage does not occur purely from sun-bathing or direct sun exposure. Instead, it comes from everyday, ambient exposure to ultraviolet rays over a long period of time. Walking to the car, sitting in the car, walking the dog, or doing work near a window are all contributors. It is estimated that 80% of skin damage is caused by sun that comes from ambient day-to-day sun exposure! Everyone should use an SPF 15 (or higher!) broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

Myth 2: I know sun exposure is bad for my skin, but I’m going to age regardless, right?

Truth: Yes, we all are aging. But someone who practices a lifetime of good sun-prevention will have less skin degradation than sun worshippers. Those who spent a ton of time in the sun will have deep, crisscross wrinkling, severe skin sagging and loss of elasticity, leathery textured skin, any number of pigment issues including, but not limited to, dark splotches, “liver spots,” deep freckling (mottling), hypopigmented areas (white spots), and of course, skin cancers and other growths. The best way to treat aging skin is to prevent it by using a good broad spectrum sunscreen every single day. It is THE most important step in good skin care.

Heat also affects skin, and can contribute to inflammatory reactions and redness issues such as rosacea and telangiectasias. Even with sunscreen on, the heat from direct sun can cause aging damage.

Myth 3: Don’t all sunscreens do the same thing?

Truth: There are two major types of damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Ultraviolet Beta rays (UVB rays) are short rays that cause sunburn and damage to the outer layers of the skin. They cause the majority of skin cancers.

Ultraviolet Alpha rays (UVA rays) are longer, more deep-penetrating rays that go into the deeper dermis and cause the majority of the damage associated with premature skin aging, and are also believed to be the cause of melanoma.

In order for a sunscreen to be labeled “broad spectrum,” the FDA requires that the sunscreen must undergo a laboratory test called a critical wavelength test, which measures how much of both UVA and UVB spectrum of light is being filtered. Sunscreens that pass this test are allowed to be labeled broad spectrum, meaning that they filter a significant range of potentially damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Myth 4: I hate using sunscreens because they are greasy and smell.

Truth: The old “beach screens” of the 1960s and 1970s often did smell like coconut, and had an oily consistency. But sunscreens have come a long way since then. Today’s advanced science allows for elegant sunscreen formulas that are lightweight and conducive to everyday use. Sunscreens can be found in creams, lotions or even powder formulations, and they can be concocted to include good-for-you performance ingredients like hyaluronic acids, antioxidants and ceramides.

The trick to making sunscreen compliance EASY is to find one that is wearable, broad-spectrum, and preferably also acts as a moisturizer. When you find your unicorn of sunscreens, it will provide invaluable defense for your skin against the sun.

Myth 5: I want a little sun, so I usually don’t apply sunscreen until I start to turn pink. 

Truth: By the time you turn pink, sun-damage has already occurred. This damage will show up in your future as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, or maybe even a skin cancer. Every time you get red from sun (or don’t protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen), your skin produces enzymes that destroy your collagen, elastin, and hyuloarnic acid – all of the things that keep skin looking youthful and healthy. Over a period of time, this damage accumulates until it shows up as premature skin aging.

You should always apply sunscreen at least 20-minutes before sun exposure. Applying sunscreen after the skin is already red can actually cause additional inflammation or irritation.

Myth 6: When I feel like I might be getting sunburned, I go in the water and that stops the burning.

Truth: Cool water may make sunburned skin less painful, but the damage is already done. At the point where you feel burned, you should get out of the sun immediately.

The sun’s UV rays can penetrate through water and continue to burn your skin, despite the fact that you cannot feel this happening. Being in the water does NOT prevent sun exposure. (Also, if you are going in the water, the sunscreen should be water-resistant.)

Myth 7: It’s cloudy, I don’t have to use sunscreen today.

Truth: The powerful ultraviolet waves of the sun cut right through clouds, which only filter about 20% of the rays. Theoretically, you can get sunburned in a rainstorm if you stay out long enough!

Myth 8: After I burn at the beginning of the summer, I tan easier.

Truth: Burning your skin in the sun not only causes painful sunburn, it causes permanent damage to your skin. This damage can eventually cause skin cancer. Just for the record, a tan is an immune reaction; it is your skin producing melanin attempting to protect the lower layers of your skin from sun damage.

Myth 9: That sunscreen I use is very concentrated. It only takes a tiny bit to prevent me from burning.

Truth: Don’t skimp on sunscreen! Apply at least 8 dots of it to your face and neck and massage in. (Don’t forget the back of your neck and your ears.) For your body, it takes a full ounce of sunscreen (a shotglass worth), and it should be reapplied every two hours you are in direct sun.

Myth 10: Is my sunscreen from last year still good? I just found one in the trunk of my car!

Truth: Sunscreen formulas do degrade in heat. They also have expiration dates. Throw it out, and use a fresh, safe, wholly effective bottle.

SHOP GOOD SUNSCREEN HERE

The post 10 Biggest Sunscreen Myths appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

Just remember that your future self will thank you for the precautions you take now.

SUNSCREEN TO-DO CHECKLIST:

1. Apply sunscreen every morning to any sun-exposed area of the body.

2. If in direct sun, reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours.

3. Apply sunscreen a minimum of 20-minutes prior to sun exposure. (Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide work immediately, other sunscreen ingredients need 20-minutes to fully activate.)

4. Try to stay out of sun between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is at its strongest.

5. It takes 1 ounce of sunscreen (a shot-glass) to cover the average sized body in a swimsuit. Don’t skimp on sunscreen!

6. There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen, only water-resistant sunscreen. Check your sunscreen for tested water resistance and reapply after being in the water even if the sunscreen is water-resistant.

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