Medical Spas – What’s the Big Deal?

The History of Cosmetics

Youthful and radiant skin has been a goal of many individuals for thousands of years, but as time passes, the standards of beauty continue to evolve to fit the existing culture. Cosmetics and other skincare products have been used for various reasons, from social class and religious rituals to sun protection and hygiene. Like anything, these products have improved and advanced over the years, and it’s incredibly impressive how far we’ve come.

Then and Now

The use of cosmetics and other skincare items dates to ancient Egypt when individuals used scented oils, creams, and ointments to mask body odors, clean skin, and moisturize. A material made from lead ore was used for eyeliner, which was called galena, and royalty wore a variety of colors from gold and silver to red and black on their nails to display their status. White lead and crushed mulberries were both used for foundation and rouge. Over time, perfume became popular as well as red and blonde hair dye to maintain a youthful complexion. While there were many advancements in the years leading up to the present day, some beauty products were eventually considered harmful because of the existence of lead and copper.

In more recent years, the FDA has been involved in protecting Americans from harmful additives and other materials used in cosmetics and skincare products. The trends have continued to change over the years, from bright and bold colors to smoky eyes. In the current day, many social media stars influence our cosmetic and beauty trends as a majority of them are designing brands of their own. Skincare procedures and treatments continue to evolve every day, as beauty has continued to be a hot topic. From chemical peels and lip fillers to photo facials and microneedling, in this day and age, it’s a guarantee you’ll be able to find a treatment that’s fitting for your needs.

Spas vs. Medical Spas

Whether you’ve been under a lot of stress or are just in need of a relaxing day, visiting a spa or medical spa can help you rejuvenate and take your worries away. Both day spas and medical spas offer a variety of impressive services, but what is the real difference between them? From the provided services to employee licensing, surprisingly, there’s a lot of varying details.

Spas

Many enjoy going to spas for special events or pure relaxation. Spas have services that cater to relaxation, personal care, and stress relief. There are many enjoyable services, not medical or anti-aging based that individuals can get at a spa that will leave you wanting to come back again:

• Massages
• Facials
• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Wraps
• Waxing

Med Spas

If you’re searching for treatments or procedures that are more medical or anti-aging based, a medical spa is likely going to be your go-to. The professionals at medical spas are licensed and trained to provide relaxing treatments that are much more advanced than your basic beauty spa. A variety of services at a medical spa require administration by licensed professionals to ensure the procedure is completed correctly and safely. A few of the services provided at medical spas are as follows:

• Botox and Lip Fillers
• Laser Hair Removal
• Liposuction
• Kybella
• Microdermabrasion
• Scar Revision
• Chemical Peels
• Microneedling
• Derma-planing

Treatment for Common Skin Conditions

Your skin is one of the most essential organs in your body and needs a lot of care. Both men and women experience common skin conditions, and they can be tricky to get rid of at times. Whether you have a recurring skin issue or periodic flare-ups, it’s incredibly essential to adjust your lifestyle, apply moisturizer, and maintain a healthy diet to boost self-confidence and feel comfortable in any situation.

Acne

People of all ages experience the chronic issue of acne at some point in their lives, whether it be throughout their teen years or into early adulthood. Acne isn’t fun for anyone, can lower self-esteem, and be very frustrating if you can’t find a solution. From hormone changes and skin cell regeneration to sensitive and dry skin, many factors can cause acne. Whiteheads and blackheads are the most common acne types, but some individuals experience cystic or nodular acne. Taking care of your skin with a gentle cleanser, drinking a lot of water, and seeking advice from a medical professional are excellent ways to tame or eliminate acne.

Eczema

Many individuals throughout the world are affected by eczema, which is commonly characterized by dry, scaly rashes that appear on your skin. These rashes can itch, be very irritating, and usually appear on the face and hands. If you think you may have eczema, it’s encouraged to visit a skincare professional as it can often only be diagnosed based on physical exam findings and reviewing your medical history. Those that suffer from eczema have found relief in quality moisturizers, diet changes, topical prescriptions, and more. Currently, there are three types of eczema, but there have been reports of other kinds occurring:

• Atopic Dermatitis
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis
• Nummular Dermatitis

Skin Cancer

Unfortunately, one in five Americans will have some sort of skin cancer during their life, thus making this skin condition a scary one. There are three forms of skin cancer today: basal and squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Many skin cancers can be avoided by limiting sun exposure and being proactive with sunscreen when spending long periods outside. Melanoma and basal cell carcinoma are usually influenced by genetics, but you may still be at risk depending on your lifestyle. It’s encouraged to schedule regular skin checkups, so your doctor can catch any skin diseases early on and provide an adequate treatment plan before it becomes a more significant issue.

Rosacea

Chronic swelling and redness of your facial skin can mean something more severe than acne. Rosacea is commonly caused by autoimmune issues, vein irregularities, and environmental triggers. Unfortunately, rosacea never truly goes away. By adjusting your diet and using specific skincare treatments, you will likely find relief from the painful and irritating rashes that occur during flare-ups. Those that suffer from rosacea are encouraged to avoid a variety of triggering factors, from alcohol and caffeine to prolonged sun exposure and spicy foods.

Wrinkles

As you age, your skin loses elasticity and collagen, and over time, wrinkles begin appearing. It’s incredibly important to take care of your skin as you age and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dehydration, lack of sleep, and a nutrient-poor diet can deplete your skin of natural nutrients, thus interfering with its natural aging process. The use of quality moisturizers and gentle cleansers will also help boost your skin’s appearance and cell turnover. Your skin’s appearance is a direct translation of your lifestyle, and establishing an adequate skincare routine along with preventative measures is your best bet in maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance.

Stress and Your Skin

Whether you live a busy lifestyle, have some obstacles to overcome in your life, or have a big project to turn in at work, each of these stressors can affect your skin’s appearance. The situations and environments we find ourselves in directly affect our bodies, and your skin often shows the impact. If you are experiencing flare-ups from acne breakouts to rosacea or eczema during stressful situations, it’s encouraged to identify the stressors in your life and identify how you can healthily cope with or change them.

Effects of Stress

Everyone reacts to stressful situations differently, and even if you think you have a good handle on stressors, it’s likely these situations will still take a toll on your body in one way or another. Most often, when individuals experience stress in their life, the skin reacts with inflammation, thus making your immune system go into overdrive. Stressful situations cause us to sway from our normal lifestyles to cope and get through the event. Coping can mean touching your face more than usual, eating unhealthy foods, and adapting to bad sleeping habits. Many can identify potentially stressful situations, so when you feel yourself starting to get stressed out, it’s incredibly important to be mindful and try to stay with your routine. Most stressful situations are out of our control.

What You Can Do

Along with being mindful of potential stressors, you can incorporate many other de-stressing techniques into your lifestyle such as yoga, meditation, regular massages, or deep breathing exercises. Learning how to manage your stress is the first step to overcoming the battle, learning how to cope, and helping your skin calm down. If you feel you’re living an extremely stressful lifestyle, it’s encouraged to sit down and try to pinpoint the situations and events that stress you. With this information, you’ll be able to give yourself time to prepare and overcome the stress before it even occurs. If these de-stressing techniques don’t give you the results you’ve hoped for, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as they will provide further guidance on how to care for your skin during stressful situations.

Industry-Leading Collagen Boosting Treatments

Women and men in today’s society prioritize slowing down the appearance of aging and partake in many different treatments and procedures to maintain youthful-looking skin. Collagen is a natural protein present in our skin that promotes elasticity and provides support for many organs in our bodies. As we age, collagen production slows down, thus resulting in wrinkles and weakened cartilage. There are many ways in which collagen helps your body:

• Resist Environmental Damage
• Combat Bruising
• Reduce Signs of Aging
• Healthy Hair
• Joint Health

Avoiding Collagen Loss

Routine skincare and adopting a healthy lifestyle will help prevent excess collagen loss, but at the end of the daytime is our biggest hurdle. If you know you’ll be spending a prolonged time outside, it’s encouraged to use proper sun protection. Smoking can hinder your skin’s oxygenation, meaning if you can quit or avoid it altogether, it will be in your best interest. Additionally, finetuning your diet and reducing the amount of sugars you consume is a beneficial way to keep your body’s natural proteins at an optimal level.

Restoring Collagen

Fortunately, discovering ways to restore collagen has become very popular, and there are many different resources available today. If you begin to notice aging taking a toll on your skin or are trying to be proactive, skincare specialists and scientists have a variety of solutions for you to try:

• Platelet Rich Plasma Facials
• Topical Creams and Lotions
• Oral Supplements
• Microneedling

The list doesn’t stop here, and if you’re ready to begin improving your skin or get ahead of the game, contact a skincare professional to help you determine which restorative collagen treatment is best for your skin type.

You’re Already on Your Way to Healthier Skin

The first step in maintaining healthy skin is becoming familiar with common skin conditions and services and learning what changes you can make. Traditional spas and medical spas both have their benefits and provide you with a wealth of information and treatments that will leave you feeling relaxed and confident. Whether you’re experiencing the effects of aging, brutal acne breakouts, or eczema flare-ups, it’s incredibly important to learn more about your body and identify ways to soothe your skin.