Getting Comfortable in Your  Own Skin

            By Andrea Lichtenstein

  

Today it seems like there are hundreds of skin care products on the market. How do you choose which is best for your skin? What about the myriad of treatments and facials? It can be overwhelming to navigate through all of the products and services offered, all the while staying away from certain chemicals that can harm more than benefit. Here’s an attempt to provide clarity in the confusing world of aesthetics, which is available to both men and women.

            Fraxel Laser – The Fraxel Laser is designed to target aging and damaged skin by treating portions of specific damaged tissue. By creating microscopic “wounds” within the targeted areas well beneath the outermost epidermal layer of the skin, Fraxel Laser treatments trigger the body’s natural healing process by accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells. Fraxel is the first laser to combine the impact of ablative laser with the gentleness of nonablative lasers. Healing occurs so quickly that there is very little downtime.

With Fraxel Laser treatment you can expect two levels of results, immediate and progressive. Immediately after the initial healing (10 to 14 days), the surface of your skin will feel softer, look brighter and tone will start to become more even. Progressive results occur over the next three to six months as the deeper layers of the skin continue to heal. Fraxel can be used for many different conditions including discoloration or uneven pigmentation, melasma (mask of pregnancy), age spots, brown spots and sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, surgical scarring, stretch marks and enlarged pores.

Microdermabrasion – It gently sloughs away the outermost layer of our facial skin to reveal the young, healthy skin. In the process, it restores radiance, energy and confidence. Microdermabrasion stimulates blood flow to the surface of the skin, increases the oxygenation and enhances cell renewal. This treatment is especially suited for people who are sensitive to chemical peels. Results are noticeable after the first treatment; three to five treatments are recommended for optimal results.

Glycolic resurfacing – This treatment resurfaces and clarifies skin texture, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, fades the appearance of discoloration to even skin tone and assists in resolving acne.

Customized facials – After a personal consultation with an aesthetician, a facial can be created that will provide maximum results for your particular needs. Taking in consideration any concerns, skin type and any conditions, the aesthetician will recommend a home care regiment to follow up on the treatment.

Andrea Lichtenstein is an RN with a focus on rheumatology and is the owner of Ridgely Retreat. In addition to teaching the NIA technique and children’s yoga, she is also a medical aesthetician and can be reached at Ridgely Retreat 443 433-0462 or at www.ridgleyretreat.com

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