Thank you for the kind words...

Thank you so much for everyone who came out and "signed and sealed" their warm wishes into our front desk!

SmoothCool and INTRAcel

We welcome with open arms our two new babies to Freedom - the SmoothCool IPL and the INTRAcel.  I cannot express to you how excited I am to have these two amazing machines join our team!   They will allow us to address almost any concern you may have.  

The SmoothCool IPL with it's chill tip, will allow us to perform any treatment almost painlessly!  We are now able to treat Rosacea, superficial redness and broken capillaries, sun damage, age spots, Melasma and even Acne!   It also is able to perform permanent hair removal.  We will still be using the Laser for hair removal, however, in certain cases this high powered IPL may be better suited. 

The INTRAcel... I have been researching skin tightening for quite some time now.  The INTRAcel has impressed me the most.  It is designed to increase collagen in the layer between the epidermis and the dermis, making it the ideal treatment for lines/wrinkles/acne scaring/pock marks, etc.  It sounds scarier than it is but is really quite a comfortable treatment - there is a disposable  tip which encases 49 thermal needles which are injected into the skin (which is pre-numbed), and then radio frequency(RF) is emitted and the needles quickly retract.  It may seem like it would hurt, however, we had a "Demo day" back in February with 5 people taking part, including myself, and no one complained that the treatment was painful.  The numbing cream really works well.  Most of us noticed a sizable difference in lines or acne scaring - with just one treatment!  

I am very excited and proud to say that I will be the INTRAcel trainer and Freedom will be a demo centre for physicians who are interested in this amazing machine.  This technology will blow Fraxel and Pixel technology out of the water.  Those treatments (as well as most collagen rebuilding treatments), damage the epidermis with the bulk of energy in order to try to get to the area that should be targeted.  Therefore, there is 5-7 days of downtime, and the amount of collagen actually generated is minimal.  By using thermal needles the epidermis receives little to none and all the RF is delivered .5mm to 2mm below the epidermis (in the optimal area for collagen production).

Feel free to book a complimentary consultation and we can help you to decide what treatments would best suit you and your needs.  

Our New Digs!

We are SOOOOOO excited to be moving into our new space soon - the 1 week count down is on!  There is still so much to do to be operational - but I think we can pull it off!  If you have an appointment next Tues April 23rd - as of now, we are planning to be in the new space.  In case of any last minute set backs, we will inform you either by email or phone.  For those of you who are wondering where we are moving to (that means you didn't read my newsletter), we are at the SAME ADDRESS - UNIT #2.  We are in Building A, which is the row of white units closer to TD Bank and we still face Pine Valley Dr….we are 2 doors away from Dolce Bombe (they make awesome cappucino's and the best Bombe (better than donuts)!

The unit is being transferred into something that I think is so beautiful.  It was just an empty shell - nothing was included.  It is quickly becoming a great space that I think you will all love and enjoy.  (A BIG thank you to OrangeRed Painting for all the hard work - what an amazing experience).  Take a sneak peek at some construction shots - but I am not going to give it all away….you'll have to come visit us and see it with your own eyes!

We also have a couple of  surprises up our sleeves for you.  We will be adding new services and we think you will be THRILLED!  You'll have to wait and see….

I will let you know when we are officially in our new space and then, please, come by for a coffee, a visit,  an appointment - whatever!  We would LOVE to see you and share our new home with you!

Daniela

Sip and Sample Event Follow Up...

Thank you to all who attended our Sip and Sample event.  What an incredible evening!  29 lovely ladies turned out for an awesome night, of mingling, eating, drinking and of course learning more about our services .  The best part - we raised $675 for the Princess Margaret Weekend to End Women's cancers!  

We would like to thank all of the wonderful businesses who contributed with gifts for our grab bags. Please don't forget to use your gift certificates/offers - most businesses donated some sort of gift for you.  Enjoy them!

A BIG thank you to, Natalia and Laura from Euro Essentials who were so wonderful at helping to answer so many questions about the Green Peel Facials and the Dr. Schrammek product line, Janita from Silhouet Tone who was performing mini Microdermabrasion demos, Sandra from Solidea for educating the ladies on the Cellulite/Compression leggings/hosiery from Italy, and who could forget - Pierre from Perfecting Touch - who was showing his incredible talent for permanent make up by penciling in eyebrow corrections (he is an artist and has already had the pleasure of changing a few ladies lives since that evening)!

Vanessa and I want to thank you all for your loyalty and support.  It truly means the world to us.  We will always strive to give you our best in product quality and service.  

To take a peek at a few pics from the event below. 

Frank Gianforcaro from FRANKGPHOTO (who is a long time friend of mine), took some great shots that evening.  Take a look at his website  www.frankgphoto.com  

Also, we were SNAP'D - check out the article about our event from Snap Woodbridge…COOL! (link)

Daniela's Green Peel Experience

Like Vanessa, I recently had a Green Peel treatment.  Check out this video to see my experience.

I kept a journal of my treatment and have am sharing it with you here.  Take a look at how things went for me:

Wed Oct 10

I am SO EXCITED!!!!!  I had my Green Peel Classic (that is the BIG one), done today.  I am anxious to see the results.  So far, my skin feels a bit annoying - tingling, a little itchy, really warm, and very taught.  It feels weird to not splash water on my face.  You are not to use water on your skin until your follow up facial which is 5-7 days later.  I am having mine done on Tuesday.  To cleanse you need to soak a cotton ball with the toner you are given (Herbal Care Lotion), then pat dry and apply the Special Care Cream and Blemish Balm (which has SPF 30 and hides redness and helps to heal the skin and work on impurities at the same time - the Miracle Cream!).  Well, now I am going to put a towel on my pillow (because you need to sleep with the blemish balm on).  Night, night!

Thurs Oct 11

So still feeling itchy - really itchy on my jawbone.  You are not supposed to scratch, but I can't help it!  I am sneaking some little scratches - but I do want to rip it off!  Lol!  Thank goodness I am working today and very busy, so I can't stop to think about it!  It still looks totally fine though.

Ha, it's peeling already!  I went to the bathroom to "cleanse" my face (with the toner and cotton ball) and I can see my chin is peeling off already!  Usually the peeling starts on day 3 or 4!  Exciting!  The toner did help remove most of it.  Who knows what I will awaken to tomorrow??  

Fri Oct 12

Yikes!  My chin is REALLY peeling!  The nasal labial folds are starting to peel too.  YAY!  Madeline came into the bathroom and said "Mommy, you have some stuff on your chin".  LOL!  I told her that the facial I had would make my skin peel.  I wonder what she must think of that?  She just looked at me funny and continued on.  Again the toner took most of it off and my chin is looking great! (Thank goodness as I have to walk the kids to school!)   

By noon my chin, jaw line, nasal labial folds felt quite tight and prickly/itchy.  And boy were they flaky!  I had to go to my daughter's school mass, where she was doing a reading.  Prior to the mass I had texted a mommy friend who was also going, to ask her if she would mind going to the mass with a "Leper" as my skin was peeling off!  At the mass, the priest began to speak about a Leper!  Well, it was all we could do to not laugh out loud!  What a strange yet hilarious coincidence!  

Bedtime routine - when "washing" with my toner and cottonball, most of my face started to accumulate in the sink!  Oh my!  Lots of old skin simply fell off with my gentle  motion.  Cool.

Sat Oct 13

When "washing" once again, more skin started to peel off - now all over my entire face.  My forehead is completely peeling off, cheeks, still on the jawline  - my whole face!  Poor sink!  Yuck!  My skin looks awesome - except for the parts that have not peeled yet.  Thanks to the Special Care cream and the Blemish Balm - I look great! LOL!  

My face hasn't felt as itchy and tight as it was yesterday and Thursday.  As the skin peels off the skin feels better.  Can't wait for  my follow up facial on Tuesday!

Evening cleanse - WOW - my face came off!  LOL!  Well my whole face has officially peeled off.  It felt good to put the Special Care cream/Blemish Balm on.  Very soothing and now it feels very smooth.

Sun Oct 14  

This morning my face looks good.  It feels AMAZING!  So soft and smooth.  Very little peeling going on.  I think I am done peeling….we'll see!  

Wed Oct 17

Had my follow up facial done.  Ahhhh, nice to be pampered.  It felt wonderful - I even had a wonderful hand massage - thank you Vanessa!  Afterwards my skin felt so nice, soft, smooth and balanced.  It looks glowing!  Love that healthy, glowing look.  I don't know if I am imagining it, however, I do see a softness to my lines.  Yay!  I feel younger already!  I may have to do another one soon.  I think I am officially addicted.  I will let you know when I decide to do the next one.

Oct 30

Still LOVING my results!  So happy!  Thinking I may do another at the beginning of December.  I know that each time you have the Green Peel's done, you strengthen the collagen and elastin in the skin.  I like that idea!

Vanessa’s Green Peel Experience

Although Green Peel treatments can be performed at any time of the year, I generally feel my skin needs a little extra boost after the summer. I usually get my annual Green Peel facial right around this time. I have had the Green Peel - Classic treatment previously, this year I decided to try the Green Peel - Energy.

The main issue I have with my skin is pigmentation. I have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne, as well as pigment from sun damage. I do not tan any longer. The sun damage is from my teen years when being tanned all year around was the thing to do. Now I have embraced my paleness :)! The Green Peel - Energy is an awesome treatment for those with hyperpigmentation of any kind.

Immediately after the Green Peel - Energy treatment my skin felt warm, prickly, tight, a little bit sensitive almost like I had a sunburn and very smooth to the touch. After this treatment, the skin does not typically peel. However, I have had some clients who tend to peel anyway - I apparently fall under this category. My skin lightly peeled evenly over my entire face. The peeling started two days after the treatment and continued to peel for about 3 days. However, it wasn't obvious to anyone else but myself.  Keeping my skin hydrated with the Special Care cream, really helped prevent any flaking.  My skin is looking and feeling great. I love the Green Peel treatments :)!

Check out the video of my experience!

Vanessa :)

Skin Care Tips for colder months ahead….

1. SUNSCREEN - Yes, yes, I know you thought you were done with this until next July - sorry to tell you, you do in fact still need to use it throughout the fall/winter months.  It is in fact much easier to burn or cause deep tissue damage in the colder months rather than in the summer months.  When we feel the heat we usually slather on protection, but when we feel cold and the sun's warmth feels so nice - we don't think it's causing harm.  It is!  The Optimal Protection cream is an awesome daily light moisturizer that includes a 30 SPF.  It doesn’t make you feel greasy and absorbs nicely.

2. MOISTURIZE -  Although year round we should be hydrating our skin, it is that much more pertinent in the colder months.  Hydrated skin appears healthier, and is better protected from the elements.  Depending on your needs (i.e. sensitivity, acneic, anti-aging, dryness, etc.) we can help you choose the moisturizer that would be best suited to your needs.  Don't forget to moisturize those hard working hands too! 

3. EXFOLIATE - When the epidermis (the surface layer of skin) becomes dry, a fine layer of dead skin cells form.  While this layer may not be visibile, it makes it difficult to have proper serum or moisturizer penetration.  Not to mention it may also cause pores to become clogged.  Exfoliating 1-2/week will help clear that layer of dead skin cells and give you that desirable glow.

4. HUMIDITY - Check your home's humidifier level or have a small unit for your room during sleep.  If you're just one of those people that have that raw, dry, itchy winter skin, then it's worth using one to increase the humidity.

5. TURN DOWN THE HEAT - Be careful that your home isn't too warm.  I know some people who like wearing shorts and tee's at home, so they crank up the temperature.  Well, it's not great for the environment, your heating bill, or your skin.   That's 3 strikes!  Also, VERY drying - hot showers.  Turn down the heat a notch.  I know the feeling of warming up in a hot shower in the bitter winter is AWESOME….but…it is SOOOOO drying to the skin.  Be sure to rehydrate once you are out of the shower.

Now you are ready for -20 temps!  Yay!  

Embracing Aging...

Truth be told - we would all love to look the way we did in our 20's (as for you folks in your 20's - lap it up!!).  Each day, we are sold on the importance of looking younger.   Seeing celebrities having had plastic surgery or procedures to help keep them looking younger, influences our views on aging.   Some celebrities are realizing the beauty and grace in aging and are fighting back.  They  have chosen to look great - non-invasively.   They  eat well, exercise, mediate, and use proper skin care.  Most admit to gentle non-invasive treatments such as microdermabrasion, skin peels and regular facials.  

Susan Sarandon is 65 and is looking great.  (Remember when 65 meant sitting in a rocking chair and knitting booties all day?)  She has not had any invasive treatments performed - thus far.  She has instead adopted a healthy lifestyle.  She eats food rich in anti-oxidants, has cut back on carbs, exercises and takes her vitamins.  She also favours microdermabrasion treatments regularly and slathers on sunscreen.

Kim Cattrall is now 55 and still looking sensationally sexy!  She has admitted to using Botox but refuses plastic surgery.  She speaks about being faithful with her skin care regime and "scrubbing" often.

It's not easy when the reflection in the mirror starts to look tired, sullen, dehydrated,  and/or wrinkled - but if you are taking care of your body and your skin - that reflection begins to look healthy, happy and absolutely beautiful - wrinkles and all.  Defying age, doesn't mean turning back the clock 20 years, it means looking GREAT at whatever age.

My personal take - I feel it is important to always look your best - naturally.  This doesn't mean a ton of make up or treatments or dressing up each day.  To me this means, looking in the mirror and still seeing me - with a glow and a smile - looking healthy.  This means drinking water, eating healthy, having a positive attitude and loving life.   I will (OF COURSE!)  try new non-invasive procedures that I know do not have horrible side effects.  But most importantly  I will love myself.  Look my best (even in my sweats).  Feel good.  Be Confident (always a work in progress).  Know who I am - wife, mother, daughter, friend, business owner.  I have come to terms with getting older and in turn I have become nicer to those under 30.  ;)

Take a look at a few celebs that are avoiding the knife:
Kate Beckinsale is put off by the surgically enhanced people who surround her in Hollywood and wants to age like her mother has - and look real.
Julianne Moore says she won't ever go under the knife.
Julia Roberts, now 44, spoke out about Botox and told Elle magazine,"I want my kids to know when I'm pissed, when I'm happy and when I'm confounded."
Teri Hatcher, in response to Roberts' comment, posted pics on facebook of herself in a towel, fresh out of the shower.  Telling women "You are BEAUTIFUL".

Sugar EXPOSED!

Have you heard of Glycobiology?  Not likely.  This is an entirely new science which looks at lipids and sugars and the role they play in our bodies.  Researchers are finding that sugars may be playing a large role in how quickly our skin is aging.  Hmmm....what else are they going to take away?!!! Tanning, smoking, alcohol - now sugar!? 

The studies have found that the greater the level of blood sugar the more the appearance of aging. 

Check out the full article featured on the BBC News Health site at this link.

Summer of 2012 Sun Protection Guide - Sunscreens EXPOSED!

It was quite shocking to see what is happening in the sunscreen world.  We have come along way, however, not far enough.  The FDA is working on changing the current regulations.  In the meantime, I highly recommend educating yourself on the topic.  There are some extremely harmful ingredients in MOST sunscreens - choose wisely!

What to AVOID when choosing a sunscreen:
    - Oxybenzone - this is a Hormone Disrupter, may cause cellular damage and is linked to allergies
    - Retinol palmitate or retinyl palmitate - may cause skin tumours and lesions
    - Sprays - they may be inhaled and can be very damaging to the lungs
    - Loose powder sunscreens - possibly carcinogenic when inhaled
    
What to look for:
    - Avobenzone 3%
    - Mineral sunscreens are the safest choice as per EWG Environmental Working Group
    - Mexoryl SX (ecamsule) - great mineral sunscreen ingredient (has high UVA)

If you are using what we have been recommending - Ombrelle 60 SPF, you may be disappointed to note - it isn't listed!  I am confident however that our score should not be higher than a 3 (the lower the score the better the product).  I have emailed them to notify them they are missing an important contender.  Remember however, the Ombrelle 45 does have Oxybenzone in it - so AVOID that one.

Questions?  Comments?  Anything to add to this hot topic?  Please respond directly below or send them our way.

On a less serious note, I'm sure you may have some great stories from "back in the day" when we used to lather on baby oil and the coconut smelling Coppertone oils.  Share them with us!

The Healthy Glow - NOT!

Oh that beautiful glow...if only we could maintain it throughout the year - safely!  Tanning beds give off UVA rays, which are absorbed deep into the dermal layer of the skin (UVB is only absorbed into the epidermis). This is actually more harmful. Yes, at the tanning salon, you are less likely to burn, however, you are 7 times more likely to get skin cancer in your lifetime (based on use of a tanning bed more than 10 times/yr).

If getting melanoma doesn't scare you, then perhaps the prolonged effects of tanning from a cosmetic stand point, might. Tanning, whether from the sun or a tanning bed causes leathery, dry and unhealthy looking skin, uneven skin tone, age spots, freckling, sun spots and of course wrinkles. A true recipe for aging quickly!

The latest news on tanning salons -- They have been BANNED to those under 19 in Nova Scotia, under 18 in British Colombia, as well as other parts of the world. 

Should Ontario ban Tanning Salons to minors?

When thinking about this issue, consider this fact -- In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, declared after a review of evidence that the risk of melanoma increases by 75 per cent when use of tanning beds starts before the age of 30.

I've love to hear your thoughts on this.

Daniela

My Husband's Isagenix Comments...

Oh, and I asked my husband for his thoughts:

I love this stuff! Not because I’ve lost a few pounds and a notch on my belt (that doesn’t hurt), but because I feel great when I’m taking my two shakes + one healthy meal a day. Gone is my dependency on the morning caffeine kick (I didn’t enjoy the first couple mornings not having a coffee!), gone are the mid-day cravings, and gone is the mid-afternoon energy wall. Instead, I have a consistent amount of energy throughout the day and I feel great – really great! Some of my favorite products include the chocolate shake in the morning (I throw in a whole banana), and the energy drink – say goodbye to the sweet and salty store bought junk…this stuff is excellent! The breakfast shake keeps me full until noon. If I have a lunch meeting with a client, that’ll be my meal for the day, and I’ll have a shake for dinner. Otherwise, I go with the shake for lunch, plus some healthy snacks and I’m good until dinner. As long as I can keep Daniela from breaking out the wine and cheese in the evening, I’m good for the day. I’m very sensitive to getting headaches if I don’t eat right. On this system I haven’t been getting any headaches because I haven’t been hungry and because the nutrients in the system are excellent. I plan on continuing to use these products. I’m a fan!

Dennis

Daniela's Isagenix Challenge

My goal was simply to do a proper cleanse. One where I am not starving, and my body is being fed good quality nutrients. My husband joined me (thank goodness - that made it much easier to stay on track). Katerina advised us to stay off of all dairy (yes that includes cheese - my fave), red meat (another fave), coffee and alcohol (2 more faves) and very little sugar especially at night time - for 30 days. Well, I have to admit, I did have the odd tiny lapse - I AM HUMAN (and I do love my wine)! However, for the most part we stuck to the plan. I have to admit, I never felt hungry (except on a "cleanse" day, which is one day per week - even then the hunger was suppressed with some healthy snacks and LOTS of water). I LOVE the shakes and my husband and I have decided we will continue to have those for breakfast. We add a whole banana and some frozen berries and feel very sustained until lunch. Normally I would find myself hungry by 10:30/11am. I also know that I am getting so many more nutrients with the shake and I am eating much more fruit because of it - win win! I have noticed a few changes in myself 1. I feel as though I have more energy throughout the day. 2. It has made me want to work out more and take better care of myself. 3. I just feel healthier! 4. It has made me appreciate wine even more! LOL!

This was my first cleanse ever. I have never really believed we needed to "cleanse". I must say Katerina has taught me a lot about taking care of my body - without feeling deprived of anything. I have been using Isagenix products for awhile now, but now I will incorporate them into my daily life - because I feel healthier taking them.

I also asked a client of mine how she was finding it so far. She was only on it for 9 days at that point. She said she was already feeling a difference in the way her clothes felt. She was so surprised that she was actually starting to see an outline of her figure – better definition. She is very excited! She is also very pleased that the shakes taste great and she hasn’t felt hungry.

If you are interested or even just curious, give Katerina a call at 416-274-9108, or feel free to ask me about it. She will also help you devise a plan that suits your needs. This can be used as a GREAT weight loss program - and you won't feel hungry!

To GREAT health!

Daniela

Scary Teen/Tween Trend

See the story here.

As a mother of two little girls - my eldest 6, my stomach turns and my eyes are filled with tears as I watch a young tween ask an audience of internet crooners, "Am I ugly?", "Am I fat". I am shocked - or not? Perhaps I remember all too well the insecurities of the tween/teen years. If your skirt is too long, you are a "loser", "nerd"; if your skirt is too short, you are a "sleaze", "tramp". If you don't wear make up or if you wear too much of it; if your hair is a certain way (I remember dreading going to school with a new hairdo!), if you wear certain shoes/boots, if you do your jacket up all the way….do you remember? I wish we could teach our children what we know now - those things don’t matter. If only they could see how wonderful they are, how beautiful inside and out, how funny, how sensitive, how smart, how talented. Yes, we all have to "go through it", however, maybe as parents we can make it easier for them. I remember being told how "the High School years are the best years of your life". Well, if you are feeling out of place and insecure - that is not a very encouraging outlook for the future!

Perhaps as Psychologist Dr. Diana Kirschner points out, we can make sure our children feel how loved they are - as they are. Focus on what they are good at and praise them often for it. Focus on both outer and inner beauty. This will help raise their self esteem. I also believe we need to make sure they enjoy being their age. They want to get older, they want to do what older kids get to do - but lets try our damnedest to have them act their age.

This brings about the question - "How do we teach them proper grooming and not go too far?" We want our kids to learn proper hygiene and to take care of their face and body. We teach healthy eating, proper bathing, the routine of washing our face and brushing our teeth. What do we do when "unwanted hair" pops up? Or wanting to wear make up? When is it okay? I have clients ask me all the time, "What age is a good age to start laser for my daughter?". My answers vary. I do agree that hair removal treatment should start before the child has to worry about feeling uncomfortable (especially with upper lip and eye brow hair). Personal grooming is a tricky topic with young girls. I tell most moms to wait until it bothers the child. Even then if it is not too bad, bleaching the hair for a year or two can buy some time. The youngest girl I've ever treated for an upper lip was a 9 year old, who had very dark hair and a lot of it. Her and her mom felt that she really did need the treatment.

My two cents - Keep the "grooming" to the basics for as long as possible. Kids need to be kids. Kids need to learn that real friends love you for who you are. Real friends do not make fun. If they do, they are not worth being friends with. Move on to someone who likes to have fun and not "make fun". If someone calls your child ugly or fat - she/he needs to have the confidence to turn away and find another friend - a real one. (And you need to have the strength to not go and throttle that person!)

W5 Segment - "Don't Get Burned"

W5 had a special this past weekend called, "Don't get burned". They did a good job of highlighting some horror stories and uncovering some of the disgusting practices that go on in this unregulated Laser industry.  However, I did not appreciate the way they made estheticians out to be ignorant while the physicians were portrayed in a much more respectable light. I did appreciate Dr. Bargman's honesty. He admitted to injuring clients at one time or another. These are the risks. Laser has risks.   An experienced

technician/doctor/esthetician will tell you so and will outline them. Check out the show here.

I enjoyed the segment, and I am very pleased that this is being discussed. It is time to regulate this industry for the sake of all of us. It is incredible that someone can purchase a medical grade device and be trained in a few hours (or even just 1 hour) and receive a certificate.  Below is a copy of my feedback to W5. I will keep you posted if I hear back on this.

Dear W5,

I am a certified Electrologist and have been performing Laser treatments for over 14 years. I too am very frustrated in the lack of regulation in the Laser industry. Thank you for bringing this to light. However, I felt that your coverage was biased and made estheticians look bad and physicians look like the much better choice. You spoke with an esthetician who works from the back of her house and 2 doctors who worked in a clinical environment. The poorly trained estheticians looked so ignorant it was ridiculous. I have trained medical professionals (including plastic surgeons, dermatologists, family physicians) as well as a spas (estheticians, electrologists) in laser services for a laser company. If someone purchases a laser machine, the company they purchase it from typically offers some sort of training and “certification”. Generally 1 – 1.5 days of training was offered with the company I worked with. While this may seem like an appropriate amount of time, it is not. I met many doctors/estheticians/nurses/electrologists. As in any field, there are doctors who care and those who do not. Most of the estheticians and nurses would listen and want to learn as much as possible. They were engaged and determined. Many doctors did not sit in on the training, simply popping in now and then. Most clinics would try to fill the room to have as many trained as possible. I actually trained a couple of clinics that had the receptionist in to be trained as well – just in case! More people getting trained means less hands on time per person. I will say, most of the spas trained, were willing to set aside a number of hours the week post training, to practice on models and each other. However, quite a few of the doctors’ offices would already have bookings for these “technicians” the day after their training. In all cases, I would highly recommend at least taking that first week after the training to log a minimum of 8-10 hands on hours per person, before treating paying clients. I doubt many clinics adhered to this advice. As you point out in your coverage, regulation of this industry is required to protect the consumer – no matter if it is an esthetician, nurse, or a doctor giving the service (note that it is extremely rare that a doctor actually “performs” the service). 

Having said all that, any doctor/esthetician/technician that says they have NEVER injured someone, is either not being truthful or has not performed many treatments. I was pleased to hear Dr. Bargman speak so earnestly. These are some of the risks with laser treatments. With an experienced and qualified technician/doctor, these risks are minimal. I have never permanently scarred someone and I believe that is because I qualify the client, at each and every visit. The settings need to be adjusted dependant on skin colour (inc any tan), hair colour, new medications, etc.

I would love to help out with organizing some sort of association to protect people against these wonderful yet dangerous machines. I agree that there needs to be regulations put in place with quality training and a certain amount of practical hours. When I took my electrolysis training 18 years ago, we had to log 200 hours! I think we need to form a group of caring professionals – doctors/estheticians/technicians, who want to fight for the health and welfare of each person who wants to look better and feel better about themselves. No one should be permanently scarred from Laser treatment.

Thank you for your coverage of such an important topic. Hopefully you can help in finding the solution to this Health Canada black hole. Please do not dismiss the professional, competent and experienced technicians out there.

Daniela Hofmann

Owner of Freedom Medi-Spa

Green Peel Launch Night

On November 9th, we had a great event launching our new Green Peel Service.

Thank you everyone for coming by.

Below are a number of pictures from the event.  Please let us know if you'd like any information on the service.

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Daniela's Green Peel experience

I had heard a few people complain that the peel itself was a bit painful.  I found the treatment quite relaxing (and I am a big suck!).  I looked red after the treatment, however one of the homecare products is the Blemish Balm (an AMAZING product, which has 20 SPF, calms redness and blemishes/impurities and acts as a foundation), which completely toned the redness down.  In fact, I really didn't look as though I had had anything done.  I didn't actually peel very much - that is likely due to the fact that I use the ageLOC serum daily and that is constantly exfoliating the skin.  At day 5, I thought my skin actually didn't look very good at all.  I had little breakouts on my cheeks and the tone didn't seem all that nice either (felt super soft though).  I had my follow up facial at day 7, and after that I felt my skin looked much better.  The next day, the blemishes had almost all disappeared and my skin was REALLY glowing.  People began commenting on how good it looked.  Now at the 2 week mark, I can say I am now beginning to notice differences in lines, and my skin continues to look great (better each day).  Due to the deep penetration of the herbs, the skin continues to improve and should up until the 3-4 week mark.

My younger friends will be envious!  I am turning back that clock girls!!!

Vanessa's Green Peel experience

I was extremely excited about getting the Green Peel treatment.  I found the treatment relaxing and was surprised with the steps involved in the treatment process.  I think it should be called a Green Peel Facial!  The first 3 days following the peel I could actually feel the herbs working.  When I touched my face I could feel a prickling sensation within my skin.  It was reassuring to know the herbs were working.  By day 4 my skin started to lightly peel and continued to peel until my follow-up facial on Day 7.  The blemish balm with SPF 20 helped cover and hide the peeling (which I think is very important).  I felt totally comfortable going to work and being in public.  On day 7 I had my follow-up facial, which helped slough off any remaining peeling skin and really helped kick start the improvements.  My skin feels very smooth and light and I notice a difference in the tone of my skin, it's just glowing!!!  My main concern was post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (scaring) caused by acne, and I DO notice a difference -- which is huge for me.

Benefits of the Green Peel

 The GREEN PEEL is not just for damaged, impure or flawed skin, it is a treatment for every skin type, every lifestyle and every age. Though this treatment has many beneficial properties to help greatly improve the skins condition, it is also the answer to ensure normal healthy skins stay at its normal pure state. Depending on the individual’s treatment goal, a suitable method is selected in the right intensity for the concerning skin issues.

This treatment would be great for you if you have any of the following:

• dull skin
• oil skin with poor circulation
• skin with the tendencies to have impurities, blemishes
• acne
• scars (caused by acne, accidents, burns etc.)
• coarse complexion
• enlarged pores
• sun damaged skin
• aged skin (lines, wrinkles, sagging facial contours)
• hyperpigmentation
• stretch marks
• sluggish looking skin
• skins that need a refresher/glow

Herbal Ingredients in the Green Peel

The GREEN PEEL herbal peeling treatments consists of many different herbal compounds which includes phytohormones, mucilages and tannins, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, mineral salts and trace elements. This organic treatment contains some well know herbs among other elements which work in harmony to provide beneficial and effective results.

Horsetail – Waterhorsetail

strengthens the connective tissue and elasticity in the skin

improves structure of the skin

anti-inflammatory 

Aloe Vera

very healing on the skin

lends and binds moisture

firms skin  

Camomile

anti-inflammatory

antibacterial and has wound healing properties

also known as the plant Doctor

Marigold

activates cell division

anti-inflammatory

wound healing properties

Algea – Spirulina Platensis

contains over 259 active ingredients

rich in minerals, proteins, essential amino acids, beta- carotene and provitamin A

helps regulate sebum (oil) production

Ulva Lactuca

very calming and soothing on the skin

purifying effect

particularly rich in vitamin C, A B12, and minerals

Fucus Vesiculosus

has antiseptic properties

particularly rich in vitamin C

stimulates fibroblast activity (collagen production)

Pansy

very beneficial for impure and inflamed skin

rich in carotenoids and salicylic acid derivates

wound healing properties  

Lungwort

regenerated cells

rich in minerals

keratolytic effect (causes the outer layer of the skin to loosen and shed – great for skin with lesions or impurities)

Ribwort

regenerates cells

antibacterial effects, soothes irritations

reepithelialising effect (restoration of the epidermis)