The Gentle Laser Skin Care Center : FAQ

How does laser hair removal work?
Lasers target hair that is growing at the time of treatment. The laser eliminates hair by transforming light into heat and directing the heat down the hair shaft to the follicle bed so that no hair grows from it again. Candela lasers have a unique built- in cryogen cooling spray which reduces discomfort and protects the surface of your skin, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected by the treatment. Multiple treatments are always necessary. The exact number is dependent on the amount, density and growth rate of each person’s hair. The body area and age of the client are also important factors in determining the number of treatments necessary.

What causes skin damage?
Exposure to the sun and chronic low grade inflammation are the primary causes of skin damage. The sun’s damaging effects come from ultraviolet light and heat. Day to day sun exposure can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone, rough texture and broken blood vessels, among other things. In fact visible “aging” is largely due to sun damage. Chronic inflammation of the skin can be a secondary effect of acne, dermatitis, Rosacea, allergies, exposure to weather, bacteria or environmental toxins, smoking, drug or alcohol use.

How do we prevent skin damage?
Antioxidants protect the body and the skin from free radical damage. Regular application of skin products which contain active Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea and other potent antioxidants protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals. Of course sun protection with a full sunblock is the most important step to take. A diet rich in antioxidants may also benefit the skin. Other tips for skin health: quit smoking, it adds ten years to your face, exercise regularly to increase circulation and have a healthy glow, and most importantly, enjoy life, the radiance shines through.

What does microdermabrasion do?
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating technique that helps repair facial skin from the effects of the sun and aging. Microdermabrasion is performed using a device which gently sprays a jet of fine crystals across the skin’s surface, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the outer layers of dead skin. Relax and let your skin be restored to a more refined and silky appearance. Some of the benefits of Microdermabrasion are:

• Softer skin
• Improved skin texture
• Shrinking large pores
• Evening skin color
• Improving acne
• Unclogging congested skin
• No down time

For the softest, silkiest skin possible, experience a series of Microdermabrasion treatments and watch your skin’s texture and tone significantly improve. As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, more than one treatment may be needed to reduce or remove fine wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation. Each treatment is scheduled one to two weeks apart, and improvement continues throughout your treatment program. Call today for your free consultation to discover your healthiest skin ever!

What are Chemical Peels?
The professional peel process eliminates damage and rejuvenates the skin. Peel products exfoliate and stimulate the skin. Light peels work at the top layers of skin. These peels may be done by a skin care specialist such as an esthetician. Medium and deep peels can achieve dramatic results after one or two treatments and are done by medical aesthetic professionals, such as, nurses and doctors.
Light peels are made of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, such as, Lactic Acid, a by product of milk; Glycolic Acid, a by product of sugar; and Salicylic Acid, from the same source as aspirin. Enzyme peels are very mild made from fruit such as papaya, pumpkin, and grape.
The decision about what kind of peel or series of peels to have should be made in collaboration with a knowledgeable skin care professional. Together you can design an effective treatment plan that will give you the results you want – beautiful skin, at every age. For optimal results a series of treatments is recommended. A series of six peels yields amazing results!

Is water important for skin?
The human body is primarily composed of water, yet it’s easy to have dehydrated skin. Weather, sun, and indoor heating all contribute to dehydrated skin. As we age, our skin cells hold less water. Smoking, alcohol, sodium and preservatives all draw water out of the skin. It is possible to have very oily skin and still lack adequate moisture. We hydrate skin in two ways: by the daily application of quality skin products that add moisture to the skin and hold it in, and through the adequate intake of water and other healthy liquids.

How does the laser remove tattoos?
The Medlite Q-Switch Yag laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. The specific wavelength of light which passes into the skin is absorbed by the ink. The absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles which are then removed by the body’s natural filtering systems. The Medlite Q-Switch Yag laser provides maximum tattoo removal while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.