Posts made in August 2018

Skin Care in the Summer

Skin Care in Norfolk, VA

Summer is particularly hard on your skin. The sun is closer to the earth, and it’s easy to overdose on UV rays in a matter of minutes. If you plan on a summer vacation that places you in the sun, it’s a good idea to start using sunscreen weeks before you start your vacation. When you build up the sunscreen in your body, it helps to keep your skin from burning. Other tips for taking the best care of your skin in the summer include all of the following:

Exfoliate: When you exfoliate you remove dead cells, which prevent congestion and improve hydration. It helps to exfoliate in the mornings before you add SPF or makeup; makeup lasts longer after you exfoliate your skin.

Hydrate Skin: Keep your skin extra hydrated with moisturizers, tones, and masks. Drink lots of plain, filtered water, which helps maintain the moisture balance in your whole body.

Apply Sunscreen: Use sunscreen by applying it frequently and in the right amount. Apply at least a teaspoon for your face, and re-apply it every two hours.

Treat Sun Damage: If you have inadvertently gotten sunburned, apply cool gels to help prevent peeling and reduce inflammation.

Visit Medical Aesthetics of Virginia for your summer skin care in Norfolk, VA.

 

The Benefits of a Chemical Peel

Chemical Peel in Norfolk, VA

Chemical peels provide many benefits by removing dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin. They are used to restore a youthful, vibrant appearance to wrinkly, blotchy, or sun-damaged skin. There are several different levels of chemical face peels, which are light, medium, and deep.  A light chemical peel is used to improve acne scars and skin texture as well as reducing the effects of sun damage. Medium chemical peels slough off dead skin to reveal a new layer of skin in fewer than seven days after the treatment. When you opt for a deep chemical peel, you can expect a new layer of skin in less than ten days.

A chemical peel at Medical Aesthetics of Virginia offers clients an effective chemical peel in Norfolk, VA. Treatment times vary but are usually around 30 minutes to set the shedding or flaking off of all the dead skin cells. Some of the most impactful benefits of a chemical peel include all of the following:

  • Radiant, Smooth, Refined Complexion
  • Improved Feel of Your Skin
  • Improved Skin Color, Tone, and Texture
  • Stimulation of Collagen
  • Reduced Discoloration
  • Smoothing of Fine Lines
  • Increased Skin Hydration

There is an added benefit to having a series of chemical peels because the deepest layers of the skin get enhanced exfoliation, which can stimulate cell regeneration, and produces of healthy, glowing skin.

What Are the Main Steps of a Facial?

Facial in Norfolk, VA

Facials are extremely popular spa treatments. Many satisfied customers go to Medical Aesthetics of Virginia to have a facial in Norfolk, VA. There are numerous benefits including a great deal of enjoyment and relaxation. At-home facials are possible but not as thorough or effective as when performed by a professional esthetician. Having a facial on a regular basis is one of the best ways to take care of your skin. Some of the most common steps to having a facial include all of the following:

Cleansing: Your face will be cleaned at the first step of your facial. Your facialist gently massages a cleanser into your face and neck to remove any traces of makeup and dirt. After that a soft sponge, cloth, or cotton pad is used to remove the cleanser from your face.

Exfoliation: Exfoliating skin is the process of buffing away dead skin cells with an exfoliating cream or scrub. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells that clog your skin and uncovers fresh new cells. After exfoliating, helpful products can get into the skin more deeply.

Extractions: Facial extractions clear clogged or compacted pores by manual or mechanical means. Most facial clients need extractions during each facial, such as blackheads in the area of the nose or on the nose.

Massage: Some facials feature a massage of the face, neck, and shoulders. Stimulation of the face muscles with a massage helps to bring oxygen to that area.

 Masks: A facial mask helps to hydrate your skin, removes areas with excess oil, and improves the look of your pores.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen in Norfolk, VA

Collagen is an amino acid that is the most plentiful protein in our bodies. It is found in the connective tissue within the body, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Among other essential health benefits, collagen promotes skin elasticity. It is also known for its ability to help create glowing, vibrant, and youthful skin. It is abundant in our skin, hair, and nails. The aging process reduces the amount of collagen in the body, which results in the following effects on the skin:

  • Fine Lines
  • Loose Skin
  • Dryness

The majority of our skin is made up of collagen. It is the most important nutrient for skin health. While our bodies naturally produce collagen, the aging process naturally reduces the amount of collagen contained in our skin. Collagen molecules are not absorbed into the skin due to their largeness. However, they are still helpful for the first layer of the skin. As we age our production of collagen slows way down. Also, UV rays, smoking, pollution, and stress wreak havoc on the skin and further breakdown collagen fibers, which causes the skin to thin.

Take care of your skin’s collagen in Norfolk, VA, by coming to Medical Aesthetics of Virginia in Norfolk, VA. We offer numerous services that include Cool Sculpting®, Microneedling with INNOPen™, HydroFacial® MD, and laser treatments, among others.

 

 

Is a Lip Filler Right for You?

Lip Injections in Norfolk, VA

You may be contemplating a lip injection if you think it will give you more confidence in your appearance, especially if you think your lips are too thin for your face. Bear in mind that changing the shape of your lips definitely modifies your appearance, so make sure this is something you are sure you want to do. In other words, it’s not a good idea to sign up for lip injections in Norfolk, VA, to please another person or to try to make your image reflect that of someone you idolize. A lip augmentation makes your lips plumper and fuller. The procedure works best on those who do not smoke and who are in general good health.

You want to be able to trust the person who is providing the injection and who is highly qualified at giving the injection. It’s important to find the right provider who is experienced at performing lip augmentation, and who may include any of the following:

  • Plastic Surgeon
  • Dermatologist
  • Cosmetic Facial Surgeon

The newest lip-injection options are considered safe and longer lasting than other common dermal fillers. The procedure is fairly quick with little-to-no downtime. Your lips will be numbed by a topical agent to ease any discomfort. Very fine needles are then used to inject your lips. After your injection, ice is provided to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. It is advised that no pressure be put on the treated area.