by Katherine Bredice | Apr 29, 2020 | accent aesthetics, skincare colorado
The questions I get asked most when it comes to a personal skincare regime is “what is toner?” and “do I need it?”, and these question have many answers.
What is Toner?
First of all, “Toner” can mean many different things. There are several different types of skincare products that classify themselves as toner and they all do very different things for the skin.
Secondly, every skin is different and has different needs.
For the most part a toner is a watery like product that you apply after cleansing to prep your skin for corrective products. Some will be astringent-like to reduce sebum production and kill bacteria. Others will sooth and calm irritated skin. And some will hydrate. The best ones will do it all!
Do I Need It?
I prefer and would recommend using a “toner” to help spread products on the skin. Good quality, highly active corrective products such as retinol, vitamin c and hydrating serum are not cheap, using the correct “toner” will help them last much longer while providing pH balance.
They should ALL help restore the skins pH post cleanse. The pH of the skin is of the utmost importance when is comes to consistency of home skincare, but that’s for another post…
If you’re oily and or acneic, do not use anything with denatured alcohol in it. Remember Sea Breeze? If you’re over 40 like me, you do. It was the go-to toner in the 80’s and dried the skin out terribly! While that feels and looks good temporarily, drying the skin out disrupts the pH, throws oil production out of whack, causes inflammation and irritation and just makes every skin issue worse. I would recommend oily and acneic skin use a toner with witch hazel.
Good quality witch hazel not only has astringent qualities which fight bacteria and lessen sebum production, but also acts as an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory which is essential when dealing with acneic skin. Witch hazel is derived from a plant and contains tannins. These tannins are responsible for decreasing swelling, speeding wound healing, warding off infection and the added bonus of antioxidant protection!
We recommend Meg 21 Moisturizing Toner. Witch hazel is only 1 of the stars of this toner. It contains sodium hyaluronate, derived from hyaluonic acid to bind essential moisture to the skin but is a smaller molecule that can more easily penetrate the skin deeply. It also contains several antioxidants, lemon peel for brightening the skin, especially post inflammatory pigmentations from acne, and then of course, their signature ingredient supplemine.
Supplemine is an anti-glycation ingredient, breaking down toxic sugars in the skin before they can break down it’s collagen and elastin, making it the perfect “toner” for anyone fighting aging. It is also the perfect “toner” for anyone fighting with acne because it provides the skin with essential hydration it needs to maintain a healthy pH which helps decrease a KEY component of acne which is inflammation.
Another amazing one we recommend and carry is Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse. This “toner” is a little thicker, still water-like consistency but slightly more dense which I LOVE because I’m SO dry. It contains many plant extracts including algae which leaves the skin smooth and plump, not dry and tight.
Arnica which is high in flavanoids giving it a high antioxidant property, and quickly sooths the skin. Grapeseed extract which is rich in antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress to the skin. Pro-vitamin B5 which intensly hydrates and nourishes the skin. And Vitamin K which speeds wound healing, decreases the appearance of dark spots, bruises and scars.
Using one of these products before my Vitamin C in the morning and my Retinol at night not only help spread the product ensuring I use less and that these correctives last longer, but they also create a blanket of hydration to the skin sealing more moisture in which every skintype desperately needs here in Colorado!
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by Katherine Bredice | Jan 8, 2020 | Acne Facial, HydrafacialMD, skincare colorado
LED or Light Emitting Diodes, were originally researched and developed by NASA. Researchers found that these lights, absorbed at different wave lengths and colors, helped the wound healing of astronauts in space. Then they discovered that LED’s helped them grow food faster in that same environment. And now, thankfully, we in the skincare industry have gotten our hands on it to bring you LED Light Therapy!
There is A LOT happening when we place these light panels over your skin. They produce a natural photobiochemical reaction similar to the process of plant photosynthesis and have various biological effects on cells and tissues. They help restore and regain vitality to compromised cells in a natural way. The boost in cellular energy leads to a cascade of wonderful metabolic events!
Blue, red and near-infrared are the most commonly used wavelengths and exactly what our panels provide. These specific wavelengths are well researched and scientifically proven to produce therapeutic benefits.
Blue LED Light Therapy
Blue LED Light Therapy penetrates through the epidermis, or the top layer of skin, and is known to kill P. acnes bacteria and shrink oil glands, not only clearing up existing blemishes, but preventing future breakouts. We use this setting for all of our acne facials at 4-6 week intervals and 2-3 times a week as a stand alone 30 min treatment for those wanting quicker results in reducing breakouts and inflammation which decreases the chance of scarring and in some cases may prevent the use of prescription medications.
Red LED Light Therapy
Red LED Light Therapy penetrates into the dermal layer and has been shown to enhance collagen and elastin production through photobiostimulation of fibroblasts. If you don’t already know, fibroblasst are EVERYTHING! They synthesize collagen and produce the structural framework for our skin. They also play a huge role in wound healing which is why we may use this treatment post laser, micro-needling, chemical peel, etc.
In an observational study using our LED panel to treat facial wrinkles, 80% of participants said they experienced an improvement in skin texture, 77% reported an improvement in skin firmness and 66% reported an improvement in facial wrinkles after 4 weeks.
Near-Infrared LED Light Therapy
Near-infrared penetrates deepest and increases micro-circulation (tissue repair), decreases inflammation and helps with pain relief. This wavelength creates a deeply relaxing trance like state and allows you to sit under the panel for long periods of time in deep relaxation!
Our Celluma LED panel is included in every HydraFacial treatment and can be easily added on to many other treatments.
Contact us and schedule a consultation to see if this amazing technology can help you reach your skincare goals!
by kderry | Sep 6, 2019 | Uncategorized, accent aesthetics, Peels, skincare colorado
Chemical peels can sound scary. “Chemical?”, ” will my face be burned?”, “how long will i peel?”, “what will the peeling be like?”. And of course a reference to Samantha from Sex in the City. Yup, you know that episode.
These are all very good questions and the answers are different for everyone and for every chemical peel.
Why do we love chemical peels? Well…when we’re young our skin cells are constantly turning over and sloughing off naturally, being replaced with new, beautiful skin cells. As we age that process slows down and dead, damaged cells pile up creating the skin we don’t like. Fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, brown spots, dryness, loss of firmness and acne scarring. Chemical peels are also wonderful, low risk treatments for pesky acne and acne scar prevention!
There are many, many types of chemical peels. Alpha Hydroxy Acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. Beta Hydroxy Acid such as salicylic acid. Fruit enzymes such as bromelain and papaine (from pineapple and papaya). TCA, Phenol, the list goes on.
They can also be categorized into superficial, medium and deep. Referring to the level of skin they reach.
What type of chemical peel we use is determined by many things such as skin type, skin color, skin tolerance, skin issue or concern. ie:, acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, etc., and also how much “down time” or possible peeling you’re willing to undergo.
Chemical peels are so wonderful because they tend to do many things at the same time. They “burn” the top portion of the skin in a controlled manner, which causes a wound. The body senses this burn/wound and kicks starts your natural wound healing. This process produces new, healthy cells and sends them to the top levels of the skin to replace the damaged ones that will slough or “peel” off. Along the way, collagen is stimulated and the skin takes on a plumper, smoother, brighter appearance. In a sense, chemical peels can not only get your skin healthier and younger looking but they can cause your skin to act younger and healthier.
We absolutely love chemical peels and know you will too. Come see us for a consultation to determine which type is right for you!
Accent Aesthetics: 720-420-4090
by kderry | Feb 21, 2019 | Dermaplaning, HydrafacialMD, Laser Genesis, Microdermabrasion, Microneedling, Peels, Ultherapy
What is Prejuvenation?
“The term ‘Prejuvenation’ has been coined to describe the increasing use of small, SUBTLE, less aggressive, minimally or non-invasive treatments and therapies to slow the appearance of aging in younger patients.” –Dr. Joel Cohen
Prejuvenation is an increasing trend with Millenials, or Generation Y. (Born between 1980 and 1995). They understand the importance of preventative maintenance and seek out solutions to future aging issues NOW. Luckily, there are many of these types of non-invasive treatments available to us.
Baby boomers and older patients on the other hand, need more aggressive treatments, full RE-juvenation, to pry back the hands of time. Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979), their needs are dependent on how they have cared for their skin up until now. Sometimes we see 40 year olds that look 55 and 55 year olds that look 30!
Prevention is always easier, and cheaper, than treatment. This is a concept we here at Accent Aesthetics talk to our patients about constantly. Plus, keeping the skin healthy and youthful with great home care regimens and routine treatments gives the skin the natural look we are seeking.
Some great examples of prejuvenation treatments are:
Excellent exfoliating procedures to remove unwanted dead skin build up. These all time faves smooth and brighten the skin, help decrease breakouts and reduce the appearance of large pores and acne scars. These treatments also allow for better absorption of active skin care products. A great place to start!
Excellent combination of light physical AND chemical exfoliation with added hydration infusion. Perfect no-downtime, Colorado skin treatment!
Great for skin that needs some changing, (lighten sundamage, decrease redness, decrease pore size or breakout, soften acne scars, diminish fine lines and wrinkles) without severe or prolonged downtime.
Also known as “collagen induction”, microneedling not only treats skin imperfections such as acne scars, fine lines, texture and pore size, it stimulates your body’s own, NEW collagen, keeping it looking younger, smoother and brighter.
This non-invasive laser treatment naturally and effectively stimulates new collagen production to fade acne scarring, reduce fine lines and treat diffuse redness.
The treatment that is going to give you the MOST boost in your collagen production. We call this treatment the “non surgical face lift!” Focused ultrasound reaches depths normally only reached during a surgical procedure. Collagen production at this level gives the skin the most lifting and firming effect available.
Essential, everyday skincare products we recommend for prejuvenation:
1. Non-Soap Cleanser
Soap cleansers tend to have an alkaline pH, drying the skin, oxidizing sebum, which makes blackheads more apparent, and simply wreak havok. A consultation is the best way to find out what is right for your skin and it’s issues.
2. Antioxidant
Topical antioxidants such as a high quality, stable Vitamin C, protect the breakdown of skincells (premature aging) caused by free radicals such as UV rays, pollution etc. They are a building block for collagen production (YAASSS), and they also help to brighten discoloration and reduce inflammation in the skin, creating an even skin tone.
3. SPF
Absolutely THE most important part of preventative skincare! Find one you LOVE and wear it religiously. You will thank me in 10 years!!!
4. Retinol
Vitamin A, promotes cell proliferation, or cell turnover, keeping the surface of the skin free of dead skin build up. This helps with absorption of other ingredients, keeps brown spots from accumulating, keeps oil and dead skincells from congesting pores (acne) and produces collagen in the lower levels of the skin, preventing fine lines, wrinkles and diminishes scarring.
Check Out Revision Skincare
Revision Skincare, one of our top lines, offers everything described above! This is a great way to start on the path of beautiful, healthy skin!
Contact us for a consultation anytime! We’d love to make a skincare plan for the future of your skin.
by kderry | Jan 9, 2019 | Uncategorized
I recently read an article that really made my blood boil. Here it is: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/01/skin-care-secret-wealth/579337/
As a long time Aesthetician, this sort of writing is infuriating. Many of us work very hard to make skin-care accessible to most people. Yes, we have very expensive treatments and products, but we also have products that aren’t expensive and treatments that are very reasonable and we work hard to make consistency EASY by providing things such as discounts on packages, weekly specials, holiday specials, birthday product discounts, annual open house specials, etc., etc.
Look, everyone has their priorities. If your skin is one of them, you will find a way to pay for it. Take for example our family dinner/movie night last weekend, which most people I know, who are NOT rich, do once a month or more:
3 of us. 2 adults, 1 child. Imax movie tickets=$54.00. 2 waters, 1 soda, 1 popcorn and 2 candies=$39. Parking=$7. Dinner and drinks beforehand at a mediocre restaurant downtown=$83 with tip. $183!!! For 3 1/2 hours of our weekend! For $183 our clients can get a complete skincare kit with top of the line cleanser, retinol, vitamin C lotion, and tinted or non tinted SPF. Or many other combinations of beautiful, prescription strength, high potency skincare products that will last them 3-6 months! If you break that down per month its less than $50/month for amazing, everyday skincare that will actually change your skin. For $183 or LESS, you could have an amazing Hydrafacial or one of many chemical peels, among several other treatments that will give you great results. Plus you can stay home and rent Netflix and make grilled cheese and soup and all snuggle on the couch for FREE and have just as much fun!
A day on the ski slopes, a football game, a new outfit, the newest techy gadgits such as phones, watches, earbuds. Everything adds up and we all choose how we want to spend our money. We all have a smart phone or a computer or Kindle Fire or whatever, and we’re not all rich. It’s about where our financial priorities lie. If improving your skin is truly a priority for you, you will eat out less, spend less on clothes and makeup, choose $5 drinks instead of $12 drinks when you go out. Use the old Iphone you have another year. The list goes on and on.
The worst thing you can do, and what this article implies, is to say “well, I’m not rich and not a celebrity, so i shouldn’t even try.” NO! Everyday we do consults on people who are saving for a house, sending their kids to college, newly retired and on a fixed income, etc. We work with them, discuss what they need and how to get there within THEIR budget. That’s what we do! We want everyone to feel good about themselves and their skin. The author of the article probably doesn’t understand our industry nearly as well as we do and certainly does not understand what is possible within it.
Hmmm, maybe I’ll send her my card, sounds like she needs a good aesthetician….
