New Year, New You! Part I

To kick of 2010, we have decided to launch "New Year, New You" in which we will be highlighting some of our favorite treatments that will give you a fresh start in the New Year!

Because New Year's Eve is upon us, I have chosen the Refresh and Renew Signature Facial to start off the series. Each New Year is celebrated as, "out with the old, in with the new" so I found it fitting that we begin with a truly magnificent anti-aging facial!

The Refresh and Renew Signature Facial is centered around the combined use of the SilkPeel Microderm Infusion with BioSerum stem cell protein serum . What is so awesome about the SilkPeel, though, is that it uses 'wet abrasion' technology to deeply deliver a customized dermal solution into your skin. It is great for fine lines and wrinkles, especially when performed on a regular basis.

And for that super-boost of anti-aging power we have included the Neocutis BioSerum into the protocol! With the highest concentration of stem cell proteins available, the BioSerum lifts, smoothes, and helps regenerate new skin! Not only will you see these amazing results from your Refresh and Renew Facial, you will see them for weeks to come because you will be going home with SIX vials of the Neocutis BioSerum.

And you thought Christmas was over!

There is no better way to greet 2010 than to look and feel better than you did in 2009!

NEW: Refresh and Renew Dermalinfusion Facial!!

We are so excited to announce our newest facial package available now at the Spa!!

The Refresh and Renew Signature Facial is without a doubt our most innovative anti-aging facial! We have brought together two of our most powerful anti-aging resources into one amazing package so that you can reap the benefits for weeks to come!

Our first anti-aging power-horse is the SilkPeel Dermalinfusion system. SilkPeel is a microdermabrasion that utilizes "wet abrasion" technology to exfoliate, withdraw toxins, and most importantly infuse customized dermaceuticals into the skin- smoothing away lines and wrinkles:

Second, is the NEOCUTIS BioSerum. After your SilkPeel, we will apply and massage the NEOCUTIS BioSerum into your skin, as now

you can absorb the serum to its fullest extent. The BioSerum is such an amazing anti-aging tool because it delivers the highest concentration of skin cell proteins available combined with pro-collagen Amino Acids and a Bio-mimetic Peptide to help safeguard collagen and elastin from environmental aggression.

This combination helps to reduce the appearance of significant wrinkles and lines, improve skin tone and texture and redefine the look of facial contours and skin firmness.

We then add a 20 minute LED red light treatment to promote higher skin absorption of the BioSerum and aid in collagen growth stimulation.

Then, after you enjoy a relaxing hand massage, you will be ready to carry home with you 6 vials of BioSerum!

Since we want you to look your best as long as possible, we have decided to include the entire box of BioSerum in the package! It comes with 7 vials, so we'll put the first on for you and then the rest are yours to keep!

This is such an amazing treatment, especially if you have an event or special occasion coming up!

Best of all, it is only $275! A box of BioSerum alone is $225!

This is too great to miss, so call us today for your Refresh and Renew Signature Facial!!

Botox and Juvederm now at Refresh!

We are so excited to announce that

we will now be offering Botox and Juvederm here at Refresh Laser Spa! Our mission at Refresh is to help you look and feel your personal best, and Botox and Juvederm are fantastic ways to achieve that goal. See for yourself:

Juvederm is a Hyaluronic Acid Injectable Gel. As hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound in the body, it is safe for all skin types, both male and female. The results are instant and will last up to one year! As you can see, it speaks for itself.

Botox, on the other hand is an injectable medicine used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles.

Again, the pictures speak for themselves:

Because this is such an exciting addition, we have decided to give very exciting introductory prices as well!!

Beginning January 4th, 2010 we will be offering:

• Botox at $10 per unit
• Juvederm at $500 per syringe

And in addition to those amazing prices, we will be offering $50 off your first Botox treatment and $100 off your first Juvederm until February 1st!!

Call today to set up your consultation and treatment with Jen!

Great Holiday Gift Ideas!!

We want to make your holiday shopping as easy as we can at Refresh Laser Skin Spa!

We have put together a list of unique gift ideas just for you and your budget - or let us put together a customized gift basket just for you!

Great Gifts for $25 and Under:

• Colore Science Lip Candy plumping mineral lip gloss in 5 rich and fabulous colors
• Colore Science Eye Screen SPF 30 UVA/UVB mineral sunscreen in sheer pink - a great under eye concealer!
• Queen Bee Shea Butter Sugar Scrub in three luscious scents; citrus, lavender, and spa.
• Queen Bee Silky Milk Bath - one of our staff favorites! Choose citrus, lavender, and spa scents.
• Queen Bee Organic Body wash available in: citrus, lavender, and spa scents
• Queen Bee Body and Massage Oil available in: citrus, lavender, and spascents.
• Queen Bee Body Polish - fabulous with the Clarisonic Body Brush in the shower! Now available in citrus and spa scents!
• Queen Bee Raw Shea Stick - so easy and convenient! Now available in citrus,lavender, and unscented.
• Queen Bee God Save the Cream - another Refresh staff favorite - choose from citrus, lavender, and spa scents.

Great Gifts for $50 and under:

• Colore Science Sunforgettable retractable brush mineral sunscreen - 30 UVA/UVB - waterproof - sweat proof - it does not get any better than this! This is always a staff and customer favorite at Refresh.
• Queen Bee Vitamin Serum stick - yes, this Queen Bee favorite is now available in a convenient stick! We LOVE it! Use it everywhere for healthy beautiful skin.
• Queen Bee Vitamin Serum - an incredible serum of Vitamin A, C, D, E, and K. All natural, organic and plant derived. This is a constant favorite at the spa.

Great Gifts for $100 and under:

• Colore Science Pep Up Gel - all important peptides, hyaluronic acid for moisture, and a light natural bronze glow - perfect for beating the winter skin blues!
• Neocutis Starter Kit - a fabulous gift idea for those travelers on your list. A travel size Journee, and 14 days worth of BioCream, Lumiere, and Hyalis! Wow! Need we say more?
• Neocutis Lumiere eye cream - a long time favorite, the one beauty editors rave about - we have it!
• Neocutis BioSerum Pen - looks like a sterling silver Tiffany pen - filled with theage defying serum that will change the way you think about anti-aging skin care! Amazing and a gorgeous gift!
• Jan Marini Lash Conditioning Mascara - mascara with lash conditioner for more abundant, dark, thick lashes.
• Refresh Skin Spa basic facial - a great facial with a warm moisturizing hand treatment! A great gift for the woman who has everything.

Great Gifts for $200 and under:

• Clarisonic Pro Skin Care Brush - this is a must have skin care item. You will not find it for less - we promise!
• Jan Marini Lash Conditioner - long, dark, thick, lush lashes of your dreams - safely with no dangerous side effects! We love it!
• Refresh Skin Spa SilkPeel Facial - diamond tip microderm infusion - fabulous skin - a wonderful gift!

Great Gifts for $250 and under:

• DaVinci teeth whitening - gorgeous white teeth in about an hour!

• Refresh Skin Spa Signature Facial - individualized based on each clients skin care needs. Includes a warm moisturizing hand treatment. A wonderful relaxing 90 minute facial - a luxurious pampering experience.

• We have gift cards in any denomination you choose for any service we offer at Refresh Laser Skin Spa. Don't forget - gift cards are 20% off until december 24th!

• Now until December 24th: Purchase a gift card for $250 or more and receive a Queen Bee bath and body gift basket valued at $45!

Just In Time for the Holidays!

Turn in your beauty clunkers today!!!

Get a discount for your discards!

Take home scientifically advanced NEOCUTIS skincare products at a discount!

Receive $10 off the purchase of one NEOCUTIS skincare product when you bring in an old beauty clunker.

Buy two or more NEOCUTIS products and receive $20 off!

Hurry over to the spa to take advantage of this awesome, eco-friendly deal!!

Vital Therapy at Refresh!

The newest addition to the Refresh Laser Spa shelves, Vital Therapy, is a wonderful line of local products that we can't get enough of!

Packed with only the best and necessary ingredients for your skin, Vital Therapy owner Ted Keller says, "{Vital Therapy products} are the finest, least toxic skin nutrients found on the market at a price that is reasonable." And we couldn't agree more.

Some of our favorites are:

• Apple Delight Cleanser ($24): Perfect for dry, winter skin. This moisture-rich cleanser removes impurities and debris without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
• Acne Peptide Lotion ($50): Doubling as a powerful anti-inflammatory lotion, this will help even cystic acne improve (wow!!). And with new bioactive peptides, the lotion will also help heal scars caused by acne.
• Vitamin C with Caffeine Serum ($40): Ted says this product is probably the most important of all skin care products. It not only protects the skin from harmful UV damage, it is also the most powerful anti-aging compound. The increase of Collagen and Elastin only take place when Vitamin C is present in the skin!!!
• Peptide Lotion ($50): With their recent addition of three new peptides to their formula, the Vital Therapy Peptide Lotion enhances the speed and effectiveness of skin nutrition. When used in conjunction with other products, it's anti-aging capabilities can be seen in as little as 3 days!

We are thrilled to be carrying Vital Therapy! We love their philosophy and are so excited to see more amazing results from our clients who have already started using the products.

Give us a call today if you have any questions about our Spa or the Vital Therapy line. Better yet, stop by and pick some up for yourself!!

SmoothShapes In New Beauty Magazine!!

Fine print reads:

SmoothShapes is another cellulite-fighting treatment, and one of the newest ones too. It relies on Photomology, a combination of laser and light energy coupled with rollers and vacuum suction to target cellulite at the source. Furing each of the eight pain-free treatments, enlarged fat cells are liquefied and collagen is regenerated to improve the skin's texture.

Well put, New Beauty!

ColoreScience In New Beauty Magazine!

We LOVE the new Let Me Be Clear Primer from Colore Science, and we are certainly not alone!

This is what New Beauty Magazine had to say today:

If there's anyone reluctant to use foundation primer, surely it's those with acne-prone skin. Just the thought of a smothering an extra layer can make a person break out. It's rather unfortunate, since many primers provide such a beautiful canvas for makeup; but now a new primer is standing out from the pack by going beyond prepping skin to help clear it up.

Like other primers, Colorescience PRO's new formula smoothes skin texture and lessens the look of pores with dimethicone polymers. Unlike other primers, however, Let Me Be Clear Primer for Problem Skin addresses acne with a touch of salicylic acid—the key ingredient in many, if not most, blemish treatments.

Because pimples aren't the only symptom of acne, other ingredients in Let Me Be Clear—such as vitamin E, minerals, aloe, algae, lavender, cypress, ylang ylang and melissa—tackle the redness, irritation and dehydration that often accompany the condition. Between the velvety feel and citrus scent, there's almost no way of knowing that this primer doubles as an acne remedy—that is until you start seeing clearer skin under your makeup.

However, what New Beauty did not mention was that the Primer is only part of a 3-Step Kit that will truly do wonders for ANY skin type. The Let Me Be Clear Kit includes not only the Primer, but an On The Spot Powder, and our favorite L.M.B.C. Finishing Brush (with SPF 30!)

Used synergistically, these three products will help clear problem skin wonderfully. And since they all contain salicylic acid, their light exfoliation helps tremendously with anti-aging, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing pore size. 

As the New Beauty article mentions, those of us with acne-prone skin (or wrinkles) are reluctant to pile more products on, especially if our skin is on the oily side. 

Good News: the exfoliating properties of the salicylic are actually activated by our skin's natural oils. 

The Let Me Be Clear Collection comes in three colors: Fair Play, Middle Ground, and Deep Cover. However, the Primer itself is only available sans pigment. 

At first I was a little bummed out that it wasn't providing actual coverage, but after using the LMBC Kit for nearly two and half months now, I wouldn't have it any other way. Mainly, I have found that mixing the On The Spot Cover with the Primer allows the Primer to go on as smooth as silk, stay on longer, and provide me perfect coverage that I get to control. It also means that those of you afraid of wearing pigment on your face (hello, gentleman!) can rest assured that no one will know!

Plus, now that I have reaped the benefits of the salicylic and my skin is much clearer, I notice that I add less and less powder to my mix, using the On The Spot to only spot-treat my blemishes as they arise (hardly ever)!

I love that you get to customize how much coverage you have, and get to see your skin transform over just a few weeks (or less!). 

Stop in today to get your Let Me Be Clear Kit for only $99 (a $120 value!)

Eye Love ColoreScience!

In July of this year, ColoreScience launched their Sunforgettable SPF 30 Eyescreen, yet another way protection is made pretty. 

Kimberly has been using {and swearing by} the EyeScreen since we received it. It has done wonders for not only covering the dark spotsand circles under her eyes {hyper-pigmentation}, but also reversing it!

Not that I was skeptical because I, too, swear by the entire ColoreScience line- but I thought that as a 24 year old with minimal sun damage, it would just find its way to the bottom of my makeup bag. Until about 15 minutes ago. I got myself an orb and thought I would see what a difference it would make. 

And, oh my, what a difference it made!!!

Instantly, my eyes looked brighter, wider, more awake, and more evenly blended into the rest of my makeup. I initially put it on just one eye to see if I could actually tell a difference. I had to go back and put it on the other to even myself out. I looked quite strange with one radiant, bright eye and one darkish, tired looking eye. 

It's official. I'm hooked. 

And truly, this product is revolutionary in its essence. For, although we do our best to wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen, that oh-so delicate skin around they eye really needs special attention. And with EyeScreen's added bonus of concealing, this is honestly one of the best tools you can have in your makeup bag {or dopp bag, gentleman- you know you get dark circles, too!}. 

Here at the Spa we see this damage almost daily. With the help of our new Reveal Imager, we can see underlying sun damage, and the majority of the time the pictures come out and literally, the area around they eye looks almost black because the damage is so severe. 

Unfortunately, it is an easy area to neglect. We think our sunglasses have got us covered, and the last thing anyone wants is goopy sunscreen around their eyes with the chance of it getting in their eyes. Ouch!

Here's what ColoreScience says about their amazing new product:

The light pink powder plays tricks on the eyes, 

camouflaging dark circles and fine lines in just 

a few quick magical strokes. Velvety in feel, 

Eyescreen brightens the eye area while 

concealing. 

Merciless sun rays are often to blame for 

breaking down the skin’s elasticity and natural 

resistance around the eyes. This leaves an 

already sensitive area even more prone to 

dreaded wrinkles and age spots. Protect, 

diffuse and accentuate with Sunforgettable 

SPF 30 Eyescreen by Colorescience.  

And for only $20, this is a steal. The orb comes with its own lovely brush and is about the size of golf ball. I would guess that one orb should last at least eight months if not more. 

I think this is the ultimate Winter must-have. We tend to be more tired in these cold, grey days, so what could be better than perfect, bright eyes to combat the Winter doldrums?!

Fall & Winter: The Perfect Time to Repair and Prepare!

After such a beautiful Colorado Summer, chances are excellent that most of our skin resembles {or feels like} the autumn leaves that have recently peppered our sidewalks.

Now is the perfect time to repair the previous season's damage as well as prepare for the current and upcoming seasons.

Autumn typically begins the repairative season; due the influx of sun damage, discoloration and brown spots, photo-aging, dehydrated and dull skin, cellulite and loose skin, and even stained teeth.

While we repair last season's damage, it is important to also prepare for the Holidays as well as next year's Spring and Summer. With Winter comes many Holiday parties, travel plans, and for a lot of us- winter sports, which saturate our skin with cold, dry air.

So, how exactly do we repair and prepare this season??

Here are some great ways to stay ahead of the game and keep looking great year-round:

• Laser Skin Treatments
• Treatment Facials and Peels
• Professional-Grade Skin Care Products
• Laser Hair Removal of Unwanted Hair {Autumn/Winter is the best time for laser hair removal since we have significantly less sun exposure}
• SmoothShapes Laser Cellulite Reduction
• Laser Teeth Whitening

Refresh Laser Spa is your place to repair and prepare for the coming holiday and travel season! Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation!

Skin Care: 101

Yesterday a conversation arose here at the Spa about poor skin care hygiene and its detriment. All too often we see clients (especially women) who come to us looking for instant, one-time, no-hassle solutions for their skin's problems. Unfortunately, even with the best treatments on the market, your results will never be maintained if you suffer from poor skin care hygiene.

The first step in conquering your bad habits is to follow the skin care ABC's- or shall we say... CTT's.

Step One: Cleanse

• Gently rub cleanser all over your face with fingertips for about 20-25 seconds AM and PM.
• Splash running warm water on your face several times to rinse off the cleanser until there is no more residue on you skin. Do not direct the stream of water onto your face (i.e.: holding your face under the shower head). 
• Take a clean towel and gently pat your face dry. 

Step Two: Tone

• Especially if you suffer from chronic breakouts and/or have oily skin, using a toner is crucial to your skin care routine. 
• Find a toner that is best for your skin type- there are many options on the market. (Our favorite? Queen Bee's Glycolic Toner, which is great for most skin types).
• Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and gently pat over face after cleansing and before moisturizing. You can also use the toner to spot-treat blemishes as they arise. 
• If you have dry skin, test the toner for a day or two. If it exacerbates your dryness, gently rinse it with cool water after applying to your skin, this will lessen its dehydrating nature. 

Step Three: Treat

• Depending on your specific needs, treatment for your skin will vary. For someone like me who is prone to breakouts, my treatment consists of salicylic moisturizer, salicylic primer (from ColoreScience), and salicylic mineral sunscreen powder (again, ColoreScience). 
• No matter what ails your skin (folliculitis, rosacea, dryness, hyper-pigmentation, sun damage, melasma, breakouts, uneven tone/texture, etc.), there is something we can offer you to help treat it.
• As highlighted above, sunscreen is a must for everyone. Treating is not exclusive to existing problems. It is imperative to include a product with at least SPF 30 into your skin care regimen to prevent unnecessary damage down the road. 

These three points -the CTT's- are essential to your new good skin care hygiene regimen. However, there are many more oft-overlooked recommendations to make your skin the best it can be!

Yesterday's conversation brought up many good points that can easily be forgotten, neglected, or missing in one's skin care regimen/make-up bag (AHEM- Women, we mean you!).

• Many of us with overly oily skin believe that compact powder is the solution to masking this problem. Wrong. While the powder may temporarily mask the oiliness of your skin, it is really just exacerbating the problem and guaranteeing more breakouts and more oil. --> Instead, pick up a pack of oil-blotting papers. For one, they are much cheaper than your powder, and they actually remove the oil instead of covering it and pushing it deeper into your pores. Total win-win. 
• Again, for those of us make-up wearers, it is so important that your utensils are clean, if not new. If you are using a sponge or brush to apply your make-up (which you should be doing anyway because your fingers are full of natural oils)--> you have got to make sure that you clean or replace these on a regular basis. If you neglect to do this, you are reapplying the same grease and bacteria onto your face everyday, worsening with each application. Hint: we sell a fantastic brush cleaner in the Spa for only $10.00 and most drug stores sell a bountiful bag of sponges for about $1.99
• Make-up has a shelf-life. Not only will your year-old mascara glob up or dry out, it also has been breeding bacteria for quite some time. Especially if your make-up bag is conveniently placed next to your shower. That is über-prime real estate for bacteria- warm and humid. Here's a brief guide to the shelf live of your make-up: 

Concealer: Up to 12 months

Powder: Two years

Pencils and Eyeliner: Should be sharpened regularly. Will last up to 3 years. 

Brushes: Wash at least every month with a brush cleaner or mild detergent.

Sponges: Change monthly

Foundation: Check the ingredients: A water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil based- up to 18 months. 

Lipstick: Most say 1-2 years, although apparently you can extend that by storing it in the fridge. I say try that at your own risk, or maybe just in the summer. 

Mascara: 4 months. And, please ladies, don't pump it- you are only drying it out and exposing it to more bacteria. 

I will leave you these tips for now- but there will certainly be more to come. 

And as always, for more information or questions- do not hesitate to call or email!

Refresh to be at Junior League of Denver's Holiday Mart!

This year, the Junior League of Denver’s Holiday Mart 2009 has moved it’s event up to Thursday October 15 through Sunday 18 at the Denver Merchandise Mart!

Each year, the Junior League of Denver organizes and hosts Holiday Mart; Denver’s longest-standing seasonal shopping tradition, that over the past three decades has earned a reputation for bringing together the very best of local and national merchants. 

This year, however, Refresh Laser Spa will be there, sharing a booth with our absolute favorite- the Queen Bee!! We will have ample literature on all of our services, as well as special discounts for those who visit our booth!

In addition to providing fabulous shopping for Front Range families, Holiday Mart is the Junior League of Denver’s largest fundraiser. 

Since its inception, Holiday Mart has contributed more than $4.6 million to community programs in the Denver-metro and surrounding areas. We feel this is not only a great opportunity to reach a wider range of clientele, but also to give back to this wonderful community we all call home!

For tickets, click here.

We hope to see you there!!!