NEW! Eye-ron Treatment Video

The SRR (Superficial Radio Frequency Rejuvenation) treatment is the 3rd step in the INTRAcel reversal and prevention treatment plan.  The first two steps are completed in the first visit - Micro-needling with Radio Frequency (RF) - targeting the mid to deep dermal layers.    The 3rd step - the SRR (no-needle) - is generally performed 3-4 weeks post INTRAcel.  However, the SRR is also a fantastic treatment on its own, for someone who is simply working on prevention and is generally in the 25 - 35 age category (depending on condition of the skin).  

The SRR however, has become better known for our signature Eye-ron (iron) treatment.  This is an affordable treatment that targets the delicate skin around the eye area.  As you can see in the slide shown in the video - the SRR tip targets the epidermis and the superficial dermis, stimulating collagen production.  Why would you want to do this?  If you find you are starting to see your age in the eye area, ie. wrinkles, creping, fine lines, loose skin, etc., then this would be a fantastic non-invasive treatment for you.  

The Eye-ron treatment is a great lunchtime procedure - only 15-20mins and appropriate make up may be applied immediately afterwards.  A package of 6 is recommended and treatments should be performed at 7-10 day intervals for the first package.  Afterwards, a second package may be purchased for maintenance and those treatments are generally performed at 2 - 3 week intervals.

Contact us if you'd like to learn more! 

Ready For A New Fall Wardrobe? Your Skin is!

I am a preacher of religiously maintaining a proper skin care routine, and it's been difficult for even me this Summer!  Between having the kids around, cottage time and way too many late nights - I have sinned!  Therefore, I am looking forward to getting my face back into shape!  

When Fall hits, my skin care routine changes along with my wardrobe.  I reintroduce my beloved PCA Retinol serum to my evening regimen, I use a little more moisturizer and I am extremely diligent in my am and pm routine - NO SLACKING! 

However, the first step that I am sooooooooooo looking forward to is having a Microdermabrasion treatment.  This is a great first step toward getting ready for fall -for basically all skin types (especially if you haven't had a treatment all Summer).  Microdermabrasion is like wiping the slate clean.  Clear away all the dirt, debris and nasty dead skin, and VOILA you have a beautifully clean canvas.  

The next step is to use awesome skin care products that will do what your skin needs them to do.  This is a very customized step, so you may want to come and see us for some help in choosing what to use.  We love product talk!  Great products really do make a difference.  

Let us help you get your skin's fall wardrobe ready!  

Buyer Beware! Don't Fall For These Skin Care Scams

While researching for this month's newsletter topic, I couldn't help but become more and more disturbed by the amount of sneaky advertising I came across.  In reading about skin tightening, cellulite treatments and acne causes, I began to notice many (some even quite reputable) sites that had misinformed clients or used before and after pics that were misleading.  As I dove deeper into my research, I began to uncover a much bigger, crazier scam.  This will be an important read for you - especially if you like to try the "latest & greatest" skin care products that "all the celebs" are using.  

Let's start with the Before and After Scams I found, and how to spot them yourself. 

1.  Client positioning

Sometimes the client or their clothing is positioned a certain way.  For example, in a recent Women's Health Beauty Editor article (which I love to read), "How to Stop your Neck from looking Saggy", the before and after that was used was ridiculous!  The woman in the before pic has her head pulled back in order to crease her neck and in the after pic she extends it to smooth out the lines.  It was likely the doc being interviewed who supplied the B & A or it could be from the manufacturer. 

2.  Lighting & Make Up

Many before pics are done in regular lighting while the after pics are taken with a brighter light, which will reduce or even remove lines and wrinkles completely.  It is also common to blur the after pic, which you will see as you scroll down to the first photo in this link - it uses different lighting and is also a little blurry.  The second photo is an example of an after with more intense lighting.   Here is another example.
Then, my favourite - just slap a ton of make up on them - check out this link.   

3.  Photo Shopped Pics

Here you should look for a before and after pic that is EXACTLY the same.  The pose is perfectly the same in the after.  Check out these examples.  Scroll down to see half the face with wrinkles and the other half 10 years younger (with essential oils)!  

Look at this incredible photo shopped pic (notice every little hair in exactly the same places?) - .   Who wouldn't purchase a package of treatments that could do that?  

4.  Taking an After Pic Before the Before pic

Sound confusing?  Check out this video that explains it best -  

 Crazy, isn't it?

And now the piece de resistance - the BIG BIG scam that YOU may fall for if you aren't "in the know"…

Look out for skin care products online that sound too good to be true - BECAUSE THEY ARE!  Clients, friends and even family members have sent me numerous links to "miracle skin care" products that I "need" to check out.  Please be careful - DO NOT FALL FOR THE FREE TRIAL SCAM.  These ads include stars - usually Dr. Oz and other celebrities and they offer a free trial.  However, in the teeny, tiny print it usually says you have 12 days to sample it and then your credit card will be charged the full amount - which usually runs approx $90 per product.  The best part is that the product will continue to automatically be shipped to you on a monthly basis - charging your credit card each time of course.  The topper is that it is extremely difficult to cancel the order and out of frustration you finally have to replace your credit card in order to stop the charges.

Most of these companies are based in countries without an extradition policy - so they are able to run these scams without recourse.  If they receive enough bad publicity, they simply rename their product and slap a new label on it and they are off and running again.  

This is an awesome scam - they really do a great job.  The page is usually set up like a news feed or a magazine page.  It looks quite believable until you try to click on the links.  Notice the reviews listed at the very bottom.  You will see those same fake comments on multiple sites.  

The list of bogus sites and products is ENDLESS!  I searched "wrinkle creams" and the Consumer Wrinkle Reviews site popped up at the top of the list - and yes - it too is BOGUS!  It shows the Top 9 Wrinkle Creams for 2015 - which are all products that are a part of this awesome scam.  If you click on the "reviews" tab at the top of the page, it will list hundreds of creams.  Any cream or brand that you click on has a brief description, followed by why they do not recommend it.  They are positioning themselves as a well-respected company that reviews products, but they only seem to favour the Top 9.  BRILLIANT! 

To take this a step further -  I also found Rachel Vrabel of Women's Blog Talk, who exposes these scams in this article .  Rachel provides a great explanation of the scam - however, she is selling LifeCell on her site!  She answers a slew of questions to eager buyers (which seem fake to me), and the product is far from wonderful - read these reviews on Amazon  and here it's on the Complaints Board website touted as a scam.

In a nutshell,
- do not fall for the free trial
- research customer reviews on reputable sites - such as Amazon
- research any company you plan to give your credit card number to
- remember NO skin care product is legally allowed to promise changes in the deeper tissue layers - only surface.  Anything that promotes a        deeper more permanent result is considered a drug and must meet the requirements of one.  
- once again - IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS!

How to Get Rid of Loose Skin

Whether it's on the face or on the body, loose skin is likely unwanted.  So, what are we to do about it?  When we talk about mass amounts - your best bet is usually surgery.  However, on a smaller scale, Radio Frequency (RF) treatments may be your answer.

  See HuffPost article.

There are many RF treatments available.  We use the INTRAcel machine which couples Micro-needling with RF.  The benefit with using the micro needles is that the RF is delivered exactly where we want it - the dermal layer of the skin.  This is where we rebuild collagen.  Most other technologies deliver the RF directly to the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), in hopes that enough will penetrate to the dermis.  

Once the RF is delivered to the dermal layer, the body goes into repair mode.  This is how collagen is rebuilt in the area.  You will begin to notice differences at the 4 week mark and continue to notice changes (ie. Lifting/tightening/decrease in lines, increase in tone,  plumping of the skin, etc.) for up to 6 months.  The results are yours to keep.  The new collagen doesn't disappear - it simply begins to age and decrease as it naturally does.

Generally body treatments are recommended at 3-4 month intervals until you achieve the desired look.  Face treatments are generally recommended at 6 month intervals if you are looking for age reversal and once a year for maintaining your look.  

For any questions, do not hesitate to book a consultation or call/email us.  

For more info check out our Intracel page.

Daniela's Day At The Med Spa

We need to look good too!  

On April 20th, Vanessa and I treated each other to a few of our fave med spa services.   When I say "fave", I do not necessarily mean "enjoyable"!  I chose to have my annual Intracel treatment.  Intracel increases mass collagen naturally in the dermal layers of the skin.  It uses thermal microneedling combined with radiofrequency in order to stimulate the increase in collagen and elastin.  It's a great way to turn back the clock and prevent the deterioration of collagen.   Personally I think Vanessa enjoyed doing this to me, a little too much!  She seemed to be laughing and smiling a lot!  I was impressed with the immediate result - thanks to applying a cold Dermal Pure Soothing mask and cooling the skin with cold packs - I looked completely fine!  No one would know I had just had 98,000 needles in my face!  (Doesn't that sound like the ultimate spa treatment)?  So over the next 2-4 months you should see me literally turning back time!

Apparently that wasn't enough.  I wanted more!  So I also had Vanessa treat an annoying mole on my face.  I have been wanting to treat it for a long time!  She used the Cryo-Probe.  It works so quickly and with very little discomfort - basically liquid nitrogen in a pen form.  It will likely need 2-3 treatments.  A dermatologist was going to remove it - surgically, but I would be left with a scar.  I look forward to getting rid of it - without a large surgery scar!  

Vanessa's Day At The Med Spa

Clients often ask me, "do you and Daniela do treatments on each other"? The answer is yes!  We know how important it is to take care of our skin and bodies and to keep ourselves looking and feeling youthful, refreshed and beautiful - the recipe for CONFIDENCE!
 
I choose to have an IPL Photo Facial. I had some hyperpigmentation spots (sun damage) under my eyes/upper cheek area.  Did you know sun damage doesn't appear on the surface of the skin until five or more years after the dermal layer of the skin has been damaged by UV rays?  My pigment spots are likely there from my teenage years - when I didn't understand the importance of wearing SPF - EVERYDAY.  After the Photo Facial the pigment spots became darker right away (which is what we want to see happen). Over the course of a week the dark spots shed leaving the area much lighter - yay!   

Also a glutton for beauty and pain - I had my laser hair removal touch ups done to get Summer ready!  Although it is so great to not have to worry about the bikini line and underarms - I must say, the legs are the most satisfying area to have treated!  Smooth legs without black dots or stubble - there are no words.  

What does your skin really look like?

Scared?  Don't be.  You do have options. 

The goal is to reverse and prevent any further damage ASAP!    

First things first.  Prevention.  

Look over this checklist and see how many tips you are following already, and what you can be doing better.

Personal Skincare Checklist:

• I use SPF of 30 or greater daily on face & neck area - year round

• I cleanse my face and neck with a gentle cleanser am & pm

• I use a serum for my skin type and specific concerns (serums are much more potent than moisturizers and more easily absorbed)

• I follow a proper skin care regimen

• When in the sun, I reapply a sunscreen of 30 or greater, every 2 hours (more often if sweating or swimming)

• When in the sun, I wear a broad rimmed hat when possible

• I choose to sit in the shade when possible  (no laughing out loud here - you sun worshippers!)

• I drink plenty of water and keep caffeinated beverages and alcohol to a minimum 

• I eat plenty of fruits and veggies every day

• I keep sugars to a minimum (breaks down collagen)

• I do not smoke (limits oxygen to the epidermis and depletes collagen and elastin)

• I take warm showers instead of hot and get in and out quickly (long hot showers strip the skins natural oils)

• I manage my stress well (hee hee - this one makes even me laugh!) - try to reduce your to do list.  At times they are impossibly long!  Remember to make some time for things you enjoy as well.  

The next step is Reversal.

There are many treatments that will help with reversal of sun damage/pigmentation.  I will review the two most popular.

IPL Photo Facials and Skin Peels.

IPL is usually the first line of combat.  A high powered IPL is able to remove up to 95% of any sun damage/pigmentation.  
Our medical grade IPL machine provides a fantastic sun damage/pigmentation* treatment!  It will target brown spots and help to iradicate them within 4-14 days.   However, you cannot have a tan at the time of the treatment - therefore now is usually a good time to have this done - prior to the summer sun!  

* Also great for treating Rosacea, broken capillaries and diffused redness.

Check out this brief video:

Another option is to have a peel.  We offer both the organic Dr. Schrammek Green Peel, as well as PCA's chemical peels.  A brief consultation will help you to decide which is the best option for you.  A peel is a great choice for the following reasons:

• dull/rough skin

• uneven skin tone/texture

• for those with pigmentation very close to the eye area

• helps treat Melasma.  

New! SRR Intracel treatment - No-Needle Intracel

Doesn't that sound like the best thing EVER?!  Well, don't get too excited.  Depending on your desired results, the Intracel treatment may still be your best bet.  Ideally the two treatments work hand in hand.  Intracel works to increase mass collagen production in the dermal layers - where the deeper lines/wrinkles, acne scars, and tightening really occurs. 

The SRR (Superficial Radio Frequency Rejuvenation - say that 10 times fast), targets the epidermis increasing collagen production in the upper skin layers to promote a smooth, even texture and a healthy glow.   We recommend combining the two treatments.  First the Intracel treatment, followed by the SRR treatment 2 weeks later.   The SRR alone is also ideal for those in their late 20's, early 30's to work on prevention. 

Remember, all of our consultations are complimentary.  Feel free to meet with us and discuss the best treatment plan for you.

SRR reg pricing Full Face & Neck  $450        INTRO PRICE   $325

*Purchase an Intracel treatment and add the SRR for only $199

**Purchase an Intracel pkg of 3 - and receive 1 SRR for FREE!

Contact us to book a complimentary consultation. Must be purchased by March 31, 2015.May not be combined with any other offers.

Sun spots? Sun damage? Age spots? Broken capillaries? Spider veins?...

Have you been pretending not to notice some sun damage, or putting off doing anything about that spotty chest area, or layering cover up on a brown patch - just stop!  It's time you learn more about IPL/Photo Facials (also used on body areas for pigmentation and sun/age spots) and what your options are.   If you still aren't sure - remember all of our consultations are FREE.  Come and see us and meet our babies (our different technologies - that we love).  Generally sun damage and pigmentation are relatively easy to treat.  Even with only one treatment….you will see a notable difference in the evenness of your skin tone.  Many clients have told us they no longer need to wear foundation.   Let's walk you through a treatment….  After cleansing the skin well (or arriving with a freshly cleansed face), ultrasound clear gel is applied to the skin, we do a quick test patch to ensure a desired skin reaction, then after waiting a few minutes we begin treatment.  The treatment is fairly comfortable - it is more painful when we are treating a more prominent dark spot.  The tip provides chilling for comfort and reduced skin reaction.  The goal is to cause the pigment to darken. In doing so, we are lifting that unwanted tissue (hopefully entirely - most often up to 95% of it), causing it to scab (it feels like a rough patch - it is not one big scab….in other words - it is not obvious), and will slough off within 2-3 weeks.  

Some pre and post instructions to note:

Pre Care

• You CAN NOT have a tan.  You must be your natural skin colour.

• Do not use anything aggressive ie Retinol or AHA creams 1-2 days prior to treatment. (We do not want the skin to be irritated)

• Must be at least 1 week since having a regular peel treatment - 2 weeks from a deeper peel.

Post Care

• We recommend a post care kit to use for the next 5 - 14 days post treatment (this is optional but available at 25% off as we really encourage it).

• No exfoliating until after any darker areas have sloughed off and the skin has returned to its normal colour.

• Pat dry and treat with care.  Any scabbing should remain as long as possible so the skin beneath is completely ready to face the world! ;)

• No aggressive treatments for 3 weeks post treatment.

NEW! It's FINALLY here - The CryoProbe!

We are now able to treat skin tags, warts, sebaceous hyperplasia, benign moles, and many other funky skin growths that we would rather live without.  So bring us your strange unwelcome thing-a-ma-jiggies, and we will zap them away!  How it works….The CryoProbe's micro-jet (doesn't that sound awesome?), allows the application to be accurate to the millimeter and by using Nitrous Oxide treats only abnormal tissue avoiding permanent damage to the adjacent healthy tissue.  There is very little "pain", and only slight discomfort which allows for longer treatment and a deeper freeze for more effective results.  There is no anesthesia, and very little to no, pre and post treatment care needed.

Microdermabrasion - What's all the fuss about?

This month we give you the low down on this extremely popular service. Here is the 'Who?, What?, Where? And Why?...

Who?  Almost anyone!  This is an ideal treatment to slough off that dead top layer of skin. Great for teens/20's - helps with combination and acne prone skin.  It's also great for the 30 and up crowd, as it is the perfect intro to anti-aging treatments - easing the appearance of fine lines/large pores/sun damage and overall skin tone/texture.  By increasing blood circulation the skin becomes oxygenated which in turn helps to heal imperfections, refine pores and keep skin clear and smooth.  (Even clients with the most sensitive skin find this a great treatment.  The settings would simply be reduced.  Our treatments are always customized to your needs/wants).

What? - We use the Dermapod system (which is by far the best in the industry), which uses aluminum oxide crystals.  We feel this is safer and more hygenic then the diamond tip versions (tips we use are disposable).  The crystals remove the dead skin cells, while the suction removes both the dead cells, dirt, oils and used crystals.  Here is the treatment - step by step - Cleanse, Microdermabrasion - usually 3 passes (depending on the skin), a special hydrating and pore refining gel is applied,  a few extractions if necessary (not if the skin is too sensitive), a mask (while you are "masking" you will enjoy a sweet hand massage!), the mask is then removed, then comes toner, eye cream, moisturizer and VOILA!  You are done and ready to face the world with your beautiful glow!  

Where? - At Freedom of course! ;)  We hear from clients each day that both our technique as well as our system, beats any other microdermabrasion treatments they have had in the past.  We also combine it with a facial - most places do only the treatment.  

Why? - Because you are worth it!  You will look great and feel great!  Don't you find your confidence goes up when you look and feel great?  You are also stimulating collagen, easing the appearance of large pores/fine lines/pigmentation.  Now book a treatment and learn what all the fuss is about.  

The Ultimate New YOU Challenge!

Make this your year to be the best ever YOU!

We are teaming up with our awesome neighbours - Wholistic Body Building & Wellness (at unit 5), to provide you with the Ultimate New You Challenge!

Are you tired of being tired and looking tired? Are you ready to get into shape and feel healthy again? Are you ready to look in that mirror and be pleased with what you see? Are you ready to ditch the "Holiday Sloth" you turned into (or is that just me)? Then join our 3 month challenge!

In these 3 months you will receive the following...

From Wholistic Body Building & Wellness,

• A consultation where measurements will be taken and you will discuss the best way to utilize your package.
• 10 day Celebrity Transformation Cleanse - reset your metabolism and shed toxins and pounds! This 10 day   cleanse is GMO free, certified organic and vegan and is nutrient dense. You are guaranteed to lose pounds and inches in just 10 days.
• 2 Personal Training sessions with a Wholistic trainer - in your sessions you will learn the fundamentals of how to train correctly. If you do workout, they can help you take your current regime to the next level.
• 1 month Gym membership - this includes full access to facility, towel service, executive style change rooms, state of the art equipment and VIP service.

From Freedom,

• An extensive skin care consultation - We will take a before picture at this visit, discuss your skin care plan and book your first treatment.
• 3 Facial treatments (1 per month) which are recommended at the time of your skin care consultation. (Most likely a PCA Peel, Photo Facial and a Microdermabrasion treatment).
• Receive a home care kit - with 4 retail size products for your skin type. (Cleanser, toner, eye cream, moisturizer).
• During the 3 months receive 25% off any additional products or services!

Full Retail Value Over $1400   Promo $999

At the end of the 3 month Challenge we will take after pictures and discuss your results.  So?  Are you up for the challenge? Are you ready to meet the New You?

Email or call us today!  Let's get started!

Not valid with any other offers or gift certificates.  Must be purchased by January 31, 2015.

A Great Evening With a Great Group!

On Nov 12th we hosted a "Munch & Learn", where we performed an INTRAcel Skin Tightening demo and an IPL Photo Facial treatment.  Vanessa and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with our awesome guests. I think everyone learned a lot and had their questions answered - while sharing more than a few laughs! 

Thank you to Frank Gianforcaro, our awesome photographer for the pictures and putting together this awesome video.

Hope to see you at the next one!

Daniela

Intracel FAQ's

1.  Who is a candidate?

Anyone with signs of aging. Ie. Lines/wrinkles, loose skin, thinner skin, creping, etc.

Also those with scarring - acne scaring, pock marks, etc.

2.  What results can I expect?

Most clients will notice a tightening effect, a thickening of the skin and a smoother appearance in as   early as 4 weeks post treatment.  However, that one treatment is working to stimulate collagen   production for up to 6 months.

3.  What is the downtime to be expected?

1-2 days post treatment is the usual.  This is different depending on each person's comfort level.  Most   of our clients find that 1 day at home and the next into a little make-up is fine. 

4.  How does Intracel differ from other Radio Frequency treatments?

Comparable technologies deliver radio frequency (RF) to the epidermis (outer layer of skin), in hopes   that the RF is penetrated to the dermal layer (deeper layer), where collagen production takes place.   Therefore the downtime is greater (as the RF is causing surface damage) and the results are not as   favourable either.  With similar pricing - the Intracel is hands down the better choice.

5.  How painful is it?

A numbing gel is applied prior to treatment.  Most clients rate the pain as a 4 out of 10.  It is quite   manageable. 

6.  How much does it cost?

$1200/Full Face & Neck.  Starting at $950 for body treatments (depending on size of area).  We also recommend a post care kit to help with proper after care (this is optional). 

Body treatments are available - a consultation is necessary, pricing will be quoted at that time.

7.  How frequently it this recommended?

To  maintain the collagen you have - 1-2 per year.

To consistently increase collagen - 2-4 per year.

To treat deeper lines and acne scarring - every 3 months until you reach the desired result.

8.  Will I see a difference in just one treatment?

Yes.   Most clients notice a difference with only one treatment.  With some the difference is very   obvious, and others it is more subtle.  We also take before and after pictures that we will share with   you.

9.  What is the treatment protocol? 

We book a 2 hour session which includes:

• pre-treatment including before photos - 15mins

• numbing gel - 30mins

• treatment - approx. 45mins

• post treatment (soothing mask with cold packs) - 15mins 

• We also review home care and book a follow up visit to take after pics and review      changes - approx 6-8 weeks post treatment.

So?  Are you ready to shed a few years?  Call or email us today!

Indulge Your Senses Event @ The Club at Bond Head for DeafBlind Ontario

Last week we helped out with an event with DeafBlind Ontario, at The Club at Bond Lake - "Indulge Your Senses".  What a fantastic event it was - and an even better cause.  I don't have a pic of it, but guests experienced Desert in the Dark! Guests were blindfolded and forced to use the 4 other senses to help eat 3 different deserts - which were all on the same plate.  It was not easy!  What a crazy experience!  There are pics on DeafBlind Ontario's facebook page - see link below.

The work they do at DeafBlind Ontario is amazing!  These unfortunate people can now live a fuller more independant life - thanks to them.  

Visit www.deafblindontario.com to learn more, and for more pics of the event, visit their facebook page.

Repair, Reversal and Prevention

Small and Simple Procedures produce greater results and are best in the long run...

"I've always encouraged my patients to consider small procedures earlier, rather than wait until radical corrections are necessary",  Dr. Imber states in August's Shape magazine (article - The Lunch Hour Lift).   I couldn't agree more.  Working with someone who has a good amount of collagen, allows us to double that amount easily.  The more collagen present - the easier it is to manufacture more.  

Turning back the clock is a little more tricky and more costly.  Prevention is most definitely the best plan.  Prior to noticing the signs of aging, I recommend the start of anti-aging treatments.  Wouldn't it be great to age gracefully and have only subtle changes?  Wouldn't it be great never having to worry about deep set lines/wrinkles and sagging skin?  PREVENTION.

If you're reading this thinking "I'm 50+, so now what?",  there are plenty of repair methods as well.  Combining treatments is the best solution.  There is no one treatment that can magically do everything.  A treatment plan which includes different treatments and technologies that are specific to your needs, produces optimal results.

Bottom line - have a consultation.  You should never do any treatment you are not comfortable with.  Let's discuss it.  We will put together a treatment program for you and get you on track to aging gracefully - not "plastically".   

Isn't it time you look as young as you feel?

Book a complimentary consultation today.

Microneedling... Friend or Foe?

Microneedling has been around for quite some time and has proven beneficial for stimulating collagen and elastin - helping decrease wrinkles, acne scars and large pores.  

In July's issue of Elevate Magazine, Audrey Dempsey talks about her experience with Microneedling (

ARTICLE LINK

).  She was very pleased with her results - however, she was having it done 3 times per week!  I have invited her to come and try the Intracel to compare the results - of just one treatment.  

Intracel combines Microneedling and Radio Frequency - which is starting to really turn heads in North America.  Marrying the two, has produced amazing results.  With the use of thermal, disposable needles, you not only benefit from the oxygenation of the skin, but also from the Radio Frequency which is delivered at the tip of the needle in the dermal layer of the skin.  This causes a noticeable increase in the production of collagen and elastin.  

When dealing with the signs of aging - prevention is key.  Once you begin to notice lines, creping, loose skin, that is the best time to start your Intracel treatments.  If you wait too long, more treatments will be required.

So friend or foe?  You decide.  I say FRIEND!

Comment below.

Isn't it time you look as young as you feel?  Book a complimentary consultation today. 

Book a consultation

.

I Am Woman - Hear Me Roar

Would you say you are a confident person?  Do you generally feel good about yourself?  Does your "inside" you, match your "outside" you?  How do you change that?

Confidence is a work in progress.  For some it comes a little more naturally and for others it takes some sweat.  We know that being confident is an amazing quality - but why is it so hard for some of us?

I recently read an article by Jamie McKillop of "Well & Good NYC", based on activist, author, and girl-power guru, Alexis Jones - (author of "I am That Girl").  I was instantly attracted to her writing and her thoughts on this topic.  First off, she wants us to know that we are "all beautiful bad-asses!" (Could be the sentence that made her my new bestie).

As we all know - it is not easy to embrace our inner bad-ass.  I thought I would share my fave tip from her list of 8 - but I couldn't do it - they are all great tips!   Check out her 8 Tips and remember YOU ARE AWESOME!

Check it out!

And let us know what you think by commenting below.


Daniela

A Glimpse at a GREAT Day...

A BIG thank you to all of you who came out to help us celebrate Freedom's Anniversary.  We had a great time and hope you did as well.  This past year has been awesome and this next year is going to be FANTASTIC!  Stay tuned this fall for some exciting new services.

Thank you to Elizabeth Zelko of Plan Ahead Events who helped the event run smoothly.  Also Paul Spatafora of Capture it! Photography for doing a great job of capturing the event behind the lens.  It was a great day!

Daniela

 

It's Summer Time!

Sorry Donatella - but this pic really heps to prove my point - WEAR SUNSCREEN!

So you're off to the beach.  You have your bathing suit, your flip flops, sunglasses and of course SUNSCREEN!  All set, right?  Maybe not.  check the label.  Are you using any of the following?...

• Spray Sunscreens
• Sunscreen with Super High SPF
• Sunscreen with Oxybenzone
• Sunscreen with Retinyl Palmitate
• Combined Sunscreen/Repellant
• Tanning Oils

If you said YES to any of these - then leave it at home and pick up a new one on the way!

Unhealthy, harmful, cancer causing….blah, blah, blah - What's the big deal?  Why do I have to be so careful of all these things?  It's just Sunscreen!  

Well, knowledge is power.  So here is the low down…

Spray Sunscreens

While very handy - all sprays of any kind, pose an inhalation risk.  They can lead to lung issues.

Super High SPF

They provide a false sense of security.  Most people will apply once and think they are safer.  SPF - stands for Sun Protection Factor.  However, it is only measuring UVB rays which help to prevent a burn.  UVA rays are not measured, yet cause a greater amount of damage deep into the skin, suppress the immune system, accelerate skin aging and may cause skin cancer. (This is why we need a broad spectrum sunscreen).

NOTE: Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours - regardless of SPF.

Oxybenzone

56% off all Beach & Sport Sunscreens have Oxybenzone in them.  Oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and cell damage (which could lead to skin cancers).  

Retinyl Palmitate / Retinol / Vitamin A

Great for use at night - however, in the sun, may lead to skin cancers.  

Sunscreen/Repellant

Studies show that by blending the two - the skin absorbs much more repellant then it would normally.  Again - not good!

Tanning Oils

Really?  Does anyone still use oil?  You NEED an SPF of minimum 15 to protect your skin.  Tanning oils are BAD NEWS!  (Do you aspire to look like Donatella?).  Throw away the tanning oil!  Go on, you can do it!

What to look for when buying sunscreen…

• Zinc Oxide
• Titanium Dioxide  
• Chemical Free (NO Oxybenzone)
• Mineral based
• MOST IMPORTANT - Broad Spectrum - UVA/UVB protection

Healthy sun care tips…

• Look for shade where possible
• Wear hats & Sunglasses
• Cover up with clothing when possible
• Avoid prime sun exposure hours 11-3pm.
• Wear a mineral based broad spectrum sunscreen

For more info or to put your fave sunscreen to the test, check out http://www.ewg.org/2014sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/