Real Housewife does SmoothShapes!!

Wow! American Health and Beauty tweeted today that Orange County Housewife, Jeana Keough, went on the television show The Doctors to reveal her SmoothShapes results and give an inside look into her last treatment!

I haven't been able to find out what results she had, but I will certainly continue to look! And, if any of you know- leave a comment and we'll discuss it!

American Health and Beauty had this to say, 

"Cellulite and skirts- not a good mix. This is especially difficult if you live in Orange County, where skirts and shorts are nearly mandatory. 

Jeana Keough, former cast member of Bravo's Real Housewives of Orange County is no stranger to either- OC dress code or cellulite. SmoothShapes is a low pain, non-invasive process that uses a combination laser and light technique called photomology to improve engorged fat cells and treat cellulite at its source. This treatment causes some of the fat to be released from the fat cells giving them a smoother contour and reducing the appearance of cellulite. 

SmoothShapes requires a series of treatments, ussually 2 per week for 4 weeks at about 20 minutes each, The number of treatments may vary depending on your exact needs. Most patients report feelings as if they've had an intense workout after the treatment, and it takes about two weeks to see the results. Some redness is common, and only temporary. 

Jeana underwent her final treatment on The Doctors today and revealed her results. While SmoothShapes is not a permanent solution, you can help maintain your results with proper diet and exercise. Updates are meeded though so you'll need to return for follow-up treatments once a year."

Pretty spot on, AH&B, however, I would like to clear up a few things. They mention that the treatment is low pain. Fortunately, the treatment is actually PAIN FREE. There is absolutely no pain associated with this treatment if you are a medically appropriate candidate. ALso, I would say that from our experience with SmoothShapes, most clients do not report a feeling of having had a heavy workout. Most clients, in all honesty, walk out of the treatment after just having awoken from a nap. That's how relaxing and pleasant this treatment is. 

Are you a housewife looking to get rid of some cellulite? 

Or are you a single lady looking for smooth thighs for Summer?

Either way, we have the answer for you!!

Botox for Migranes??

Since we welcomed Botox to the Refresh family, we have heard so many things about this wonder product. Some farfetched, some outright inane. But there is one rumor that may change your life.

Last Friday, our friends at NewBeauty asked {and answered!} a very great question!

Will Botox Block Your Migraines?

You may have heard that Botox is being used off-label to treat migraine headaches, but the proof of its effectiveness is more anecdotal than clinical. That doesn't mean that botulinum toxin type A, which is also available as Dysport, isn't effective for this puprose- it may boil down to the type of migraine being treated. 

Researchers recently attempted to determine which kinds of migraine can benefit most from botulinum toxin type A. They studied 18 patients who would be receiving cosmetic Botox injections, all of whom reported migraines- though different types. 

Three months after injections, the patients who described their headaches as crushing and vice-like (imploding) or eye-popping (ocular) experienced an average reduction in frequency from more than seven days per month to less than one day per month. Those who described their headaches as exploding, however, felt little to no change.  

"Our results provide support for the hypothesis that patients with migraine that is characterized by imploding and ocular headaches are more responsive to botulinum toxin type A than those with migraine characterized  by exploding headaches," the study authors wrote in the Archives of Dermatology. "Our findings invite consideration of using botulinum toxin type A injections to prevent migraine headaches and may promote the role of the dermatologist [and plastic surgeon] in the treatment of patients with migraine. However, well-controlled trials need to be conducted to confirm these findings."

Pretty interesting findings. 

Do you ever feel like your head may implode? 

Migraines are serious business and can interfere with your daily life, work, and relationships. 

And if you are anything like the woman in the photo-- you can cure your migraine AND get rid of those lines in your forehead that look like the number 11. 

Call us today and kiss your migraines good-bye:

720.314.1965

Really?

One of my favorite columns on the New York Times is called "Really?" by Anahad O'Connor. It debunks common myths and sets the facts straight on everything from wives tales to doctor's orders. Recently, they brought to attention something that we think is really important- and very misunderstood.

With the Spring approaching, it is time for all of us to get our game faces on and prepare for the vicious Colorado sun. However, (I sniffle as I write this....) coming out of the icky Winter, a lot of us are still fizzing the Alka Seltzer and finishing our remaining antibiotics from cold and flu season. And we have got to know the facts about photosensitivity and the medications that exacerbate it.

Here's what O'Connor says:

"Most people know what precautions to take to protect their skin at the beach this summer: slather on the sunscreen, reapply as needed and take breaks in the shade as often as possible. But few people know that a number of common medications can intensify the effects of sunlight, greatly raising the risk of burning, rashes, and other skin problems, even after only a little time in the sun. Studies show that this can happen in at least two ways. 

One, known as photoallergic reaction, occurs when a certain medicine or substance is applied to the skin. Ultraviolet light from the sun transforms the substance in a way that provokes the immune system, leading to irritated skin and eczema-like rashes. The onset of visible symptoms is usually delayed 24 hours to several days. 

Far more common is a phenomenon called phototoxic reaction. It occurs when a person ingests the drug or substance in question, then spends time in the sun. Exposing the skin to ultraviolet rays excites molecules of the ingested substance, causing damage to tissue- severe redness and sunburn, for example - that is almost immediately apparent. 

The list of drugs that can cause sensitivity is long, but among the most common culprits are antibiotics like tetracycline, certain antihistamines and topical antimicrobials. The best remedy is either to limit the use of the offending substance or to take extra precautions, like wearing protective clothing. 

Bottom Line: Many drugs can raise a person's sensitivity to sunlight."

Here's a more detailed list of photosensitivity-inducing drugs to keep you informed during bikini season:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Keoprofen, Naproxen, etc)
• Diuretics (Furosemide, Bumetanide, Hydrochlorothizide)
• Retinoid- This one is SO important- All Vitamin A and/or Retin-A products will cause extreme photosensitivity. 
• Hypoglycemics
• Neuroleptic drugs 
• Antifungals (Itraconazole, voriconazole, griseofulvin)
• These other drugs: Para-aminobenzoic acid, 5-Flurouracil, Paclitaxel, Amiodarone, Dilitazem, Quinidine, Hydroxychloroquine, coal tar, Enalapril, Dapsone, Oral contraceptives

So, please Colorado, stay informed and stay slathered in sunscreen. Or better yet, instead of slathering on a greasy lotion, stop in and pick up some ColoreScience Mineral Sunscreen- the only mineral sunscreen approved by the Sun Cancer Foundation!

Just a friendly reminder that the Anniversary Sale does end tomorrow, February 17th.

So, if you have not yet taken advantage of 40% off all Sesderma products, or 25% off all other products including: Neocutis, Vital Therapy, ColoreScinece, and Queen Bee products, it is time!

AND- Don't forget ALL services are buy one get one 1/2 off as well! That includes SmoothShapes maintenance treatments!

So, if you know you will needing some maintenance treatments for Spring and Summer, now is the time to pre-purchase them!

Or, how about some facial treatments for future use? The sale includes ALL services, even DaVinci Teeth Whitetning! 

If you don't have time to stop by tomorrow, please just send us a quick email, tweet, or give us a call and we would be more than happy to process your order that way. 

Thanks again for all of your support over the past year!!

We appreciate you!!!

-Kimberly and the team at Refresh

More great SmartSkin Press!!

Wow!! Again, NewBeauty has focused attention on the wonders of the Affirm SmartSkin! Today, however, they highlighted the amazing benefits you can get not only on your face, but on your neck, chest, and decolletage as well.

{And as a side note: we were just able to review some before and after pictures of a client who just reached her 30-day post-SmartSkin mark. She came in predominately for sun damage on the face and neck. And- seriously guys- her results are amazing. Porcelain skin and the smoothest, milkiest neck you've ever seen! NewBeauty is right on the mark.}

Here's what they said,

"A loss of elasticity and firmness, especially along and below the chin, cause fat and underlying tissues to thin out and shift downward, below the jaw line. The result is a loss of volume in the lower face, wrinkles, jowls and sagging skin around the neck, all of which can make you look older than you are.

Those with some loose skin and moderate sagging around the neck may want to consider a skin-tightening procedure like the SmartSkin laser with Affirm CO2 technology, which resurfaces skin and stimulates collagen production. The grid created over the skin targets damaged tissue to correct laxity, discoloration, sun damage, wrinkles, and surface irregularities. It does so with no anesthesia and minimal downtime- only a few days of redness and swelling. 

A benefit of the SmartSkin laser is that it can be used not only to treat the face, but also to correct sun damage on the neck. However, although this kind of laser resurfacing offers subtle results, surgery is usually required for a more dramatic difference."

So true. And really, it is never too soon to opt for this treatment. The younger your skin, the more collagen it is capable of producing. As we age, we lose precious rebuilding opportunities in terms of our skin. Even if you aren't suffering from the aforementioned reasons for the procedure, it is imperative to do what you can to prepare for the future.

To learn more about the Affirm SmartSkin procedure, or to book your complimentary consultation, call: 720.314.1965

Clarisonic on Beauty Snob!

One of the most popular beauty review sites, Beauty Snob, recently gushed about their love for the Clarisonic. Since we agree whole-heartedly, I will share what they had to say:

"Everyone, stop what you're doing and go out and buy this immediately. I LOVE this so much, I cannot imagine life without it. When I was considering it, I had to really justify $200 for a brush when seemingly my hands were perfectly functional and adequate for washing my face..."

And although she became a convert, I'm sure this image from Clarisonic would have convinced her:

(click to enlarge)

Icky, right?

 She continues,

"...This will completely transform your skin. First of all, you use this daily- just one minute a day, so your face will always be clean and free of dead skin cells. The sonic cleaning removes every trace of make up and cleans deep within your pores so you get refined pores, baby smooth skin, and a prepared surface for better absorption of your products.

For the price of 2 facials, you are essentially getting a mini facial every day. After only one week of use, all the little bumps on my chin and forehead are gone. A few days after use, I would touch my skin and  little "pebbles from my skin would fall away- the bumps!! It took 4 months of regular facials to get rid of those is the past but once I lagged, they came back. I can honestly say, I have absolutely no blemishes on my face now. My skin is also about 2 shades brighter because I have no dead skin cells and my healthy skin is all you see. Those giant nose pores? Gone. 

It comes with one brush and 3 cleansers. They are all fine but I like to use my own - you can use anything, even scrubs. This is also great for the body, but you have to get a separate body brush. They say not to share brushes, but I used it on my husband and we're both still ok."

Are you ready to make the investment for beautiful, healthy, clean skin? Call or stop by today!

Oh yeah, and they are only $175 here at Refresh!

Affirm CO2 on NewBeauty's Blog!!

Today on the NewBeauty Blog, they featured, "a full anti-aging treatment in a fraction of the time." The wonder treatment? You guessed it, our Affirm CO2!

Here's what NewBeauty had to say:

If you're looking to diminish sun damage and reverse the signs of aging, Affirm may be right for you. An FDA- cleared dual-fractional laser treatment, Affirm offers the benefits of two wavelengths- one for micro-rejuvenation and one for tissue tightening- simultaneously targeting all layers of the skin in a single procedure that takes only 15 to 20 minutes. 

Comprehensive and innovative, Affirm heats both the surface and dermal layers of the skin, working from the inside out to address the likes of wrinkles, scars, pigmentation, redness, age spots, and skin laxity. Best of all, no downtime is required. In fact, according to Cynosure (the manufacturer, developer and distributer for Affirm) four out of five patients do not request topical anesthesia. 

Go Affirm! And although they say not everyone needs anesthetic, we give it to all patients to ensure they are as comfortable as possible.

Wouldn't you love a full anti-aging treatment in a fraction of the time?? Call today 720.314.1965

The Five Anti-Aging Theories

Recently, NewBeauty Magazine published an article about five different anti-aging theories. We found it pretty darn interesting, and thought you might as well:

In the fight against aging, most of us need all the help we can get. The following are the five theories anti-aging experts attribute to its causes, amplification, and prevention. 

1. Inflammation

The activation of the immune system- due to an infection, allergen, or toxin- leads to internal inflammation at the cellular level. Poor nutrition, too little sleep, and radiation are common culprits of low-grade inflammation, which has been linked to arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease.

2. Lifestyle

What we eat (too much sugar, fat, and sodium), drink (too much soda, juice, etc), do (get overstressed, work too much), don't do (exercise or sleep enough), and what we expose ourselves to can speed up the aging process and the development of chronic diseases.

3. Hormones

Levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid and/or human growth hormone drop as we age. But by increasing these all-important biochemicals, it may be possible to improve health and forestall the aging process. A controversial approach, hormone therapy, requires oversight by an experienced physician.

4. Antioxidants

Call it the "rusting theory". As we get older, we're subject to oxidative stress, the byproduct of free-radical damage, a natural process in which unstable molecules disrupt cell and tissue functioning. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, glutathione and alpha lipoic acid can help protect cells. 

5. Detoxification

When the body can't rid itself of toxins, including high amounts of sugar, trans fat, mercury, and chemicals we ingest from our food, its equilibrium is impaired, leading to fatigue, poor skin, heart disease, cancer and more. Detoxification and inflammation are closely linked. 

Open House- Save the Date!

SAVE THE DATE!

Open House

Thursday, February 11th

from 6-8pm

Bring a friend and enjoy 

great food, wine, product specials, 

laser demonstrations,

and 

for one-night only:

 $9 Botox units

To RSVP, call: 720.314.1965