Alright folks, here it is... Last Friday on SkinInc, they posted a brief article about the link between indoor tanning and melanoma.

Here are the findings,

Researchers say a new study from the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health and Masonic Cancer Center definitively links the use of indoor tanning devices to increased risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

This research study involving 2,268 Minnesotans is the largest of its kind. It found:

People who use any type of tanning bed for any amount of time are 74% more likely to develop melanoma, and;

Frequent users of indoor tanning beds are 2.5 to 3 times more likely to develop melanoma than those who never use tanning devices.

The study defines frequent uses as people who used indoor tanning for 50 plus hours, more than 100 sessions, or for 10-plus years. This increased risk applies similarly to all ages and genders.

DeAnn Lazovich, Ph.D., led the research team on this study. Lazovich is an associate professor of epidemiology with the School of Public Health and co-leader of the Masonic Cancer Center's Prevention and Etiology Research Program. The study findings were published online on May 27 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

"We found that it didn't matter the type of tanning device used; there was no safe tanning device," Lazovich said. "We also found -- and this is new data -- that the risk of getting melanoma is associated more with how much a person tans and not the age at which a person starts using tanning devices. Risk rises with frequency of use, regardless of age, gender, or device."

Melanoma is one of the fastest increasing cancers across the United States and in Minnesota. About 69,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma this year; nearly 1,000 of those people will be Minnesotans. Although melanoma accounts for only about 4% of all skin cancer, it causes about 79% of all deaths from skin cancer. In a more advanced state, melanoma is especially difficult to successfully treat.

Before this study, indoor tanning has been only weakly associated with melanoma risk, Lazovich said.

"Most reports were not able to adjust for sun exposure, confirm a dose-response, or examine specific tanning devices," she said. "Our population-based, case-control study was conducted to address these limitations."

Lazovich and her colleagues assessed Minnesota cases of invasive cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between 2004 and 2007 at ages 25-59. The study participants and results included:

1,167 people diagnosed with melanoma and 1,101 people (control group) without melanoma. 62.9% of group with melanoma and 51.1% of control group had tanned indoors.

Melanoma risk was about three times greater among users of UVB-enhanced devices and 4.4 times greater for UVA-emitting devices.

Risk increased with use, defined as 10 or more years, 50 or more hours, or more than 100 sessions.

{Funding for this research was provided by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.}

We hope you are enjoying our warmer weather!  Now is a great time to take advantage of some fabulous savings on summer skin care essentials, SmoothShapes, facials and more!

Aesthetic Services:

• Buy one SmoothShapes package and get the second area half off!

• Buy a SmoothShapes maintenance treatment package of 8 for $1000!! (over 20% off!)

• $600 off the Affirm SmartSkin package! (Treatment must completed by August 31st, 2010).

• 20% off the ViPeel!

• Buy any two Refresh Signature facials and get one free!

Latisee, Botox, and Juvederm Specials:

• $10 off Latisse lash conditioner

• $50 off 20 units or more of Botox (applies to first time injection clients).

• $100 off Juvederm XC (applies to first time Juvederm injections).

• $465 per syringe for Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus!

• Also - we have qualified to offer special Latisse anniversary rebates going on through Allergan until July 15th. $50 Allergan rebate on the purchase of Latisse with Botox OR Juvederm XC. $100 Allergan rebate on the purchase of Latisse with both Botox and Juvederm XC injections. We only have 12 of these special rebates available for our clients. If you are considering purchasingLatisse with Botox, Juvederm XC, or both - this is a great offer to take advantage of!

Colore Science:

• Buy one regular price Colore Science Brush and get 15% off any other regular priced Colore Science product. Special includes: NEW Sunforgettable SPF 50 brush, SPF 30 mineral primer, and SPF 35 lip gloss! Colore ScienceSunforgettable brushes make great Father's Day presents for active Colorado Dads!

• Also, check out our Colore Science Clearance basket - several new clearance items at great prices!

Image Skin Care:

• 15% off when you trade in one old product, 20% off when you trade in two products, 30% off when you trade in three products.

• 20% off any professional Image chemical peel facial (soft or medium peel). Choose from anti-aging, acne prone, or skin brightening peels.

Sesderma Clearance:

• 30% off all in stock Sesderma products!!

Jan Marini:

• 20% off Jan Marini Lash Conditioner and Conditioning Mascara

Clarisonic:

• Did you know we have the brand new and wildly popular Clarisonic Opal for $200?! It retails elsewhere for over $250!

All special offers and sale prices good until June 30th, 2010 unless otherwise stated

Rave Reviews for SmoothShapes!

We would like to share some recent client reviews about SmoothShapes - real clients sharing their experiences with this truly unique and effective treatment.

Have you had your SmoothShapes yet?!  Now is the time to feel confident showing some leg!

Here is what some recent SmoothShapes clients have to say:

"This treatment is so amazing! I love SmoothShapes so much and I love the staff at Refresh Laser Spa.  The owner, Kimberly Hall is very knowledgeable about the whole process and gives you all the facts about whether or not SmoothShapes is for you. She really wants you to be happy with your results!  Paula performed my treatments and was very pleasant during the process.  I had 10 sessions on the back of my legs and 10 sessions on the front of my legs and I tell you what; the results exceeded my expectations! Diet and exercise alone did not decrease the appearance of cellulite on my legs.  This treatment surpassed the goals I had for my appearance.  I love my legs!  I can wear my skinny jeans again!  I am wearing shorts, which I never used to do!  I am wearing lots of little black dresses.  I bought 3 new suits for the summer.  The list goes on & on.......  If I could say one thing to help someone questioning this treatment it would be make the investment the right way!  This is a non-surgical procedure that really does give the results you are looking for!  The costs is so minimal compared to the results.  If you compare the cost to a surgical procedure it is way less and maintaining your results is so easy.  Thanks, Refresh Laser Spa!"

Lisa D., Denver, CO

"I loved my SmoothShapes treatments, they were very relaxing, and absolutely no pain at all. I have lost 1 and a 1/2 inches on each leg after 8 treatments and the cellulite has been reduced substantially. I am not afraid to show some leg since my treatments. Finally, something that really reduces cellulite! Thank you, Refresh Laser Spa!" PF, Denver, CO

"SmoothShapes is just what I needed! Not only did I notice a significantly diminished look of cellulite, I also noticed a big change in the shape of my saddlebags which also surprisingly almost became non-existent! I was pleasantly surprised. I can't recommend SmoothShapes more!" SS, Boulder, CO

"Kimberly, I want to thank you and Refresh Laser Spa for my great results from the SmoothShapes treatments. I had my hips, back of thighs, and stomach/abdomen areas done. I am 51 and when I arrived for my first treatment I was wearing my "fat jeans" and a "big shirt". Throughout the treatments, I noticed my clothes started fitting looser which for me was the true test and my goal. My skin was softer and smoother with less bulges and lumps. By the end of my treatments I came in wearing my "SKINNY JEANS" and getting compliments on how great I look and people asking me if I've lost weight!! I'm usually a skeptic, but I got fantastic results from something that really works. I am loving the outcome. I lost 2" on my thighs! To be able to wear things I haven't worn in years, all I can say is WOW! Thank you so much Kimberly and your office staff for being so courteous and professional. I'll be back for other services for sure." 

JS, Denver, CO

"After doing my research and finding out about the advancement of laser technology I was curious if the SmoothShapes procedure would help improve the appearance of the cellulite I had on my thighs. I met with Kimberly and her staff and felt very comfortable with working with them. Kimberly explained everything in detail and what results I could expect from the treatment. She was right!! I lost 2 inches of circumference in each thigh and the appearance of the cellulite is greatly diminished. This really works!!" SM, Boulder, CO

                                                                                                                                                                                            To learn more about SmoothShapes or schedule a complimentary consultation please call us at 720.314.1965 or send us an email at: refreshlaser@comcast.net today!

Hot ColoreScience Press from around the web!

Just in time for Summer, the internet is bursting with praises for ColoreScience Mineral Sunscreen!

Gone are the days of greasy, smelly, oily sunscreen that runs into your eyes, attracts sand, and spills all over your towel bag.

And now, with ColoreScience's newest Sunforgettable Brush with SPF 50 (!!!) there is absolutely no reason you shouldn't be looking gorgeous (not greasy!) AND protecting your skin!

click to enlarge

Oxygen.com says,

"For most, Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer and all the fabulous things that come along with it: ice cream, sundresses, trips to the beach, etc. It also serves as a reminder to stock up on something we should actually be using all yearlong—sunscreen.

We’re Obsessed with having our fun in the sun, while protecting our skin from its harmful effects! But who wants to slather on some thick sunscreen on top of regular face lotion, every day? Fortunately, mineral makeup lines like Colorescience Pro provide an even easier way for us to incorporate sunscreen into our daily beauty regimen. Their Sunforgettable SPF 50 comes in a powder form that is filled with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection. The chemical-free formula can be worn on the bare face or under makeup. We especially love that it gives us water-resistant protection without any greasy sunscreen sensation. Plus, the built-in brush makes it so convenient for on-the-go reapplying—a sunscreen must!"

And again, TeenVogue.com sings the praises of SPF 50 Mineral Suncreen Powder,

click to enlarge

It reads,

"Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder SPF 50: This colorless SPF 50 sun protectant is my go-to for mattifying my face (hot weather = super- oily skin for me!) and keeping it protected from UV rays. This is perfect for days when I'm mostly inside, but have to run to and from events. $60"

To pick up your Sunforgettable SPF50 brush or the rest of the Sunforgettable line, call or stop in today!
720.314.1965

Is Fat Gender Bias?

Yesterday on the NewBeauty blog, they posted an article about the difference between men and women regarding where their fat "falls". Here are their claims,

"It doesn't take a doctor to see that men and women carry fat differently. Men tend to pack it on in the belly, whereas women will find fat accumulating in their hips, butt and thighs. But while the difference may be apparent, the reason hasn't been.
Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center recently analyzed fat genes in mice, who have a similar sex-based fat distribution pattern to humans. They found that male and female mice have very few fat genes in common. Therefore, male and female fat cells behave in completely different ways, giving way to dimorphic fat placement.
Women do have an advantage when it comes how where our fat tends to build up. Fat on the hips, thighs and butt is subcutaneous and therefore treatable with liposuction. However, belly fat in men is typically visceral and too deep to be treated with liposuction. The only way to reduce this kind of fat, which is considered a health risk, is with diet and exercise."

So what are the connotations of these findings??

For us, the immediate concern is about cellulite. The fact that for us as women, our fat cells are subcutaneous means that they are living almost directly under the skin. And this friends, is why we have cellulite. In the subcutaneous region (or what have you), there are 'chambers' made of tissue.

Think of it almost like fishnet stockings... the empty spaces between the fibers would be your "chambers". And then imagine if you maybe tried to push a slice of bread through those fibers. That's cellulite. And since the gentlemen have more visceral fat, they in turn do not have visible cellulite.

Fortunately for us women, this is where the magic of SmoothShapes comes in.

With its dual wavelengths, SmoothShapes is working twofold. First, it is liquefying the adipose fat cells (or, "melting the bread"), then the other wave length is making those fibers (the fishnets) more malleable (or, stretching them out, so to say_ so that the now liquid fat cells can finally exit the chamber to ultimately be flushed out through your lymphatic system.

This also explains why women will need maintenance treatments after their initial SmoothShapes series. Because although we can essentially 'repair the damage', we cannot yet prevent (in its entirety) the formation of cellulite.

Perhaps the day will come, but for now an amazing fix is right here at our Spa in Denver.

So call or stop in today to learn more or to set up your complimentary consultation:

720.314.1965

Affirm SmartSkin CO2 on The Doctors

We just found out from a client that our Affirm SmartSkin CO2 was featured on the television show The Doctors. Wow!
In an episode about Five Ways to a Better Body, The Doctors highlighted the Affirm CO2 and here is what they said,

No. 4: Repair Facial Damage

Do you have unsightly scars, wrinkles or Sun damage on your face? Dr. Ordon has a way to fix your facial damage.

Years of being out in the sun without wearing sunscreen caused damage to 37-year-old Julie’s face. She wants to rid herself of the brown spots and wrinkles around her eyes and forehead. Dr. Ordon treats her with Cynosure’s Affirm, a non-invasive facial rejuvenation machine that uses a unique laser with dual wavelengths to help tighten and exfoliate the skin while bringing imperfections to the surface. The laser reduces wrinkles and scars, treats pigmentation and redness, and is virtually painless!

While her face is red immediately after the procedure, Dr. Ordon explains that it will look clearer and younger in a few days. He tells Julie that for the best results she should have a couple more treatments.

How amazing is that?

To learn more about the Affirm CO2 procedure, or to set up your complimentary consultation, call:

720.314.1965

SmoothShapes in Shape Magazine!

In the June 2010 issue of SHAPE Magazine, the focus of their "Bikini Body Special"

was, Your Best Ever Cellulite Busting Plan.

And although the direct focus of the article wasn't on SmoothShapes, they did have some truly great advice for those looking for other solutions. We include our own Tips and Recommendations in every SmoothShapes' client take-home packet, and these tips are great as well, with or without SmoothShapes:

Nix White Flour Foods: At least two studies have found that people who eat the most whole grains have less belly fat than those who eat fewer complex carbs (you can have cellulite around your middle, too). with the variety of whole-grain products on the store shelves today, it's easier than ever to snub the refined stuff. The higher fiber content in whole-wheat bread and pasta keeps you feeling full longer, so you won't have to contend with a rumbling belly.

Make Friends with Fat: It may sound counterintuitive, but trust us: To lose fat, you have to get over your fat phobia. Healthy fats, like nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil can actually help you lose weight (and cellulite).

"Cheat" the Right Way: The concept of a cheat day is a weight-loss staple, but it's also the Achille's heel of many eating plans.A day of eating whatever you want can add up to thousands (yes, thousands) of extra calories. It can also make it harder to get back on track the next day, when your brain has a chocolate cake hangover. Instead of splurging for an entire day, Lisa Young, Ph.D., R.D., the author of The Portion Teller Plan, recommends limiting yourself to just one cheat meal each weel. "Plan it, enjoy it, and as long as it happens just once a week you won't break the caloric bank."

Eat an Appetizer: Studies show that if you take the edge off hunger before lunch and dinner, you'll eat less. Then, eat your main meal in the following order: veggies first (which should take up about half your plate), then the protein, the the whole-grain carbohydrates. "Having veggies first satisfies your stomach and brain," explains Young. "Fiber-packed veggies are filling, and your eyes see a big portion, so your brain thinks you're eating more too. By the time you get to the carbs- the danger zone for many people- you'll be ready to stop.

Go Veggie One Day a Week: A recent study in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who are the most meat were about 27% more likely to be obese and 33% more likely to have abdominal obesity than people who ate the least amount of meat. They also consumed about 7-- more calories per day, on average.

Lastly, but most certainly not least is their pick for Best In-Office Option: SmoothShapes!

They say: " SmoothShapes ($2000-$3000 for eight sessions over four weeks) uses a laser and light energy to shrink enlarged fat cells and tighten skin, while a vacuum and rollers massage the body, increasing circulation.

Expert Take: "This FDA-approved treatment definitely has the science to back up its claims," says Francesca Fusco, M.D.

Real Life Results: "It felt like getting a deep tissue massage, and while I did experience a little hickey-like bruising, the decrease in dents was noticeable after four weeks." -Samantha, 30

Editors Note: While SHAPE Magazine says you will pay $2000-$3000 for 8 treatments, here at Refresh Laser Spa it is only $1,600 and that includes 10 treatments!

To learn more or to set up your complimentary consultation, call:

720.314.1965

The Truth about Zerona

Recently there has been much press about a relatively new treatment, Zerona.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of this press is centered around false information, misleading marketing, and extremely questionable research and studies.

First and foremost is the gross misunderstanding that Zerona is a cellulite treatment. This is false. Even according to Zerona, the treatment is, "a new non-invasive body sculpting procedure designed to remove fat and contour the body without invasive surgery."

Still, the rumor persists. Even on RealSelf the question is posed to a panel of doctors, "Will Zerona help with cellulite?"

Here are some answers, straight from the Doctors' mouths:

Dr. Michael A. Persky says, "Zerona will not help with your cellulite. The Cardua liquid supplement that you drink, along with exercise, and increased water intake alone is what most scientific oriented physicians believe is creating some affect in some patients. The laser is not strong enough to penetrate the skin, let alone affect the underlying fat tissue. The main and most painful side effect of Zerona will be $2000-$3000 less in your pocket."

Dr. Darryl J. Blinsk says, "Colleagues, you are correct. I tried the Zerona, personally, WHAT A JOKE!!! Minimal results if any for a large $ amount, Makes you think - WHAT NEXT?"

Dr. Otto Joseph Placik says, "Despite the claims made about this seemingly ideal treatment, I am not convinced about their claims. It is essentially the same laser energy as a laser pointer."

Dr. Burr Von Maur says, "The results after Zerona treatments are inconsistent. It is not possible to predict significant improvement in cellulite of body contour for that matter after Zerona treatments."

And on and on and on, the sentiment repeats....

One of the leading Doctors there, Dr. Persky even posted on his own blog, an entire post devoted to debunking the myth that is Zerona:

"Many of my patients, and many more of you out here in internet-land have asked me what my thoughts are regarding Zerona laser treatments. For the past year I have researched Zerona technology (since it came to market). I remember first seeing advertisements for Zerona at the Aesthetic Show in Las Vegas, July 2009. The ads were the first of their kind, pasted on the mirrors in the restroom outride of the lecture conference halls at Caesar's Palace. This was my introduction to the creative marketing efforts of the company behind Zerona. The company has employed Leeza Gibbons as their spokesperson. 

Zerona claims that patients lose 3 1/2 inches to 9 inches (from their waist, hips, and thighs) in 2 weeks with 6 every other day 40 minute sessions (20 minutes on the front, 20 minutes on the back). All patients need to do is lay still and let 5 painless laser lights rotate on their skin (some practitioners even treat OVER clothing) like a prom night laser light show.

Unfortunately, the science of lasers does not support the Zerona's claims.

As mom always told us, if it "sounds too good to be true, then it usually is." I am afraid that in my opinion as an expert laser surgeon, Zerona's claims are too good to be true. I really wanted Zerona to be the real deal, and offer it to many satisfied patients. At $2000 to $3000 per treatment series, the financial incentives are very attractive. I cannot ethically and in good conscience offer my patients a treatment that is scientifically unsound.

Zerona's 635nm laser cannot penetrate the skin so it cannot have any effect on fat cells. The electon-microscope studies that have shown "microscopic holes in the fat cell membrane and leakage of fat from the cells" were done with the laser DIRECTLY applied to fat cells underneath the skin, with no skin to penetrate. The loss of "inches and pounds", if any, comes from the mandatory Curva niacin supplement drink, diet, and exercise that desperate patients must follow (this explains why there is "loss in areas that were not even treated by the laser"). The company claims are that the "laser triggers a response in the body that causes the fat cells to communicate, causing a general effect in the entire body." Recall that the laser cannot penetrate through the skin to be able to affect the fat cells.

There have not been any comparative studies looking at results with the use of Curva supplement, diet, and exercise alone versus with the addition of the laser light. Given that the laser cannot penetrate through the skin to have any effect on fat cells, most likely the results will be the same without patients having to waste their time having the Zerona laser lights rotating on their skin.

As for me, when the time comes for my inches to be lost, I will try the "AB Circle Pro" at $199 plus shipping and handling. Their before and after photos looked more impressive than the Zerona photos. A few yoga sessions, honest exercise, and diet will likely help as well. Pass me that scoop of Baskin Robbins Rocky Road ice cream please. Be well.

And again, from RealSelf, Dr. Arnold R. Oppenheim explains everything wonderfully and delves in to the sneakier, unfortunate aspects of the Zerona clinical studies, read it here.

All of this reinforces the fact that SmoothShapes is the only FDA approved laser treatment for cellulite. It produces outstanding, consistent results and has all of the scientific evidence in the world backing it up. 

To learn more about SmoothShapes, or to set up your complimentary consultation, call:

720.314.1965