Learn more about BOTOX Services

If you want younger, smoother looking skin Botox might be perfect for you. Botox is a great way for both men and women to decrease fine lines. Have you ever thought about Botox treatments? Wondering what exactly it is? We have the answers for you below.

What is Botox?

Botox is the only FDA approved product that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and facial creases. Botox is a prescription medicine injection using a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The medicine is injected into the muscles to temporarily reduce frown lines, crow’s feet, and other fine lines. Botox is used by both men and women to make skin look younger, healthier and rejuvenated.

How does Botox work?

The Botox injections stop signals from the nerves to the muscles, disabling the muscles to contract. Without the contraction of the muscles the skin and wrinkles are able to relax and soften. With injections over time the muscles become semi-trained to relax, resulting in longer time need between treatments.

What areas can be treated?

Botox can be used in many areas on the face and neck. It can’t be used to treat wrinkles from sun damage or gravity. Here are the commonly treated areas:
Crow’s feet or lines around the eyes
Frown lines
Forehead creases
Crease in between eyebrows

What is the treatment like?

Botox is injected with a small needle into the muscle area with little discomfort.  The same technique is used in each desired area. The Botox injections are fairly quick only lasting a few minutes. No anesthesia is required for the treatments. There is mild discomfort around the injection site and the area may be tender afterwards.

How long does the Botox injection last?

About three to ten days after the injections the effects will appear. The lines will start to progressively decrease. They do not disappear immediately after the injections. The effects should last anywhere from three to six months. Follow up treatments will be need as lines begin to appear again.

Are there side effects?

Some people may experience temporary bruising around the injection site. Serious side effects can occur. It is important to honestly discuss your medical history with our doctor before Botox treatments. Alert doctors of any nerve or muscle conditions, and medicines you take.  Allergic reactions can occur resulting in itching, rash, wheezing and dizziness. You should not take Botox treatments if you have had an allergic reaction to other types of injections.

Our clients have experienced great success with our Botox treatments! To find out if Botox is right for you schedule an appointment with us. We are happy to address any concerns you may have. We want to help you feel the best you possible!

Spring weather is here, with summer right around the corner. Finally, it is warm enough out to get some sun and even out my blotchy skin tone! This is great news for my skin, right? Although this is a common thought process, there are many negative effects that come from bathing in the sun.

Especially this time of the year, many people think that the sun can help even out skin tones, and yield a glowing look. While this may be partially true, the sun is actually damaging the skin more so than helping it. It is a common misperception that the sun can help your skin. Protecting your skin from sun damage is the first step in preventing further skin damage.

UV rays can damage the skin, eyes, hair and even lead to skin cancers. UV, which stands for ultraviolet, radiation is the electromagnetic light spectrum the sun gives off to the earth. Ultraviolet rays have very short wavelengths, which make it invisible to see.  There are mainly two types of UV rays UVA and UVB, which have wavelengths shorter than visible light.

UVA rays are present during all times of the day and can penetrate through clouds and glass. UVA rays are less intense but more prevalent. UVA rays can also be found in tanning bed lights at more than 10 times the normal amount from the sun. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin through both the top layer of skin (epidermis) and the second layer of skin (dermis) and can reach even deeper in to the skin tissue.  These are the rays responsible for wrinkles, dark spots and skin aging.

UVB rays are the rays that do the most harmful damage to the top layer of the skin, causing sunburn and redness. UVB rays are normally out during the peak times of day and warmer times of the year.  It is best to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from about May to September (depending on where you live), which is when UVB rays are the strongest. UVB rays are a large contributor to abnormal cells and skin cancer.

Not only is it important to avoid these rays in the peak times of the day outside, it’s also important to remember you can be exposed to these rays inside as well. Anything like glass that reflects the sunrays can also cause skin damage, like when inside a car.

Many people also think that tanning in a tanning bed will give them a healthy glow and an even skin tone, but they can be just as bad, and worse than natural UV rays. Tanning beds emit both UVA and UVB rays. The FDA (Food and Drug administration) regulates rules around artificial tanning to help prevent people from further damage. They also warn people about the serious negative effects that can be associated with chronic artificial tanning. This season remember that healthy undamaged skin is better than golden but damaged skin. Read our next blog on how to still get that summer glow without the damage!

Have you ever wondered how some people have such great skin? It seems they don’t even need to worry about tanning because they have a perfect, even skin tone that seems to radiate. By following a few steps daily you too can have a flawless looking face and great skin.

One of the most important things in having a good skin tone, and glowing skin, is your facial cleanser.  Daily facial cleansing, with a good product, will help keep the pores free of oil and dirt. Skinceuticals, our advanced skincare product line, has many different cleansers you can choose from. You will want to pick a certain cleanser depending on if you have dry, oily or normal skin. Some cleansers can make these issues worse if you do not choose the best one for your skin. A morning cleanse is important especially if you wear makeup. When you add makeup to a dirty face it enables your skin to trap dirt under the pores all day, which can cause irritations and acne. A good morning routine will help give you a glow from the start of the day. Washing your face at night with warm water will help rejuvenate your skin.  A good nightly ritual is crucial for great skin, because the skin repairs itself during the night.

Sunscreen with at least SPF 15 should be applied every morning. Our Physical Fusion UV defense has SPF 50 and is perfect for protecting against UVA/UVB. You may also want to apply a Vitamin C serum, which aids in firmness and strength of the skin cells.

A healthy way to make your skin look more even-toned is to apply our Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup in the morning. Even if you don’t like to wear makeup that often just adding a simple face powder will give your face a shimmering glow. Our staff can help you find the best makeup for your skin tone.

Also, exfoliating the skin a few times a week will help remove dead skin cells and remove dirt under the skin. Finally, use a good moisturizer like our Skinceuticals daily moisturizer in the mornings. Moisturized skin tends to give your face a natural glow while keeping your skin healthy.

Another option if you like to look tan, is self-tanners. Although spray tans and self-tans do contain some chemicals that aren’t good for the skin, it is a safer way to get the golden glow. There are also facial bronzers that will make your skin look naturally tan.

Protecting your skin from sunburn and damaging UV rays doesn’t mean you can’t go out in the sun. When you do go out in the sun remember to wear a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses. It is also a good idea to have a few sheer pieces of clothing that you can wear outside to cover your shoulders and back especially. Many people forget to reapply sunscreen often when out in the sun. To avoid damage, sunscreen should be reapplied about every 40 minutes to an hour.