Skin Regenerating
There is no doubt we live in a fast-paced society that does not show any signs of slowing down any time soon. To relieve some of the stress associated with always being on the go, many people have turned to online to find ways of pampering themselve and looking good. Here at A Woman"s Place Too.com we offer a variety of skin care services, which are listed above. Use this list to help you determine what products you may be interested in. We bring you the latest break throughs in skin care technology at an affordable price. We are committed to helping you improve and maintain skin wellness. Our focus is on anti-aging treatments and looking younger and more beautiful without surgery. Specialty products include laser hair removal, microderm abrasion, Acne Blemish Control, Aromatherapy, Cellulite Treatments, Massage items, Anti-Aging Products, and finally Scar & Stretch mark Reduction. We hope you enjoy our treatments and enjoy shopping!
US $72.95
Laser Skin Resurfacing 101
Abstract
Are you confused by all the different options you hear about making your skin look younger? Non-surgical skin rejuvenation, laser skin resurfacing, wrinkle treatment, fillers, face lift, and skin tightening are common approaches for improving the look of your skin. Among these options, laser skin resurfacing is the most effective, non or semi-invasive surgical approach to achieve drastic results. A multitude of technologies for skin resurfacing is currently available. They include carbon dioxide lasers, erbium lasers, plasma and radiofrequency devices delivering their results in a fractional, ablative or non-ablative manner. This review will help you understand the different skin resurfacing options and determine which one fits you best. You will learn about the different treatments, looking side by side at each attribute of skin resurfacing – expected results, social downtime, number of treatments needed, time results last, and cost.
Skin Resurfacing - Introduction
Maintaining beauty and a youthful appearance date back several thousand years to the ancient Egyptian. However, the advances in technology have never before awarded such a choice of modalities. Non-surgical skin rejuvenation, laser skin resurfacing, wrinkle treatment, fillers, face lift, and skin tightening are common approaches for improving the look of your skin. Particularly, the introduction of a multitude of skin resurfacing devices has caused a lot of confusion amongst consumers. Among these options, laser skin resurfacing is the most effective non or semi-invasive surgical approach to achieve drastic results.
First of all you must know that every new resurfacing laser or device is measured against the industry’s most powerful machine for the past 40 years, the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. It was invented in 1964 and has been the most widely used laser in medicine. In the area of dermatology, its use has been predominantly for facial resurfacing. It often achieves desired results in a single treatment, works on fine and intermediate lines and acne scars, maximally tightens the skin and delivers results that last a number of years. Its drawback is a long, 10-14 day social downtime, making it less desirable for any working person. To overcome this handicap and minimize healing time, many devices that do not injure the uppermost layers of the skin (non-ablative) have recently been developed by the aesthetic industry. The single most important advance was the creation of fractional technology. Leaving small islands of normal skin behind, the skin regenerates much faster than with the traditional full ablation of skin.
You will learn about the current industry recognized ablative and non-ablative strategies that rejuvenate your skin and about the benefits and downsides of each of these techniques.
Fractionated Ablative Lasers
CO2 Laser
As an ablative laser, it vaporizes the tissue and is able to eradicate fine and intermediate lines, smoothes overall skin texture and acne scars, eradicates uneven pigmentation as well as tightens the skin. It lets you appear about 10 years younger and often replaces the need for a face lift unless skin sagging is severe. Preparation and postoperative care most closely resembles a full fletched surgical procedure, however, CO2 laser resurfacing can be performed under local anesthesia. The price you pay for the results is one to two weeks of social downtime while the skin reepithelializes. In addition, the resurfaced skin may appear pinkish for several months thereafter.
Fractional CO2 Laser - ActiveFX(TM), DeepFX(TM), Fraxel re;pair(TM), Mosaic eCO2
Since the beginning of 2007, refined systems with partial degrees of ablation that leave small islands of normal skin from which the skin can regenerate much faster, have revolutionized the resurfacing market. Amongst these, the combination of DeepFx and ActiveFx, manufactured by the leader in CO2 technology (Lumenis) give results that most closely compare to the traditional laser resurfacing. This new technology offers faster healing times with still excellent results. In the meantime, a number of laser companies have now developed their own permutations of a fractionated CO2 laser and names include Fraxel re:Pair, Slim MIxto/SX, Exelo 2, Mosaic.
Erbium YAG Lasers
The traditional erbium laser has produced results that were absolutely comparable to the CO2 laser yet it fell out of favor because of significant post operative bleeding. As with the fractional method developed for the CO2 laser, today’s erbium laser treatments are almost exclusively fractionated and may also be called pixelated. Names that you may read about are Pearl, Pixel, ProFractional and Starlux 2940. However, with the exception of the Pearl, these do not deliver results that mirror the original. While downtime is typically limited to 1-4 days, the downfall of most of the fractionated erbium technology is the very superficial nature of the resurfacing results, being excellent at improving sun damage, and skin texture, but will target only the finest lines. They are considered more like an aggressive peel. Several treatments are often necessary to achieve such results. These fractionated lasers do not significantly contribute to skin tightening, removal of wrinkles, let alone acne scars.
Non Ablative Fractional Lasers
Protecting the epidermis, the upper most layer of our skin, and thereby minimizing social downtime, non-ablative lasers deliver energy in the lower layers of skin, ideally only causing swelling which is socially much more tolerable than oozing. Amongst the non-ablative lasers, FRAXEL is the most marketed. Other brands include Affirm, StarLux-Lux, Mosaic.
Using a wave length lower than that of a CO2 laser, these lasers drive energy into the skin, stimulating collagen production and thereby tightening skin. Results after a single treatment are minimal and it can easily take 4-8 treatments to observe an effect. While its effects on wrinkles and lines after 4-8 treatments is fairly close to the results of a single CO2 laser treatment, it does not seem to deliver on scars as well. In addition, the Fraxel has been FDA approved for the treatment of melasma, also known as the mask of pregnancy, which shows as symmetric pigmentation on the face as a result of sun exposure with increased estrogen levels.
Non-Laser Fractionated Resurfacing Devices
Plasma and radiofrequency devices belong to this category. Because of the more convincing results, plasma technology will be discussed here. The plasma device is not based on laser principle. Plasma is pushed into the skin to induce partial ablation of the epidermis and renewal of collagen beneath the surface of the skin. Treatments can be delivered in 1-2 aggressive sessions, results mimicking nearly those of fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing. When energy levels are minimized to allow for as a little as a few-hour lasting redness, several treatments will be needed for an effect. With the latter technique however, results tend to be much less dramatic. Having gained FDA approval in the second half of 2007, the technology is fairly new and long term results are not known yet.
Skin Resurfacing - Summary
In sum, many exciting technologies are available nowadays. The general rule of little downtime little results still applies. Non-ablative technology seldom achieves noticeable results in a single treatment and the overall outcome even after several treatments is often below expectations. Ablative devices appear to deliver best, require only a small number of treatments results and social downtime can effectively be lowered by the uses of fractional technology. Ultimately, your goals, your ability to tolerate social downtime and your wallet will steer you and your treating physician to a resurfacing plan that is tailored to you.
About the Author
Dr. Ringpfeil's medical career began in Germany where she graduated from medical school and started training in dermatology. In 1990, she was invited to join Thomas Jefferson University. After completing residency and receiving board certification, she joined the faculty at Jefferson, specializing in cosmetic and pediatric dermatology.
She has authored numerous scientific papers in major professional journals, authored and co-authored several chapters in the leading textbooks for dermatology, and has lectured both nationally and internationally.
She received the Young Investigator Award by the American Academy of Dermatology, as well as an award by the AOA honor society for outstanding teaching faculty.
Dr. Ringpfeil founded Ringpfeil Advanced Dermatology in 2006. Her practice provides premium Dermatological care to Philadelphia, Main Line, and Delaware County.
The original copy of this article -
Philadelphia Skin Resurfacing
Low Budget Skin Care That Works
We all want a natural and glowing complexion. Nobody wants lines or wrinkles, or age spots or blemishes. This is evidenced by the amount of dollars spent every year on cosmetics and miracle creams and lotions. While the cosmetic industry would like you to believe that their product is the “one that works”, you can spend a lot of money finding one that truly benefits your particular skin type.
I know that when I walk into a store and shop for a skin care product, I am usually overwhelmed at the selection and the prices. I read the label and read their claims of “no more wrinkles” and “dramatically reduces the signs of aging”, etc., then I usually question if it really works. I don’t want to spend upwards of $30 and not see any improvement in my skin.
With that in mind, I set out to find a better and more cost effective skin care program. I t have come to the conclusion that homemade skin care is an inexpensive alternative. In addition, homemade skin care really works and as an added benefit, no animal testing involved!
Skin care recipes are easily customizable for each skin type. For instance, an oily complexion may want to add a little witch hazel (for its drying properties) to their toner mixture, whereas a dry skin type may add just a bit of Jasmine (moisturizes dry, stressed and sensitive skins and also helps to increase elasticity). The same theory applies to creating your moisturizers and exfoliation treatments. Each recipe is custom made to your liking. In addition the fragrances you decide to choose or blend are truly unique for you taste.
Some common ingredients used in skin are almond oil, aloe Vera, chamomile and green tea. Each of these ingredients brings with them unique characteristics. For example almond oil is a wonderful vegetable oil for dry skin. It is used as a carrier oil to blend with other essentials oils. In addition it is easily absorbed into the skin and is an excellent emollient. Aloe Vera stimulates skin cell regeneration and is also known for it healing properties. Chamomile tones all types of complexions. The anti-inflammatory effect of the essential oil applied topically improves skin regeneration, and a cold compress does wonders for puffy eyes. Chamomile is used in facial steams to reduce puffiness and cleanse the pores of the skin. Green tea a powerful antioxidant and a potent anti-inflammatory agent thereby reducing inflammation in the skin.
Below is a facial mask recipe for both dry and oily skin types.
Avocado and Olive Oil Facial Mask
Ingredients:
½ half ripe avocado
olive oil (for dry skin)
Scoop out the flesh of the avocado and mash to form a smooth paste. Apply to face and leave on 10 to 15 minutes. Soften with warm water and wipe clean. Pat face dry and follow with your choice of toner and moisturizer.
Properties of avocado are: moisturizes, reduces appearance of age spots, heals sun damage and scars. Regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. Additionally, avocado increases collagen in the skin thus great for aging skin and has superior moisturizing qualities.
For more skin care recipes and products, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy
About the Author
Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes
