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How to read our 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.
See Photofacial Service Page
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. 
See Dermaplaning Service Page
Eight ways to maintain a youthful appearance with Buffalo Aesthetics
  1. 1. Get plenty of rest!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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!
  7. 7. Drink Plenty of Water. Drinking water pre and post facial helps to detoxify the skin and clear out harmful toxins.
  8. 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.
For More info see the buffalo aesthetics Service Page
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. 
See Chemical Peels Service Page
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:
  • Vitamin A is a skin “normalizing” vitamin
  • Vit. A is depleted through sun exposure
  • Vit. A needs to be replaced daily to prevent and reduce the appearance of photoaging
What are the benefits of Vitamin A?
  • improved skin immunity
  • promotes healthy epidermis
  • promotes collagen & elastin
  • improves acne conditions
  • reduces pigmentation
  • 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.
See Microdermabrasion with Hydrafacial Service Page
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. 
See the IPL photofacial Service Page
Most Common Myths about Skin Resurfacing and Microneedling?
#1- At Home Microneedling Is The Same At a Medical Spa.
Nope, and actually this couldn’t be further from the truth. Devices that are only able to be purchased under a Physician can penetrate the skin 6 times deeper than at home tools. Medical microneedling means safer treatments with sterilized needles, deeper depth of treatment into the skin and more dramatic results.
#2-Microneedling Hurts!
Not when you have Physician Grade numbing cream! During Microneedling, we use a laser numbing cream comprised of 3 different types of numbing agents. Instead of stand alone topical Lidocaine, a laser numbing cream makes Microneedling much more tolerable.
#3- Microneedling Leaves Holes In My Skin.
While tiny micro-trauma injuries are made with Microneedling, permanent “holes” are not left behind on the skin. These tiny traumas kick-start a cascade of growth factors to be released in the skin. These growth factors are what stimulate the rebuilding of collagen fibres- creating an even texture.
#4- Microneedling Cannot Be Done Around Eyes or Lips
Thanks to advances in medical microneedling devices, the depth of each area being treated is able to have a custom depth. This allows us to treat thin skin around the eyes differently than thicker skin on the cheeks. A customized treatment to each individual face is key in a successful microneedling treatment!
#5- Microneedling Only Treats Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Microneedling is actually indicated to also treat acne scars, traumatic scars, stretch marks and enlarged pores. Think of anything that give an uneven texture to the skin- and microneedling is your go to!
See Microneedling Service Page
What is Body Contouring with Venus Freeze?
What Is Venus Freeze Body Contouring And How Does It Work?
Venus Freeze Multi-Polar Radio Frequency and Pulsed Magnetic Fields are the Gold Standard in fat reduction and skin tightening.  Don’t be fooled by the name- there is no freezing involved, other than “freezing” the effects of time and aging on your body. Clients often compare the  treatments to a relaxing, hot stone massage—no needles, no chemicals, no pain. All gain!
 Multi-Polar Radio Frequency uses heat to target and reduce unwanted fat. This non invasive, no downtime treatment takes 15-30 minutes to complete. The heating of the skin tissues creates shrinkage of fat cells in the targeted area. Once the fat cells are shrunk, they are rid from the body through sweat and urine. This contouring treatment can be done on arms, abdomen, flanks, bra fat, buttocks, inner thighs and outer thighs.
Do I Need A Consultation?
A consultation with one of clinically education Aestheticians will determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment! Consultations are complimentary and often treatment is able to be started the same day!
What Do I Need To Do Before/After Treatment?
Clients should avoid any self tanners, spray tans and tanning bed prior to treatment.
Post treatments clients will be directed on proper use of their At Home Care System- Environ’s Body Profile Kit.
There is no downtime or restrictions post treatments.
Pink/redness to the treatment area is normal and will subside a few hours post treatment.
How Many Treatments Do I Need?
A series of 8 treatments is recommended for optimal results. 
These treatments are typically 7-10 days apart.
How Long Do My Results Last?
Your best result is seen 6-8 weeks after you complete your full series.
With proper spacing of treatments and continued use of your At Home Care System your results can continue to be seen up to 4 months post treatment series.
Most clients continue to do maintenance treatments once every season, 4 times per year, to ensure you keep the aging process at bay.
See Skin Tightening and Body Contouring Service Page