Intensive Age Refining Treatment: 0.5% pure retinol night

So thinking I have tried it all, I decided to try this product out.  I was a little reluctant, as I did use Retinol back in the acne days and remember the dry, red, flaky looking skin.  I have been reading up on the changes in Retinol (Vitamin A), and have known for a long time it is one of the best anti-aging ingredients to seek out in a product, so I decided to come full circle and start using it again.  In all honesty, even after just one application, I noticed a difference in my skin.  The next morning, after washing my face, I could not believe the feeling of my skin.  It just felt smoother and softer - and that was with nothing on it!  Most creams feel great when they are applied to the skin, but after they are washed away, the skin usually feels pretty similar to dry skin without cream.  This really impressed me, and I have continued to use it, and am really pleased with the long term results as well.  I have noticed my blemishes/breakouts are more infrequent and controlled, the texture of my skin is so smooth, as for the lines, it is both too soon and difficult to tell.  I will be sure to keep you posted.  However, my lines are also improving from my INTRAcel treatment as well.  I will continue to age gracefully - but not without a fight to look great and feel great!  Who's with me?

Daniela

Intensive Clarity Treatment: 0.5% pure retinol night

Perfect skin is what we all strive for. A clear and even complexion with a healthy glow. Along with ensuring the skin ages gracefully - unfortunately aging is inevitable. BUT! We can slow down this process with the things we can control in our life; such as healthy food choices, a good skin care routine, anti-aging treatments and overall a healthy life style. Remember your age is only a number.

I’m sure you already know Daniela and I take great pride in testing all products, treatments and machines before we bring them into Freedom. We recently added the PCA Peel to our services. Clients have really enjoyed this treatment and have had great results. I of course had the PCA Peel performed on myself first and it was great! PCA is a very well know line in the Aesthetic world.  Along with their professional treatments and peels, they also have some very effective serums.  Since I really enjoyed the PCA Peel I wanted to try one of their at home treatment products to enhance and maintain the benefits of the Peel. I decided on the Intensive Clarity Treatment: 0.5% pure retinol night.  This product claims to repair hyperpigmentation and acne. It also helps increase exfoliation, increases collagen production and has powerful anti-oxidant protection.

I noticed a difference in my skin only after using this product for a couple days. I noticed my skin tone looked much more even, and my skin felt very smooth. My post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (pigment from acne) seemed to have noticeably faded. I had a couple little acne friends (Bob, Joe and Martha) pop up the day before I started using this product. My unwelcome friends healed and completely vanished after two days of using it.  I’m very pleased with the results from this treatment so far, and I imagine the results and benefits will only continue to get better.
 
A good home skin care routine is so important.  Using products that are suited to your skin type and conditions will keep your skin at optimal health. If you are having treatments done for your skin, home care will only improve, enhance and maintain the results of the treatments.  Proper home care is a worthwhile investment.

Vanessa

Super Hero Fights Evil Sugar Molecules

So here's a fun fact you likely did not know -

Sugar Causes Wrinkles!

COME ON!  Can't a girl get a break here?!  Let me get this straight - God gives us a "cycle" which causes crazy cravings only to find out it is bad for our health (which we have known for a long time), bad for our teeth, and NOW bad for our skin!  Cruel!  
 
Apparently sugar attaches to proteins in our bodies which form harmful new molecules - AGE'S (advanced glycation end products), they then damage our collagen and elastin. What are we to do?  Well, there is the obvious - we stop eating sugar.  However, that is not at all as easy as it sounds.  Even sugar in fruit, grains and vegetables count - making avoiding sugar extremely difficult. However, added sugars and foods containing high sugar content (especially sodas and fruit juices) are the worst enemies.
 

Another solution (which I believe goes hand in hand with the first), is to increase our anti-oxidant intake as well as use skin care products which help to combat these AGE's.  Make sure you are getting your B1 and B6 daily requirements , Vitamin C and as well as green tea.  As for skin care, products containing Retinol, Vitamin C and E and other combative ingredients will help.  Our very own Dr. Schrammek Time Control line has Carnosine - a peptide which encapsulates the sugar molecules deeming them harmless to our collagen/elastin fibres.  Yay!  Like a super hero to the rescue!  This new line also has Matrixyl 3000, which repairs damage and Milk Thistle which is a powerful anti-oxidant.

For more tips on how to Fight those evil sugar molecules follow this link.

Daniela

Kiss Me Mascara and Blinc Liquid Eyeliner

Oh My!  Thank Goodness I found out about these products!  For some strange reason I have developed a weird "eye thing".  I had to stop wearing my beloved mascara - yes I had to take DRASTIC measures.  And I am one of those people with light and tiny eyelashes - it was a devastating blow!  My eyes would sting and burn and itch when wearing it.  If I dared to wear it in a moment of backlash (pardon the pun), it always won, making me regret my decision.  It was actually a good friend of mine who introduced me to Kiss Me.  (We have become best friends since).  It is the only mascara I can wear.  It doesn't seep into my eyeballs midday, it doesn't decide to move south to the crease under my eye, it doesn't even run when I am out in the rain or should I have teary eyes!  LOVE IT!  Now my sensitive, light coloured lashes have nothing to complain about.

So…I decided to put both the mascara and eyeliner to the test.  I took pics of my make up at the end of the night (after a full day of wearing it), then I slept with it on (I know - immoral!).  I then took pics in the am.  Take a look - NO BLACK SMUDGES ON MY PILLOW - and my eye makeup still looks pretty good. That would have been good to have back in the day (coming home in the wee hours)!

Daniela

NEW Cell Regeneration Facials

Ok - Who is done with the midnight darkness at 6:00pm, scraping frost off the windshield in the morning and just this cold crummy weather in general? I know it’s not just me. And it’s not even winter yet.  We all get the winter blues – it’s natural.  That’s why it’s important to find ways to keep our spirits up to make these cool months pass quickly.  Some take the “if you can’t beat it, join it” route and take up skiing, snowboarding or something involving the snow and cold. Another more relaxing and warm option is coming in for facial treatments. Doesn’t that sound better?  It is also beneficial to have a great skin care routine to keep your skin healthy throughout all the seasonal changes. The coldness of winter brings a natural rosy glow to the cheeks – but unfortunately it also brings extremely dry skin.

Daniela and I went to a workshop held by Jasmine, the Dr. Schrammek educator from Germany, for a new product launch - very exciting! Dr. Schrammek recently came out with TIME CONTROL, an anti-aging skin care line for mature skins. TIME CONTROL consists of a Day, Night and Eye Cream, Mask and an awesome Serum. These products will help reverse (diminish) any signs of aging, and also provide the skin with antioxidants to ensure healthy cells, so the skin looks and feels younger longer. Three TIME CONTROL facials have also been designed around these products.

Daniela was the unwilling participant for the facial demo. Not because she didn’t want a facial. You know how it is – places to go, people to see. She cleared her morning and she was happy she did. The TIME CONTROL Lift Treatment was the facial Jasmine choose for her. This new facial uses the exclusive ingredients contained in TIME CONTROL in conjunction with a dry massage that provides stimulation to the connective tissue. Products we know and love were also used in this facial such as Super Enzyme Peeling, Algo Vital-Mask, and the Blemish Balm. After the facial Daniela's skin looked great. We went over the other two TIME CONTROL facials - the Balance Treatment and the Quick Lift Treatment and we loved them as well. We have decided to bring in all three new facials to FMS!!

All three of these NEW facials are on PROMO this month!! Now is the perfect time to try them out. You can read about these facials in a little more detail under November PROMOs.

Please feel free to call, email or even come on by if you have any questions. We can help choose a facial program that is best suited to you!

Vanessa :)

Mo-vember Mo-stache Contest!

Get your game on boys!  You don't need to be a jock, an athlete, or even in great shape for that matter!  You can all participate in this one!  

Anyone who sends in a pic of their crazy stache will win a random draw prize.

Email us at info@freedommedispa.com.

You can come in and pick from the prize jar yourself OR we can randomly do it for you!  So come one stache or come all!  You all win something!

The BEST Mo-stache will win a $100 Gift Certificate to spend on ANY service!

The grand prize is not applicable for Whole Body Cryotherapy. The winner will win from a vote by the entire team at Freedom. Entries must be submitted by November 25th.

INTRAcel in action at Freedom

We are seeing GREAT results with our INTRAcel treatments!  I recently had a client come in for her 2nd INTRAcel treatment.  Her concerns are pock marks as well as nasolabial fold lines and very few early lines around the eye area.

After her first treatment, she told me this was the first time she has noticed a significant difference in all of those areas.  She has had Fraxel treatment done in the past and did not notice much difference at all in the pock marks and only slight differences in the lines around the eyes.  With the Fraxel she had 2 weeks of downtime, whereby with the INTRAcel, she found it was only a few days - the day after she was fairly pink (wind burnt looking), and the next day into makeup and off to work.

A video of her latest treatment is below.

We thank her VERY MUCH, as she has allowed us to show video of her INTRAcel treatment.  Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

Skin Care for Every Age Group

Pre-Teens
The best skin care for this age group is simply keeping the skin clean without causing harm with any harsh chemicals.  Generally this age group can simply wash their face with water in the am and pm.  However, if there are any signs of pores becoming clogged, then it may be time to introduce a very gentle cleanser - DO NOT USE YOUR MOM'S! - for two reasons.  The first being, she probably spent a lot of $$ on it and you would get into trouble!  The second, it will likely be much too harsh for you.  My recommendation would be to use a product like Cetaphil.  You can find it at the drug store and it isn't expensive and is extremely gentle.

TEENS
Ah the pesky teen skin dilemas.  This will most likely be the worst period of time in your life in terms of having nice, healthy looking skin.  Between puberty, the dramas of teen life (ie. Stress), and not taking proper care of your skin - this is a tough decade.  My advice - find a cleanser that is best suited to your skin type.  Most teens find their skin becoming quite oily, therefore a gel cleanser for oily skin would work well.  Also a blemish cream - one that not only helps to cover up blemishes but also helps to treat them, not just dry out the skin, (like our Blemish Balm), will become your best friend!  Now that your mom won't be looking out for your hygene needs - remember to cleanse twice a day (am and pm) and use water based mineral sunscreen in the summer months.  I recommend buying a really good light sunscreen that is non-comedogenic (non clogging) with at least a 15 SPF, and use it daily if you are going to be out in the sun for more than 15 minutes.  In terms of exfoliating and moisturizing - these can exacerbate an acneic condition if you are not careful.  I would definitely recommend speaking to a professional about what will work best for you.  This is a great time to have your first facial - see there is some good news!  Seeing a professional and learning about your skins needs would be very helpful.
*NOTE: DO NOT use products with Benzoyl Peroxide, products with high alcohol content, and do not use soap.  Prolonged use of harsh chemicals such as Benzoyl Peroxide may cause increased redness, and may even result in Rosacea.  Many teens like the way these products cause the skin to feel dry and tight and without oils, however, the sebaceous glands begin to work even harder to lubricate the skin, thus creating a vicious cycle.

20's
Welcome to your 20's!  This is the decade of fun, fun and more fun!  By this point your hormones have settled and you no longer look like a connect the dot activity - Hurray!  This is a good time to re-evaluate your skin and what it may need.  You'll likely still need that blemish balm for a spot here or there (if you are like me - you may need it for LIFE!), of course a good cleanser - the gel cleanser may have become too drying by now - make sure you assess your skin and choose the right products.  DO NOT STEAL YOUR MOMS - again for the same 2 reasons above and DO NOT USE WHATEVER IS UNDER THE BATHROOM COUNTER.  Again - for 2 reasons.  The first, if it is expired or has been open for a while it has likely gone bad. (If you aren't sure if it's expired - the rule of thumb is 18 months or less unopened is okay or 6-12 months if it was opened). The second, it likely isn't what is best for your skin.  If you use product just to "use it up", and it isn't right for your skin, you will have to deal with some sort of skin backlash (ie. Break outs, hives, itchiness, blotchiness, dry patches, sensitivities - get the picture?).  The 20's mark the start of your adult skin care regime - YAY! (Now you start to take even longer to get ready each day!).  You should now be using an appropriate cleanser, exfoliant, toner, and moisturizer with SPF.  By 25, you should be also using an eye cream to help prevent fine lines and keep the eye area hydrated.  A moisturizer will not absorb into the eye area as the molecular structure of a moisturizer is too large.

30's
This is the decade where you tell yourself you don't miss your 20's at all and you are at the pinacle of your being.  And it really is kind of sort of true…
As for your skin - well now you have some new problems - likely caused by your refusal to wear sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF daily - YES - fine lines. :(
The cruel little things start at the sides of the eyes and a line or two may be starting to furrow between your brows and - do those smile lines seem a little deeper?  So, what do we do?  This is when we start to use anything and everything to grasp onto our "youthful glow".  Seriously now, my advice, is to start using age preventing creams suitable for your skin type of course.  Usually if you haven't switched to a cream cleanser yet, this may be the decade for you to do so.  You most definitely do not want to be dry, which encourages and highlights a wrinkle as well.  You should still use what I mentioned from your 20's, but this is a good time to add an anti-aging serum to the list.  I would also recommend starting Microdermabrasion treatments.  As we age, the process by which the skin naturally exfoliates and sloughs off,  begins to slow down.  It needs a little help from exfoliants and treatments such as Microdermabrasion.  They are a great first step toward age prevention and you will look and feel FANTASTIC!

40 and Up
I am not sure since I'm not there yet…ok I'm in denial, let's move on please! (I should have changed it to "41 and Up" Lol!).  Some of you may be thinking that is too vast a group - 40 - 99!  However, really the skin care needs will be quite similar.  Skin care will always need to be customized to your specific needs.  In these years, you want to use a great basic line (as you started in your 20's), but you will tweak it as your skin changes ie. Products for dry, oily, sensitive, etc.  You also want to be using eye cream (from 25-30yrs - FOREVER), an exfoliant, an anti-aging serum, and occasional masks if required (certain conditions will see a great improvement with the use of masks).  For most people continuing with Microdermabrasion treatments will really benefit their skin - the products you use will penetrate much better as well as helping you maintain that youthful glow.  For some, skin peels may be better, or may be recommended in conjunction with Microdermabrasion.  For those with redness in their cheeks or sun damage, a series of IPL treatments may be the solution.  This is also the age group that may wish to start to use Botox and/or fillers for those annoying deeper lines.  A more natural way to treat those lines (and also treat any pock mark scars/large pores/loose skin/etc.), would be the INTRAcel treatment.  (I will be having another one shortly, and will blog about it - maybe I'll even show you some video/pics!).  Remember, if in doubt of what treatments or products you should be using, we will always provide a complimentary skin analysis.

My First Whole Body Cryotherapy Session

Very cool! Literally and figuratively. When I watched the video, I thought I looked a little freaked out - but I really wasn't.  I actually rather enjoyed it.  (What is with the pot light making my nose glow and look double the size??!)The first minute is fine, the 2nd starts to feel like when I was watching the kids skiing and the cold started to seep into my upper thighs and butt.  The last 20 seconds felt more like I had sat down on a block of ice and was getting frost bite.  My favourite part was immediately after I came out.  I felt cool little tingles all over - especially on the upper thighs and buttocks.  I felt like my saddlebags were frozen and going to fall right off - which was very satisfying!  (even if it was in my imagination).  Then it was back to work and everything was completely normal.  The tingling lasted for maybe 1/2 an hour afterwards.  It's hard to say for sure because I did get busy with work afterwards.  I felt good and am most definitely interested in continuing treatment.  Roman has explained to me that without a package any chronic pain and any real long term results would not be likely - which makes sense. 

Check out Roman's website and his monthly promos at www.cryotherapywellness.ca.

IntraCEL Treatment

Many of you have been very curious as to what an IntraCEL treatment is and what it can do for you.  I have been asked many questions, so I would like to explain the treatment further and show you some video clips of the actual treatment.

I had a demo day back in February of this year and I too had the treatment done along with a few others.  As many of you already know - I am a BIG suck.  However, I was fairly comfortable during the treatment (thank goodness for numbing cream).   We all went to work the next day - a little pinkier than usual, however, nothing absurd and noticable.   I would advise however, if possible, take the next day off of work (just in case you feel too red or swollen).  By approximately 3 weeks after the treatment I was VERY happy with the difference I noticed in my nasiolabial folds and the overall taughtness and texture of my skin.

Here is what to expect from beginning to end:

The treatment begins with the application of a numbing cream (approx. 30-40mins), then it is cleansed, and the treatment begins.  There is a disposible cartrige which houses 49 needles that are delivered quickly into the skin, then emitting Radio Frequency(RF) to the dermis.  The needles are thermal needles which keep the RF from reaching the epidermis – sparing it from burns/damage. Most other treatments cause damage to the epidermis first and try to deliver enough energy to the dermis.  The treatment time is approx. 30 minutes followed by a cooling face mask with cold pack to reduce any inflammation and redness (approx. 15mins).  Then a sunscreen is applied.  Total booking time 2 hours.

What is to be expected in the days following:

That same day and for the next day as well, cold packs will help with any swelling or discomfort.  There are also specific masks that are in the Post Care Kit (apply 1 am and 1 pm/must be kept in the fridge).

The skin will look pink and may have some needle marks – usually resolving within 3-5 days.  If you are using the Blemish Balm most people would not notice anything is different about you.  Most return to work within a day or two.  If you are nervous about what your reaction might be, I would recommend that you plan to be at home for the first day post treatment.

With just one treatment most will notice a difference in their lines, wrinkles, elasticity, texture, large pores, and scars.  It also helps to improve loose neck skin.  Depending on your concerns you may need to do 3 - 5 treatments for optimal results.  However, if you have mild symptoms of aging, a treatment 1-2 times a year can go a long way!  This is an incredible treatment to aid in the prevention of unwanted signs of aging.

Here are a few links that might give you a better idea of the procedure:

Intracel with Dr. Mulholland on Breakfast t.v.:

A personal experience documented:

A bloggers review:

http://www.foundbeautiful.com/2012/05/intracel-review/

Dr. Poon’s neck area Before and After shots:

http://www.elevatemagazine.com/before-after/391-shirley-s-platelet-rich-plasma-treatment

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions.  I believe this is an awesome treatment – allowing us to age gracefully (not plastically).  With subtle differences in lines/wrinkles we aren’t denying our age, just looking great while aging!

Grand Opening Pics...

What a FABULOUS day! Thank you to all of you who came out to celebrate with us.  A special thank you to our awesome Mayor, Mr. Maurizio Bevilacqua and our Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca.  It made for the perfect start to a great future in Vaughan.

Also a BIG thank you to Dolce Bombe (2 doors down from us) for the huge platter of YUMMY Bombe!  If you haven't tried one, you haven't lived!

Sunscreen: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!

Here it is - the "Coles Notes" Version of our recent research….

The Good…

• Mexoryl (strong photostable protection)

• Tinosorb S and Tinosorb M UVA blockers (better than Avobenzone)

• Zinc Oxide - UVA protector

• REAPPLY EVERY 2 HOURS OR MORE

• Slather it on - studies show we use 1/4 to 2/3 of the proper amount to provide us with the products SPF rating

• Cover up where possible

• Wear a hat and sunglasses

• Canada is working on stiffer sunscreen rules than our U.S neighbour.  It's taking a closer look at Europe - who has much tougher sunscreen regulation.  As of now, more than 50% of our sunscreens would never be able to be sold in Europe.

The Bad…(AVOID)

• Oxybenzone - disrupts hormones in the body

• Sprays  (inhilation concerns/inadecuit coverage

• Loose powders ( same as above)

• Retinyl Palmitate/Vit A (harmful when in the sun)

• No spray sunscreens - lungs/respiratory

• Have your Vitamin D levels checked - you do not want to be depleted of such an important nutrient in the body.  You may need to supplement.

• UVA rays do not decline as much when the sun is lower in the sky or is overcast and also - really bad news - it penetrates glass!  That really stinks!  So…in other words, make sure you are wearing a daily cream or make up with 15 or greater SPF.  

The Ugly…

Oh that "healthy" bronzed glow…IT'S NOT HEALTHY!...

• DO NOT USE TANNING BEDS - they expose us to 15 times more UV radiation then the sun. This is what they believe has caused the increase in Melanoma cases.

• Do not use self tanning creams - many chemicals in them have not been tested.

• MEN - USE SUNSCREEN!  Only 34% of men vs. 78% of women use sunscreen and twice as many men are dying from melanoma.

• TEENS - Here is a shocker - YOU WILL BE 40 ONE DAY - so take care of your skin.  Almost every 40+ person we see, tells us they wish they had been better with taking care of their skin in their teens/early 20's.

...Sneak Peak...

After months of hard work and planning, we are very pleased with the outcome.  Our new location is what we were hoping for and more.  We wanted to achieve an ambiance of peace and tranquility with a contemporary look - and we believe it is exactly that.  Come see for yourself.  Arrive a few minutes early or stay after your appointment and enjoy a Nespresso while listening to the peaceful water wall, and read a magazine.  Life is all about little stolen moments of pleasure!

 

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!