New Year, New You! In the News!

Crows feet? Deep wrinkles? Sagging skin? Fine lines?

We have the solution for you!!

Our newest facial, the Refresh and Renew Signature Facial, uses the power and wonder of Bio-Serum, which is chock full (literally) of stem cell proteins, combined with LED Red Light Therapy to give you the absolute best anti-aging treatment without going under the knife!

This month in Day Spa Magazine, they highlighted this anti-aging super hero in their Trend Watch, and focused on Spas around the country doing similar stem cell facials.

We have been singing the praises of stem cells for ages, and finally the rest of the aesthetic community has caught up! By far, our favorite stem cell products come from NEOCUTIS. So, we have developed an amazing anti-aging facial using Bio-Serum which contains 100% more skin cell proteins than any other product:

The most intensive Bio-stimulating PSP (Neocutis proprietary technology uses cultured fetal skin cells to obtain an optimal, naturally balanced mixture of skin nutrients including cytokines, growth factors and antioxidants. This mixture is called PSP, which stands for Processed Skin Cell Protiens) serum available with an unprecedented concentration of PSP (100% more) to help reduce the signs of aging. 

Clinically effective skin rejuvenating PSP combined with pro-collagen Amino Acids and a Bio-mimetic Peptide to help safeguard collagen and elastin from environmental aggression. Skin plumping hyaluronic acid and the line softening technology work synergistically to help visibly transform the appearance of skin.

• Skin looks plump with increased hydration and radiant luminosity.  

•  Signs of fine lines and wrinkles appear to be virtually erased and softened.

•  Renewed sense of skin tautness is felt.

However, none of the four Spas mentioned are using anything close to what we've got. Unfortunately, most of these other facials center around Bovine stem cells, while ours our strictly human. Which, personally, does not sound appetizing- nor beautifying for that matter (and it stinks!).  Further, these Spas are just applying their stem cell products after a facial and sending the client on their way.

Here at Refresh, however, we have (as always!) done ample research to find ways to give you unparalleled results. In this case, your results are amplified by the addition of LED Red Light Therapy.
Here's a quick lesson about how awesome LED Red Light truly is:

Red light skin therapy was made famous by its excellent anti-aging effect and non-surgical solutions to virtually all skin problems. The technology behind the red light skin therapy gives a solution to treating vascular or pigmented lesions, sun damage, pigmentation, and photo-aging problems. Red light therapy eliminates injured skin tissues so patients end up with youthful looking skin. It is known to remedy seemingly incurable conditions such as erythema, rosacea and acne, and acne scars. 

In our research here at the spa, we have found as well that the LED Red Light Therapy assists greatly in the absorption of products applied topically. Due to the wavelength of the red light, products have potential to reach depths of nearly 10 mm beneath the surface of your skin. And that couldn't be more important, especially when it comes to stem cells, which will do a lot when applied topically, but are nearly miraculous when they penetrate deeply. 

We recently did a very abbreviated version of this treatment on one of our longest-standing clients to test its efficacy.

The results??

She looked in the mirror and said, "I look like I had a facelift!" 

New Year, New You! Part III

New Year, New You! Unwanted tattoo??!

In today's New Year, New You!, we will be focusing on Laser Tattoo Removal. Statistics say that 24% of Americans have at least one tattoo and that 17% of those tattooed, regret it. After some simple math, that tells us that there are about:

12, 587, 722

(yes, that is: twelve million, five hundred eighty-seven thousand, seven hundred twenty-two)

people in the US

who regret

their tattoos.

There are many reasons people get tattooed, and unfortunately, I feel there are many more reasons people wish to have their tattoos removed. And although society is growing more and more tolerant of visible tattoos, there are still countless fields where it is entirely inappropriate, and assuredly will always be so.

But there is hope!

As tattoos become more and more commonplace, technology is continuing to stay one step ahead of the trends and Laser Tattoo Removal is leading the way.

Through new innovations, we are now able to erase the signs of past relationships, poor decisions, impulse buys, and bad artists with our UltraLight-Q Laser:

"The UltraLight-Q has been suited with an arsenal of light-based wavelengths that are specifically attracted to tattoo ink. In order to clear the ink from the skin, the laser system creates a collimated energy beam of light. The light will pass through the outer skin layers targeting only the embedded ink. Energy from the laser is rapidly absorbed by the ink causing the pigment to fracture into microscopic particles. Over time, the body's immune system will clean the particles from the skin causing the tattoo to fade and eventually disappear."

Typically, it takes between 5-10 treatments, 6-8 weeks apart, until the ink is gone. And the better and more intricate the tattoo- the more treatments you will need. And although the FDA doesn't regulate the ingredients or depth of tattoo ink, we have adopted a new diagnostic method to accurately estimate the number of treatments you, personally, will need to remove your tattoo.

And to those of you who follow the Refresh'ing News, we have an amazing special offer!!

We are currently looking for Laser Tattoo Removal Models!

If you have a tattoo that is at least 3 months old, we will be offering your first treatment at NO COST, and any further treatments at 50% off.

Call today, as only a few spaces remain!

720.314.1965

Skin Cancer Foundation Urges Winter Sun Care

SkinInc.com posted an article yesterday that I think is of utmost importance, especially to those of us living in the Colorado Rockies:

The Skin Cancer Foundation is urging people to continue protecting their skin from harsh UV rays even in the colder temperatures of Winter.

If you're like many people, you slather on sunscreen during hot summer days, then in winter, not so much. Short, cold days make it easy to forget that the sun doesn't go into hibernation.

While the intensity of UVB rays diminishes in the winter, UVA rays remain constant all year, said Dr. Perry Robins, president of the Skin Cancer Foundation. And UVA rays are about 30-50 times more prevalent than UVB rays.

Too much of either isn't good for your skin, but UVA rays pose particular dangers to your skin. Though UVA rays are less likely than UVB to cause sunburn, UVA rays do contribute to skin cancer. And the longer wavelength UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin thann shorter wavelength UVB rays. The damage causes skin to lose its elasticity, leading to the classic signs of aging: wrinkles, sagging, and brown spots.

"our knowledge of the dangers associated with UVA rays has grown significantly over the last few decades. We now know that UVA plays a significant role in skin cancer," Robins said. "Therefore, consumers need to educate themselves on how to protect against these damaging rays and remember that sun protection is an all-year-round concern."

Cloud cover won't protect you. Even on gray winter days, about 80% of both UVA and UVB rays penetrate clouds. And 100% of UVA rays penetrate glass.

To protect your exposed skin from UVA and UVB rays, put on "broad spectrum" sunscreen daily. Look for ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, mexoryl, zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide. You can make sunscreen a part of your daily routine even in winter by choosing a facial and hand moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Or better yet, stick with your favorite moisturizer or lotion and pick up a ColoreScience retractable brush with SPF 30. Take it anywhere- even on the Ski Lift!!!

And don't forget the sunscreen on your nose and cheeks when you're frolicking in the snow. Many a skier has learned the painful lesson that snow acts as a powerful reflector, radiating about 80% of UV rays back up at your nose and face. When applying sunscreen, don't forget to apply it under the nose and chin where those rays will hit, and wear goggles or sunglasses with UV protection. And just like you do at the beach, reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Anti-Aging Skin Care: Essential Ingredients

SkinInc.com, one of our favorite resources for staying up-to-date on the latest in skin care and aesthetics, recently published an article about the most essential ingredients for anti-aging skin care.

We couldn't agree more with their choices:

"In earlier days, skin care products were selected by features and benefits that were blasted from ads and labels, using words suck as 'softens,' 'moisturizes,' 'smells wonderful,' or 'provides instant anti-aging remedies.' Individuals were more concerned about how products felt and smelled than what they could actually do for their skin. Now the ingredients in home care and professional products can determine whether an item is appropriate for use in targeted professional treatments and in home skin care protocols."

1. Antioxidants

• Vitamin A: Otherwise known as retinoids, vitamin A is essential in every good skin care regimen due to its significance in preventing and healing sun damage. Vitamin A is the single most important ingredient to prevent, restore, normalize, and help repair damaged skin.
• Our favorite Vitamin A products? Vital Therapy Vitamin A Serum and Retises CT
• Vitamin C: This water-soluble vitamin antioxidant is important for protecting the lipid structure of cells, preventing the oxidation of vitamin A, and is an effective tyrosinase inhibitor, preventing hyperpigmentation by slowing down the production of melanin.
• Our favorite Vitamin C products? ViDerm 20% Vitamin C, Vital Therapy Vitamin C with Caffeine

2. Peptides

• Peptides are one of the newest ingredient groups to hit the anti-aging skin care scene and are stimulating many studies that have shown significant results. They are highly respected for their ability to penetrate the skin and activate their target, increasing the production of collagen and elastin. Although long-chain proteins cannot penetrate the epidermis due to molecular size, peptides can. They are proteins that are synthesized to their most useable form in order to affect the dermal layer. Peptides are molecules that have been built up from smaller protein molcules- amino acids- by binding one amino acid to another, forming a short, penetrable chain. In this form, they are highly efficient in stimulating the healing process and triggering the rebuilding of the dermal matrix. So, in human terms: this starts the chain reaction for building and repairing your skin- the basic requirements for anti-aging success.
• Our favorite peptide products? Vital Therapy Acne Peptide, Vital Therapy Ultra Firm Peptide Lotion, and ColoreScience Pep Up Gel

3. Growth Factors

• Growth factors are proven to enhance epidermal growth and keratinization; they directly stimulate the proliferation of epidermal cells through a response by receptors on the cell membrane. This initiates activities that eventually progress to cell division and proliferation.
• Our favorite growth factor products? Neocutis Journeé, Neocutis Bio-Cream, and Bio-Serum

"These ingredients are the must-haves in a results-oriented anti-aging skin care regimen, and are the tried and true basics to successful rejuvenation. Reliability is the key, scientific studies are of utmost importance, and formulation and packaging are the answers. The anti-aging attack is focused on a team of reliable and stable formulations of established and trusted ingredients in a well-designed treatment plan. Those mentioned are synergistic components inthe battle and their effectiveness has a long history of study and proof on which to rely."

All of these products and more are now available at our Online Store HERE!

New Year, New You! Part II

In this installment of New Year, New You!, our SmoothShapes Cellulite Treatment is the star.

As women, 85-98% of us suffer from this condition!! For years it was thought that cellulite occurred primarily due to obesity, excessive weight gain, lack of exercise and poor diet, but in actuality, this is not the case. The formation of cellulite is due to several genetic and physical factors that include hormones, vascular changes, and connective tissue changes. And due to the nature of cellulite, it may even appear worse in leaner women as there is less fat to camouflage the trademark dimpling.

Fortunately for us ladies, Eleme Medical has developed the only FDA-approved laser treatment for cellulite, SmoothShapes:

"Based on six years of scientific development, SmoothShapes featuring Photomology technology is designed to offer a new and innovative way to treat cellulite, safely and effectively, and achieve long-lasting results. The SmoothShapes system effectively treats cellulite by improving the overall condition of enlarged fatcells and inflexible fibrous septae (cell walls) through a proprietary technology called Photomology. Photomology restores enlarged fat cells through a unique mechanism of action which combines dynamic laser and light enerfy with contoured rollers and vacuum suction to specifically target problem cellulite. Treatment results: tighter, smoother looking skin."

Amazingly, you could greatly improve the appearance of your cellulite (and overall tone and texture, circulation, and elasticity) in literally one month.

Imagine: you could start off this New year with a New You just in time for Valentines Day!

And as always, here at Refresh Laser Spa, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to give you the absolute best results possible with your treatment. This means we are constantly researching, testing, and developing new protocols for our treatments and procedures.

For SmoothShapes, we have distinct protocols for the different ways cellulite presents itself in different individuals. Some women have deep dimples, other may have what we refer to as "banding" which tends to look like taut rolls, or strips usually on the upper posterior thigh. Each require different technique and the potential aid of other devices or heated pads, customized to assure you your best results.

To further improve your results (like, seriously improve), we also now offer to our clients at wholesale, the Isagenix 9-Day Cleanse. As the above graphic illustrates, SmoothShapes is liquifying underlying adipose fat cells and draining them via your lymphatic system. Hence, beginning the treatment with a clean, toxin-free lymph system heightens and quickens your results. And the proof is in the pudding, as you will see in Before and After photos at your complimentary SmoothShapes consultation.

Currently, we are in the process testing a new and fabulous way to guarantee you EVEN BETTER results with your SmoothShapes treatment.

Stay tuned to New Year New You! to find out what this amazing new addition will be!