I've never had any waxing services before. What can I expect?
Why should I use professional home care products?
What skin care products do you use daily?
Why do I always break out after facials?
Chemical peels are used to remove the outermost layer of the skin and reveal the fresh, less wrinkled layer below. In my Specialized Facials and Specialized Body Treatments, a chemical formula is placed on the skin, which helps dissolve dead skin cells. I have treatments that can result in skin actually flaking off over the course of a week or so, but I also have 'peels' that do not produce any visible peeling effect. Ultimately, the goal is to leave the skin with clarity, luminosity, and showing an improvement in fine lines or other conditions. Chemical peels are used for age management and effectively improve the feel and appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun exposure, aging, and genetics. They can also treat age spots, freckles, and other superficial hyperpigmentation. Most skin colors and types can benefit from chemical peels.
If you're taking acne medication, like Retin-A or Accutane, you will have to stop the medication before and during treatment to avoid complications. I will review any other contraindications with you prior to your treatment to determine if a chemical peel is right for you.
During the treatment, a peel is applied to the skin and allowed to sit for a few minutes. The chemicals then react with the skin to produce a 'controlled wound,' allowing fresh skin to regenerate and emerge. Most solutions are actually left on the skin but 'neutralized' with additional products. Some solution may be removed with water.
The level of discomfort experienced depends on the treatment. Most PCA chemical peels are gentle and create little or no burning or stinging sensation in the skin. Dramatic wrinkling, sun damage, or acne scars may require a deeper peel, which may cause moderate stinging for a few minutes. More dramatic results can be expected from a deeper peel; however, deep peels are not necessary for most skin types and conditions. PCA's philosophy of taking a low-dose approach means their superficial chemical peels create minimal discomfort and produce beautiful and immediate results for most patients.
Dry, damaged, or thin-looking skin is partially the result of dead cell buildup, which actually hinders natural exfoliation as well as the absorption and penetration of vitamins and nutrients. Having a PCA chemical peel will remove surface buildup, hydrate the skin, and give it a plumper, "thicker" appearance.
Usually, a series of peels is recommended for maximum results. There are a few measures you can take to help your skin heal. Aerobic exercise or vigorous physical activity should be avoided for the first forty-eight hours. Avoid rubbing or scratching areas of the face that have been treated. Direct sunlight or indoor tanning is to be completely avoided following the treatment. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least fifteen should become a part of daily skin care regimen as your skin will become more sensitive to the sun as a result of the peel. Finally, avoid applying moisturizers or other products that may contain harsh chemicals, dyes, or perfumes to your skin until it has completely healed. I actually provide a PCA Post-Procedure skin care product kit with any Specialized Facial for you to use in the week or two following treatment.
I've never had any waxing services before. What can I expect?
Waxing reduces hair growth when performed at regular intervals. While shaving crops the hair even with the skin, waxing pulls it out by the root so it grows back softer, finer, and thinner. Waxing is great for those who are tired of the hassle of shaving several times per week – the more you wax, the less hair grows back.
Let the hair you want to have waxed grow out to about a quarter-inch above the skin. This is usually about two to three weeks worth of hair growth for most people. If hairs are left too short, the wax won't be able to adhere to them strongly enough to pull them out. You also want to avoid using any topical medications (like Retin-A) for at least one week prior to waxing. The day you have your waxing appointment, please refrain from any tanning before or after your service.
You may feel some discomfort during waxing, but relaxing will help alleviate the sensation. The more you experience waxing, the less it hurts. You may take a couple of ibuprofen before treatment to reduce pain and swelling.
Why should I use professional home care products?
A major advantage to getting professional advice is that your visit includes a thorough skin analysis before treatment. I take a health history from you, asking about any medications you are taking or allergies you have. This is factored into your treatment. None of this is available when you buy something in a retail setting or over the Internet.
Also, the law allows higher concentrations of active ingredients in professional-only products. This means you are getting more effective formulations with better and faster results. This makes your investment in products and your home care regimen all the more valuable.
The proper home care regimen enhances and maintains the results from your treatments and prepares your skin for further care. It will greatly increase the effectiveness of any treatment you have, particularly any Specialized Facial or Specialized Body Treatment. Buying products from an esthetician gives you the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns you might have about your skin. Your routine and the products you use could very well change over time; only expert care can determine this.
While professional skin care products and services may seem more expensive at first, they offer a better value. You will need less product per application since the active ingredients are more concentrated. You will achieve better results and gain more from your esthetician visits if you maintain the correct home care regimen. And you’ll have confidence in knowing your products have been chosen for your skin, health, and lifestyle by someone with skill and knowledge.
What skin care products do you use daily?
View my personal skin care routine to see a list of all of the products I use daily.
Why do I always break out after facials?
It is not uncommon to experience a break out after a facial or chemical peel and this reaction should not scare you away from wanting to have these services! The whole intent of a skin care service is to gently exfoliate the skin and draw impurities to the surface. Many breakouts we experience have been developing in the skin over a few days or even weeks. The facial is simply bringing this breakout to the surface and purging it.
Also, anytime you do something new to your skin, either a service or a new product, the skin may react. The key to preventing this is having regular services or using home care products regularly. You never want to have your first facial or chemical peel in the week before a big event! It is best to plan ahead and have treatments for a few months leading up to a special moment, like a wedding or vacation.
If you are looking for an answer that does not appear in the FAQs, please call or email me with any additional questions!
PCA Skin also has a fantastic FAQ.