How to read a sunscreen label | Buffalo Aesthetics
What is Broad Spectrum?
Your Sunscreen should definitely say Broad Spectrum- this ensures both UVA and UVB protection. UVA are aging rays that penetrate deep into the skin and break down collagen fibers. UVB are burning rays that affect the outer most layers of the skin.
What Does SPF stand for?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures the amount of time a person can be in the sun before the skin starts to redden or burn.
What is Water resistant & Sweat resistant?
These terms indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when you are swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is fully “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” the FDA prohibits these terms.
Looking for Active Ingredients in Sunscreen
This area is really the most important label on your sunscreen. There are two main types of active sunscreen ingredients: chemical and physical. Chemical ingredients such as avobenzone and benzophenone, work by absorbing UV, reducing its penetration into the skin, but can also cause free radical damage to the skin. Physical ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide stay on top of the skin and deflect UV rays, giving a “screened” protection. Many sunscreens available today combine chemical and physical ingredients.
Skin Tightening and Contouring | Venus Freeze
As we get older, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, leading to skin that looks dull and noticeably aged. Venus Freeze™ provides an extremely comfortable solution that boosts collagen production by heating the deeper layer of tissue under the skin. This treatment works to smoothen out fine lines and wrinkles, tighten sagging skin, and restore a refreshed, younger-looking appearance.
Venus technologies work in unison to safely and comfortably heat the tissue under the surface of your skin, which encourages the body to produce more collagen and elastin fibers. This process results in firmer, smoother skin that looks noticeably more youthful on the surface.
Venus Contouring can be used everywhere on the body from eyes to thighs. Smooth under eye wrinkles, define the jawline, reduce belly fat & smooth cellulite on thighs!
This treatment is safe for all skin types and skin tones! A series of 8 treatments are necessary for best results and should be done 7-10 days apart. The treatment itself takes 30 minutes and there is no downtime afterwards. Clients can resume all daily activities immediately after each session.
Whats the deal with Hyperpigementation?
With any type of sun exposure we see a ton of hyperpigmentation not only on the face, but the neck, chest and hands as well!
Hyperpigmenation or “brown spots” are typically a result of old sun damage from past years making its way to the surface of the skin, however some brown spots can also be from hormonal fluctuations stemming from past pregnancies or birth controls. Hyperpigmentation can also be a scar from old break outs as well.
Luckily, there are very effective treatments to safely lighten and reduce hyperpigmentation!
Simple steps include SPF, skin protection, and routine moisturization and maintenance of your skin.
At home skincare is extremely crucial in reducing not only existing hyperpigmentation, but also what has not risen to the surface of the skin quite yet! Vitamins A,C, and E help to even skin tone and inhibit the over production of melanin which creates future hyperpigmentation as well.
In office services can range, from an array of skin peels to lasers services. In particular an IPL photoofacial is a great, non invasive, pain free, and fast way to reduce visible brown spots on the skin. A flash of light is delivered to the skin and is absorbed by the brown spots. From there the brown spots begin to naturally exfoliate off, reducing the visible color. A series of 3 IPL sessions is always recommended to effectively reduce all visible hyperpigmentation.
Our Aestheticians at Buffalo Aesthetics provide a skin assessment to ensure the most effective at home skincare treatment to aid in the prevention and reducing of hyperpigmentation.
What is Dermaplaning?
What is dermaplaning?
A physical exfoliation with a blade to gentle lift dead skin and fine “peach fuzz” vellus hairs off of the face. Exfoliation of dead skin cells improves product penetration.
What do I need to do before dermaplaning?
Nothing preparation wise needs to be done prior to receiving treatment. To ensure you can receive the most effective treatment, wait 2-4 weeks post chemical peel or waxing.
What do I need to do after dermaplaning?
There are no restrictions after treatments. Clients are able to wear makeup, work out, sweat ect. Keeping the skin fully hydrated with topical skin care and sufficient water intake will prolong your benefits.
What does dermaplaning feel like?
The treatment its self feels like a tickling sensation when gliding over the skin.
What will my skin look like after Dermaplaning?
Immediately after treatment your skin will be glowing, free of “peach fuzz” vellus hairs, and mildly pink.
Who can have Dermaplaning?
All skin types are candidates for Dermaplaning. Areas with active acne will be avoided.
How long will results last?
Smoother skin texture and removal of vellus hairs can last up to 4 weeks.
Eight ways to maintain a youthful appearance with Buffalo Aesthetics
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1. Get plenty of rest!
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2. Apply a Vitamin A Serum in the morning and at night to replenish the depletion of these essential nutrient to the skin. Vitamin A normalizes the skin functions and factors like sun and free radicals constantly damage healthy cells.
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3. Get regular facials! Not only does this reduce stress, but medical grade facial also improve skins tone and texture- reducing the appearance of fine lines.
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4. Apply Vitamin C & E Serum in the morning and at night. Similar to Vitamin A- Vitamins C & E are essential to aging skin. C & E brighten visible and underlying pigmentation.
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5. Apply a Mineral SPF! Mineral SPF’s are a physical shield from the sun and its harmful effects on healthy tissue. Mineral SPF can be applied in a cream or powder form- making it easy to apply as part of your moisturizing step OR as a makeup!
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6. Choose Products without Chemical Preservatives. Choosing an effective skincare line can be tough! Environ Skincare delivers high, active ingredients into the skin without fragrances, chemicals or preservatives!
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7. Drink Plenty of Water. Drinking water pre and post facial helps to detoxify the skin and clear out harmful toxins.
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8. Apply Antioxidants! Antioxidants neutralize free radical damage, pollutants and harmful sun rays. Applying this in the morning is crucial to skin health throughout the day.
Planning Your Facial – before and after
Facials are a great, relaxing way to keep the skin healthy and glowing. We recommend facials to be done every 6-8 weeks in order to keep the skin balanced and your at home regimen effectively working.
Do’s
-Drink lots of water to keep the skin hydrated and to flush out toxins post facial. Hydration means longer lasting results!
-Keep up with exfoliation. Daily use of a Toner is a chemical exfoliation which sloughs off dead skin cells.
-Use a brightening serum. We love our C Boost which is rich in antioxidants and boosts collagen production.
-Book your 6-8 week appointment before leaving the office. This helps keep you accountable between treatments! Also, prepaid packages are discounted!
Don’ts
-Avoid any sun exposure, spray tans or self tanner. A facial can give an uneven tone to the color of the spray tan & sun exposure will make the skin more sensitive.
-Wait 12-24 hours to work out heavily after a facial. Deep cleansing and exfoliation can cause inflammation in the skin, and working out can cause even more inflammation.
-Don’t pick at any exfoliating skin. Picking skin of before it is ready to shed can cause scaring and discoloration.
Why is Vitamin A important for my skin?
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Vitamin A is important for good vision, a healthy immune system, and cell growth. As it pertains to aesthetics and skincare, it is a key building block for healthy appearing skin. Other important facts include:
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Vitamin A is a skin “normalizing” vitamin
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Vit. A is depleted through sun exposure
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Vit. A needs to be replaced daily to prevent and reduce the appearance of photoaging
What are the benefits of Vitamin A?
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improved skin immunity
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promotes healthy epidermis
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promotes collagen & elastin
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improves acne conditions
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reduces pigmentation
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promotes moisture
Several different types of vitamin A are easily accepted into the skin and convert to retinoic acid- which is the most active form of Vitamin A and can be stored in skin cells and released as needed.
Daily use of Vitamin A replenishes want is depleted through sun exposure, pollutants & chemicals, as well as aging.
What is a Photofacial or IPL?
What is an IPL or photofacial?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light designed for improving skin tone (color of skin) by softening pigment and melanin irregularities. An IPL photofacial can treat a variety of skin concerns such as:
1) redness/flushing
2) facial vessels
3) brown spots
4) sun spots/age spots
Better known as a Photofacial, a flash of light is delivered to the skin with settings customized to exfoliate off brown spots or to close off blood vessels showing on the skin.
PhotoFacials are typically done is a series of 3 for optimal results. A clearing of red vessels and brown sun spots/freckles are seen after each treatment is performed.
