Dermaspace Brings Hollywood’s Best Kept Skin Treatment To Seattle by Alix Hernandez

Are you ready for a workout for your face? When it comes to having a facial, you may think scented oils and face masks; but that’s not Dermaspace. The “Skin Gym” takes your everyday facial and gives it a shocking twist.

So, why haven’t your heard of the Iderm skin treatment? Hollywood has been keeping this skin glowing treatment to themselves.

Jody Leon, owner of Dermaspace, has been making skin beautiful for the past 20 years, but it’s his time at the “Face Place” in LA that brought him into the world of Iderm.

If you’re unfamiliar with Iderm, it’s lovingly referred to as physical therapy for your skin. The treatment involves subtraction; removing impurities, extracting blemish-causing bacteria, and infusing the skin with healthy, water-soluble solutions of vitamins and minerals.

Are you wondering where the shocking twist comes in? What if I told you that part of the processes involves electric current? Don’t be scared, Galvanic current has been used for decades in cosmetology.

For the last few months, I have been experiencing the Skin Gym. I have to confess, I don’t get facials that often. But when I heard about the whole current thing, I was curious and wanted to try it out for myself.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect on my first visit, so I was a little anxious. There may not be any scented oils involved, but Dermaspace is a very relaxing place. I was instantly put at ease by Jody. He explained each step in the four step process so I didn’t feel caught off guard.

Overall it was a soothing process. It began with the preparation step, which involved cleansing and exfoliation. It’s also the only part of the Iderm treatment that is most like an average facial. Next steps involved a heat dome, a small vacuum, the face and neck being fully wrapped in nutrients cloths and of course, the galvanic current.

Note: If you have a problem with claustrophobia, I would speak to Jody. As for the electric current part of the process, I felt it at first, but after a few minutes I completely forgot about it. So I would definitely try it before you decide it isn’t for you. It’s worth it.

Also being honest; I didn’t really expect to visibly see any difference after the first visit. So, I was surprised to see how clean and fresh my skin looked. After my second visit, my skin only got better. I usually always wear make-up, but I found myself not wanting to cover up the glow. My third visit was a little over a month later and my skin was craving the treatment. Jody does recommend doing the treatment 3 times in order to see any kind of change in your skin. He will also help you to figure out how often you should come in for treatment. I already made my appointment for next month.

If you’re looking to step up your skin treatment or finally do something about it, check out Dermaspace. Finally, a workout that you can sleep through! Who doesn’t love that?

Dermspace is located on the 15th floor of the Medical Dental Building in downtown Seattle. Call 206-849-6620 or email info@dermaspace.com for more information.

 

Originally Posted 07/01/14:  http://www.komonews.com/seattlerefined/fashion/Dermsspace-Brings-Hollywoods-Best-Kept-Skin-Treatment-to-Seattle-264599891.html

Gift Certificates at DERMASPACE

Did you know that DERMASPACE offers gift certificates for all of our service options?

It's the perfect gift idea for loved ones or better yet, tell the ones who love you that the best present they could give you is awesome skin.

Let us also not forget those in our lives who NEED a facial badly but you could never just bring yourself to blurt out "hey so-n-so......time to get that face fixed up!"  

This way you can just give them a gift certificate on a special occasion like a birthday, bridal shower, bachelorette party, the holidays.....or like...you know....some random ole day of the week.

Just click on the image above to purchase. Everyone could use a little skin care love sometimes.

Best of Western WA - VOTE FOR US!!!

It's that time of year again.....please help us reach the top spot by voting. Simply click HERE to cast your vote.  Every vote counts and we sure do appreciate it.

THANK YOU!!!

GREEN TEA FOR ACNE SCARS

Acne is defined as a skin condition resulting in symptoms such as pimples, plugged pores and nodules or cysts that typically occur on the face, chest, back and shoulders and may result in scarring of the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that nearly 50 million Americans suffer from acne, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed skin disorders in America. Typically beginning in puberty, acne may continue to develop and worsen throughout a person's 20s and even into his 50s. Treating acne scars may be done through prescription ointments or over-the-counter medications. However, natural supplements such as green tea may reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Green Tea Active Constituents

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports the medicinal qualities of green tea can be attributed to chemicals known as polyphenols, which is an umbrella term to describe compounds known as catechins. Green tea contains six active catechins, which include epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin and catechin. All of these chemicals are known for their high antioxidant concentration. Rice University states in the article "Antioxidants and Free Radicals" that antioxidants eliminate harmful free radicals, which are uneven atoms. Free radicals are known to cause cellular damage, which if gone unchecked may cause serious health complications.

Green Tea and Acne Scars

One of the main side effects of acne is skin inflammation, and this inflammation may cause sores that develop into scars. The University of Maryland Medical Center states the ECGC chemical, which is among the most potent catechin compounds found in green tea, is effective at reducing skin inflammation. The internal consumption and topical application of green tea may help reduce acne-induced inflammation, which may help eliminate the development of scars by reducing the severity of acne sores. While the benefits of green tea specifically for the reduction of acne scars is under debate within the scientific community, the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" reports that the active compounds in green tea have medicinal benefits for skin health and skin cell repair.

Application Methods

Green tea may be consumed through beverage form as well as through topical application. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming two to three cups of green tea daily, which provides the body with 240 to 320 mg of polyphenols. However, the consumption process may be streamlined by taking 100 to 750 mg of green tea extract supplements per day. To apply green tea topically to the skin, purchase ointments with green tea extract or bring 8 oz. of water to a rolling boil and add 2 tbsp. of loose green tea leaves. Allow the tea to steep for at least 10 minutes to ensure the polyphenols and other active compounds are extracted from the leaves. Wait until the tea is at a comfortable temperature, and place a washcloth into the tea. Apply the washcloth directly to the skin, and allow the tea to soak into the skin for 10 minutes. Periodically dip the washcloth back into the tea throughout the application process.

Warnings

Before using green tea to help treat acne scars, discuss the use of this herb with your physician. This is especially important if you are taking acne medications or ointments. Some of the more common side effects associated with green tea are derived from the caffeine within the tea and may include dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite and irritability.

GREEN TEA FOR ACNE SCARS By Jonathan McLelland originally published on LIVESTRONG.COM

Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images

A Great Explanation Why Dermaspace's IDERM TREATMENT Helps Your Skin Look Younger

I love this video!!

He explains very well why smoother skin looks younger.

I have been telling my clients for years that the Iderm Facial available at Dermaspace is great at achieving smoother more youthful looking skin.

Book now and see for yourself.

“48 Foods To Balance Your Hormones & Give You Glowing Skin” by: MEGAN KELLY

Who doesn’t want a rocking reproductive system, balanced hormones, and glowing skin? I know I do, and eating certain nutrient dense foods will put anyone on this path. Whether we like it or not, hormones control our mood, digestion, energy, libido, metabolism, and how our skin looks.

If we don’t eat foods with the nutrients we need, our body cannot produce hormones correctly or maintain hormonal balance because it doesn’t have the building blocks to do so.

Whatever you’re eating is either helping hormonal production, or causing unpredictable imbalances.

The human body needs a balance of all three macronutrients, carbohydrates, protein, and especially fat.

Fat is one of the most crucial elements for hormonal balance. For years, we’ve been told that fat-free is good, while cholesterol and saturated fat are bad. This is a dangerous lie. Healthy fat is the raw material that we need to produce and maintain proper hormone function.

Here’s why: hormones are produced using certain fatty acids and cholesterol, so if we’re missing these nutrients, hormone problems arise simply because the body doesn’t have the nutrients it needs to make them. Our body needs certain fats for rebuilding cells and stabilizing hormones. This is especially important for the female reproductive system.

How to eat for hormonal balance

Basing meals off clean protein, hormone-balancing healthy fats, antioxidant-rich vegetables, and healing herbs will help your body thrive. Choose one food from each category for an easy, hormone balancing, skin healing, meal.

1. Clean protein

• Soaked or sprouted nuts

• Beans

• Seeds

• Quinoa

• Lentils

• Organic pasture-raised/grass-fed chicken, turkey, beef, bison, elk, pasture-raised eggs

• Wild caught fish

2. Hormone-balancing healthy fats

• Coconut oil (and all coconut products for that matter). It contains lauric acid, which is incredibly healing to the skin and extremely beneficial for hormonal production. It also kills bad bacteria and viruses in the body, provides a quick source of energy, is easy to digest, and speeds up metabolism.

• Avocados.They’re rich in healthy fat that helps our body absorb and use nutrients They are also full of fiber, potassium, magnesium vitamin E, B-vitamins, and Folic acid – all essential for maintaining hormonal balance in the body.

• Raw butter/ghee. They provide a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K2. These nutrients are key building blocks for hormonal production. Butter provides great amounts of short- and medium-chain fatty acids, which support immune function, boost metabolism and have anti-microbial properties; meaning, they fight against bad bacteria and viruses in the body.

• Egg yolks. They’re rich in countless vitamins and minerals including: A, D, E, B2, B6, B9, iron, calcium, phosphorous, potassium and choline which all contribute to a healthy reproductive system, hormonal balance, and healthy skin. The choline and iodine in egg yolks are also crucial for making healthy thyroid hormones.

• Nuts and seeds. Soaked nuts and seeds, olives and olive oil, fermented cod liver oil, hemp seed oil, flax-seed oil, and raw cultured dairy products.

3. Antioxidant-rich vegetables

• Look for anything dark green: asparagus, broccoli, spinach, collard greens, cabbage, cucumbers, kale, cilantro, etc.

• Opt for brightly colored veggies: green, red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, red cabbage, red/white onions, tomatoes, and carrots.

• Don’t overlook starchy vegetables: sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash, yucca, beets, artichokes, butternut squash, and turnips.

4. Healing spices & herbs

• Cinnamon

• Turmeric

• Cayenne

• Cumin

• Garlic

• Ginger

If your body has the nutrients it needs to be in hormonal balance, it will be. You’ll experience glowing skin, stable moods, fertility, and consistent energy. Our bodies have an incredible ability to heal and be in balance, when given the nutrients they need to flourish.

Got A Pimple? Get The Red Out!!!

When you have a pimple one of your goals is to reduce the swelling and flatten it. Sometimes you can’t make it to DERMASPACE.

Here’s what to do in case of emergency….

First step is to try using ICE or ibuprofen.

Second step….try Visine.  Visine can offer the same vasoconstriction properties that gets the red out of your eyes so it can work on pimples too.

Soak a cotton swab in Visine and hold it next to your pimple for 5 minutes.

Perfect for when you have an event or a date and that pesky pimple makes an appearance before you can!

Of course this is just a quick fix so make sure to book your appointment at DERMASPACE as soon as you can!

Weird Is Wonderful

Check out this AMAZING write up from the equally amazing Seattle fashion stylist and founder of Poplin Style Direction, Mellicia Marx.  What a true delight it was.  We are humbled by her kind words.

Click on the photo to read the write up!

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a very popular, modern, machine assisted gentle skin exfoliating treatment. Other names include microderm, lunchtime peel, Parisian peel, and Diamond peel It is a fairly simple, easy, painless, non-invasive, skin rejuvenation procedure using a combination of a fine abrasive tip or crystals and vacuum suction applied to the skin.

Typically there are no needles or anesthetics required for microdermabrasion. The vacuum pressure and speed are adjusted depending on the sensitivity and tolerance of the skin.

Microdermabrasion is often compared to the feeling of a cat licking your face- a rough but gentle texture. Typical microdermabrasion sessions can last anywhere from 5 minutes to one hour.

Minimal to no recovery time is required after microdermabrasion and most people immediately return to daily activity after a session.

Makeup and non-irritating creams can usually be applied right after microdermabrasion.

Often called “Microderm” for short, it is a procedure to help exfoliate or temporarily remove a few of the top layers of the skin called the stratum corneum. Much like brushing your teeth, microderm helps to gently remove “plaque” and skin debris. Since human skin typically regenerates at approximately 30 day intervals, skin improvement with microdermabrasion is temporary and needs to be repeated at average intervals of 2-4 weeks for continued improvement. Multiple treatments in combination with sunscreen, sun avoidance, and other skin care creams yield best results.

First developed in Italy in the late 20th century, microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure which has advantages of low risk and rapid recovery compared to the other resurfacing methods such as dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser resurfacing.

Since microdermabrasion produces only a very superficial depth of removal, it works best on improving superficial skin conditions such as early photoaging (sun damage), fine lines, age spots, enlarged pores, acne, and superficial scarring. Usually multiple treatments (6 – 12 sessions) are recommended to see a significant improvement. Initially, people choose weekly treatments, and then gradually extend to monthly or bimonthly maintenance or touch up treatments.

Who should get microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is very useful for people with dull skin, mild acne, acne discoloration and pick marks, and very superficial acne scars. Individuals with deeper acne scars may expect a much longer series of treatments or likely benefit from physician performed surgical dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive (no needles, no surgery) procedure with essentially no downtime. Treatment risks are very minimal and may include temporary skin discoloration- darker or less commonly lighter skin areas (called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentaion)/ or scarring are very low compared to other more traditional resurfacing approaches. Therefore, microdermabrasion may be a good treatment option for patients with superficial skin problems and busy lifestyles.

Microderm should not be confused with Dermabrasion with is an invasive surgical procedure performed typically by dermatologists or plastic surgeons under local or general anesthesia. This was a very popular procedure for acne scars. Dermabrasion requires anesthesia and would be too painful otherwise. Dermabarasion was performed with sand paper like products and machine rotary devices to sand down the skin. Layers of epidermis are usually removed and the resulting open wounds may take from 5-20 days to fully heal. The risk of infection is much higher with this type of procedure. Dermabrasion is also performed for certain types of deep scars. It should not be performed by non- specialized physicians fully trained in this highly technical procedure.

How does microdermabrasion work?

Traditionally, the crystal microdermabrasion system contains a pump, a connecting tube, a handpiece, and a vacuum. While the pump creates a high-pressure stream of inert crystals, such as aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate, to abrade the skin, the vacuum removes the crystals and exfoliated skin cells. Alternatively, the inert crystals can be replaced by a roughened surface of the tip in the diamond microdermabrasion system.

Unlike the crystal microdermabrasion system, the diamond microdermabrasion machine does not produce particles from crystals that may be inhaled into patients’ nose or blew into eyes. Hence, the diamond microdermabrasion is safer to be used on the area around eyes and lips. Generally, the slower the movement of the handpiece against the skin and the more numbers of passes over the skin, the deeper the treatment is achieved.

Which areas can I have microdermabrasion?

Face is the most common area for microderm. It can also be performed on essentially any skin area including neck, chest, back, and hands.

How often can I have microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion can be done as frequently as weekly or up to every 8 weeks depending on your skin’s tolerance and desired cosmetic effects. Many people choose to start with weekly treatments for 3 sessions, then change to a monthly maintenance regimen.

Typical Microderm Schedule:

Week 1: 1st session

Week 2: 2nd session

Week 3: 3rd session

Monthly: 4th- 12th sessions

Much like brushing your teeth, microderm helps to gently remove “plaque” and skin debris.

Since human skin typically regenerates at approximately 30 day intervals, skin improvement with microdermabrasion is temporary and needs to be repeated at average intervals of 2-4 weeks for continued improvement.

Usually multiple treatments (6 – 12 sessions) are recommended to see a significant improvement.

What are different types of microdermabrasion?

• Crystal Microdermabrasion

• Diamond Microdermabrasion

• Home Microdermabrasion

• Vacuubrasion

• Cream Microdermabrasion

 What are microderm crystals made of?

Microderm crystals are typically made of a very fine, abrasive material like aluminum oxide. Other inert microderm crystals include magnesium oxide, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate.

• Aluminum oxide

• Magnesium oxide

• Sodium chloride (salt)

• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

These ultrafine white crystals are disposable and should be discarded after each use. The microderm vacuum removes the crystals and exfoliated skin cells. Inhalation of crystals should be avoided and masks are often worn by the operator doing the treatment. There are some possible concerns of inhalation exposure and basic safety precautions should be taken.

Alternatively, microderm crystals can be replaced by the roughened surface of a diamond tip microdermabrasion system.

What does the vacuum do in microdermabrasion?

The vacuum part of microderm has four basic roles:

It gently pulls and lifts a small section of skin for microabrasion.

It can spray a stream of crystals across the targeted skin area.

It focally stimulates blood circulation and creates mild swelling in the skin.

It collects the used crystals and dead skin in a receptacle for easy disposal.

 What should people expect before and after microdermabrasion?

Generally, softer and smoother skin that feels fresher and more rejuvenated is the expected outcome after a session of microdermabrasion. Before starting the microdermabrasion treatment, eye protection such as eye pads or goggles may be placed. Often the skin may be prepared and cleaned of makeup and oils. Yet, no topical or local anesthetic is required. The skin will be stretched to provide some tension in order to achieve the most effective abrasion and vacuum. The hand piece is moved over the skin with repeated single, smooth passes. Usually, 2-4 passes per area are sufficient.

The treated area is then cleaned with wet cloth. Mild pinkness of the skin is the desired outcome and usually resolves within hours after microdermabrasion. In addition, exfoliation of skin may occur as well. Continuously apply moisturizer or ointment if exfoliation occurs. Patients may also experience a mild sunburn like sensation for a few days. Moreover, liberal application of sunscreen is recommended as photosensitivity may be increased.

Microdermabrasion, especially with the coarse diamond-studded instrument, may stimulate the production of collage, thereby helping skin rejuvenation. As age spots from early photoaging and fine lines are removed, the skin becomes softer and smoother.

Because microdermabrasion only causes superficial injury on skin, it works the most effectively for fine lines, shallow scars, and dull skin. Lesions like deep wrinkles, scars or ice-pick acne scars, and stretch marks tend to extend into the deeper layers of the dermis and usually require more aggressive skin resurfacing modalities to treat. Similarly, microdermabrasion is not effective for pigmentary problems including melasma or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation that arise from deeper skin.

What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion can create superficial ablation on skin, primarily in the epidermis, which helps remove the outermost dead skin cells and accelerate the rate of skin rejuvenation. As a result, microdermabrasion can be an effective procedure for fine lines and more superficial scars. For patients who have concerns of photoaging, microdermabrasion can be a preventative measure.

Studies have also shown that microdermabrasion facilitates the absorption of some topical medications through increasing the permeability of hydrophilic active ingredients of the medicine. In the long-round, sun damage and photoaging may be decreased and skin moisture may be improved. Since microdermabrasion only causes superficial injury, scarring and pigmentary changes almost never happen from this procedure.

Moreover, microdermabrasion possesses the advantages of rapid recovery and low risk and has little or no impact on patients’ lifestyle.

Does microdermabrasion help with acne scars?

Microdermabrasion is very useful for people with active acne, mild acne discoloration and pick marks, and very superficial or raised acne scars. Dermatologists use microderm to help unclog pores and clear acne. Often used in combination with gentle glycolic peels and medical acne extractions, microderm can help speed up acne clearing.

Individuals with deeper acne scars may expect a much longer series of treatments or likely benefit from physician performed surgical dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

As a general rule, the greater the potential benefits with a cosmetic treatment, the greater the potential risks and side effects. The possible risks with more aggressive treatments like dermabrasion and laser are much greater than microdermabrasion.

Deeply pitted acne scars would, at best, be expected to respond minimally to microdermabrasion.

Pitted or depressed scars are very difficult to treat and may require combination treatments including subcision, punch excision, punch elevation, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and medium to deep chemical peels including 35% Trichloracetic acid (TCA) or phenol peels.

Does insurance pay for microdermabrasion?

These procedures are almost always considered cosmetic and not be paid by traditional medical insurance companies. Since microderm is often used to treat medical conditions like acne, acne scarring, melasma, and keratosis pilaris, it may be possible to deduct some costs as medical expenses. In appropriate cases, payment options may include using benefits of plans like Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Health Remittance Accounts (HRA) to pay for microderm. You will want to check the specific benefits and provisions of your plan and also review your tax deductions with a tax professional.

Courtesy of http://www.acnefoundation.org