Don’t forget to take advantage of our October 2011 specials on laser hair removal, laser vein removal, Latisse® for eyelashes, and more. All offers below expire October 31, 2011.
Tag Archives: skin conditions Duluth
How do I know which skin treatment is right for me?
Skin conditions, no matter what your age, are frustrating. Even more frustrating is pursuing a skin treatment for these issues only to have it exacerbate your symptoms, or cause another skin condition. Whether you’re battling active acnebreakouts, wanting to eliminateacnescarring, trying to eraselinesandwrinkles, or even removing facial hair; successful skin treatment stems from a thoroughskinanalysis and discussion with a licensed esthetician about your cosmetic concerns and overall treatment goals.
Believe it or not, there is often more to a skin condition than meets the eye. Continue reading
Using Sunscreen and Skin Treatments to Heal Winter Skin
We’ve all heard about the harmful effects of the sun and the importance of regularly wearing sunscreen. However, it’s easy to forget to apply that SPF 30 (or higher) everyday, especially when the gloomy, grey winter weather is anything but sunny. The trained estheticians at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center remind us however, that the UV rays present during overcast weather can be even more damaging than those we’re used to feeling during the warmer months.
Both types of rays emitted by the sun (UVA and UVB) are potentially damaging to your skin. UVA rays produce premature aging by penetrating deep into the layers of the skin and slowing the body’s ability to produce collagen- eventually resulting in wrinkles. UVB rays are responsible for burning the skin. Because sunburn typically (depending on your skin tone and type) makes one more susceptible to developing skin cancer, cumulative UVB damage is also very dangerous. Unlike the highly specialized light from laser resurfacing equipment, whose penetration and reach can be mechanically controlled, light from the sun’s rays can unpredictably impede future skin cell development.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) report on sun protection, certain mineral components of broad spectrum sunscreen are not only useful in preventing sun damage, but also useful in healing certain skin conditions. Zinc oxide, a physical compound within sunscreen that protects skin from UV harm by reflecting light, is also helpful in soothing minor skin irritation (wind burn and chapping) and aggravated, dry skin patches. Used for years as an active ingredient in healing compounds like diaper rash creams, zinc oxide might be just the healing mineral your winter skin craves.
The estheticians at Laser Lights use sunscreen as part of many after care regimens following microdermabrasion and other skin procedures. In addition to zinc oxide, Laser Lights private label sunscreen contains other soothing ingredients like green tea and vitamin A to maximize the healing benefits of each application.
To learn more about the anti-aging skin treatments and skin care products available at Laser Lights visit call our center at (770) 495-9322 and continue to read our blog for more information.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Is Light Therapy Better Than Heat Therapy In Treating Facial Aging?
Laser skin resurfacing is used to help rid the skin of imperfections such as wrinkles, sun damage, melasma, and acne scarring. Recently, an article published by Medical News Today discussed research conducted by Susanne Dams, Research Scientist at Phillips Research Eindhoven. Dams studied the effects of heat in laser therapy to better understand how heat treatment compares to the skin resurfacing abilities laser light alone.
In her research, Dams targeted cell cultures with heat shocks of 45 ̊ and 60 ̊ C. Results showed an increase in collagen production; the protein that aids in skin rejuvenation. Collagen production decreases with age; causing skin to become looser and creating fine lines and wrinkles. Dams discovered that higher temperatures (that of 60 ̊ C) damaged skin cells causing cell necrosis, while 45 ̊ C temperatures produced the best results. While Dams research proved the effectiveness of heat therapy for skin rejuvenation, she said she still favors laser skin resurfacing therapy because it can treat more specific areas without damaging others.
While this information is interesting and helpful, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center agrees with Dams and prefers the use of the CO2 Fractionated Laser for laser skin resurfacing. The CO2 Fractionated Laser works by creating tiny, column shaped wounds to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, brown spots, melasma, and acne scarring. The body naturally heals these wounds by increasing collagen production, elastin, and new skin cells. Our CO2 Fractionated Laser treats specific areas, so patients can treat problem areas like crow’s feet, mariotte lines (wrinkles around the mouth), and sagging jowls without damaging healthy areas of skin. An added benefit of this procedure is its ability to remove unwanted facial hair.
If you’re interested in to learn more about laser skin resurfacing or the other procedures offered at Laser Lights, visit our website or schedule a consultation. Also, keep reading our blog to learn more about laser procedures and cosmetic skin treatment news.
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