Spring is in the Air
Everything is cyclical. Fashion, music, decor…stick around long enough, and you’re bound to see the remix. Skin beauty is no different, and again we’re obsessed with radiant, glowy skin. While today’s ubiquity is trendy, we’ve been chasing this look since the Elizabethan era with Ceruse (a poisonous combination of white lead and vinegar), meat masks, and freckle capes. Cleopatra is rumored to use olive oil, Marilyn Monroe’s Vaseline, and Jane Fonda’s plain old sweat. In 2000 Scott Barnes dropped the first bronzing cream. Jennifer Lopez sported it on her Instyle cover shoot, and the less is more looks once again shot to fame. We’ve fallen in love with lit-from-within, and now we have the tools to achieve it.
4Ever Young is famous for its two-fold approach to whole-body wellness. The Feel Your Best program targets hormone imbalance that leads to age-related symptoms–weight gain, waning libido & energy, and mental fogginess. Bioidentical hormone replacement replenishes the aging body’s lackluster production, peptide therapy decreases inflammation and kickstarts the body’s healing systems, and IV vitamins provide a wellness boost that can supplement dietary deficiencies.
The Look Your Best track offers the best in skincare services, all designed for that youthful inside-and-out dewy skin we’ve desired since before the first century BC. Choose from a menu that includes:
- HydraFacials
- SkinPen Microneedling
- Chemical Peels
- Custom Facials
But what is medical-grade skincare? Social media campaigns educate on hyaluronic acids, vitamin C serums, vitamin E oils–exotic, miniature bottles with glass droppers. But let’s take a look at these effective strategies that can result in long-lasting, beautiful skin.
HydraFacials
The HydraFacial is similar to microdermabrasion, which uses mild abrasive tools to delicately sand the skin. This works to remove your outer layer, which can be thick and uneven. The HydraFacial improves upon this with two methods–an exfoliating tip and suction wand, which works like a vacuum to extract impurities from opened pores. Then comes hydration, a saturation of nourishing serums and moisturizers. This is what patients credit for the popular, effective results–nourishing “boosters”, potent formulas customized to the patient’s specific needs.
HydraFacials can be administered to the face, body, lip & eye, and scalp, targeting such conditions as:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Elasticity and firmness
- Congestion and acne
- Dark spots
- Redness
- Pigmentation
- Large pores
HydraFacials are increasingly popular in large part for promising zero downtime; patients will leave with instantly refreshed and glowing skin after a short, half-hour treatment. This is a great way to prepare for events like homecoming, weddings, or just a mid-day pick-me-up.
SkinPen
The SkinPen is the first FDA-approved microneedling device, trusted by skin specialists and patients to target acne scars and wrinkles for a more radiant complexion.
SkinPen microneedling follows three steps:
- Inflammation: microneedles pierce the skin to kickstart your immune system’s disinfection routine. Your system is triggered to clean the wounds, remove the debris, increase blood flow and create new tissue.
- Proliferation: granulation cells–including collagen proteins–rebuild the micro-wounds created by SkinPen. Your skin reacts, developing a new network of blood vessels
- Remodeling: in this final step, micro-wounds are replaced with new dermal tissue made up of collagen and elastin. These proteins promote that famous youthful look.
Patients report no pain or discomfort during SkinPen treatment. If concerned about taut areas like around the eyes or hairline, your provider can apply a numbing cream to restrict blood flow and sensitivity. Like the HydraFacial, treatment is quick, and the results are immediately visible. SkinPen patients continue to improve in the following weeks–several months when optimum results are achieved.
SkinPen is safe for all skin tones and types, including oily, sensitive, and balanced. Good candidates are looking to soothe the following anywhere on the body:
- Fine lines
- Moderate to severe wrinkles
- Deep folds and scars
Treatments might last an hour for larger areas, like the stomach, or for combined areas, like the hands, neck, and face. Treatment time will depend on the targeted conditions, severity, and collagen health.
Chemical Peel
This procedure involves a chemical solution that is applied to remove damaged skin cells to treat wrinkles, scars, and discoloration on the face.
Your provider might apply a paste around sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent pooling. Application methods will depend on the peeling agent; the liquid is applied with a brush or swab, and the gels are with a spatula. Providers attend to thick skin on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then spread the solution to other areas with even, directional strokes.
Different types of acids penetrate to varying depths. There are many options; you and your provider will discuss and determine the proper combination based on your unique needs and sensitivity.
Chemical peels can be slightly more uncomfortable than Hydrafacial and SkinPen, producing a mild tingling sensation for up to 5 minutes. This subsides upon neutralization, and your provider will offer a fan to assuage this discomfort. Patients can expect a sunburn-type redness for 2-4 days, then a darker tan that will crust. For optimum results, expect a week of downtime.
Good candidates for a chemical peel are patients with:
- Abnormal scars and scar pigmentation
- Dark complexion
- Sensitive skin
Patients can expect improved skin tone and texture and a lessened appearance of fine wrinkles. These are subtle results that increase with repeated treatments. Deep chemical peels can result in a dramatic improvement.
Custom facials
4Ever Young offers a menu of facials to target customized skin concerns. Using our preferred line of skincare–Skinceuticals–a facial is a great treat in preparation for a big event or regular self-care. We designed sessions that can last 30-90 minutes, depending on your needs and schedule. Our Skinceuticals employ best-in-class ingredients meant to heal and nourish your skin for that smooth, rejuvenated glow. Providers recommend monthly facials for best results.
Whichever method you and your provider choose for your skincare journey, always hydrate and protect your skin–particularly as we head into these warmer months. Your skin is your biggest organ; nourishing is important not only to your appearance but to your overall well-being. The summer’s excessive heat can be dehydrating–and don’t be fooled by oily skin, an indication of sebum production, your body’s inherent protection against drying out. This–and artificial air conditioning–can enhance the look of wrinkles and fine lines.
How can you hydrate your skin during the summer?
- Use an oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog your pores 2-3 times a day.
- Use light lotion or gel instead of heavy cream.
- Use an overnight mask. Deep hydrating effects will firm up your skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to flush out toxins.
- Exfoliate 1-3 times a week. Dead cells can make your skin look dull.
- Apply sunscreen that is at least SPF30. Reapply every 90 minutes.
Locate a 4Ever Young Anti-aging Solutions center near you for more information and to begin your journey to youthful, radiant skin.