by Katherine Bredice | May 22, 2020 | Uncategorized
Mascne is basically acne caused from wearing face masks and face coverings. Something I never thought I’d be wrinting a post on. BUT these are the times we are living in and Mascne is real and probably here to stay, at least for awhile.
SO….Mascne is a type of acne called acne mechanica. Acne mechanica is a form of acne that anyone can get, but it’s especially common in athletes, teenagers and soldiers. Typically these are the people wearing helmets, chin straps, headbands and face masks, but nowadays, this applies to everyone! This type of acne is triggered by excess heat, pressure, friction or rubbing of the skin. Basically effecting skin areas that are under occlusion. Acne mechanica can develop anywhere on the face or body (like the back, shoulders, or buttocks). But right now it’s showing up on my face from constantly wearing a face mask and face shield. And I know this is true for so many of my clients and others.
The combination of sweat and oil under occlusion can lead to the pores becoming clogged and then inflammed. This is a recipe for acne in all different forms. Whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, pustules and papules.
Since this type of acne has clear causes you can try to prevent some of these aggrevators as much as possible:
- Make sure the skin is clean before applying anything onto it
- Do not wear makeup under your mask or face shield
- Try to remove the mask and/or face shield as often as possible to give the skin a break, allowing for air and proper circulation
- Shower or cleanse the skin as soon as possible when you get home
So let’s talk about some great products to help you treat and prevent mascne. PCA BPO (benzoyl peroxide) wash is AMAZING at quickly reducing inflammatory acne and reducing blackheads and whiteheads. This is a better option for oily skin as it can be drying. Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser is a great option for dryer skin types or sensitive skin. PCA Acne Gel can be a great addition to your regimen when your having a flare up OR to prevent one. This is a salicylic acid gel that can be used full-face ( I like to add a pump to my serum or moisturizer ) or as a spot treatment for just the areas breaking out. Salicylic acid is derived from aspirin so you can imagine how effective it is at reducing inflammatory acne. It also kills bacteria and breaks down oily plugs that block the pores. If you are on the dry side, you can add 1 pump of acne gel with 1 pump of Revision Hydrating Serum.
If your not using a retinol nightly, first of all, START! Retinol is our do-it all product! We always recommend it for anti-aging because it helps prevent collagen loss and stimulate collagen production. It does this by increasing cellular turnover. By increasing the cellular turnover, the pores remain less clogged and blocked, reducing acne. So as you can see its a win/win product. If your acne is more advanced and aggressive, extremely inflammed, etc., retinol will also help minimize the appearance of scarring and prevent new scarring. If you are new to using a retinol I recomm Revision DEJ Night. A combination of the infamous DEJ moisturizer and a gentle .25% retinol. Very little to no acclimation with the skin. It is actually quit soothing and anti-inflammatory while providing the cellular turnover result you need. If you are already using a .25% or .5% retinol you can easily bump up to a 1%.
Adding a clay mask 2-4 times a week can make a HUGE difference. Revision Black Mask draws out and absorbs oil while reducing inflammation. This mask also contains some salicylic acid to reduce inflammation and bacteria while providing a lot of antioxidant benefit.
As you can see, inflammation is mentioned over and over again in this post. Inflammation is 1 of 3 major components of acne, the others being oil and bacteria. The reason why i talk about inflammation so much and products that help reduce it is because if we can shut down the inflammation you run less risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and scarring.
If you continue to see breakouts after adding these acne fighting products, we recommend you see a dermatologist or PA at Accent Dermatology. You don’t want to let acne get out of your control!
Please contact us for a consultation if you are struggling with this new and unusual skin concern in this new and uncertain time. 720-420-4090
by Katherine Bredice | May 8, 2020 | Microneedling
Radio Frequency Microneedling is absolutely, hands down, one of my favorite treatments. Microneedling ALONE is fabulous for almost all skin concerns but add in the heat and energy of radio frequency and you’ve got a treatment that smooths lines and wrinkles, pore size and scars, helps reduce acne, inflammmation and sebum AND lifts and tightens the skin! Here at Accent Aesthetics we use INTRAcel, the Ferarri of RF Microneedling devices.
How Does Radio Frequency Microneedling Work?
Put simply, through microneedling and radio frequency technology (bulk heating), Intracel works to introduce a controlled trauma to the skin, which in turn reduces oil and bacteria at the treatment site, but also, and most importantly, promotes collagen repair and renewal.
It does this by using ultrafine needles, 49 needles to be exact, to puncture the skin creating a wound at an exact depth in the skin. The device’s tiny insulated needles then effectively heat the tissue to the desired temperature within microseconds. This wound triggers the body’s natural wound healing process and the bulk tissue heating triggers the skin to constrict and tighten. As the skin heals from these wounds, your body’s collagen production soars, resulting in taut skin. Surface scarring is eliminated and fine wrinkles are softened, if not erased!
As you can see from the pictures the results are extremely exciting! The treatment is typically used for general firming, skin tightening and wrinkle reduction on the face, neck, jaw, upper lip, around the eyes, mouth and jowls. However, it’s equally effective when applied to other areas of the body such as the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and knees.
Not only is this the treatment we recommend for all signs of aging but also an incredible treatment for anyone dealing with chronic, inflammatory acne and the scarring it leaves behind.
How Many Treatments are Needed?
Much depends on the location and general condition of the area to be treated. Typically, however, patients need between 2 and 5 treatments for best results. The treatments are usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, although this is relatively flexible.
Right after the first treatment most patients report their skin starting to feel smoother and tighter, but the results will continue to improve for a period of up to six months. As with many cosmetic procedures, the final results tend to vary from person to person and are at least partially determined by the overall health of each patient’s skin and the degree of damage that needs to be addressed.
As it takes years to decades for the skin to lose its firmness and structure, acne to cause scarring, etc., it will take time to rebuild your skin’s layers, but by combining these 2 technologies, your skin has no choice but to “shape up” and look and act young and healthy!
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have about this amazing treatment! You can also check out several videos of INTRAcel on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/accentaesthetics1
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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.
