Why microdermabrasion is still the #1 skin treatment.

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What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion (microderm) is a non-invasive, comfortable, exfoliating procedure that produces immediate improvement of the texture and tone of the skin.  The suction from microdermabrasion cleans out the pores making them look smaller, it exfoliates to fade sun spots and acne scars, it clears blackheads and acne, plumps fines lines and puts that young glow back into your cheeks.   For significant improvement of pigmentation (sun spots & Melasma) and persistent acne, you may need a series of treatments.

The number of treatments and space between depends on your skin type, the severity of your condition, your goals and your budget. Monthly or bi-monthly microderm treatments are beneficial for individuals with thick/dry skin, persistent acne or for people over 25 wanting to keep their skin looking and feeling youthful.   The procedure takes about 30 minutes and there is no down time, or add to a facial for around an hour and 15 minutes of the best skin treatment AND relaxaxtion.  At J Renee Skin Clinic, I pair microderm with Light Emitting Diode Therapy (LED).  LED plumps skin at the cellular level by helping your body produce its own collagen, kills the bacteria that causes acne, among other benefits. 

Cosmetic indications microderm hels with:

• Acne

• Uneven skin tone/texture

• Striae distensae (stretch marks) 

• Melasma

• Photoaging

• Seborrheic skin

• Fine wrinkles

• Enlarged pores

• Scars, including acne scars

Schedule a free consult or get started with your journey to beautiful skin, schedule a treatment now.

Fruit Enzymes: Mother Nature’s Skin Remedy

Fruit enzymes are the multi-tool of the esthetic tool box.  They remove damaged, dry, built-up dead skin cells to unclog pores.  They help repair UV damaged elastin so that your skin bounces back after you make expressions. They improve the skin’s microcirculation so that skin cells receive nutrition to stay healthy.  They help the skin’s ability to self-repair by cleaning up damaged proteins, thus countering the natural aging process.  They help support a healthy microbiome and bacterial balance for healthy skin so that you’re protected from external pollution and microscopic assailants.

Fruit enzymes break down the keratin protein in the epidermis (outer layer of skin), with this process, the dead skin can gently slough off, resulting in smoother, softer skin. Enzymes are not only used for beauty though, they have been studied and are proven to help support skin health as well:

·        Fruit enzymes aid in keeping skin and your body healthy by inhibiting the growth of staph, which can cause skin infections and even worse, if left unchecked, staph can cause a scratch to turn into an internal infection.

·        Fruit enzymes are very effective in the fight against acne because it hinders the growth of P. Acnes; the bacteria that causes acne.

·        Enzymes promote new, healthy elastin: the bounce-back and stretch of youthful skin. Elastin also provides skin resilience, protecting your skin from tearing when scraped.  Enzymes dissolve the UV damaged and aged elastin, kickstarting the natural process of regeneration. When the damaged elastin is removed, it leaves space for and creates conditions in which new, healthy elastin is restored. 

·        Fruit enzymes have been proven to Inhibit Tyrosinase, which is a natural enzyme in our skin responsible for making pigment. Think: age spots, melasma, acne scars and sun damage. The end result is less blotchy, pigmented skin and a more blended youthful complexion. 

The beauty of plant enzymes for skin is that there is a natural spectrum of strength. Even the most sensitive skin (Even Rosacea!) will benefit from using enzymes. In a recent study, enzymes were proven to alleviate the small pimple-like rash caused by Rosacea.  Also, because fruit enzymes are antioxidant rich, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and Vaso-protective (helps blood vessels), the redness, swelling and sensitivity is lessened by long-term use. 

Fruit enzymes, when used consistently in your skincare routine, are your multitool for beauty and for skin health! J Renee Organics daily products (cleansers, toners, serums and lotions), all contain fruit enzymes and our home peel masks contain a more concentrated harmony of fruit enzymes to really impact your skin and beauty. ALL skin types, all skin issues and all skin ages benefit from the support that fruit enzymes provide your skin.  Enzymes are truly a gift from mother nature!

Microderm is still our #1

Microderm is still my favorite skin problem solution. Acne, dry skin, pigment problems, wrinkle reduction… it does SO MUCH without chemicals. It’s almost fall. Time to start scheduling your skin clean up.

Melasma Plan

Melasma is a skin condition that causes the darkening of the skin on the forehead, cheeks, chin and upper lip.  It’s thought to be caused by hormonal factors but in recent research, it’s also been found to be involved in the immune system’s inflammatory response.  Current suggestions for treatment focus on sunscreen of 30+SPF worn daily, avoidance of direct and indirect sun exposure (especially UVA rays), whitening creams and exfoliating away pigmented skin with peels, microdermabrasion and other esthetic modalities.

UVA rays are like pouring oil on a fire, they stoke the production of melanin, which makes melasma considerably worse.  UVA rays peak in early morning hours and can easily pass through glass, even on cloudy days and doesn’t cause a sun burn.  Intense heat also causes melasma skin to darken.  People with careers dealing with high heat situations or intense sunlight will have the hardest time managing this condition.  My worst case of melasma came in from a client who was a pilot.  The several hours of windshield time a pilot, long-haul driver or the like is very detrimental to the skin, even without melasma. Saunas and steam rooms should also be avoided for people trying to manage their melasma. 

Recent scientific evidence shows that a melasma can be linked to stress, depression and anxiety.  This comorbidity does not surprise me; these conditions cause inflammation in the body.  Furthermore, antidepressant medications cause you to be more sensitive to UV damage.

As an esthetician, I recommend starting a series of Pigment Fading Microdermabrasions as well as a home routine that gently exfoliates amd lightens skin with every application. How many treatments and at what frequency is completely individual. The esthetician will assess your skin and write up a plan for your specific needs. Some people are too sensitive for microdermabrasion, so they will be referred to Pigment Fading Facials or Home Facial Kits to fade and blend the skin tone.

For more information or to ask a question, please email Shelly directly HERE

To Schedule a Pigment Fading Service (in Georgia or Oregon), click HERE

• Shelly Todd, Esthetician