Why is skincare so important? Little acts can really add up. Our manager at Urban Body Laser, Janiece, shared this cautionary tale.
We all do our best to practice what we preach when it comes to taking care of our skin.
We try to make sure we are using proper products – PH-balanced cleanser, spritzers for particular concerns, proper moisturizers and so on. We keep clean brushes, wash them weekly and use clean pillowcases. We tell ourselves, “Don’t pick your face! Wash your hands!”
I know best that I shouldn’t be picking any pimples on my face. However, one day I woke up with a pimple on my face that was big and red. It had no whitehead. I left it all day and then before bed I had a very hot shower and steamed the big red pimple on my face. When I got out of the shower, there was a tiny whitehead on it. I gently tried to squeeze it, with no luck. The next morning, I had another hot shower and steamed it again. I got out of the shower and gently tried to squeeze the little whitehead again – nothing happened. Three days later we held a staff event and this thing was not looking so pretty. I covered it as best I could with my Colorescience and used a brush to cover the area with my pressed compact powder.
This was the beginning of a month-long journey of dealing with increasingly difficult issues with my face.
I did my best to wash and keep my face clean. I chalked it up to irritation from me picking at it. After six days of a rash traveling in all different directions on my face, I took a picture of it and sent it to my friend who is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND). He said that I had a Staph infection and needed to use some topical antibiotic ointment. I filled the prescription and spent two days applying it. During those two days, one hour after I applied it each time, my face was so itchy that I couldn’t stand the ointment – so I took it off. Needless to say, the infection kept spreading. It was oozing, moving farther along my face, cheek, chin and neck. It was painful, itchy and scary.
I ended up having to take a very high dose of penicillin to stop the infection. I was advised to check my temperature hourly – if it spiked, I would need to get to the hospital asap! After seven days of antibiotics, the infection was almost gone. Two days later, I went out for the evening and when I came home at around 3:00 am, my face started burning again. I didn’t realize that I had reinfected my face with my makeup brush and the pressed compact that I had used two weeks prior to cover what I thought was an irritated pimple. I didn’t know that I had reinfected myself, but instead thought the antibiotics had stopped working. I spent the entire Saturday with butterflies in my stomach all day, wondering what was going to happen to my face. Then, I started thinking about how I had used the brush again. I figured out that bacteria was still living on my makeup brush and pressed powder.
It took well over a month for the skin on my face to get back to normal.
After the infection was gone, my face was irritated and dry because it had been so damaged by the infection. I am so grateful I was able to use healthy products to restore and treat the affected area. I used R3 Derma Soothe, Aloe, and Revive to heal, plus Colorescience Tint du soleil, Pep Up and Pressed Mineral Foundation Compact to hide and heal.
I talk about keeping skin healthy and never in a million years did I think that this would happen to my face. It is sooooo important to keep your brushes clean! Don’t pick those nasty little annoying pimples…especially with fingers that have not been washed!
There are a lot of things here that I did wrong despite preaching these things daily:
Always wash your brushes
Never pick your face
Never touch your face with dirty hands
I am writing this article and sharing with you why we ask our guests not to do the things they need to do to keep their skin healthy and what can go wrong – all for the exact reasons of what happened to my face. I broke every rule that I preach and ended up spending almost an entire month of time treating my face, taking unnecessary antibiotics, being itchy and uncomfortable and missing out on work and social events.
I am sharing this to create awareness about the worst-case scenarios that can happen – they even happen to us at Urban Body Laser when we don’t take our own advice.
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/janiece.jpg300300ISIhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngISI2023-02-21 13:25:492023-02-21 14:07:49Skincare and what happens when we don’t practice what we preach
A skincare routine encompasses all the choices you make and steps you take in your day-to-day skincare routine that have an effect on your skin health – from good dietary habits to getting enough sleep but remember, an effective and efficient skincare routine works only as well as the quality products you use and the regular regimen you follow, that have been selected with your specific concerns in mind.
The younger you are when you start, the better, but it’s never too late to establish healthy habits. Whether you want to help prevent or treat wrinkles, smooth away dryness or creases, or address other concerns or damage, you should start a skincare routine as soon as possible.
Age doesn’t matter; but skin type does.
Take into account, for a moment, a research-supported truth: “Skin has the same basic needs at every age”. Your age, gender, or ethnicity would be irrelevant, as your skin requires cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, protection, replenishing and restoration irrespective.
And as you age, your skin type changes. Some people may find their skin becomes drier with age, while others may experience oilier skin, breakouts and enlarged pores as their skin matures. For this reason, you should opt for a skincare regimen that is based on your skin type and concerns you want to address, and not on your age.
Good vs Poor Quality Products?
While good quality products help your skin look and feel better now, as well as in the future; poor quality products are ineffective and may even cause harm:
Good Quality are Products that:
Have quality ingredients that can improve your skin health
Protect from environmental damage
Help fight or slow down the effects of aging
Offer results for money
Have results that may be dramatic if maintained
Exceed standards and are more refined
Once established, are easier to maintain
Boost confidence and encourage you to adopt other healthy routines and an overall healthy lifestyle
Poor Quality are Products that:
Prevent the skin from performing its natural functions properly
Have ineffective results
Cause burning or stinging of the skin
Cause or spread infections
Cause irritation or allergic reactions (such as rashes or blisters)
Worsen problems by clogging pores or causing breakouts
Cause dehydration or peeling
Cause pigmentation changes
Cause excessive oiliness
Increase your risks of greater complications (such as cancers)
Waste your money
In saying “Good” and “Poor Quality” products, we are referring to products selected and utilized, with or without considering your specific skin type and concerns. This, in no way, makes reference to a particular brand.
Tips to Consider When Building a Good Skincare Routine
These are our top tips to consider when building your daily skincare regimen:
1. Know Your Skin Type
The only tips that can be applied to and followed by all skin types are:
Apply the four fundamentals – cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect!
Stay hydrated
Change pillow cases at least once a week
Wash or tie back hair before bed
Wear sunscreen every day and apply 15 minutes before going out
Don’t forget to patch test new products to avoid potential allergic reactions
Otherwise, steer clear of the idea of applying the “one size fits all” approach when it comes to your skin and its care.
As we mature and our skin is exposed to the elements, it evolves, and sometimes, our skin type alters in that process. In a previous article, we explored the various skin types and how to perform a self-evaluation. However, to be certain you’re using the correct products that satisfy your skin’s cravings, please visit Urban Body Laser to have one of our qualified aestheticians evaluate your needs.
2. Timing, Order and Method of Product Application All Matters
Consider Product Absorption Time
It’s highly important to allow adequate time for your skin to properly absorb the products you’re applying for effective results.
Layer Your Products from Thinnest Consistency to Thickest
Ideally, you should begin with the products containing ingredients that most critical for penetrating the skin (such as antioxidants in serums) – these products tend to be ‘thinner’ in consistency. Then, you want to lock these products in with a moisturizer, which is ‘thicker’ in consistency. Moisturizers contain ingredients like emollients and humectants, which are meant to sit on top of your skin to help keep it moist and soft.
If products are not applied in the correct order, you will not achieve the best results from your skincare regimen. Read further for more details.
Work Products into Your Skin in an Upwards and Outwards Motion
Using an upwards and outwards motion when applying products helps with lifting and firming the skin.
3. Back to Basics
No matter what your skin type is, a basic daily skincare routine can help you maintain skin health and improve some concerns. A basic daily skincare routine has 4 simple steps, that you can do twice daily – mornings and evenings.
Cleanse
Cleanser is the foundation of any skin-care routine. It’s important to gently wash your face twice a day to remove makeup, dirt and pollutants that have settled on your skin, that can cause clogged pores or irritation, and starting with a cleaned surface allows your other skincare products to work better.
Tone
Toner is used to rebalance your skin’s pH levels, as well as to remove anything missed while cleansing
Moisturize
Moisturizer should be used twice daily to hydrate and soften your skin, and prevent water loss that occurs throughout the day.
Protect
Using a physical sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) during the day, all-year-round.
The goal of any skincare regimen is to spruce up your complexion so it’s functioning at its best, and also target any areas you want to correct. In some case, faces do better with fewer products; so, if you’re just starting out, keep it simple with this basic skincare routine.
4. Always Wear Protection
We’ve mentioned it as one of the fundamentals and we’re saying it again, don’t forget the sunscreen. SPF protects your skin from sun damage such as spots, dehydration, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and more importantly, it prevents more serious conditions such as skin cancer and melanoma. Remember to opt for a physical sunscreen (rather than chemical), that offers protection, water resistance, and has an SPF of 30 or higher.
5. Patience is Your Ally
Bear in mind that there’s no such thing as a quick fix. Patience, diligence and consistency will be required on your part, to stick to your regimen for a minimum of two-months before results are noticeable.
As the saying goes: “When it comes to patience, we don’t have to change old habits; we can build better ones.” – Sue Bender
6. Self-Care is Not Selfish
Opportunities for self-care have ultimately been replaced by working long hours and in some cases, caring for others before ourselves. But you wouldn’t drive a car with no fuel in it! In the world we live in today, setting aside time for self-care is not an indulgence but rather an absolute necessity — more now, than ever before.
So, drop the guilt and show yourself and your skin some love – it’s proven to have amazing physical and mental health benefits and ultimately benefits everyone else around you as well?
The A – Z of a Skincare Routine
Now that we’ve established the basics, let’s get into an actual skincare routine, shall we?
The Optimal Order to Apply Skincare Products
The main purpose of a skincare routine is to preserve your skin health and keep it functioning at its best. It is not about perfection or correction but rather, creating a strong foundation for your overall wellbeing. That said, there’s no singular prescribed skincare routine for everyone—it’s highly personalized.
So, what might this “foundation” look like? Well, we’ve included a daily skincare routine, showing the optimal order to apply your skincare products for both mornings and evenings:
Skincare Products
Okay, by now, you’re probably feeling slightly overwhelmed – I mean, who wouldn’t? But allow us to put you at ease.
In this next section, we aim to explore each product in more detail.
Let’s start:
CLEANSERS
What is it?
Cleansing (washing) your face to remove excess oils, dirt, and other unwanted particles on your face.
Regular cleansing is essential for maintaining proper hydration and removing excessive dirt, oil, and dead skin cell build-up on the skin’s surface, which causes bacterial blockages of the pores, resulting in inflammation, and acne.
How should it be applied?
Wash your hands and rinse your face with lukewarm water
Apply a small amount of gentle cleanser onto hands
Massage cleanser all over your face using gentle pressure
Rinse hands and massage your face with water to rinse until water runs clear and cleanser and grime are removed
Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel
Be sure to cleanse twice in the evenings, especially if you wear makeup:
First remove makeup with cleansing oil and soft cotton pad
Allow eye-makeup removers to sit for a few minutes so makeup comes off more easily; Avoid rubbing delicate eye area
Follow up with a full-face gentle cleanse
Alternatively, refer to product directions for proper application as products can vary in application
When should it be used?
Mornings
Evenings (Double)
After exercising
Excessive cleansing can lead to skin irritation and stripping of essential skin layers
What is it?
Toners contain ingredients that replenish and restore nutrients to the skin, enhancing and hydrating the skin’s surface by unclogging pores, allowing better absorption of skincare products and providing additional cleansing
Toners may also help to relieve dry patches and discoloration
Toners also are condition-specific, so, depending on the condition of the skin, the toner will be customized
Exfoliating toners, retinoids or other exfoliators should not be used at the same time
How should it be applied?
Toners should be applied with a soft cotton pad, directly after cleansing
Pour a few drops of toner onto a cotton pad (ensure pad is not soaking wet)
Gently swipe onto your face and neck area, avoiding delicate eye and lip areas
Pay special attention to the hard-to-reach areas such as the eye brows, hairline and sides of nose
Alternatively, refer to product directions for proper application as products can vary in application
When should it be used?
Mornings
Evenings
Hydrating formulas can be used twice a day
Exfoliating formulas—formulas that remove dead skin cells with ingredients like glycolic acid—should only be used in the evenings.
What is it?
Serums are known for their ability to penetrate deeper into the skin layers, enabling delivery of powerful ingredients directly to the skin.
Serums may contain exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or lactic acid.
Serums are great for treating specific skin concerns and are formulated according to one’s skin type
How should it be applied?
Serum should be applied with clean fingers, by gently patting onto skin
Ensure coverage of your entire face
Allowing serum to fully absorb into your skin before applying next product
Alternatively, refer to product directions for proper application as products can vary in application
When should it be used?
Mornings
Evenings
Use a serum with antioxidants—like a brightening vitamin C serum— in the mornings, for protection from free radicals you’ll encounter throughout the day.
Use a moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid, to keep your skin from drying out at night (especially if you’re using anti-aging or acne treatments that can irritate and dry out the skin)
Serums are normally applied after toners, just before a moisturizer or SPF, though always remember:
What is it?
Exfoliants work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that can cause skin to appear thick and dull, to reveal a fresh, glowing layer of new skin. It also helps to dislodge ingrown hairs from beneath the upper layers of skin.
Chemical exfoliants – including alpha-hydroxy acids (aka AHA: glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid) and hydroxy acids (salicylic acid) – are excellent for inducing cell turnover, increasing collagen formation, and improving dullness
Physical exfoliation is manually scrubbing away dead skin cells, excess oil, and buildup with a face scrub
Face masks, reveal fresh, clear skin and leave your complexion looking polished and although relaxing, may dry out your skin if overused
How should it be applied?
EXFOLIANTS:
After cleansing and toning, with clean hands, apply a thin layer of exfoliant over face and neck
Leave on skin for a few minutes
Gently massage over skin, using light pressure to exfoliate the skin of dead skin cells
Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear
Gently pat dry with a clean towel and follow with appropriate moisturizer
MASKS:
After cleansing and toning, with clean hands, apply a very thin layer to face and neck, avoiding eye area
Leave on for a few minutes; Rinse thoroughly with warm water until water runs clear
Gently pat dry with a clean towel and follow with appropriate moisturizer
Alternatively, refer to product directions for proper application as products can vary in application
When should it be used? Evenings
Exfoliating can be harsh on your skin, so it’s recommended to exfoliate no more than 2 – 3 times a week
Hydrating masks are recommended to be used no more than 2 – 3 times a week
Do not follow with toner or products that contain essential oils, acids or enzymes as irritation will occur
What is it?
Eye creams protect your eye area from other potent skincare products and also help to moisturize, hydrate, illuminate, tighten, and provide antioxidants to this delicate area.
Eye creams may be used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness or dark circles under your eyes
How should it be applied?
To apply, tap gently around the entire eye area, including eyelid
In the mornings, use an eye cream that has a rollerball applicator – the cold steel helps with fluid retention
In the evenings, tap on a hydrating eye cream that will protect your under-eyes and repair your skin barrier overnight
Alternatively, refer to product directions for proper application as products can vary in application
When should it be used?
Mornings
Evenings
Apply before moisturizer, as eye creams tend to be thinner than face moisturizers
What is it?
Sunscreen should be the last step in your daytime skincare routine. It prevents skin discoloration, signs of aging and decreases the development of skin cancers.
Opt for: a sunscreen that offers SPF 30 or higher; a broad-spectrum SPF (meaning that your sunscreen protects from both UVA and UVB radiation)
Physical sunscreen: a natural mineral is used to block UV rays; works immediately; locks in moisture and reflects the heat
Chemical sunscreen: has to be absorbed into the skin to be effective so applying after your moisturizer will delay and hinder that; if you apply a chemical sunscreen before your moisturizer, then your moisturizer will not work as well.
For those who prefer chemical sunscreens, look for a formula that offers moisturizing benefits, so you can get your daily hydration needs while protecting your skin
Refer to product directions for proper application as products can vary in application
When should it be used?
Daily
Product should be applied and reapplied daily, irrespective of weather conditions
We hope that this guide has helped you to understand the importance and benefits of a proper skincare regimen and the products involved.
However, if you would like to learn even more, then set up a consultation at Urban Body Laser today! Our friendly and qualified team would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you develop the best skincare routine and products for your concerns and lifestyle. Contact us at info@urbanbodylaser.com, live chat or at (604) 229-2836.
We proudly invite you to browse our online store to view our incredible product range at https://urbanbody.myshopify.com! Our collection of R3 Derma Health products contains the highest concentration of active and natural ingredients, best suited for those individuals who desire faster results.
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Picture3.png272219ISIhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngISI2022-12-05 09:56:462024-01-17 08:34:09What Is A Skincare Routine?
An eye cream is precisely as stated: an EYE cream. The skin around your eyes is up to ten times thinner than the skin on the rest of your face and shows signs of aging more quickly than other areas of the face do, hence. This thinness makes it more delicate, vulnerable, and prone to allergic reactions than other facial skin. This is why the delicate skin around your eyes needs an extra dose of TLC, which a regular face moisturizer might not be able to deliver. Using a regular face cream is not ideal and could even be damaging to that delicate area.
Does this mean having an additional product on your shelf? Well, it surely does! But when you break it down and realize how different the needs of the eye area are and the ingredients that go into these products, then, it will all make perfect sense.
How is the Eye area different?
Within the area around the eye itself, the skin is very delicate. The eye-area skin does not enjoy as much natural moisture from sebum (oil), leaving it prone to laxity, developing fine lines and wrinkles, becoming looser, and even thinner.
Eye products have been specifically formulated to ensure the essential ingredients actually gives the eyes what it needs, something which a face moisturiser cannot do.
Why should you invest in an eye cream?
The skin around your eyes also gets a much greater workout. Every time you move your eyes, whether you squint, smile, or widen them in surprise, you’re using muscles around your eyes. Over time, factors like dryness and loss of collagen and elasticity lead to the formation of small wrinkles near your eyes, commonly known as ‘crow’s feet’. Smoking and exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can also contribute to wrinkle formation.
Incorporating an eye cream into your daily skincare routine can help minimize the appearance of these wrinkles as well as tackle other skin concerns like dryness, puffiness, dark circles, and pigmentation.
And the sooner you start using one, the better. The best time to start using an eye cream is before you think you need one. It’s easier to prevent signs of aging than to correct them, so we recommend investing in an eye cream starting in the 20’s. Applying an eye cream twice every day for optimal results.
While the cost can be exorbitant, rest assured that it’s money well spent. Because the delicate skin around our eyes is usually one of the first spots on the face to show signs of aging, sun damage, and stress. Eye creams can be an effective preventive and reparative measure for addressing all of that. So, even if you only use cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, an eye cream would be a worthwhile addition to your skincare lineup.
What ingredients should you look for in an eye cream?
Some key ingredients to look for are hyaluronic acid and peptides. HA helps to hydrate while peptides boost collagen production, making your skin plumper and more youthful.
Since the skin around your eyes has very few active oil glands, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene and ceramides are essential for drawing in and sealing in the moisture.
For anti-aging benefits, choose an eye cream containing retinol or a retinol derivative in a moisturizing base—look for ceramides, dimethicone, glycerin and oils in the ingredient list.
In addition, you should also consider factors like your skin type, what skin concern you wish to target, whether you’ll be layering makeup on top, etc. when picking an eye cream. So then, what ingredients should you look for in an eye cream?
Whether you want to tackle fine lines, treat dark circles, or reduce puffiness, our recommended skincare picks have got you covered:
To save time, can I use the same anti-wrinkle eye cream for my face and under eyes?
Skin care isn’t cheap and eye products tend to be more expensive. Which raises the question: why does moisturizer marketed for your under-eyes come in a tiny tube and cost so much more? Is it really that special? And are you doing your eyes a disservice if you use regular moisturizer as eye cream?
The answer is absolutely. Let us explain – It’s true that eye creams contain the same types of ingredients found in many face creams. However, they’re also meant to address hyper-specific skincare issues. Not only does the skin underneath your eyes require more targeted TLC (i.e., retinol for wrinkles, ingredients for puffiness, niacinamide for dark circles, etc.), it’s also a lot thinner than other areas of the face—in fact, it’s the thinnest skin on the body.
In other words, it’s a lot more sensitive.
Now, let’s say you were to use a regular anti-wrinkle face cream with the same targeted ingredients on your under-eyes. That anti-wrinkle cream probably contains a much greater concentration of active ingredients to combat fine lines (somewhat ironic considering that eye creams cost way more than facial moisturizers). This isn’t a bad thing for your face, which can probably tolerate that, but it might not be so great for your under-eyes, which is a more delicate space.
Eye creams tend to be gentler, less irritating, and more moisturizing than regular creams because the delicate skin around the eyes is particularly prone to irritation, fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness.
That being said, you might be able to tolerate regular anti-wrinkle creams on the eye area—if your skin isn’t very sensitive and the formulation isn’t very irritating (read: no fragrances). But proceed with caution.
As for the matter of using eye cream all over your face (Beyoncé’s makeup artist even swears by it), there’s the obvious answer. Unless you’re Beyoncé, it’s going to be an expensive affair. For the financial downside alone, we don’t recommend it as an everyday practice. Plus, you’re actually better off not using an eye cream for your whole face because your face can tolerate (and will benefit from) much higher proportions of active ingredients.
Which one is better: eye cream or eye serum?
An eye serum is lighter than a cream, contains less oil, and uses a vehicle that allows for better penetration of potent anti-aging ingredients as opposed to an eye cream. “Eye serums in general are better for wrinkles, dark circles, reduction of puffiness and help improve skin firmness.”
When should I start using an Eye Cream?
Rule of thumb: When it comes to skincare, the earlier the better. In my many years of experience as a skincare specialist, I believe it’s the one product that you won’t appreciate the use of until you stop and can actually see the effect it has had. The reality is – prevention is better than cure – when it comes to the delicate eye area.
It’s often the simple concepts of skincare that get lost in translation or that people become confused by, so we hope this has helped you understand this important concept of eye care. We also have a ton of info on our Instagram page to provide guidelines and tips.
If you have specific questions, we encourage you to please get in contact with us on (604) 696-5506 or book to have a consultation with one of our skin experts. We will work our way through a series of questions so that we are able to understand your skincare requirements, which will aid in ensuring the products we recommend are uniquely matched to these concerns.
The bonus of our R3 Derma Health skincare range is that we can custom blend our products to make sure they meet all the needs of your skin, perfectly!
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/eye_cream-e1669941251616.png175175ISIhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngISI2022-11-29 17:01:282024-07-29 19:22:16Let’s talk about Eye Cream: Do you really need it?
There’s nothing we love more than a good ‘Best before and afters’ story, especially when we’re in charge! At Urban Body Laser in Vancouver, our trusted medical estheticians work day in and day out helping people change, correct, and revamp the way they look and feel about themselves. From pigmentation to acne scars, there’s nothing better than seeing the look on someone’s face when you’ve removed something that was causing them embarrassment, insecurity, or even shame.
If you’ve been following us on Instagram, then you may have caught a few of our favourite before and after shots of recent clients. In case you missed it, here are just a few of the best Urban Body Laser makeovers of 2015!
Rachel came to us this past fall after suffering from extensive sun damage. The sun’s rays are amongst the most harmful contributors to aging, leaving sunspots and fine lines on the skin, as evident on her chest. FotoFacial®-AgeDelay™ is one of our most effective methods to reduce this damage, just check out Rachel’s results after just three treatments! Because you can’t be exposed to the sun after receiving FotoFacial®-AgeDelay™, fall and winter are the best times to get started.
We all suffer from the occasional pimple, but before you start layering on concealer, please check the ingredients. Most conventional make-up you find at the drugstore is filled with chemicals, fragrances, and toxins that clog your pores and aggravate the skin, often causing more breakouts. Pictured above is a client who contacted us for a Colorescience application, a luxury make-up line that uses natural ingredients that not only covers those pesky pimples, but also nourishes the skin. Interested? Call us to book a skin analysis!
Do you suffer from skin discoloration from birthmarks or scars? Photorejuvenation may be the answer you’re looking for. We use Sciton’s BBL, a safe and effective system that specializes in darker skin tones. After just one treatment, our client’s knee is looking shades lighter! We’ll be sure to update you once she’s finished her program.
Did you know that laser hair removal for your underarms not only reduces the hair, but also decreases sweat? We call that a #winwin. If you find your light shirts discolor from sweating, or the constant shaving has caused thick hair you can’t seem to rid of, ask our medical estheticians for a custom laser hair removal program.
Interested in these or more of our services and products? Contact us and start the New Year as a new you.
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Picture12.jpg467745adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2015-12-30 19:41:122024-01-31 12:48:09Best Before and Afters of 2015
Just like the latest diet craze, skin care products and beauty treatments get a lot of hype. Though we constantly see blogs, tweets, and general buzz about ways to take care of your appearance, there are a few we’ve been hearing lately that are simply not true. So we’re debunking three common skincare myths to set the record straight! Myth #1: You only need to wear sunscreen when it’s sunny.
Wrong! Whether or not it’s sunny, any time you step outside you should be wearing sunscreen because 80% of the sun damaging rays can penetrate through clouds. There are two types of the sun’s rays that reach the earth: UVB and UVA. UVB causes immediate damage to your skin, and is responsible for the visible burn or tan you get from sun exposure. UVA rays are what age your skin and are able to reach you through clouds, smog, or even through a window. This picture of a truck driver shows how badly the sun has aged one side of his face that continually exposed to sunlight.
Now that you know you need to wear sunscreen, please don’t go buying the first brand you see at the drugstore. We wrote this blog post that explained the difference between chemical and physical sunblock. To find out which product will give you the best protection, contact our medical estheticians for a free consultation, or peruse our products online. Myth 2: Scrubbing your face is just as effective as microdermabrasion.
You simply can’t compare the two. For starters, our state-of-the-art Pristine Precision Diamond Peel machine does much more than just exfoliate. By gently removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, it helps smooth skin’s texture, decreases the appearance of scarring and pore size, and reduces surface pigmentation. Over time, it can also reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and even soften the appearance of scars when used with a proper maintenance program designed by our medical estheticians.
At home kits and scrubs will never achieve the same level of results as the Microdermabrasion treatments we offer at Urban Body Laser. Plus, many are too abrasive and actually irritate the skin, creating more skin issues. Myth 3: All mineral make up is the same.
No, they’re not. Unfortunately many make-up companies use a lot of fillers in their products and then simply “throw in” some minerals, falsely calling themselves a mineral make-up line.
A true mineral line like Colorescience Pro is basically an extension of your skin care. In other words, it’s a treatment cosmetic. Not only does it give the coverage you want from make-up but it also nourishes your epidermis like skincare. Clever marketing makes it easy to get confused over which products are actually good for you and which are not. That’s why we always emphasize the importance of reading ingredients on labels before buying mineral make-up.
If you have already purchased products and are wondering if they contain harmful chemical or fillers, feel free to bring them to us and we’ll take a look!
Are you curious about other skin care myths that you’d like us to answer? Tweet us or send an email, we’re happy to share our expertise and debunk other myths!
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Urban-Body-Laser-Microdermabrasion-1.jpg459476adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2014-06-24 05:06:402022-12-09 08:48:40Skin Care Myths Debunked
You may have noticed more advertisements and buzz around serums. A relatively new product in the skincare market, serums are gaining a loyal following for many reasons. However, we find many clients are confused over why, when, and how to use them.
A common misconception is that serums can replace moisturizers. This is completely false as they both have very different purposes. Facial creams have been around for a long time and are still the most popular form of skin care. They’re a vital component to any skin care regime and should never be replaced with serums or any other products. They’re typically made by mixing oil with water and are primarily meant to hydrate the skin.
Serums, on the other hand, are a concentrated way to get key ingredients into the skin. The main reason you’d want to use a facial serum is to get added nutrients into deeper layers of your skin that a regular moisturizer is not able to reach. The junction between the two main layers of our skin (epidermis and dermis) is extremely hard to penetrate. While this is a good thing because it protects our skin, it also means it’s difficult to get the active ingredients into the depths of your skin where it is needed.
This is why you need a serum with an effective delivery system. So before you purchase one, make sure that it has a delivery system for those active ingredients to properly penetrate into the deep layer of your skin. Otherwise you’ll be wasting your money.
All of the serums we offer at our office and online store have this essential liposomal delivery system, which means you can treat and correct any skin ailments that you may be experiencing. For example, the R3 Derma Soothe Serum is an all-natural product; R3 Derma’s Remedy for rosacea reduces and reduces redness while restoring the protective barrier. It also reduces scarring, minimizes the visibility of capillaries, and rebuilds the thinned epidermis.
Other common skin conditions that serums can help treat are acne and pigmentation. To apply, you can either add 1-2 drops/pumps to in the morning and night to your entire face or you can use as a spot treatment. You can find both serums from the R3 Derma line in our online store.
Serums are excellent for anti-aging. This Anti-Aging Serum in particular has a 10-peptide blend that specifically targets aging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Our staff love this product because it gives your skin an instant boost, diminishing imperfections and improving the appearance of any redness almost immediately.
As you can tell, serums can be extremely beneficial for the skin and a vital component to a youthful, radiant, and flawless complexion. But before you invest in a serum, it’s best to contact our medical estheticians to find which one is right for you.
Summer is fast approaching, which means wedding season is about to begin. For those of you about to say ‘I do’, the last few weeks can be an incredibly stressful time as you try to coordinate the venue, catering, visitors, décor, stags, stagettes…the list goes on and on. Often brides and grooms forget to factor in a crucial step in the nuptial process: their skin.
If you haven’t started your skincare prep, don’t worry, there’s still enough time to schedule a few appointments in order to get yourself in photo-ready shape. Here are a few of Urban Body Laser’s must-do’s to saying “I do.”
Laser Hair Removal
Brides often find the last few days leading up to the wedding the most stressful. With so much to do, how nice would it be to know that you didn’t have to shave your underarms, legs, or get a Brazilian wax? There’s a reason more and more people are turning to laser hair removal: it works. Though it takes a series of treatments for hair to be completely gone, often our clients see incredible results after just one or two appointments. If you grow thick hair on your underarms, legs, or pubic area, the hair that grows back is much thinner and sparing after just one treatment. And for fellas, we know your future wife will definitely appreciate our signature Balls-n-All™.
Skin Tightening and Microdermabrasion
Every bride and groom wants flawless, radiant skin on their big day. In order to achieve this, we highly recommend 3 or 4 treatments of skin tightening combined with microdermabrasion. Clean pores are key to ensuring you don’t suffer from blemishes on your wedding day. Microdermabrasion removes clogged pores and cleans the outer layer of the skin. It’s incredibly effective to reduce ingrown hairs, discolored and congested skin, and even fine lines and wrinkles.
To achieve a glowing complexion, try skin tightening. This non-invasive method uses broad band light (BBL) to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It does this by stimulating collagen production, which is the protein that aids in the structural support of the skin and causes it to contract and tighten.
Colorescience Pro
If you buy most of your make-up in a drug store, chances are it is filled with so many chemicals and unnatural ingredients that it’s actually causing more damage to your skin. After receiving microdermabrasion and skin tightening, the last thing you want to do is pollute your epidermis with harmful products.
To enhance your natural beauty, Colorescience make-up is a-must. This luxurious line does more than just camouflage blemishes and discoloration; it actually helps to remedy it. Each product is designed to complement and blend together, allowing you to layer to achieve a flawless complexion. From foundations to lip gloss, this extensive line has plenty of options to match your needs and skin tone. Paired with our R3 Derma cleansers and moisturizers your skin will be ready to tie the knot.
While these are the most popular treatments for brides and grooms, we offer a wide variety of services that will help you get ready for the big day. Just keep in mind that many of these take at least a few sessions to really see results, so contact us as soon as possible to get started and get ready for the big day!
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Hydrojelly.png400600adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2014-05-18 18:12:132022-12-09 13:13:33Wedding Preparations – Skin Prep To Saying Your ‘I Do’s’
Mother’s Day is just a couple of days away! Have you found a gift for her yet? You could do the usual flowers, jewelry, or scarf, but why not do something for her that she would probably never do for herself? This Mother’s Day, give her something that will make her feel beautiful from the inside out.
At Urban Body Laser, we offer a variety of services and products that will guarantee to impress your Mom. Here are a few of our most popular gifts for Mother’s Day.
Photofacial
Your Mom will instantly look and feel younger after she receives a photofacial. BBL Photorejuvenation reduces and eliminates the appearance of freckles, fine lines, wrinkles, or liver spots. Whether on the face, hands, neck, chest or back, this treatment can make her look like she’s turned back time. Book her a series of treatments for maximum results. Microdermabrasion
This is another effective treatment that will rejuvenate the skin in a painless and non-invasive way. Often compared to the texture of a cat’s tongue, microdermabrasion gently removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells, cleaning your pores and leaving skin smooth and decongested. It’s a great one for Mom because it helps treat and minimize fine lines and wrinkles, discolored skin, and ingrown hairs. Celebrities like Gwenyth Paltrow swear by it! Beauty Consultation
As women age, their skin’s needs change dramatically. It can be daunting trying to navigate through eye creams, serums, and anti-aging moisturizers. Treat mom with an Urban Body Laser gift certificate and we’ll give her a free skin and beauty consultation! Our medical estheticians can recommend the best products for her skin and from there she can use her gift certificate to purchase whatever products she wants. If she’s also looking to spruce up her make-up collection, we can show her the best shades and tones for her skin that will bring out her natural beauty.
If you’re wondering about more of our services and which ones will be best for your Mom, feel free to contact us any time!
How are you planning to celebrate Mother’s Day? Tweet us or post on our Facebook page, we would love to hear about it!
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/teen_and_mom.png897585adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2014-05-08 18:07:192022-12-09 13:44:12Treat Your Mom for Mother’s Day
When it comes to make-up, our clients tend to fall in to two categories: those who wear it, and those that don’t. With so many brands, colours, shades, and products to choose from, stepping into stores like Sephora or even strolling the drugstore can become overwhelming. Luckily, no matter how much or little you wear it, we have a one-stop solution: Colorescience.
Whether you’re heading to work or a night on the town, Colorescience Mineral Make-Up is versatile, easy to use, and (more importantly) won’t pollute your skin. As medical estheticians, we see a lot of people visit us with breakouts and irritations that have been caused by using cosmetics that are full of fillers and cheap chemicals. However, Colorescience is so pure and natural that it actually nourishes and protects your skin while also offering the same coverage as regular make-up. That’s why we always remind clients to use half of what they would typically use with other brands of make-up because with Colorescience a little goes a long way.
Though we carry an extensive list of products from this line (we really love it!), we’re listing just a few of our favourite products that are staples in our make-up regime. Plus they’re easy to pack in your purse when you’re on the go!
Colorescience palettes are designed for correcting and highlighting all areas of your face. Apply as a concealer, corrector, eye shadow, highlighter, bronzer or foundation all in one easy-to-pack and convenient package.
This kit contains five complimentary colors combining pressed minerals designed for your skin tone and condition. Each colour can be used separately or blended to cover or camouflage any imperfections like blemishes, dark circles, scars and broken capillaries.
The most delicate skin on our bodies is around the eyes! This is why it ages the quickest. Especially if you don’t take care of it properly. Treat your eyes to Total Eye™ 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 to visibly improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles while protecting the delicate eye area against photoaging with 100% SPF 35 mineral sunscreen.
COMPLEXION It doesn’t get any easier than the Loose Mineral Foundation. Just sweep the brush over your entire face and neck in a circular motion and you’ll have lightweight coverage that’s not only water resistant, but also contains SPF 20 to protect your skin.
To finish the look, add a sun-kissed tan with the Mineral Bronzer. This product contours and highlight your complexion by adding richness and warmth. Plus they contain Vitamins A & E, pearl powder, and oat powder that help sooth and condition the skin.
Final Step: Set It! A few spritzes of the Setting Mist keeps make-up and sun protection in place all day and activate the vibrancy of minerals for an ultra-natural, luminous look.
These are just a handful of products from Colorescience that we recommend, but to learn more about which shades and other types of make-up they offer feel free to contact our medical estheticians for a free consultation.
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Colorescience.gif440440adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2014-04-11 16:51:452022-12-09 13:46:22Colorescience: The Only Make-Up You Need
You’ve spent hundreds of dollars on the latest skin care products. You religiously exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize. You visit us for Microdermabrasion and Photorejuvenation treatments, and while you experience results, after a few weeks it’s back to breakouts and inflammation. What’s the deal?
We see this type of scenario all the time. So many of our clients are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a ‘quick fix’ to their skin issues, yet they don’t realize it’s stemming from the same source: the products. Unfortunately, not all skin care lines are created equal. Despite their claims and glossy advertisements, many well-known and seemingly effective brands are full of toxins and chemicals that actually congest the skin, rather than clean it.
Janiece, Manager of Urban Body Laser, experienced first-hand the effects of using clean, high-quality, and natural products. She constantly has people complimenting her on her skin, assuming that it must be due to regular Microdermabrasion and Photorejuvenation treatments.
“I haven’t done anything different except for one major thing, which is clean-up what I put on my face. Once I started using the right products, my skin completely changed. It’s so much softer, smoother, and hydrated.”
What’s Really in Your Skin Care?
They may state that they’re professional, natural, and organic, however many skin care products actually work against your skin. For example, if you experience frequent breakouts and have turned to acne-fighting products, you could be causing further damage and making the problem worse. These products are designed to be extremely drying, and thus strip your epidermis of any moisture, leading to dead skin cell build-up. The cell build-up will then act as a barrier, traps the oil under the skin, and then causes more clogged pores and breakouts. It’s a vicious cycle!
First and foremost, never put anything on your skin without checking the ingredients first, even if it claims “won’t clog pores” or “noncomedogenic” on the bottle. Unfortunately there is no government agency that regulates these companies, so it’s our own duty to ensure we learn about what we’re using before we make that purchase.
Experience first-hand the effects of using clean, high-quality, and natural luxury skincare products.from Urban Body Laser.
With thousands of products out there, we know it can get confusing. That’s why our medical estheticians are happy to help prescribe the best products for your skin. We only offer skin care and make-up lines that we use ourselves, so we can tell you firsthand that they are highly efficacious and anti-inflammatory. Our top luxury lines include Colorescience Pro and R3 Derma, which are available at our office and in our online store.
To decide which products are perfect for you, contact us at any time.
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Acne-Scaring-01.jpg459476adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2014-02-19 21:28:572022-12-09 13:53:52Frustrated Over Your Skin Care? You’re Not Alone
We’re so excited to talk about one of our favourite products, the Dermal Roller! For a limited time, if you purchase a Dermal Roller you’ll receive a free treatment, valued at $200! So what exactly is it? We’ll explain.
The thought of needles makes many of us start to cringe. From the day we’re born, needles have always been affiliated with pain and illness; something that is forced upon us in order to protect or heal. Even as adults, this fear continues to linger. But what if we told you that there are actually needles that can make you look years younger?
The Dermal Roller is a tool covered with tiny needles which creates very minor (almost microscopic) trauma that last for a short period of time. This process has two major benefits:
1. It effectively stimulates collagen formation, which is the protein responsible for skin elasticity. Therefore, it will lead to smoother skin as it breaks down wrinkles and scarring.
2. Once your skin has been treated, it will easily absorb whatever products you apply afterwards. The light pressure literally creates microscopic holes where ingredients can penetrate, improving the look and feel of skin over time. That’s why it’s important to ensure you’re using the best products possible without harmful toxins or ingredients. Our estheticians can help distinguish which of our skincare products will best suit your skin type.
Dermal Roller and Skin Needling: How Does it Work?
Skin has a natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical damage such as cuts, burns and other abrasions. Immediately after an injury to the skin, our body reuses the damaged collagen and elastin fibres as well as other damaged skin components to produce new ones. Skin Needling allows for controlled induction of the skin’s self repair by creating micro-“injuries” in the skin, triggering new collagen synthesis. The result is smoother, firmer and younger looking skin.
We offer the Dermal Roller in the 0.3mm size which has 560 titanium needles.
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/android-chrome-512x512-1.png512512adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2014-01-31 01:23:292025-09-08 14:44:49Urban Body Staff Pick: The Dermal Roller
Finding that perfect present is a daunting task, especially if you’re shopping for someone that literally has everything. Clothes and jewelry may seem like an easy way out, but knowing the right size, fit, brand, and colour can be full of second guessing and stress.
That’s why a gift card to Urban Body Laser are a no-brainer. No matter what age or sex you are, we really do have something for everyone. Though we are best known for our laser hair removal, we offer a variety of services and products that suits everyone’s needs.
So what Will an Urban Body Laser Gift Card Get You?
Are they always complaining about discoloured skin, freckles, or sunspots? Have they ever mentioned that they want to improve their complexion and even their skin’s texture? We have a number of services they can choose from, like our Photojuvenation and Microdermabrasion systems. These are fast, effective, and painless.
January is also a great time for them to start laser hair removal treatments. Since it takes a few appointments to remove stages of hair growth, they’ll be smooth and silky by the time summer comes along.
Does she love make-up? Spend hours in the bathroom ensuring she’s moisturized every last surface of her face? A gift card will get her far at Urban Body Laser! Not only do we have medical estheticians that can recommend the best products for her, we also have an online store where she can peruse the items herself, no matter where she is in the world!
Our top brands include Colorescience Pro and R3 Derma. From anti-aging to sun protection, these lines offer gentle yet effective products for everyone, no matter what their skin condition or age may be. They make an ideal gift for your sister, boyfriend, mom, aunt — even your grandma!
To find out more about our products and services or to order an Urban Body Laser gift certificate, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Skin-Rejuvenation-02.jpg334500adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2013-12-12 20:24:022022-12-09 13:59:32Unwrap Urban Body Laser Gift Card
Although good genetics have some part in it, it definitely takes celebrities work to stay flawless. To help keep them looking their best on the red carpet, it’s a combination of a healthy diet, preventative work, high-quality products, and professional skincare treatments. From microdermabrasion to Colorescience, here is how some of the most famous faces stay picture perfect.
Gwenyth Paltrow has called Microdermabrasion “a miracle”and for good reason. Often compared to the texture of your cat’s tongue, microdermabrasion gently rejuvenates the skin by a non-invasive exfoliation. By gently removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells microdermabrasion leaves the skin feeling smoother and dare we say, younger.
Microdermabrasion is a favourite among celebrity skincare treatments because it effectively treats and minimizes a wide range of skin conditions including fine lines and wrinkles, discolored and congested skin, and ingrown hairs. Laser Hair Removal: Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian has publicly said she wants a “hairless body” and uses laser hair removal to achieve it. The old fashioned methods of removing hair like shaving, tweezing, creams, waxing, are not only time consuming but also don’t last long. Continuous laser hair removal treatments will get rid of the hair for good, and now is the best time to start in order to be hairless by summer. Colorescience: Kerry Washington
It’s no wonder that Colorescience Pro is a favourite of celebrities like Kerry Washington and Kate Hudson, as it’s not only easy to use, but also doubles as a skincare product. It works to clear your complexion while simultaneiously protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun and the environment.
If you want to learn more about these celebrity skincare treatments, just stop by our office or contact us for more information. Our medical estheticians can give you a free consultation on how to achieve flawless, youthful skin.
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Picture4.jpg457687adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2013-11-14 00:18:352022-12-09 14:08:05Celebrity Skincare Treatments At Urban Body Laser
The Urban Body Laser staff are more than just medical estheticians, they’re clients themselves, which means they use all of the services and products we provide. If it doesn’t meet our approval, we won’t offer it to our clients.
We sat down with one of our staff members, Miranda, and asked her what her favourite skin care and beauty products are that she can’t live without.
What do you love most about working at Urban Body Laser?
The environment, I’m lucky to work with a great staff and awesome clients! What’s your favorite Colorescience product and why?
What’s your favorite Osmosis product and why? Quench. This is a great moisturizer for me because I have super dry skin in winter and oily in summer. Quench provides the perfect balance for both dry and oily like mine.
What’s my favorite treatment and why?
Laser hair removal (light sheer) because its less painful and can get at my lighter hair, and of course in the long run I won’t have to shave ever again!
Have a question for Miranda? Tweet @urbanbodylaser and she’ll give you the inside scoop on her favourite beauty tips, tricks, and secrets!
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-01-25.jpg274365adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2013-10-21 23:31:502022-12-09 14:04:05Meet the Urban Body Laser Staff: Miranda!
A lot of great things come in four. There are four seasons, four suits of cards, and of course some pretty famous bands, like Queen, Abba, The Beatles, and KISS, just to name a few.
While these are all great examples of foursomes, to us they don’t quite compare with our favourite quartet: the Colorescience Core 4.
This simple four-step regimen of pure mineral products work together to treat, camouflage, cover and protect your complexion. The best part is that they’re easy to use, infused with vitamins and antioxidants, and match a variety of skin tones. In less than two minutes, you have flawless coverage and perfect texture to tackle your day.
Here’s How to Use the Colorescience Core 4
So easy, so effective. Here’s why you really can’t beat this foursome:
Step 1: Prep and Prime
Before an artist can pick up a paintbrush, they have to begin with a blank canvas. The same theory applies to the first step in the Colorscience Core 4.
The Skin Brightening Face Perfector with SPF 20 enhances tone, improves texture, and hides fine lines and wrinkles.
Apply 1 to 2 pumps to moisturize, then blend all over face.
Step 2: Protect and Shield
Now you’re Primed and ready for the Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield. Sun protection is vital for keeping your skin youthful, which is what makes this such an important step.
Just sweep over your face to release the powder using small circular strokes. You don’t have to be shy with this one; apply liberally every two hours to ensure protection from harmful UV rays.
Step 3: Color and Correct
Unlike other products you may have used, the Mineral Foundation with SPF 20 is actually designed to blend and layer. Disguise imperfections, even skin tone, and enhance your features with this lightweight foundation.
We love that it’s water-resistant (important for us Vancouver gals who are always fighting the rain!) and has built-in sun protection. Like the Loose Mineral Foundation in Step 2, the brush format makes this a portable quick fix we can easily store in our purse.
Here’s an Urban Body staff tip: Draw small circles in areas that need more coverage and long brush strokes for areas that need more moisture.
Step 4: Set and Mist
Now the final step — just a few spritzes and you’re done! The Hydrating Spritzer not only sets your make-up in place, but it hydrates and revitalizes your complexion throughout the day.
Hold 6 to 9 inches away and mist three to four times.
Voila! Perfect, flawless skin that only took a few minutes. The entire collection fits easily into your purse so you can re-touch anywhere, any time.
Because we love the Colorscience Core 4 so much, we want to ensure everyone has it, so come visit us in-store or order online and put your Core 4 to work!
If you’ve just finished a photorejuvenation or microdermabrasion treatment, your complexion is glowing, radiant, and ready to be taken on the town. But now that your skin has been taken care of, how can you accentuate your other beautiful features the right way? You’ve read, heard, and watched countless beauty tips online or in magazines, yet it never seems to look the same when you try it. Sound familiar?
You may not know that the Urban Body Laser medical estheticians are not just skincare experts, they’re also beauty experts. Our clients always ask us which colours will look best with their complexion, so we’ll be sharing our beauty tips on our blog to make you feel confident when hitting the palette.
Choosing colours for your skin tone can be easy. How many times have you vowed to start wearing more colour, yet your wardrobe keeps getting replenished with the same ol’ GBW (grey, black, and white). We know that it can be daunting choosing colours for your skin tone, especially when you’re unsure of how to choose which will flatter or which will flaw. But now that the sun has officially starting making regular appearances, it’s time to mix-up those fifty shades of grey.
Choosing colours for your skin tone, also referred to as colour analysis, is the process of finding clothes that flatter your complexion. So when deciding which colour will work for you, we suggest thinking of it like seasons.
https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Colorescience.gif440440adminhttps://www.urbanbodylaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Urban-Body-Laser-Vancouver-BC-Logo.pngadmin2013-06-13 18:22:252024-09-27 14:47:37Choosing Colours for Your Skin Tone
Water hydrates and plumps skin cells to make your skin look brighter, vibrant, and more youthful. However, lack of water can cause skin to lose its plumpness and elasticity—leading to dryness, flakiness, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Water even helps reduce acne and other skin problems by flushing harmful toxins from the body. If beauty products and skin treatments are failing to improve the appearance of your skin, drink more water to achieve a more youthful appearance and to reduce or improve skin problems.
The sun gives off rays of light that can help and harm us. These are known as ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are three different types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA rays are the most common form of sun exposure. UVB rays make up less sun exposure, but are more intense. UVC rays are the worst. Luckily, we are not at risk of UVC rays. The earth’s ozone layer blocks these rays.
Even though you can’t see UV rays, they can go through your skin. The outer layer of skin is the epidermis. The inner layer is called the dermis. Your nerves and blood vessels are located in the dermis. Epidermis cells contain a pigment (or dye) called melanin. People with light skin have less melanin than dark-skinned people. This is why very fair-skinned people burn easier.
Melanin protects our skin and also creates vitamin D. When your body defends itself against UV rays, your skin tans or darkens. Too much sun exposure allows UV rays to reach your inner skin layers. You know this as sunburn. This can cause skin cells to die, damage, or develop cancer.
Too much sun exposure can be harmful. It can lead to:
Skin changes Some skin cells with melanin can form a clump. This creates freckles and moles. Over time, these can develop cancer.
Early aging Time spent in the sun makes your skin age faster than normal. Signs of this are wrinkled, tight, or leathery skin and dark spots.
Lowered immune system White blood cells work to protect your body. When your skin gets burnt, white blood cells help create new cells. Doing this can put your immune system at risk in other areas.
Eye injuries UV rays can damage the tissue in your eyes. They can burn your outer layer called the cornea. They also can blur your vision. Over time, you can develop cataracts. This can cause blindness if left untreated.
Skin cancer Most skin cancer is non melanoma. It is very common, but also very treatable. Melanoma skin cancer is not as common, but is more severe. Skin cancer can spread to other areas in your body, especially if left untreated.
Uv Filters
PABA
Oxybenzone
Octocrylene
Octylmenthoxycinnamate
Benzophenone
Dyes and Coloring Agents
Coal Tar Dyes
Amines
-P –Phenylenediamine
Acids
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Glycolic
Lactic
Malic
Citric
Tartaric
Beta Hydroxy Acids
Salicylic Acid
Emollients
Petrolatum
Isoparaffin
Polybutene
Mineral Oil
Silicone
Methicone/ Dimethicone
Lanolin
Humectants
Avoid in severely compromised barrier defense (rosacea, senstive skins):
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium PCA
Lactic Acid
Humectants:
Avoid in dry climates:
Butylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol
Pentylene Glycol
Glycerine
Glycereth-26
Sorbitol Trioleate
Humectants:
Health Hazard Concerns:
Ethylene Glycol
PEG-4
Propylene Glycol
Sorbic Acid
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers without risk, other than depleting the bilayers:
Glycerl Monosterate
Sodium Stearates
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Sorbitan Stearate
Laurate
Emulsifiers associated with risk:
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Polysorbates
Cetyl Alcohol
Stearyl Alcohol
Surfactants
Sodium Laureth Sulphate
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Ammonium Laureth Sulphate
Ammonium Laury Sulphate
Benzalkonium Chloride
DEA
TEA
Fragrance
Lemon/Lime
Orange/Tangerine
Bergamot
Lavender Oil (Lacandula Angusifolia)
Ylang-Ylang
Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEP) (10)
Fragrance
Parfum
Eugenol
Geraniol
Linalool
Citronellol
Limonene
Preservatives- Formaldehyde Releasers
Quaternium -15
Diazolidinyl Urea
Imidazolidinyl Urea
DMDM Hydantoin
Preservatives – Citrus –Derived
Citric Acid
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Limonene
Some drugs that tend to cause photosensitivity include:
certain antibiotics, including tetracycline
sulfa drugs
antifungals
antihistamines
retinoids, such as isotretinoin
statins
diuretics
some NSAIDs
Many drugs can cause erythroderma, including:
sulfa drugs
penicillins
anti-seizure drugs
chloroquine
allopurinol
isoniazid
What is a drug rash?
Drug rashes are a side effect of a drug that manifests as a skin reaction. Drug rashes are usually caused by an allergic reaction to a drug. Typical symptoms include redness, bumps, blisters, hives, itching, and sometimes peeling, or pain.
Why do drug rashes happen?
Drug rashes and reactions happen for several reasons, including:
an allergic reaction
a buildup of the drug that causes toxicity to the skin
a drug makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight
interaction of two or more drugs
Sometimes drug rashes can be spontaneous and develop without a cause. Certain factors can also increase your risk for developing a drug rash, such as being older and female.
Other risk factors include having:
a viral infection and taking an antibiotic
a weakened immune system due to an underlying condition or other drug
cancer
With a change in season comes a different temperature, humidity, wind and UV exposure which can all affect changes which the body needs to respond to. … Extremes of temperatures and humidity disrupt the surface of the skin and cause changes in the function of the external skin barrier.
Weather has a huge effect on our skin. When it’s too hot or dry outside, our skin lets us know it. The winter months bring harsh, cold winds that irritate the delicate skin on our face and hands. Winter also brings dry conditions that strip skin of its natural moisture. This dryness can lead to red patches and excess dead skin cells that clog pores, causing acne. The dry winter air ends up sucking the moisture and natural oils that your skin produces. The weather, combined with indoor heating systems, simply wreaks havoc on the skin. This is why certain skin conditions, such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), tend to flare up during the cold weather season. According to some skin-care experts, winter is the worst season for acne. It’s unclear whether these breakouts are due to the weather alone, or are an indirect effect of all the lotions we apply to counteract wintry conditions.
For many, summer brings the promise of clear, easy-to-manage skin. The humidity of summer softens skin and brings back the moisture lost in winter. Some people attribute their improved complexions to increased sun exposure.
Moreover, not everyone says summer helps their skin. Acne has the potential to get worse as the weather gets hotter. There are several explanations for why this happens. For one, excess heat and humidity increase sweat production, which means more oil available to clog pores. Also, summer activities – such as hanging out in swimming pools – can have negative effects on our skin. Chlorinated chemicals can cause a particularly bad form of acne called chloracne. Additionally, sunscreens, while great for protecting users from UV rays, can aggravate the skin, which is why we recommend Colorescience Mineral Treatment Cosmetics.
Of course, when the temperatures reach all-time highs, we stay inside and crank up the air conditioning. Our skin probably doesn’t like that much either. Both air conditioning and central heating can dry skin out. The struggle to create conditions our skin will find favorable can get frustrating, but what choice do we have? Until researchers come up with a way to prevent our skin from reacting to environmental factors, there is little we can do except take care of our skin by using the appropriate products that will address the existing condition of your skin.
Our skin is very much ruled by our hormones. There are those times of the month breakouts, and then there’s the pigmentation known as Melasma that can rear its head when you’re pregnant. The thing is our hormone levels change as we age, rising when we’re children, peaking in our late teens (the horror) and declining in our 30s. One of the most obvious indicators of these hormonal changes is our skin.
Adolescent Years
The Hormone Situation: Adolescence is defined by the transitional stage of physical maturation and psychosocial development, generally occurring from puberty to adulthood. Prior to your teenage years, acne is uncommon. However, during puberty, your hormones surge with rises in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which in turn can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (grease), which can lead to acne. Acne will affect almost every teenager to some extent, however, the level of acne varies enormously, but so too does the way in which people cope with it.
During Pregnancy
The Hormone Situation: Many pregnant women notice an increase in their skin pigmentation, which is more marked in women with darker skin types. This darkening of the skin is often one of the first signs of pregnancy and is related to increased levels of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones that stimulate pigment cells. Women suffering from this condition will notice that areas that are already pigmented such as the nipples and abdomen will become darker during their pregnancy, but this will generally settle down after delivery.
Menopause
The Hormone Situation: Menopause is defined as the day a woman has been diagnosed as not having a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. There are a number of structural and functional changes that occur in the skin as our hormone levels decline with age, especially during menopause. These include dryness, due to decreased oil production (sebum synthesis), and lower water content in the skin. This dryness can lead to itching and even eczema. Our skin will also begin to lose its firmness as we age, as the levels of fibroblasts and collagen decrease. This can also lead to a loss of skin thickness, resulting in wrinkles and easy bruising. Lastly, as your skin ages, there are changes in the immune function, which can lead to delayed wound healing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs )
Toxic and carcinogenic compounds that occur in the environment and derive from two classes processes: petrogenic and pyrogenic processes. PAHs have long degradation periods, and recent studies show high accumulated concentrations in soil, aquatic, and atmospheric environments.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs include a variety of chemicals that can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and skin problems. The health effects caused by VOCs depend on the concentration and length of exposure to the chemicals.
Nitrogen oxide (NOx)
The species represents one of the most threatening air pollutants due to their prevalence and harmful impact on the environment and human health. Such damages lead to pathologies of lungs, cardiovascular system, and skin because these organs represent the first barrier toward the environment.
Particulate Matter (PM)
Studies have concluded that fine particles with a diameter less than 2.5 microns – PM 2.5 – might impair the skin barrier functions causing damage and reactions including immune dysregulation, activation of melanocytes and collagen breakdown.
Ozone (O3)
Recently it has been reported that a chronic contact with O3 can be deleterious for the skin. Our group and others have shown a progressive depletion of antioxidant content in the stratum corneum and this can then lead to a cascade of effects resulting in an active cellular response in the deeper layers of the skin and cigarette smoke.
White bread, bagels, popcorn “Foods with a high glycemic index give you a sugar rush that will be terrible for your skin,” says Ava Shamban, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA. “When you increase sugar levels in the bloodstream, the sugar that’s not picked up by the liver can get into your collagen, which your body may then identify as damaged goods and chew up.”
Red-velvet cupcakes, pistachio ice cream cones Sweet stuff that’s irritating on your Instagram feed—looking at you, artfully arranged plate of macarons—is even worse for your skin. Once again, too much sugar can break down collagen and elastin, making your skin look dull and causing wrinkles over time. When you can substitute for sugar, “honey is the best sweetener since it’s loaded with antioxidants,” says Shamban.
Yogurt, cappuccinos Dairy gets a lot of flack for being bad for your skin, but the truth is “we don’t have enough data to know for sure, so we can only say it’s a potential culprit,” says Shamban. So far, studies have shown a correlation between dairy and acne but not causation, and anecdotal evidence is less reliable than you’d think. “If you gave up eating yogurt or drinking skim milk every day and had fewer breakouts, you wouldn’t know if it were because of the dairy or its sugar content,” says Shamban. Your best bet is to look for dairy that’s made
a) without added sugars and
b) from cows that are not treated with hormones.
“The hormones cows are fed can be steroid analogues, which can make you break out,” she says.
Bottled water “The BPA in water bottles is another steroid analogue, which means it could act like hormones in your body,” says Shamban. “You don’t think about your bottled water breaking you out, but we don’t know yet—and anyway, there are a thousand reasons not to use plastic bottles all the time.”
Your morning coffee If it gets you out of bed, don’t give it up. But you’d be wise to balance your coffee or fancy-pants espresso by chugging a glass of water, too. “Coffee acts as a diuretic, and that won’t make skin pretty, that’s for sure,” says Shamban. “Our skin cells are made of water, and anytime they shrivel up, you lose that glow and plumpness.” That means fine lines, like the ones we all have around our eyes, look worse. But as long as you add back hydration, there are plenty of benefits to drinking coffee, too: The polyphenols in coffee could mean younger-looking skin in the long run. Women who drank about three cups a day had the fewest age spots in a study in the International Journal of Dermatology.
Rounds of margaritas If you’ve ever had a hangover, you already know that having more than a few drinks dries out your skin the next day—it’s why lines look worse (like, way worse) on Sunday morning. Pile on the moisturizer and, if you’re lucky enough to look puffy, too, try pressing a compress with half-and-half or whole milk under your eyes. The proteins in whole-fat milk bring down bags.
…And the salt on the margarita rim (or in a bag of chips) “Just as coffee and alcohol do, too much salt will dehydrate your skin,” says Shamban. It’s why some dermatologists go to extremes: “I put all of my patients on a zero-added-salt diet—if you’re making chicken, you can cook it with rosemary, thyme, and pepper, no salt. Fish is olive oil, garlic, and basil. And restaurants function on salt, so I tell them no dressings, sauces, or salt,” says Harold Lancer, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills.
Milk chocolate—but not dark chocolate (woo-hoo!) It’s the sugars that make milk chocolate hard on your skin, but for the record: “There’s no reason to skip dark chocolate,” says Shamban (Look for 70 percent cacao or higher).
Anything caliente If you have rosacea, don’t pour hot sauce on your pizza. “It’s the skin condition that’s most sensitive to food,” says Shamban. “And spicy foods trigger inflammation and flushing.”
The answer is absolutely. Let us explain – It’s true that eye creams contain the same types of ingredients found in many face creams. However, they’re also meant to address hyper-specific skincare issues. Not only does the skin underneath your eyes require more targeted TLC (i.e., retinol for wrinkles, ingredients for puffiness, niacinamide for dark circles, etc.), it’s also a lot thinner than other areas of the face—in fact, it’s the thinnest skin on the body.
