What’s the difference between a spa and a medi-spa? BLOG

Hey there, spa enthusiasts!  

 

Who doesn’t love a spa day – self-care and rejuvenation – yes, please! 

 

But many people often confuse a medical spa with a day spa, or vice-versa, so let’s break it down: 

 

At a Day Spa, you will likely be pampered with luxurious treatments that focus on relaxation. From soothing massages to expert manis and pedis, their mission is to transport you to a state of pure zen. We love day spas, and like to visit to unwind or recharge throughout the year. Some of the treatments are really fun, too!

 

At a Medi-Spa, you’re getting the best of beauty and science – advanced skincare treatments backed by medical expertise. Think of a medical spa as your go-to destination for treatments that not only make you feel fabulous but also tackle specific skin concerns. From laser therapies to Botox, these treatments are all about making a notable difference in the look and feel of your skin. The relationship you have with your med spa is a close one.

We work closely with each client to help them achieve and maintain long-lasting results.  Although some treatments are uncomfortable, we know we can help you reach your skin goals and enjoy the journey, too! 

 

Whether you're all about that chill vibes life or seeking some high-tech TLC, self-care is an investment that always pays dividends. 

Let's Talk About Retinol

Retinol is widely recognized for its benefits in promoting skin health.

A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol is a common ingredient in skincare products due to its ability to boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture. Retinol helps to stimulate cell turnover, which can lead to smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

Here are some ways retinol can be effective in your skincare regimen:

Treatment of Acne:

Retinol can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, help exfoliate dead skin and regulate oil production, leading to fewer breakouts and clearer skin.

Improving Overall Skin Texture: 

Retinol supports collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. By promoting cell turnover, retinol can help smooth rough and uneven skin texture, making it feel softer and more refined.

Evening Skin Tone:

Retinol can also help fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and other forms of skin discoloration, leading to a more even skin tone. Retinol should only be used as part of your evening skincare routine as it will cause the skin to be more susceptible to UV. 

It's important to note that while retinol offers numerous benefits, it may cause skin sensitivity, redness, and irritation, especially when first introduced to a skincare routine. It's recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage to allow the skin to acclimate. Retinol can also increase your skin sensitivity to sun, so SPF daily is so important. 

Do you have any other questions about retinol? Contact us!

How to Prep for Your Medical Spa Appointment

Congratulations on booking yourself in for some well-deserved self-care and rejuvenation. If this is your first time at our medi-spa, or if you’ve been here before, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to prep, to ensure you make the most of your experience:

1. Understand the Procedure You’re Booked In For: Whether your booked in for a treatment or you’re coming in for a consultation, feel free to ask as many questions as you need so you understand the procedure. We pride ourselves on our training and expertise and can help ease any concerns (if you have them), or provide information on the technologies or treatments. Please remember to tell us about any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications you're taking. This information is crucial for the staff to tailor the treatments to your specific needs and avoid any potential complications.

2. Follow Pre-Treatment Instructions: When you book your appointment and upon confirmation, you will receive an email with pre-treatment instructions. 

   For all treatments, we recommend avoiding caffeine the day of your treatment if possible, as it may reduce your pain threshold. Avoid spicy foods (they dilate the blood vessels) and come to your appointment with clean skin and without any skincare products, including sunscreen (in the areas we are treating specifically). 

   For all facial treatments including Microneedling, Peels, Secret Pro, CO2 and Forma, please discontinue any actives (retinols, Vitamin C, AHA/BHA, salicylic acid, etc.) 4 days prior to treatment and 4 days post-treatment, as they may interfere with the treatment or cause adverse reactions. Please do not wear make-up to your appointment. Arriving with a clean face will allow our medical estheticians to prepare your skin adequately before starting your treatment.

   For laser hair removal, please shave 1 day prior (unless instructed otherwise) and leave a small patch in each area. Please ensure the area we are treating is free from any creams or lotions and if you use actives, please discontinue 4 days prior. Please do not use self-tanner on these areas for two weeks prior to treatment.

3. Stay Hydrated and Get Enough Sleep: In the days leading up to your appointment, prioritize your health and well-being. Drink plenty of water and get adequate sleep to ensure your body is in the best condition for the procedure. Hydration and rest can help speed up the recovery process, increase your pain threshold and enhance the effectiveness of the treatments.

4. Dress Comfortably: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Depending on the treatment, we can give you a robe so your clothes do not get soiled. 

5. Plan for Downtime (if necessary): Some medi-spa treatments may require downtime for recovery. If your procedure calls for it, plan your schedule accordingly. Take time off work or avoid any strenuous activities that could impact the healing process. Use this downtime to rest, recover, and pamper yourself. If you’re unsure about downtime, ask us – some treatments require more downtime than others. 

6. Prepare for Post-Care: Before you leave the clinic, be sure to understand the post-treatment care instructions. Following the proper aftercare routine is vital for the success and longevity of the results. Depending on the procedure, this might involve avoiding sun exposure, using specific skincare products, or attending follow-up appointments.

7. Relax and Enjoy: Lastly, the most crucial preparation is to relax and enjoy your experience at Freedom Medi-Spa! Take this time to unwind, indulge, and focus on yourself. 

8. Please respect our Cancellation Policy: When you book an appointment with Freedom Medi-Spa, it means we have reserved time in our schedule exclusively for you. Please note, we require a minimum of 24 hours notice for appointment cancellations.

   Failure to provide 24 hours notice or missing an appointment/free consultation will result in a non-refundable $50 charge. Subsequent missed appointments without notice will be charged at full price.

   By following these essential tips, you'll be fully prepared to make the most of your medi-spa appointment. Enjoy the journey to a more refreshed and revitalized version of YOU! We are looking forward to seeing you for your next appointment at Freedom Medi-Spa!

2023 Sunscreen Report -- It's All About the Lips!

Do you wear lip balm with SPF?

Great!

 But, when was the last time you checked the ingredients?

 You may be surprised to learn there are some dangerous chemicals found in some lip balms that contain SPF. We certainly were. What’s scarier is we put these chemicals directly on our lips.

For the last few years, Freedom Medi-Spa has done extensive research on sunscreens, and offered various comparisons to our clients, followers, and fans.  Our goal is to educate you to make the best choices when shopping for sunscreen for yourself and your family. Our sunscreen reports have been shared hundreds of times and remain an excellent resource on sun safety. Read our reports from 2020, 2021, and 2022.

This year, we want to pay special attention to our lips. We do think it’s important to protect your lips against harmful UVA and UVB rays. But it’s also important to know what you’re putting on them.

We’ve pulled 10 popular lip balms that contain SPF and we’re ranking them. As in the past, our scale is as follows:

Low Risk: contains mild-risk chemicals like Avobenzone and Octisalate (Remember, there are risks with all chemical ingredients)

Moderate Risk: contains Homosalate and Octocrylene

High Risk: contains Oxybenzone and Octinoxate (please never use these products, especially on your children.)

Our favourite sunscreens get a Glowing Seal of Approval.

How do your favourites stack up?? SPOILER ALERT: they almost all fail.

 In the High-Risk Category:

 ·      Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0, Octinoxate 6.75%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 2.0%, Oxybenzone 5.4%, Petrolatum 31.0%

·      Banana Boat Sport SPF 15

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.0%), Octocrylene (10.0%), Oxybenzone (6.0%)

·      Blistex Medicated Lip Balm with 15 SPF

Active Ingredients: Dimethicone (2.00%), Octinoxate (6.6%), Octisalate (4.4%)

·       Carmex SPF 15

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate (7.5%), Oxybenzone (4%), White Petroleum (35%)

·      JB Moisture Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0% and Octinoxate 7.5%, Petrolatum 40.2%

·       Sun Bum Lip balm with 30 SPF 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.00%), Homosalate (15.00%), Octinoxate (7.50%), Octisalate (5.00%) 

·      EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate (7.5%), Zinc Oxide (7.0%)

In the Moderate Risk Category:

·      Coola Lip Luxe SPF 30

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 4.0%, Octisalate 4.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%

In the Low to No Risk Category:

·      Burt’s Bees All Weather Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (11%)

Did you know that we carry the Jane Iredale Lip Drink with SPF 15 and the ONLY active ingredient is Titanium Dioxide? You might want to pick one up the next time you're in.

Should Microneedling Make You Bleed?

Should we be bleeding when we do Microneedling?  

The short answer? Not really. 

There are many reasons why some people bleed during Microneedling.

First of all: when doing Microneedling properly, the medical esthetician really doesn’t need to penetrate the skin too deep to stimulate the production of healthy, pliable collagen. So, if there is any bleeding, it is minimal. 

The only time we choose a deeper needle depth is when treating acne scars or pockmarks. With some scars, we do need to penetrate deeper to achieve better results and really help to lift the scar. 

Why is everyone bleeding all over Instagram? 

Well, it makes for a good show! 

Also, many needling pens bounce around and actually cause tearing of the skin. Our Microneedling pen works in a linear fashion - no bouncing. It creates perfect little micro-wounds, which stimulate collagen and elastin without the downtime. 

Ready to learn if Microneedling is right for you? 

Contact us to book your consultation (with treatment to follow if you’d like). 

Teens and Acne

Is your teen struggling with acne or acne scarring?

We can help. 

Many teens experience acne at some point in their lives, and some develop severe, cystic acne and scarring.

As with any client, we begin with a thorough consultation, examining the issue and providing a treatment plan we think will garner the best results. 

It should be noted that this is a process – it happens over a period of time, individual to each client. 

When treating acne, our first goal is to get it under control. That includes switching the client’s skincare to a medical-grade skincare line that targets acne specifically. 

For this client, we recommended a series of glow peels that contain salicylic acid, resorcinol and lactic acid. Each acid works together to help oxygenate and destroy the active blemishes, lighten and brighten the hyperpigmentation and deeply hydrate the skin. This also helps to prevent further papules and blemishes from forming.

The results are already incredible.

She is now beginning a series of Microneedling treatments, which will treat the hyperpigmentation and scarring. Microneedling can also be used as a treatment for mild acne, and is a go-to treatment for lines/wrinkles and skin laxity as well. 

We are extremely pleased with our client’s results so far. We understand the emotions teen acne can bring on a young person – it is our goal to make every single person who visits Freedom Medi-Spa leave more confident than when they arrived.

If you or your teen is battling acne, avoid treating it with multiple products that may be doing more harm. All our consultations are free. Book yours today.

2022 Sunscreen Report

It’s that time of year again for the Freedom Medi-Spa Annual Sunscreen Report.

If you are new to Freedom Medi-Spa, you will quickly learn we advocate for daily SPF use, regardless of the season or the weather. If you are a long-time Freedom fan, we appreciate you refreshing your sun and sunscreen knowledge to better protect your skin.

Remember: any single bad sunburn can increase your chances of developing melanoma by approximately 50%. That’s a pretty scary number. So, it’s imperative to remember just how important sun avoidance and sun protection is.

Read as much or as little of this report as you wish. We have tried our best to make it as simple as possible. Of course, if you have any questions, you can always contact us.

As you know, we recommend daily sunscreen on your face and neck -- no matter the weather, rain or shine, indoors or out! Our AlumierMD 40 SPF sunscreens are mineral-based and also protect against Ultraviolet-C Radiation, which comes from blue light from our screens.

Wearing a daily SPF will help keep our skin cells protected and our collagen intact. 

But with summer here, let's talk beach visits, sitting poolside, hanging out at the cottage or simply going for a walk on a beautiful day.

What do we use all over our bodies?

How do we protect ourselves and our kids from over exposure of UV rays?

 There are a few things we can do:

 ·       Try to avoid peak exposure hours of 12-4pm when possible,

·       Wear SPF protection clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and protective sunglasses at all times,

·       Look for the shade or bring an umbrella with you to a beach or picnic,

·       And of course, wear and re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours. 

And now for the sunscreens – which one to use?

Well, as we’ve said before, no two sunscreens are alike, and some sunscreens contain potentially harmful ingredients. The good news is, over the years, some sunscreen manufacturers have changed their formulas, and new brands are on the market.

All that said, it’s important to READ THE LABELS.

Our Stop, Caution and Go System will help you make the safest choice in the sunscreen aisle.   

The SAFEST sunscreens to use are ones that contain mineral ingredients. These ingredients are not absorbed into the skin. This sunscreen is often called “Mineral” or “Physical”.

Look for the Active ingredients section. If you see Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and/or Mexoryl, you are good to GO!

We understand that sometimes, the texture or experience of a mineral-based body sunscreen isn’t desirable. We have heard from our clients and tried many ourselves – some sunscreens will leave a white cast, go on thick or sticky – and we don’t all love that.

So, what do you do then?

There are a variety of sunscreens on the market that, while they contain some Active Chemical Ingredients, pose low or medium risk – and the benefit of wearing it outweighs the danger.

We suggest you use caution with these sunscreens as the ingredients pose a moderate risk. They may cause hormone disruption. I will also be putting sprays and powders into this category as you do need to be cautious during application. 

These ingredients include:

 ·       Homosalate: ideally should be no more than 5%. If it’s more than 10%, avoid it altogether.

·       Octisalate: may cause allergic reactions and contact dermatitis, also a possible hormone disruptor.

·       Octocrylene: high rate of skin allergies, new findings show this ingredient is easily contaminated with Benzophenone, a known carcinogen. It has been deemed safe in amounts under 10%. 

·       Avobenzone: low to moderate risk of endocrine disruption as well as testosterone.  

All sprays or powders: Due to the inhalation risk, we recommend holding your breath while spraying or applying. Do your best to avoid inhalation. Don’t forget to spread! To ensure even coverage, you still need to spread with your hands, otherwise, you’ll be sure to miss a spot or two.

If you see the following ingredients, OXYBENZONE or OCTINOXATE -- STOP. These active ingredients are known to cause hormone disruption and could be carcinogenic. They get an absolute red light from us. If you have sunscreen at home with these ingredients, toss!

We hope you find these reports informative and helpful. Thank you to Environmental Working Group and Cancer.org for help with our research.

Stay tuned for our sunscreen comparisons – coming soon!

Skincare While You Travel

If you’re planning an upcoming vacation, be sure to consider your skincare. We suggest keeping your skincare simple and consistent – use your regular products and avoid trying new things while you’re away:

Cleanser: A gentle daily cleanser will help remove any dirt and residual sunscreen on your face – use the same one in the morning and before bed. I like to bring my AlumierMD SensiCalm Cleanser; it’s great to soothe the skin in case I may have gotten more sun than I intended!

Eye Cream: With all the squinting and UV exposure, I’ll be damned if I am not going to bring my beloved eye cream and protect that thin skin around the eyes!

Moisturizer: It’s understandable if you really don’t want to pack too much, but Moisturizer is a MUST! If you're going to be in a hot place, your skin will need the added hydration, especially in the PM to replenish. You can bring your usual or you may want to consider a post-care cream like AlumierMD’s Recovery Balm or the Inno Skin Repair cream - so soothing and hydrating. 

Sunscreen: Like you didn’t know I was going to recommend bringing your SPF! A MUST on any holiday – we recommend bringing a couple, and keeping them on hand so you can re-apply when needed. If you are at the beach, look for a water-resistant, mineral-based, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or more. 

After-Sun: In the event you do get too much sun (ouch!), an after-sun product like Eucerin Sun Sensitive Relief, Inno Skin Repair or Recovery Balm are all great for soothing and calming irritated or red skin. 

Remember to take care of your skin on holiday – drink lots of water and wear a large brimmed hat and sunglasses for added protection. Choose shade where possible and re-apply your SPF often (at least every 2 hours in the sun). 

The sun is the number one cause of premature aging - just a reminder! :) Have a sun-safe vacation and your skin will thank you! 

Ingredients to Watch For When Buying Sunscreen

We have officially hit the first long weekend of the summer! Yahoo!

As you know, we ALWAYS encourage sun safety and for the last few years, Freedom Medi-Spa has provided an extensive sunscreen report, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence for when you’re out buying sunscreen.

We are currently working on our 2022 list, but in the meantime, we wanted to remind you of the INGREDIENTS TO AVOID when stocking up on sunscreen.

Firstly, it’s important to wear a 30+ SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and body daily, and to reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure, or after swimming or excessive sweating.

We recommend purchasing sunscreens with mineral-based ingredients ie. Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide or Mexoryl. Look for a minimum of 5% of each mineral-based ingredient. This will help the sunscreen to keep stable for a longer period. Some with lower percentages will degrade quickly - you'll need to reapply sooner than 2 hours.

Here’s the thing: we know it’s sometimes difficult to avoid all chemicals. That said, some chemicals are more dangerous than others and some are known carcinogens. 

That’s why it’s imperative to READ THE LABELS.

Here’s the quick and dirty:

On the good list – Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide or Mexoryl

On the mild-risk list – Avobenzone and Octisalate

On the moderate-risk list – Homosalate and Octocrylene

And on the PUT IT BACK ON THE SHELF list – OXYBENZONE and OCTINOXATE.

When shopping, if you discover your fave sunscreen has ingredients on the mild or moderate risk lists, look at the percentage of that particular ingredient – the lower, the better – and try and stay less than 10%. 

Protection from the sun still outweighs the risk in many cases, but it is a good idea to compare the bottles and find ones with the least possible risk.

Shopping for kids? Be mindful because sometimes, the kids’ sunscreens have MORE chemical concentration than the adult ones. 

Of course, at Freedom, we carry AlumierMD Sheer Hydration and Clear Shield which are 40SPF mineral-based sunscreen and safe for everyone, including babies 6 mos and up. 

Stay tuned for our sunscreen report and send us a photo of your sunscreen for us to assess!

Enjoy the long weekend!

Choose Your Next Adventure at Freedom Medi-Spa

We are excited to introduce you to our FREEDOM PASSPORT, a chance to customize a 2 - step treatment plan, all at a great price.

For only $199, you can choose 2 out of 4 amazing treatments at Freedom Medi-Spa.

Best of all, you don't have to book these treatments on the same day. This is YOUR time. Make the most of it!

The Freedom Passport is being sold from now until April 30 and you have 3 months from the date of purchase to book your treatments.

For more information on the NEW Freedom Passport, contact us.

It All Started With a Spot

Warning: Graphic Images Below

It All Started

with a Spot

In 2016, Angie Gallo had a routine check-up with her family doctor. There, her doctor noticed a small brown spot on her big toe and suggested she have it checked by a dermatologist. 

The dermatologist wasn’t concerned, though, and told Angie – then 44-years-old --  to monitor any changes. The following year, her family doctor once again sent her to the same dermatologist, who, once again, told Angie there was nothing to worry about.

Fast forward to Fall 2020: More spots began to appear on Angie’s lower legs and a new spot on the arch of her foot. The initial spot on her toe remained. She was referred to another dermatologist. 

Months later, in February 2021 – mid-pandemic – Angie finally saw the second dermatologist, who, like the other, said everything looked fine. 

Angie wasn’t so sure. 

She pressed the dermatologist to take a second look, especially at a dark spot on the back of her calf. The doctor confirmed it was fine, but also agreed to do a quick biopsy to put her mind at ease.  

One week later, Angie got a call from the dermatologist.

Angie had melanoma. 

Freedom: What did the doctor say about your melanoma?

Angie: Well, the good news was my melanoma was actually “ melanoma in situ”, meaning it was In the top layer of skin only – stage 0. She agreed that she should biopsy the arch of my foot and the original spot on my toe – and by the beginning of March, they, too, came back positive for melanoma. I was booked for surgery April 6 at Mackenzie Health.

Freedom: Did you know what to expect?

Angie: Not really. I knew they would be removing tissue from the right toe, right sole, and right calf (Melanoma In-Situ). I had no idea they were planning on removing a significant amount of tissue surrounding the spots. The spots were approximately the size of a pea, but the areas removed were 1.5 - 2 inches in diameter!

They needed to remove a large area around the spot to ensure any "root" that may have formed would have been removed. Luckily, the Pathologist tested the areas and all were negative – the melanoma did not spread beyond the surface of the skin.

Freedom: What’s the recovery like? 

Angie: I was eager to get back to work and determined not to let this change my life. I used crutches because I couldn’t walk. I was in a lot of pain. I followed all the instructions from my surgeon but was still in significant pain. After 2.5 weeks, I returned to remove the stitches.

At her two-and-a-half week follow-up, while removing the stitches, Angie’s surgeon noticed the wounds weren’t healing. She was sent back home to allow the wounds to continue healing before the stitches could be removed.

On May 1, Angie went to the Emergency Room. The pain and swelling were very intense and an infection was forming. Angie was placed on IV antibiotics and was referred to the Urgent Care Centre’s wound care department. 

Angie: I had to go every day to clean the wound, which was so incredibly painful. They use a syringe with water to clean and disinfect the wounds. Then, they wrap it with a mesh - similar to that of a burn victim. I’ve been going daily, since May 4.

Angie was also treated with IV antibiotics from May 2 - 13th to clear the infection. 

Freedom: How are you today? 

Angie: I am now on oral antibiotics and continuing my daily treatments at the wound clinic. I’m also waiting for a referral to a melanoma specialist. I also had blood work and a CT scan done at Michael Garron Hospital, which has come back negative, aside from a few spots on the lungs they are going to monitor. I’ll return on December 14, 2021, for a repeat CT scan. 

Freedom: What do you want people to take away from your story? 

Angie: I want people to know that they always need to advocate for themselves. If I hadn't pressed the dermatologist in February to double-check, these spots could have grown deeper and could have metastasized to other parts.

I also learned a predisposition to melanoma is hereditary, and so my mother, sister and daughter need to get checked and be continuously monitored. 

Freedom: How can people protect themselves from melanoma? 

Angie: As we’ve all heard before, be Sun Safe. Sit in the shade where possible, cover up when you can, and when you can't, put sunscreen on everything that sees the sun! I was pretty good at applying sunscreen, but not great at reapplying. 

In my teens and twenties – even in my early 30s — I was not good to my skin. I enjoyed tanning and even tanning beds — definitely bad habits that have likely contributed to my melanoma diagnosis. 

Melanoma likes to grow in areas we are least likely to apply or reapply sunscreen -- like the ones on the arch of my foot and my big toe. 

Angie is on the road to recovery -- we hope and pray for her health and well-being, and thank her for generously sharing her story. We will continue to follow Angie and keep you updated on her recovery and her journey.

Buy 2, Get 1 Free on Summer-Safe Peels

Let’s talk summer-safe peels!

Did you know you CAN safely have a chemical peel done in the summer?

Chemical peels cause intentional damage to the epidermis and/or dermis with the goal of stimulating new tissue to improve skin texture and tone.

The Alumier MD AHA Duo, BHA 20, and Renew30 are all AlumierMD Chemical Peels that can help treat various skin concerns all while giving you added glow and hydration.

Renew 30:

The most gentle and hydrating Alumier peel. Renew 30 is a 30% lactic acid formula that helps loosen dead skin cells to reveal brighter, plumper, more even- toned skin. Great intro peel and for those with sensitive skin.

AHA DUO:

This 20% glycolic acid peel helps with deeper exfoliation, combined with 10% lactic acid for brightening and hydration, Can be used in conjunction with other services and regular skincare routines.

BHA 20:

This peel is best for acneic, oily or congested skin. Uses 20% salicylic acid to penetrate the pore lining to exfoliate trapped sebum and debris, while reducing redness. 

While a fave of ours, Glow Peel combines salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol and offers deeper penetration of product. Best to book the Glow in Fall, Winter and Spring months.

All AlumierMD summer-safe peels are BOGO — Buy 2, Get 1 Free until August 31, 2020. Treatments never expire, and peels are a great add-on to your treatment plan or skincare routine.

Get a head start on your fall skincare routine with these summer safe Alumier peels!

 CALL or EMAIL us TODAY.

Introducing....

We are very pleased and excited to be introducing two new technologies to Freedom Medi-Spa.

From the industry trusted and revered brand, InMode, clients at Freedom Medi-Spa will now be able to book BodyFX and Forma body contouring and facial treatments as early as next week!* 

(*due to Covid 19 protocols, we can only perform Forma treatments on the neck until Phase 3 is announced)

BodyFX is a long-lasting, non-invasive solution to reduce the unsightly appearance of cellulite. It helps to tighten loose skin and destroy fat painlessly. The treatment uses a combination of different clinically proven modalities including radio frequency energy, deep tissue heating, and gentle suction. The radio frequency energy distributes heat to the skin and underlying fat, causing the tissues to heat. The vacuum and controlled energy pulses then work synergistically to provide beautiful body results. 

Body FX treatments are customized and tailored to address your specific needs. We recommended weekly sessions performed over an eight week period to see optimal results. 

Forma, on the other hand, is non-invasive facial remodelling and uses radio frequency technology to provide optimal skin remodelling treatments to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, nasolabial fold lines, crepey skin area (including eye area), etc. Forma is suitable for all skin types, can be used on both the face and body and in conjunction with other treatments (laser, facials, etc). 

To be one of the first to try our new InMode technologies, contact us today for your FREE Consultation and Introductory Pricing!

Your Personalized Skin Care Treatment Plan Awaits...

It seems we have been keeping a secret from you. We have been providing personalized treatment plans for quite some time - but we haven't been promoting the service. I guess the start of a new year is as good time as any to get the word out! If one of your goals for 2019 is to have great looking skin - then read on!

Many of our packages (i.e. Microdermabrasion Facials, Micro-Needling treatments, Peels, etc.) complement each other and will help you achieve your ultimate skin care goals. Therefore, it's best they be combined for a personalized treatment plan. We'll assess what your skin needs and work with you to put together a plan of action. No single treatment is usually the answer. The skin responds best to a series of different skin care treatments which all target different aspects of care. Added bonus - you save money! You will save up to 20% on a 6 month treatment plan and 15% on products.

Here's an example of a personalized skin care treatment plan for a client targeting signs of aging and sun damage….

• January - Mini Microdermabasion & Photo Facial (sun damage and/or broken capillaries)

• February - Green Peel - Energy (mid-level resurfacing without much downtime)

• March - Micro-Needling (almost no downtime)

• April - Alumier Glow Peel

• May - Micro-Needling

• June - Intracel (Micro-Needling with radio frequency)

Clients who follow a treatment plan have amazing looking skin. We love hearing about how much more confident they feel. It's a great feeling for us too!

Here are some common questions:

Do I need to book 1 treatment per month? No.

Do I need to pay for the entire package up front? No. You pay a deposit to secure the package, then we set you up with regular payments based on the treatment schedule.

Do I have to spend a lot of time on this? The short answer - No.

The long answer….No. Most treatments are approx. 1 hour in length and in terms of post care at home - we recommend you follow a proper am/pm regime. It really does make a difference in maintaining your results and nourishing your skin. Your face is battling the elements each day - you want to nourish as well as protect it.

Is there any downtime? Can I go to work the next day? Most often you are fine the next day. Each treatment has some minimal downtime we will go through all the details and home care at your initial consultation as well as prior to each treatment.

How do I start? Book a free consultation with one of our medical estheticians and learn about what treatment plan would be suitable for you, your skin type and your budget. Then we get you started on the road to amazing skin!

Remember your skin is your best accessory! Take good care of it.

Sunscreen….Yes Here We Go Again!

I know you are so sick of me bringing it up - but yes, I am going to bug you about your daily (that's right I said daily) SPF. I am also going to remind you to only use broad spectrum (UVA/UVB), mineral based sunscreen with a minimum of 30spf. That's right, and you probably remember me saying you should reapply every 2 hours of being out in the sun, and to stay in the shade where possible - and wear a hat.  See you know all this stuff!  So why aren't you doing it?   "I'm so pale.", or "I need a little colour"… are NOT good reasons!  

May is Melanoma awareness month.  Melanoma is that ugly skin cancer monster that none of us want to even think about.  Many don't realize that it can be fatal - mainly because it usually presents itself as a small mole or blemish and seems harmless, until it's not. Please remember to check your spots periodically yourself and once a year with a dermatologist - especially if you are at high risk.  

Who is at high risk?*

• People with fair skin
• Those with a history of sunburns (even just 1 bad burn)
• People with excessive UV exposure (sun, tanning beds, etc)
• Living close to the equator or high elevation
• Those with many moles (over 50)

What to look for.*
To help you identify characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers, think of the letters ABCDE:

• A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.
• B is for irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders — characteristics of melanomas.
• C is for changes in color. Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.
• D is for diameter. Look for new growth in a mole larger than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters).
• E is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding.

Cancerous (malignant) moles vary greatly in appearance. Some may show all of the changes listed above, while others may have only one or two unusual characteristics.
What do we do to prevent melanoma? Good question.  We don't truly know for certain what causes it.  We know that UV radiation exposure definitely increases our chances - but in some cases the melanoma has grown in areas that don't usually see the sun - Yes, literally "where the sun don't shine"!  

So now what?  The Top 5 Ways to Protect Yourself….

• Avoid being out in the sun for prolonged periods between 10-4pm (stop rolling your eyes, I didn't make this up)
• Wear your UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreen daily (number 1 protection against skin aging)
• Wear a broad rimmed hat when out in the sun (extra protection for that beautiful face)
• AVOID Tanning beds/lamps (seriously people it's not cool anymore)
• Buy a great pair of sunglasses that offer UV protection too
• Oh 1 more!  Remember to reapply your sunscreen 30+ every 2 you're in the sun 

Need help choosing a sunscreen?….Check out our video.

Special thank you to Julia Suppa from Suppa Media for her help and expertise with our video.  @simplysuppa

* Mayo Clinic