Tag Archive for: skincare

Janiece
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Skincare and what happens when we don’t practice what we preach

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.

Skin Issues

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.

 

Janiece Skincare

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.

Skincare
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What Is A Skincare Routine?

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.

As we’ve covered in earlier topics, the factors that contribute to your overall skin health (The Ultimate Guide to Skincare – What’s the Big Deal; The Ultimate Guide to Treating Dull Skin), this article will aim to focus mainly on the factor of products.

When Should You Start?

How ‘bout right now?!

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

Our recommendation:
For Dry Skin:
Balancing Cleanser

For Sensitive Skin:
Calming Cleanser

For Oily Skin:
Cleanse/Purifier

All Skin Types:
Sea Mineral Cleanse
Illuminating Cleanser

TONERS

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.

Our recommendation:
For Dry Skin:
Illuminating Spritzer

For Sensitive Skin:
Calming Spritzer

For Oily Skin:
Pure Spritzer

All Skin Types:
Rain Spritzer

SERUMS

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:

  • Apply water-based serums before moisturizer
  • Apply oil-based serums after moisturizer

Our recommendation:
For Dry Skin:
Boost
Enrich
Illuminating Serum

For Sensitive Skin:
Organic Aloe Gel
Soothe

For Oily Skin:
Revive
Vitamin A Serum

All Skin Types:
Aox + Serum
Awaken
Enhance
Rejuvenate +
Smoothing Serum

EXFOLIANTS & MASKS

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

Our recommendation:
EXFOLIANTS:

All Skin Types:
Microderm Exfoliant

MASKS:

For Dry Skin:
Refresh Hydrating Mask with Hyaluronic Acid

For Sensitive Skin:
Remedy

For Oily Skin:
Flower Acid Peel

All Skin Types:
Detoxifying Mask
Glycolic Cherry Peel

EYE CREAMS

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

Our recommendation:
All Skin Types:
Aqua Eye Cream

MOISTURIZERS & NIGHT CREAMS

What is it?
Moisturizers hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling soft to the touch and locks in all other applied products

Moisturizers may have an SPF, which offers UV protection

 

How should it be applied?

  • Dab moisturizer with clean fingers, onto the face and neck areas
  • Spread the moisturizer into the skin using a swirling (upwards and outwards) motions until fully absorbed into your skin
  • Wait for the moisturizer to dry before applying makeup

Alternatively, refer to product directions for proper application as products can vary in application

When should it be used?
Mornings
Evenings

Mornings: apply a lightweight lotion or moisturizer (ideally with SPF 30 or higher)

Evenings: apply a thicker night cream

Moisturizer should be applied as the last step before makeup is applied

Our recommendation:
For Dry Skin:
Illuminate

For Sensitive Skin:
Restore

For Oily Skin:
Matte Moisture

All Skin Types:
Enrich Plus

SPOT TREATMENTS

What is it?
Spot treatments work well for acne-prone skin and normally contain concentrated salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Spot treatments should be applied as close to the skin as possible, to maximize their benefits

If using a spot treatment, don’t combine it with retinoids or anything else that can irritate your skin

How should it be applied?
Remember that spot treatments may dry out your skin, so apply only on spots where needed

Alternatively, refer to product directions for proper application as products can vary in application

When should it be used?
Evenings

Our recommendation:
For Oily Skin:
Clearify

SUNSCREENS

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

Our recommendation:
All Skin Types:
Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield SPF 50

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.

Eye Cream
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Let’s talk about Eye Cream: Do you really need it?

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.Eye

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?

Eye Cream GridThe 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.Pretty Eye

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!

R3 Derma Health Pro Products

Hydrabooty
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Best Butt Acne Treatment – The facial for your Booty!

Our booty facial is a treatment provided by Urban Body Laser to help with all sorts of skin issues. It involves steaming and a jelly mask. Our booty facial  helps with issues such as acne scarring, pimples, folliculitis and keratosis pilaris. Read more about this treatment as well as gain some helpful tips for home treatment by visting our Butt Acne Treatments page.

Skin Care
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Understand Your Skin Type To Have The Best Skin Care Routine For YOU

Here at Urban Body Laser, we realize that determining your skin type may feel a little overwhelming, like cracking a super cryptic code or searching for the missing piece of a complex genetics puzzle but it is an absolute necessity when it comes to ensuring proper skincare and overall skin health and longevity.

Knowing (and understanding) your skin type is the first step in the right direction to determining why you could be experiencing certain skin-related concerns and establishing a vital skincare routine – the basis on which all your products and regimens rest.

It will also aid in understanding your skin’s natural behaviors and responses, enabling you to introduce to your routine, better-suited products that are most effective for you, to target skin concerns specific to your own skin.

We would love to help you establish what your skin needs to look and feel its best but in order to do this, you must first understand the different skin types and determine your own skin

type…

Understanding the Different Skin Types

There are five main types of skin, namely: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. Skin type is predominantly determined by genetics. However, the condition of our skin may vary greatly in accordance with the various internal and external factors it is subjected to, such as climate, hormones, medications, diet and products, to name a few.

1. Normal Skin Type

What is “normal” skin?

The term ‘normal’ skin is widely used to refer to well-balanced skin. The scientific term for well-balanced skin is eudermic. Normal skin: is neither overly oily nor dry; is rarely sensitive or particularly problematic; has balanced sebum production and good blood circulation. This well-balanced healthy skin type has even levels of moisture and hydration, uniform texture and no obvious problem areas.

How to identify normal skin

Normal skin may be identified by the following properties:

  • Barely visible pores
  • A fresh, even tone
  • Soft and smooth texture with uniform transparency
  • Good blood circulation
  • Balanced oil production
  • No blemishes and
  • Minimal sensitivity

As a person with normal skin ages, their skin may become drier.

2. Dry Skin Type

What is “dry” skin?

The term ‘dry’ skin is used to describe a skin type that produces insufficient sebum and as a result, dry skin lacks the lipids it requires to retain balanced moisture and build a protective shield against harsh external influences (this leads to an impaired barrier function). Often characterized by its flaky and rough texture, dry skin (or Xerosis) exists in varying degrees of severity and in different forms that are not always obviously distinguishable.

Significantly more women suffer from dry skin than men, and all skin gets dryer as it ages.

The causes of dry skin

Dry skin may affect anyone but some risk factors raise your chances of developing dry skin. These include:

  • Age: as you age, your pores naturally produce less oils
  • Medical history: you’re more likely to experience eczema or allergic contact dermatitis, if there is a history of these conditions in your family
  • Seasons: dry skin is more common during the colder months, when humidity levels are relatively low. In warmer months, higher levels of humidity may prevent your skin from drying out.
  • Cleansing habits: taking long and frequent baths, showers or cleansing with very hot water strips the skin of its necessary oils

Skin moisture is dependent on water supply in the deeper skin layers and even perspiration. Skin is constantly losing water via:

  • Perspiration: active water loss from the glands caused by heat, stress or exertion and is vital for body temperature regulation and overall health.
  • Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL): the skin’s natural and passive process of water content regulation by diffusing about half a liter of water a day from the deeper skin layers.

Therefore, dry skin is caused by a lack of:

  • Natural moisturizing factors (NMFs): especially urea, amino acids and lactic acid – that help to bind in water.
  • Epidermal lipids: such as ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol which are needed for a healthy skin barrier function.

As a result, the skin’s barrier function may become compromised.

How to identify dry skin

Dry skin ranges from skin that is a little bit drier than normal, to very dry skin, to extremely dry skin.

These differences are normally be distinguished by:

Dry skin

  • Flaky, rough or tight feeling
  • Slight itchiness
  • Brittle, uneven texture
  • Dull looking
  • Low elasticity

Very dry skin

  • Mild scaling or patched flakiness
  • Rough and blotchy appearance (may appear to be prematurely aged)
  • Feeling of tightness
  • Itchiness
  • More sensitive to irritation, redness and risk of infection

Extremely dry skin

  • Roughness and inflammation
  • Chapping, fissures (cracks) and/or calluses
  • Scaling
  • Discoloration
  • Frequent itchiness

Extremely dry skin is most commonly found on the elderly or on severely dehydrated hands.

3.  Oily Skin Type

What is “oily” skin?

The term ‘oily’ skin describes a skin type with heightened sebum production. This excessing discharge of sebum is commonly known as seborrhea.

The causes of oily skin

A number of issues may trigger an overproduction of sebum. These include:

  • Genetics: oily skin tends to run in families. If one of your parents has oily skin, you’re likely to have overactive sebaceous glands, too
  • Stress and hormonal changes: androgens (the hormones mostly responsible for oil production) may sometimes fluctuate, stimulating an increase in sebum production, occurring most commonly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Stress and illness may also prompt for additional hormones to be released, and with those hormones excess oils may be produced
  • Medications: acquiring oily skin is one of the possible side effects associated with taking oral contraceptives, hormone replacement medication and certain kinds of steroids. Some medications may also cause dehydration which leads to the production of excess oils
  • Enlarged pores: sometimes pores stretch out due to age, weight fluctuations and previous breakouts – larger pores tend to produce more oil
  • Environment: where you live and the time of year may contribute to oily skin. People in warmer, humid climates tend to have oilier skin. You are also likelier to have more oil on your skin during warmer seasons than you would in colder seasons
  • Poor diet: frequent consumption of foods high in sugars, refined carbohydrates and dairy may lead to overactive sebum production
  • Comedogenic cosmetics: frequent use of cosmetic products that cause irritation
  • Methods of cleansing: scrubbing too hard and too often, with abrasive tools or coarse exfoliators, and using harsh chemicals and soaps not suited for your skin type, strips the skin of moisture causing glands to overproduce oil

How to identify oily skin

Oily skin may be identified by the following properties:

  • Enlarged, obviously visible pores
  • Greasy appearance
  • Thicker, pale skin: blood vessels may not be visible
  • Prone of breakouts
  • Inflammation and discoloration in severe cases

Oily skin is prone to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and to other varying forms of acne.

With mild acne, a significant number of comedones appear on the face and frequently on the neck, shoulders, back and chest too.

In moderate and severe cases, papules (small bumps with no visible white or black head) and pustules (medium sized bumps with a noticeable white or yellow spot at the center) appear and the skin becomes red and inflamed.

4.       Combination Skin Type

What is “combination” skin?

The term ‘combination’ skin describes exactly that – having a combination of oily skin in some areas and dry skin in other areas. Typically, there’s a mix of oily and dry areas on different parts of your face, with the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) being slightly to very oily and the cheeks being normal to dry.

The causes of combination skin

The oilier parts of combination skin are caused by an overproduction of sebum. The drier parts of combination skin are caused by a lack of sebum and a corresponding lipid deficiency.

A number of factors may cause combination skin. These include:

  • Genetics: if one of your parents has combination skin, you’re likely to have it too
  • Climate: you may see a change in your skin’s appearance depending on the change in the climate. You are likelier to have more oil on your skin during warmer seasons and your skin may feel dry in colder seasons
  • Products: the use of harsh products may and contribute to excess sebum production in the T-zone

How to identify combination skin

Combination skin may be identified by the following properties:

  • Oily T-zone (forehead, chin and nose)
  • Enlarged pores T-zone area, perhaps with some impurities
  • Prone to breakouts only on forehead, chin and nose
  • Normal to dry cheeks
  • Sensitive cheeks

5.       Sensitive Skin Type

What is “sensitive” skin?

The term ‘sensitive’ skin generally refers to skin that is more prone to inflammation or adverse reactions. People with sensitive skin are likelier to have strong, negative reactions to chemicals, dyes, and fragrances present in products that come into contact with the skin.

The causes of sensitive skin

Just like there are varying degrees of severity of dry skin, there are also different levels of sensitive skin. These may generally be divided up into four main types, namely, naturally sensitive, environmentally sensitive, reactive, and thin.

  • Naturally sensitive skin: the cause of this is genetics and may be linked to inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea
  • Environmentally sensitive skin: this type of sensitivity, as the name implies, is triggered by the environment. Factors such as sun exposure, cigarette smoke, air pollution that come into contact with the skin may cause irritation
  • Reactive skin: direct contact with certain products may cause the skin to react, becoming irritated, resulting in papules or pustules, warmness, redness and/or inflammation forming, where the irritant came into contact
  • Thin skin: as we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner, and thinner skin is easier to irritate

How to identify sensitive skin


Sensitive skin may be identified by the following properties:

  • Skin feeling itchy and tight
  • Uneven texture
  • Oily in warmer seasons
  • Dry in colder seasons
  • Reacts easily to certain skincare products
  • Redness after a hot water application (bath or shower)
  • Feels itchy while wearing tight clothes
  • Flushes easily after eating spicy food

If you need help with identifying your skin type, we’ve included below a very basic skin type test, which may be a useful tool:

Determining Your Skin Type

If…

• Your skin doesn’t get more oily or drier during the day
• You only experience dry parches or excess oil seasonally
• You rarely experience breakouts or are sensitive to products

Your skin type is likely…

If…

• You experience dry patches or flaking skin mid-day
• Your skin is rare oily, even at the end of the day
• Your skin often feels tight, itchy, or dry after cleansing

Your skin type is likely…

If…

• Your face is shiny or greasy by mid-day, regardless of the season
• You frequently experience breakouts
• You have large and visible pores

Your skin type is likely…

If…

• Your T-zone is consistently oily and your cheeks are often dry
• Your visible pores are concentrated in your T-zone area
• You experience acne and dry patches at the same time

Your skin type is likely…

If…

• You often experience redness or irritation after applying new products or products with ingredients, like fragrance
• You have skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis

Your skin type is likely…

However, if you need further advice, we highly recommend that you contact us for a free consultation.

Evaluating skin type and condition

Unlike skin type, skin condition may vary greatly during a person’s lifespan. There are many internal and external factors that determine and affect its condition, including: climate and environment, medication, stress and illness, hereditary traits which influence the levels of sebum, perspiration and natural moisturizing factors that your skin produces, and even the products you use and the skincare choices you make.

Skincare products should ideally be selected to match skin type and address skin condition. Dermatologists and other skincare experts determine a person’s skin type condition by measuring the following factors:

Signs of Aging

Our skin type can evolve during our lifetime. Those with an oily skin type in their teenage years can find their skin becoming drier post-puberty and those with a normal skin type can find their skin getting drier as they age.

 

As all skin types age, skin loses elasticity, volume and density, fine lines and wrinkles appear and changes in pigmentation can occur. Understanding and measuring the signs of ageing helps us to determine the condition of our skin.

Skin Color

Skin color and ethnicity influences how our skin reacts to external forces such as the sun, pigmentation disorders, irritation and inflammation. Basic skin color is determined by the density of the epidermis and the distribution of melanin.

The redness of skin is also a useful measure of skin condition; it indicates how successful our circulation is and is helpful in identifying conditions such as couperose (or rosacea).

Sebum and Sweat Production

The amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in skin controls the efficacy of the skin’s barrier function and, as a result, the condition of skin. The overproduction of sebum can lead to oily, acne-prone skin, while low sebum production causes dry skin.

The perspiratory glands in skin produce sweat to help the body to maintain its optimum temperature. Excessive or low sweat production can influence skin condition.

Skin Sensitivity

Sensitive skin is skin that is easily irritated and is more reactive to different factors, that are generally tolerated by well-balanced (normal) skin. For some people, sensitive skin is a permanent condition; for others, sensitivity is triggered by certain internal and external factors. It occurs when skin’s natural barrier function is compromised, causing water loss and allowing penetration of irritants. Symptoms are exacerbated by factors that facial skin is most exposed to, from the sun to some ingredients in cosmetics and cleansers. Identifying and evaluating symptoms such as redness, a rash, stinging, itching and burning help in determining skin condition.

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs)

Naturally produced in healthy skin, NMFs such as amino acids help to bind water into the skin, maintain its elasticity and suppleness and prevent it from becoming dehydrated. When the skin’s protective barrier is damaged it is often unable to retain these essential NMFs so skin moisture decreases and condition is affected.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

We sincerely hope that this article has helped you to understand the importance of knowing and understanding you skin type and want you to know that our friendly and qualified staff are always here to give you any recommendation, with utmost passion for skincare.

We proudly invite you to peruse 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.

If you have any further questions, you are welcome to contact us at info@urbanbodylaser.com, live chat or at (604) 265-7507. Or, if you would like to take advantage of our promotional offers, please visit https://www.urbanbodylaser.com/promotions for more information.

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Photorejuvenation Treatment – Turning Back the Clock

Imagine a treatment that slows down the clock on your skin and gives you the fresh, summer-ready look you want. Stop imagining, and keep reading!
Our Photorejuvenation treatment can erase damage done from years past and give your skin new life. Dark spots, sun damage, broken capillaries, fine lines, redness and more can all be addressed with the Sciton BBL. This tool uses Intense Pulsed Light technology, producing a broad spectrum of light in a range of wavelengths to repair and revive your skin. The wavelengths can be adjusted to suit your specific skin type and the results you are looking for. During treatment, collagen production is also stimulated, resulting in smoother, rejuvenated skin.
The best way for us to explain the benefits of this treatment is to show you! After years of feeling self-conscious about unwanted pigmentation, Donna took the plunge and couldn’t have been happier she did. Let Donna’s experience inspire you to take the leap and book the appointment you have been waiting for.
“I am finally getting it done! After years of not wearing dresses and skirts I am finally getting those nasty brown spots on my legs taken care of!! I’m so excited to begin. I look forward to the transformation from looking old to younger once again!”
BEFORE
    
    
Her first treatment went very well, with minimal discomfort and an excellent technician experience. After her first treatment, Donna noticed that her skin was tender and hot, but this feeling subsided quickly.
After four treatments, Donna was excited and appreciative.
“Wow! Great results. So happy to have experienced such fantastic results at Urban Laser!! Can’t wait to see even more results after my 5th treatment. Now I can finally wear dresses and skirts without nylons!! I even decided to have my neck done too because I want it to look as good as my chest and face!”
Donna’s final results speak for themselves!
AFTER
    
    
This treatment really can change your life. In an average of 5 treatments, our clients do away with their insecurities and find the confidence they have been missing. To learn more about this treatment, visit our services page.
Book your first appointment online now!
Contact:
Urban Body Laser
777 Hornby St #860, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2G3
(604) 696-5506

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September Special: DermaPen Treatments

With another amazing summer in Vancouver behind us, September is all about renewal and fresh beginnings. So if you’ve been neglecting your skin in favour of summer BBQ’s and patio sessions, we are here to the (derma) rescue.

With celebrity devotees like Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow, it’s little wonder why everyone’s talking about the DermaPen, a revolutionary little tool that kick starts your body’s own natural collagen production. Also referred to as Microneedling, this treatment creates tiny punctures in the skin, tricking the body to build collagen and elastin (which are basically your BFF’s to anti-aging). Besides softening wrinkles, it’s also been proven to lessen the appearance of acne or trauma scars, shrink pores, and fade brown spots.

DermaPen: The New Facial

The old saying that good things come in small packages couldn’t be more true. This little tool offers big results, and has completely disrupted the idea of the traditional facial. If you’re looking for an alternative to laser therapy, Microneedling is the perfect solution for patients with darker skin tones at risk for hyperpigmentation, or those who don’t want to avoid the sunlight for weeks.
Plus you can target much more than just the face. DermaPen treatments can be done anywhere, and are particularly popular for those who suffer from stretch marks or post-natal scarring. Our medical estheticians have treated areas like the legs, chest, or butt, creating a soft, lifted, and smooth appearance in as little as five treatments.

Wondering how it works or want to learn more? We have plenty of information and videos on our website. In addition, feel free to contact our knowledgeable staff by booking a free consultation.

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I Let Urban Body Laser have their way with me….

I Let Urban Body Laser have their way with me….

and I think I like it…..

I have always been content with the way I appear on the outside.  I’m no beauty queen, but I’m happy about how I look.

Also, I have never been caught up with getting older.  Some of the most beautiful humans I have ever laid eyes on are in their 80’s.

So, I had never really thought of facial rejuvenation as something I’d be into.  I heard the ads that my friends from Urban Body Laser ran on the PEAK pretty much ever since we went on air.  But, I always thought they were talking to someone else.

Then, recently, I started noticing the effects my love for the sun has had on my skin.  I had so many crazy sunburns on my face, one so bad I had to be hospitalized.  And it realized that my careless ways with the sun were catching up with me.

When I heard the Urban Body Laser ads about photorejuvenation, I started to pay attention.  The idea that maybe some of the spotting and redness on my face can be removed with light therapy began to appeal to me.

So I talked to my friend Janiece at Urban Body Laser.   I had my first photorejuvenation and skin tightening treatment just before the holidays.  I was a little freaked out. I was afraid it would hurt like crazy ( it hurt a tiny bit ).   I was afraid there might be scarring ( there was none – in fact, Janiece made me look better when I left than I did when I walked in thanks to the Colorescience  mineral makeup she hooked me up with ). Mostly, I felt refreshed and relaxed and like I’d been pampered.

The treatment comes with a excellent skin care line for use after to help nourish and protect the skin.  I love it.

I didn’t really notice a difference, but my friends did.  I have already started getting compliments on how great my skin looks.  After one treatment.  Crazy.

Next step, microdermabrasion.  It’s happening soon.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

We’ll be posting the before and after pics of me after I’ve had all the treatments.  But from what I’ve experienced so far, it’s working.

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Best Before and Afters of 2015

Urban Body Laser’s Best Before and Afters

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.

Pretty Eye
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Post-Summer Skincare Treatments

Summertime means sun, shorts, and sandals. But with that beach hair and bronzed skin also comes sun damage. While prevention is the first line of defense, no one (and no sunscreen) is perfect. We’ve listed our top treatments for after-sun care to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Microdermabrasion:
Exposure to sun, chlorine and salt water can dry out your skin, causing it to peel and flake. The buildup of dead skin can make skin appear dull, blotchy and uneven. Exfoliation is crucial to help remove sun damage and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it softer and brighter.
Our microdermabrasion treatments gently rejuvenate the skin with non-invasive exfoliation. By removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells, microdermabrasion leaves the skin feeling smoother and dare we say, younger. We use the Pristine Precision Diamond Peel System because we love how the densely packed diamonds gently remove top layers of the epidermis, stimulating collagen and elastin production and improving blood flow. Microdermabrasion treatments are recommended for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Photorejuvenation:
The main cause of sunspots is prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun. While increased sun exposure can cause fair-skinned faces to freckle, darker complexions are also vulnerable to uneven pigmentation. In fact, many of us may have a veil of pigment on our skin that we don’t even know is there.

To counteract this, we highly recommend Photorejuventation. Whether on your face, hands, neck, chest or back, Photorejuvenation can make you look like you’ve turned back time. This treatment pulses light into the skin, heating it to target and remove the unwanted brown and red marks from the sun to deliver a more even skin tone and overall glow. It uses light (in a good way!) to repair and revive your skin in an effective and non-invasive system. These treatments are done in a timely matter and can even be done over your lunch hour.

Summer isn’t the only time to be worried about harmful UV rays, as we are exposed to the sun all year round. Therefore, sun protection is essential no matter what season you are in. Keep an eye out for our next blog, where we’ll be sharing our favourite after-sun skincare products that are perfect for recovering from the sunny season.
If you have any questions about summer skincare or any other services we offer, our medical estheticians are a helpful guide for finding the best products for your skin type, so contact us any time. We’re happy to help!

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Winter Skin Care Tips

Winter Skin Care Tips

Have you noticed that your skin has become incredibly dry in the past few weeks? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Cooler temperatures always affect the moisture of your skin, especially on your face, hands, and feet. As a result, cracking, flaking, and redness are all side effects as winter weather sweeps in.

It also doesn’t help that as the temperature drops outside, we’re turning up the heat inside, which also causes the skin to dry out. Thankfully, the Urban Body Laser team has assembled their Winter Survival Kit so ensure your skin receives the tender loving care it deserves. Check out our top picks:

R3 Derma Organic Aloe Gel
We recommend using this in the morning and evening to regenerate the skin’s protective film, or any time after bathing, showering or shaving.

R3 Derma Revive Serum
This helps calm and soothe very dry skin with Konjac Root Extract. Our owner, Janiece, swears by it! In fact, she loves applying this to her hands and lips before bed.

R3 Derma Health Pro Products

R3 Derma Enrich Plus

This anti-aging hydrator is perfect for under your mineral makeup to leave you with not only a photo finish but also a silky feel. Can be used upon waking and/or before bed.

Colorescience Pep Up Gel
Give your skin a jumpstart every morning with this amplified Anti-Aging Serum. This collagen renewal treatment for face and neck is formulated with a 10-peptide blend to specifically target aging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. This radiance-boosting formula with deep hydration and advanced antioxidant support makes your skin look and feel younger. Light-reflecting pigments diminish imperfections, improve the appearance of redness, and brighten sallow tones.

Colorescience Pep Up Gel

R3 Derma Refresh Hydrating Mask
Maximize topical hydration and enhance your skin’s natural moisture barrier with this thirst quenching Mask which contains water based humectants that attract and bind moisture to the skin. Infused with powerful resilience-enhancing actives, this mask will provide immediate and long lasting hydration, skin will feel supremely nourished, refreshed, hydrated and balanced.

With this dream team in your corner, you won’t have to suffer from another season of chapped lips and cracked hands. Best of all, these are available at our clinic or on our online store! Though all of these products can be used on any age or skin type, there may be some that are better suited for you than others. If you need help deciphering which ones are best for you, contact our team any time, we are more than happy to help.

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Serums 101

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.

microdermabrasion pigmentation

Skin Pigmentation: Will It Ever Go Away?

Let’s face it: we all want skin that’s tight, supple, blemish-free, and evenly toned. However, as we age, freckles, blemishes, and dark spots seem to ‘magically’ appear. This leaves many women to pile on concealer in an attempt to hide skin pigmentation. Sound familiar? Trust us, you’re not alone.
Read more