IPL Treatment Client Review! Check Out Her Results

Accent Aesthetics / Golden Colorado

ABOUT MY SKIN

Before my IPL laser face treatment I have normal to dry skin with occasional hormonal breakouts. Dark spots on the cheekbones and close to the hairline, fine lines and Rosacea.

 

WHY IPL?

When asked what is my biggest concern about my skin, hands down, I always say my dark spots. I don’t have many, or so I thought, but the ones I do have, have become darker and larger. I have tried brightening serums but haven’t received the results I am looking for. So I reached out to Ramie and Katherine ( with over 30 years of experience ) at Accent Aesthetics in Golden, Colorado for their expertise. After discussing various treatments, we decided on an IPL of the entire face.

 

A FEW FACTS

IPL treatments are also referred to as “photofacials.” IPL treatments boast 50-75% improvement rate in treating rosacea, sun spots, age spots, brown spots, chronic sun damage, fine lines and skin. Cost per treatment ranges from $300- $600. You can purchase a package of several treatment visits, which can reduce the total costs. Most professionals suggest 2-5 (depending on damage) treatments for optimal results.  Contact Accent Aesthetics to book your appointment today!

 

PRE IPL TREATMENT

Accent Aesthetics, located in Golden, Colorado has a beautiful new office and a very friendly front staff. Ramie and Katherine, both licensed medical aestheticians, were extremely thorough, explaining the entire procedure and what to expect in the days following. The treatment starts with putting a numbing cream on the entire face. I’m not gonna lie, the topical left my face stinging and blotchy. Damn you, sensitive skin! How the hell am I going to handle the treatment? The numbing cream takes about 45 min to kick in. I highly recommend this step!

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Before the treatment begins, you will be given eyewear to protect you from the bright flashes of light. Ramie then applied a cool gel to my skin, this helps lubricate the handpiece and cool the epidermis during the treatment. Now comes the laser, I have to say, the anticipation might be the worst part. The laser feels exactly like how Katherine and Ramie explained it to me, like a hot rubber band snapping your skin. Now, that description sounds pretty bad, but the entire procedure only lasted 15 minutes. Anyone can handle that, Right? No pain, no gain.

 

POST IPL TREATMENT

I have sensitive skin which inflames very easily, so my face was like a tomato after the treatment, red and hot. Ramie and Katherine gave me 2 ice packs which helped cool my face. The heat was intense and made me panic, will this last for hours or days? But in reality, after about an hour, my face cooled and felt fine, kinda like the day after you had too much sun, precisely the reason I am getting this treatment in the first place!

 



 

RECOVERY TIME

I discovered that the downtime after an IPL Treament in terms of discomfort, is minimal. An hour and a half post treatment, the heat disipaited. Based on my experience, I wouldn’t want to go to work immediately after the IPL, but the day after I did. Waking up the next day, it was crazy to see how dark the pigment was! Since my late 20’s I have been diligant about wearing sunscreen and covering my face when outside for periods of time. Clearly my skin has a lot of damage, damage that I didn’t even think I had! To all my peeps out there- Sunscreen, Suncreen, Sunscreen!

Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment
Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment

 

Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment
Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment

 

 

Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment
Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment

 

 

Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment
Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment

 

 

Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment
Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment

 

 

Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment
Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment

 

 

Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment
Recovery IPL Laser Face Treatment

 

 

SKIN CARE REGIMEN POST TREATMENT

AM and PM Regimen- 1.) Cleansed my skin with Lamer Cleansing Foam, 2.) Applied hydrocortesone, 3.) La Mer Concentrate     4.) La Mer Face Oil, 5.) Creme de la Mer then 5.) La Mer sunscreen for day. You don’t want to exfoliate the skin until all of the coffee grounds slough off naturally! As far as makeup goes, I was able to wear it the following day, of course you could still see the dark pigment but hey, it was a great conversation starter!

 

SHOP MY LAMER REGIMEN

 

RESULTS

I am blown away with my results! Minimal recovery time with a huge payoff, I am beyond thrilled with this treatment! My dark spots that I was most self conscious about are gone, I have reduced pore size, smoother texture and I feel like my skin is more plump, all in just 2 weeks! Ramie and Katherine were very thorough, informative and professional. This is an invasive treatment, so it is impairative that you do your research. I highly recommend Accent Aesthetics! I can’t wait to see my results after round #2!

IPL Laser Treatment Results!
My Results IPL Intense Pulsed Light Treatment

 

3 EASY HALLOWEEN LOOKS

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Why Our Estheticians Love Micro-Needling

MICRO-NEEDLING!!

Microneedling is one of our FAVORITE treatments here at Accent Aesthetics in Golden, CO. It’s one of those treatments that benefit almost everyone and sooo many skin conditions and concerns!

microneedling colorado

HOW DOES MICRO-NEEDLING WORK?

First, we use a device with either 12 or 36 tiny, hair-thin needles to “stamp” the skin at a controlled depth. The number of needles and depth we choose depends on the skin type, condition and concern. This creates tiny micro-wounds in the dermis (lower level of the skin), causing pin point bleeding. ( YES, you will bleed and NO, you won’t die.) Check out our Instagram and Facebook pics and videos! @accentaesthetics1

By creating these micro pin-point insertions, we stimulate your skin’s own, natural healing process which creates new, healthy, undamaged cells and also COLLAGEN. Collagen is everything and what we want more, more, more of!! Collagen plumps and thickens the dermis, smoothing out the top layer of the skin called the epidermis.  This process reduces and softens fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes acne scarring and large pores and also helps lighten hyperpigmentation or dark discoloration of the skin caused by sun damage, hormonal changes, acne,  etc.

 

BENEFITS FROM MICRO-NEEDLING:

  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Lifts, tightens, rejuvenates
  • Minimizes pore size
  • Improves the appearance of stretch marks
  • Lightens the appearance of scars
  • Softens the appearance of acne scarring
  • Smooths rough skin texture
  • Brightens and evens skin tone

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TREATMENT?

 

Most patients have a moderate to severe looking sunburn similar to patients who have experienced chemical peels. This may cause your skin may also feel warmer and tighter than before. This is normal and usually subsides after 4-6 hours. Few people may experience bruising, mostly on the bony prominences of the face such as orbital bones, forehead and jawline. Most patients have a full recovery within  2-5 days. You may experience dry, flaky skin – all of this can be expected. Your aesthetician will recommend a post procedure regimen to aid in the healing process.

 

 

Our micro-needling treatments are just one of MANY treatments we offer here at Accent Aesthetics to help you achieve your skincare goals.

If you are interested in learning more, we would love to set you up with a consultation or feel free to call us!

Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen, Which is Better?

We can all agree that sunscreen is absolutely necessary for long-lasting, anti-aging, happy & healthy skin. But how do we choose between chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen? There are many factors that go into selecting which SPF is right for your skin like your skin’s sensitivity, seasonal changes, and skin condition. We wanted to educate and enlighten you on the sun’s different types of rays and broad spectrum, mineral/chemical sunscreen, and some of our various products and what they do for your skin.

Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen, Which is Better?

First off, the sun has two type of penetrating Ultraviolet (UV) rays. UVA rays which cause aging, wrinkles and are absorbed by your dermis (second layer of skin) and UVB which causes burning and are absorbed by your epidermis (top layer of skin). We want to protect against both types of rays, this is why we use Broad Spectrum sunscreen. Broad spectrum sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays, so keep that in mind when choosing your sunscreen.

So, what is the difference between chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen? and what’s best for you?

One thing we do like to suggest when choosing a sunscreen is finding a sunscreen you cannot WAIT to put on in the morning. A sunscreen you love so that it becomes part of your daily routine. Some sunscreens have tint, others have an airbrush effect and others are hydrating  – whatever you end up choosing for your skin, make sure you LOVE IT! 

mineral sunscreen, chemical sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen is also known as physical sunscreen. Typically made of a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, this sunscreen creates a barrier on the skin and the UV rays bounce off.  Mineral sunscreen is naturally broad spectrum so prevents both types of rays from penetrating the skin, it also is great for sensitive skin as it may lessen skin irritation, and is great for individuals with “heat-activated” skin (ex. people with rosacea or redness).

Chemical Sunscreen, on the other hand, is absorbed down into layers of the skin and when UV rays make contact with the skin the chemical sunscreen absorbs the rays and disperses them as heat. This is the chemical process of protecting the skin. Chemical sunscreen comes in broad spectrum which protects against both UVA & UVB rays with a variety of options to help with anti-aging, oil-free hydration and acne control. 

At Accent Aesthetics we have a great variety of options for mineral and chemical sunscreens to match your needs.  Here are some of our favorites:

Revision TruPhysical

This tinted 5 in 1 anti-aging moisturizer has 100% mineral broad spectrum SPF 45 in it! It includes age-defying beneficial ingredients, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, 100% mineral SPF that protects against both UVA & UVB rays, firms skin, brightens and evens skin tone, enhances skin’s natural moisture and lastly provides antioxidant benefits. This fully loaded extremely beneficial SPF speaks for itself when it comes to an excellent physical SPF option for your daily routine.

Elta MD – UV Elements

This 100% physical sunscreen has a tinted, moisturizing base, and is extremely gentle and great for the most sensitive skin types.  It combines both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide safe sun protection.  The mineral-based UV filters work with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid to protect and hydrate the skin.

Colorscience Brush-On:

This super powerful, 100% mineral skin shield provides protection in an easy to use and convenient on the go application. It can go on alone or over makeup. It is a broad spectrum and protects against both UVA & UVB rays while giving you a nice even layer of protection against both sun and water.

Elta MD UV Clear:

This oil-free SPF comes in either tinted or untinted options and is great for protecting and preventing sensitive skin types that may be prone to breakouts or skin redness (ex. rosacea). It is lightweight and silky, it can be worn with makeup or without. It has antioxidant protection which helps combat aging while it leaves no residue it is great for calming the skin and prevents acne for sensitive skin.

Revision Intellishade:

This matte or original tinted, sheer, award-winning moisturizer with sunscreen is formulated with peptides to reduce wrinkles, pore minimizing technology, fights premature aging and is broad spectrum which as you know, protects against both UVA & UVB rays.

 

Elta MD UV Daily:

This superior hydration formula combined with the broad spectrum SPF protection that goes on sheer makes for a great daily addition to your routine. It is a lightweight moisturizer comes in both tinted or untinted and combats aging, increases skin smoothness/softness, and glides on easy so the skin absorbs it quickly.

As you can see, we have a wide variety of amazing options to benefit your skin. Of course, it is always great to set up a consultation or service with one of our dermatologist or skin care specialists/providers in order to see what your skin needs in this season of your life. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or call us and we will be happy to assist in what ways we can!

 

Skin Care Essentials For “Sun-Proofing” Your Skin

Skin Care Essentials For “Sun-Proofing” Your Skin

The sun can do incredible things for our bodies and has some damaging effects as well, so it is important to take the right skin care measures.  It helps stimulate our body’s production of Vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium for bone strength. It helps regulate our sleep cycles and promotes a great, healthy energy. But if we don’t protect our skin from the sun we risk getting wrinkles, age spots and most importantly, skin cancer.

 

SO WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE SUN DO TO OUR SKIN?

UV rays break down our skins’ collagen and elastin, eventually creating sagging, wrinkled skin.

Sun exposure causes free radical damage, attacking our skins antioxidants and eventually can lead to skin cancer.

Sun in small amounts over time, and definitely in excess, damage our Melanocytes. These are specialized skin cells that produce the protective skin-darkening pigment Melanin. This damage leads to uneven skin tone such as brown spots, freckles, white spots and different types of discoloration.

 

What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?

Daily application of SPF will benefit you long term more than any wrinkle cream regimen, so apply and REAPPLY for long-term beneficial results. Most sunscreens break down and lose their efficacy after 2 hours.

 

Here is a general overview of what you may need in your daily routine for sun-proofing your skin.

DAILY ROUTINE

Vitamin C

Vitamin C applied topically to the skin provides antioxidant protection which helps prevent free radical damage. Free radicals destroy skin cells and can eventually lead to DNA damage.

Vitamin C also helps brighten the skin and decrease redness, lightening skin discoloration and soothing inflammation with consistent use.

Vitamin C is vital for the synthesis of collagen. We are unable to produce and store Vitamin C, so if you don’t have enough, your collagen production shuts down, leading to sallow, sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, etc.

 

An  SPF You LOVE To Wear.

 

It is important to always have a layer of good SPF on your face, one that you cannot wait to put on so it’s easy to incorporate into your routine.  No matter what season we are experiencing in our sunny Colorado, protection is essential. Here are a couple of our favorites:

 

Revision Intellishade:

 

Sheer, mineral tint for radiant skin. Breakthrough peptides reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lightweight; superior hydration. Comes in both Original, Matte and TruPhysical.

 

Elta Elements:

This is a 100% physical sunscreen in a tinted, moisturizing base. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide combined with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid protect and hydrate even the most sensitive skins, including post-procedure skin.

 

Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

 

 

This all-powerful, all-mineral skin shield provides total skincare protection in one convenient, on-the-go application. Alone or over makeup, this SPF brush makes reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours easy, fun and beautiful! Formulated with antioxidants, moisturizers, and soothing ingredients, it protects your skin from free radicals and pollution while hydrating and calming the skin with a hint of sheer coverage.

 

Elta MD UV Sport

Specially formulated for active lifestyles, this water-resistant sunscreen will not rinse off in water or drip into your eyes and sting. This SPF is great for swimmers, skiers, runners, golfers and other athletes or for those who just love to be outdoors! Perfect for our Colorado lifestyle.

 

Colorscience LipShine SPF 35

Sun protection, a touch of gloss, and just the right natural color. Zinc Oxide, peptides, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid keep your pucker protected, soft and beautiful!

Any further questions, please contact us.