Wrinkle-free, happy people holding hands?

Today, a tweet asking, "Botox for Treating Depression?" by American Health and Beauty intrigued me.

Especially so, because at our Open House last night we had five people get Botox injections in two hours!!

So, did they all wake up on the right side of the bed today?

 According to the article, there is a new study to be published on the effect Botox has on patients who have existing symptoms of depression. 

Here's how it started:

"According to the Washington Post, a number of physicians were noticing that patients who had reported symptoms of depression prior to receiving Botox injections often reported that their symptoms had faded and they were feeling better. The study involved 40 patients who were shown pictures of faces expressing emotions, both before and 2 weeks after treatment. After Botox, patients were slower to recognize angry or sad emotions on the faces of others, but showed the same reaction time to happy emotions as before Botox."

I know, it seems a bit far-fetched, right?

Well, read on as this explanation may change your mind:

"The study is set to be published in the journal Psychological Science and supports the 'facial feedback hypothesis.' This states that physical expressions inspire an emotional response from our brains, and not just the other way around.In this case, the Botox injections prevented frowning, and so delayed the perception of negative statements."

Fascinating, no?! 

After more research, it seems this theory holds its weight:

"The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that muscular manipulations which result in more positive facial expressions may lead to more positive emotional states in affected individuals. In this essay, we hypothesize that the injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) for upper face dynamic creases might induce positive emotional states by reducing the ability to frown and create other negative facial expressions. The use of botulinum toxin (Botox) to pharmacologically alter upper face muscular expressiveness may curtail the appearance of negative emotions, most notably anger, but also fear and sadness."

According to these findings and the facial feedback hypothesis, it would make sense to further assume that your Botox injection will make others happier as well. 

It continues:

"Based on the facial feedback hypothesis, this net change in facial expression may potentially have the secondary effect of reducing the internal experience of negative emotions, thus making patients feel less angry, sad, and fearful."

Wow, Botox! Not only do you hide (disable, really) our wrinkles- but you also:

• Treat Migraines
• Prevent future wrinkles
• Make us, and those around us, happier!

And at $10 per unit- you really can beat it!

Call today to book your Botox injection:

720.314.1965

Nature vs Nurture?

RealSelf.com posted on their blog recently about the demand for different cosmetic procedures. What's interesting is the variance between regions of the country. 

Here's their breakdown of their findings:

• Nose jobs top in Northeast: More people in the Northeast are on the quest for the perfect nose as we found 55% more searches for rhinoplasty than in other areas.
• Southerners more apt to put face under knife:  We found people in the South are roughly 30% more likely to search for traditional facelifts and related procedures than in other areas.
• Less breast is more in the Pacific Northwest? Maybe it's all that rain and fresh mountain air, but people in the Pacific Northwest have a relatively high rate of searches around "the girls" compared to other regions. However, searches for "breast reduction" in this region outpace others by 67%. Interestingly, those in the West (California and Hawaii) are least prone to want to reduce cleavage.
• Body Slimming interest is higher in South: While there are many cosmetic procedures and treatments that can help people shed unwanted fat, those from the South appear to have a higher propensity for fat-fighting surgery as this region accounts for 20% more searches for liposuction, tummy tucks, SmartLipo, and Lipodissolve. Given that states in this region are called the fattest in the nation {citation in original article}, this doesn't come as a big surprise.
• Interest in wrinkle busters highest in the Mountain region: While it's hard to walk down the street in any urban area without seeing signs at MedSpas and doctor's offices for wrinkle combatants like Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra, interset seems to be picking up in the less populated areas of the U.S., particularly in the Mountain region where there are 20% more searches for these procedures than in other regions.
• Perusing pucker options highest in West: Residents in the West and Southwest are looking to perk up their pucker: both regions search for lip augmentation 40% more often than the rest of the U.S.
• Forget morning routine, more South-westerners considering permanent makeup: A much less common procedure, permanent makeup, is more significantly on the minds (and possibly faces) of those in the Southwest. Individuals in this area are more than two and a half times more likely to search for this procedure than any other region.

But what does this study show us? Can we learn anything from this, or is it just coincidence?

For one, it (unfortunately?) shows that many regional stereotypes are, indeed... correct. To quote the original article again, "...those from the South appear to have a higher propensity for fat-fighting surgery as this region accounts for 20% more searches for liposuction, tummy tucks, SmartLipo, and Lipodissolve. Given that states in this region are called the fattest in the nation {citation in original article}, this doesn't come as a big surprise." While this may seem slanderous, we all know the Southern States' affinity for rich, hearty, often-fried, comfort foods. But is that as deep as these findings run? That heavier people only wish to fix their heaviness? Perhaps it's all relative.

But take for instance, the Mountain region findings of the focus on "wrinkle busters"; this actually reflects exactly what is going on in our region. Due to our drier climate, cold winters and high altitude, our skin is put through so many harsh extremes even in just one year. These stresses add up to more fine lines and wrinkles for those of us who prefer Mountains and seasons to Beaches and humidity.

In Colorado, our inconsistent weather, proximity to the sun, harsh winds, and dry Summers really take a toll on our skin and its ability to rebuild collagen and elastin. According to the BBC News, "women who live at high altitudes are likely to age faster." They say that, "scientists drew their conclusions after finding lower concentrations of hormones, which are important or maintaining health and youthfulness, in women living in the mountainous areas of Peru." The hormones in question are specifically: DHEA, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland that occurs naturally in the bloodstream and brain tissue of all healthy individuals. "They found DHEA levels in mountain-living women aged between 60 and 70 were only at about 40% of the levels found in the control group... Our findings show that changes in the levels of these hormones with age seem to be associated with both maturation and aging, and that where you live affects this. These hormonal changes might have a significant effect on the lives of women in high altitude areas such as the Andes, the Alps, the Rockies, and the Himalayas."

Obviously there is more to this than meets the eye. 

Do you suffer from the early aging of our high altitude? Or do you identify more with another region's cosmetic needs? 

Either way, we can help! 

Call today to learn about reversing any and all signs of aging:

720.314.1965

SmoothShapes on NewBeauty's Blog!

How awesome is this?? NewBeauty, one my favorite skin care, beauty, and wellness sites just posted an article about SmoothShapes today!

WOW!

Here's what they had to say:

"The newest cellulite treatment, SmoothShapes, employs a technology called photomology, which uses specific laser and light wavelengths to address symptoms and improve skin smoothness.

Safe to use on all skin types, the virtually pain-free procedure (which feels like a deep tissue massage with some skin warming) utilizes energy with contoured rollers and vacuum suction to target problem areas and restore enlarged fat cells to their original size.

During treatment, collagen production is stimulated to smooth and tighten the skin. The technology also stimulates natural metabolic processes to decrease underlying causes of cellulite, like edema and poor blood circulation. 

You can expect to pay around $300 per treatment, which will be recommended at a rate of twice a week for four weeks."

Perfecto, NewBeauty! Although, it is not nearly as expensive as quoted in the article if you come to Refresh!

And not to switch gears entirely, but I would like to take this opportunity to flush out some myths, misnomers, and misunderstandings about SmoothShapes and the other cellulite treatments available on the market; in particular VelaShapes, which is frequently mistaken for SmoothShapes, and yet wholly different.

First things first: Smooth Shapes is the only FDA approved Laser treatment for cellulite.

VelaShapes is not a laser, and utilizes no laser technology.

This makes comparing the two, like comparing apples and oranges. 

VelaShapes uses what they call elos technoloy, which is basically lights and radiofrequency (along with the rollers and suction used with SmoothShapes). Therein lies the problem. Radiofrequency, while great for many things (like radio), is extremely unpredictable. The depth at which it penetrates the body cannot be controlled, nor can the size and shape of the wavelength. With some treatments, this will not matter. However, in the treatment of cellulite it is of the utmost importance. 

Cellulite lives exactly 1 centimeter under the skin, which means that if your device is firing too shallow or too deep (or to the side!) it will miss the cellulite entirely. Which, again, adds to its unpredictability. 

You can almost think of it like this: VelaShapes is like broadcasting a message over one radio station, hoping that your friend will hear; they may be listening, they may not be. SmoothShapes is like calling your friend on their cell phone- it's a direct connection.

VelaShapes has a 20-25% efficacy rate, which actually makes complete sense given how uncontrollable of a treatment it is. And on top of that, in order to even maybe get results with the treatment, you must fit a very specific bracket for age, weight, and cellulite severity. And did I mention many women report that it is painful??! Yikes!

Here's some proof for you about VelaShapes efficacy: 

RealSelf.com is one of my favorite resources to get REAL information, reviews, thoughts, and pictures about any treatment from Velashapes to Latisse to Plastic Sugery.

And there you have it: 20% said VelaShape was worth it.

Bummer, VelaShapes.

SmoothShapes, on the other hand, uses two laser wavelengths (650 and 915) to target the appearance of cellulite. Here's what they each do:

• 915: Liquefies the adipose fat cells- making them pliable
• 650: Makes cell membrane permeable so the liquefied fat can move and be drained, reduces inflammation, and increases circulation

Then, with the addition of the handheld rollers and suction, we are moving those liquefied cells and then draining them through your lymphatic system. 

Together, these factors synergistically rid the body's inflexible cellular tissue of its toxins and fat cells, leaving you with healthier, un-inflammed, smoother, tighter skin. 

Here are some recent before and after photos from our clients at Refresh:

Client #1 Before SmoothShapes:

Client #1 After SmoothShapes:

Client #2 Before SmoothShapes:

Client #2 After SmoothShapes:

Client #3 Before SmoothShapes:

Client #3 After SmoothShapes:

Wouldn't you love to wave good-bye to your cellulite??!

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

call 720.314.1965

Protect Your Skin from the Sun the Refresh Way!

Preventing sun damage and skin cancer is very serious business, especially for us folk living so near to the sun here in Colorado. 

As we have said before, and will again: 

There is an 8-10% increase in UV intensity for every 1,000 feet gained in altitude. 

Here's a great way to visually see what variables effect UV intensity:

Now, before we even get into the great ways to protect yourself from the sun's UVA and UVB rays, let's lay down some serious (and frightening!) facts about Skin Cancer:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More that one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually. 
• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of breast, prostate, lung and colon. 
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. 
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; about one million of the cases diagnosed annually are basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinomas are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring. 
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths. 
• Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two major forms of non-melanona skin cancer. Between 40 and 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer at least once. 
• In 2004, the total direct cost associated with the treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers was more than $1 billion. 
• About 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• Up to 90% of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.
• Contrary to popular belief, 80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure is not acquired before age 18; only about 23% of a lifetime exposure occurs by age 18.

Onto the good stuff!!!

Vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid): Vitamin C (applied topically) is truly a wonder vitamin for you skin in terms of sun care, and most importantly anti-aging. According to the American Chronicle,

"Vitamin C, being an anti-oxidant, reduces the sun damage caused on the skin by neutralizing free radicals. It thus reduces sun damage to an extent. Though it cannot be used as a sunscreen, but if formulated with sunscreens, it adds to the property of protection against sun damage. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin. As we age, we lose collagen. We also lose collagen because of sun exposure. Vitamin C helps reduce this loss of collagen. Vitamin C topicals are therefore used to reduce age lines and sun damage. It may also protect against sunburn to a certain extent."

In a similar article, the role of Vitamin C in photoaging is discussed,

"Vitamin C plays a potent role in diminishing the effects of free radical damage and in this role can be quite effective as a protectant from ultra violet (UV) light damage. The advantage of Vitamin C over a sunscreen is that Vitamin C can be absorbed into the cells and is generally still present about 30-36 hours after it has been applied topically to the skin. It will, therefore, still give sun protection even though the subject may have washed their skin or gone swimming. As a result of this we can expect that Vitamin C can slow down photoageing."

Here are our favorite Vitamin C products:

• ViDerm Vitamin C 20% Serum: Contains the highest concentration of Vitamin C available, visibly and immediately tones and firms skin, leaves skin glowing, and stimulates collagen. Plus, it goes on silky smooth and absorbs immediately- no sticky or filmy residue like some Vitamin C serums. ($80 Buy it now)
• Vital Therapy's Vitamin C with Caffeine: Ted (owner/scientist/skin care god) says, "This is probably the most important skin care product. It only protects the skin from UV damage, it also is the best anti-aging compound for the skin. The increase of collagen and elastin only takes place if Vitamin C is present in the skin! This [...] is a highly concentrated Vitamin C serum with proven antioxidant and regenerative properties to help fight and repair the signs of aging by building collagen and elastin. The ingredients in the Vitamin C serum contain active ingredients that provide a direct benefit to the skin and are not just carriers." It also contains 20% Vitamin C. ($40-$80 Buy it now)
• C-Vit Revitalizing Facial Lotion: Reduces wrinkles and signs of aging such as spots. It can help control losses of luminosity, flaccidity and skin lacking smoothness. It prevents facial photoaging and fights free radicals. ($40 Buy it now)

Sunscreen (at least SPF 15. At least.): According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 

"Sunscreens are chemical agents that help revent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other effects of photoaging. They also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB.

Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. SPF- or Sun Protection Factor- is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Here's how it works:  If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer- about five hours. Another way to look at is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%. They may seem like negligible differences, but if you are light-sensitive, or have a history of skin cancer, those extra percentages will make a difference. And as you can see, no sunscreen can block all UV rays. 

But there are problems with the SPF model: First, no sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication. Second, the 'reddening' of the skin is a reaction to UVB rays alone and tells you little about what UVA damage you may be getting. Plenty of damage can be done without the red flag of sunburn being raised. 

Here are our favorite Sunscreens:

• Sunforgettable SPF 30 Retractable Brushes: The first mineral sunscreen with the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of approval! ColoreScience SPF rated products are full-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. These products are rated "very water resistant." The key to physical sun protection is micronized titanium dioxide and micronized zinc oxide. Found naturally in minerals, neither will clog pores nor dry the skin. Both are quite remarkable in that they allow light to pass through the visible ray region (light is needed for healthy development of skin) while intercepting ultraviolet rays. Both ingredients guard against the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays ,while giving the skin a natural looking, flawless finish. Research shows that both provide a natural barrier to UVA and UVB radiation without irritating, burning, or stinging. Available in All Clear, Perfectly Clear and Almost Clear ($45 Buy it now)
• Wild to Mild SPF 20 Skin Bronzer: This product truly does it all! It is a sunscreen, a bronzer, a makeup primer, a skin soother, line smoother, and an antioxidant!!!! Whew! And although it appears very bronze and café au lait in color- the nature of the minerals allow for a very sheer application that blends to any skin tone. Or, crank up the volume and get tanfastic the safe way! ($45 Buy it now)
• Sunforgettable SPF 30 Eyescreen: This silicone-based powder comes in the softest shade of pink to not only protect that delicate skin around the eyes from sun damage- but also to conceal those obnoxious dark circles. It goes on like butter and really should be a necessity in any gal's makeup bag. ($20 Buy it now)

And lastly, I think this is really useful information for us ladies who awake each morning, only to stare into the abyss that is our cosmetic bag and go, 

"Well- what do I do???!"

Take the Skin Cancer Foundation's word and follow these steps:

"If you're a regular sunscreen user who also uses cosmetics or topical medications, you've probably wondered what the proper order is for applying these products. Does sunscreen go on first? Last? In the middle?

"I suggest if you're a regular sunscreen user who also uses cosmetics or topical medications, to apply them first, then suscreen," says Bradford R. Katchen, MD, associate professor of dermatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City. "If sunscreen is applied first, it might interfere with the medication's penetration and might inactivate the active ingredient. For that reason, medication should always be the first product applied to a clean, washed face."

"If you're also using a moisturizer, it should go on after the medication and before the sunscreen," adds Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, attending physician Beth Israel Medical Center and clinical instructor, Mount Sinai Medical Center. "Applying a moisturizer after the medication could actually enhance penetration of the medication," she notes. "If the moisturizer does not contain an SPF, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher next. Finally, apply foundation, powder, blush, and any other colored cosmetics."

To recap, the layering process goes as follows: medication, moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation, powder, and blush.

To get any more information about skin care, preventative care, or any of the products mentioned:

 Call 720.314.1965

Interesting: Top 5 Most Digitally Altered Body Parts

SkinInc Magazine recently published an article about how distorted our views and portrayals of beauty have become in today's society. 

"Many magazines, billboards, and advertisements falsely portray cultural icons by 'doctoring' images that are viewed by the public," says Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS, of Premier Plastic Surgery Center of New Jersey. "Women look at these photos and ask their surgeons to make them look "just like them." This is usually impossible because the desired body doesn't even exist!"

They go on, breaking down the top 5 most digitally altered body parts in magazines, on billboards, and pretty much everywhere you look.

1. Breasts

In photos, it seems as though every supermodel and celebrity has perfect curvature on her chest by the way their assets are accentuated. "Most of these appearances are a result of a push-up bra, supportive undergarments and digital retouching," says Glatt. "Breat implants are pervasive throughout the modeling profession, and are usually easily spotted as someone who is supermodel thin does not suddenly develop C-cup breasts. In addition, implants in very thin women appear more rounded than teardrop shaped and can be pushed up to create a full, high cleavage area."

2. Waist

To make celebs look even thinner than they are in person, many are digitally altered so the sides of their body actually become an extra shadow or gets blended in with the background. "If they really looked like this," says Glatt, "their torsos would likely not be able to adequately support their shoulders. Although aggressive liposuction techniques can create a much slimmer waist and take off inches, even liposuction cannot create some of the digitally altered and corset-assisted cartoon-type waists frequently seen in consumer magazines."

3. Skin Tone

At times, it almost appears that A-listers are always in front of a bright light that illuminates their skin ad rids all imperfections, leaving a glowing skin tone. "Skin surface retouching is the most common and one of the original digital alterations performed routinely. Nobody's skin can be completely perfected without a line, wrinkle, blemish, or brown spot. Almost everyone who has had photographs taken for a big life event such as a wedding, knows that even those photos will be retouched. People tend not to consider this when emulating the skin characteristics of those in magazines and ads." Glatt continues, "These photos show completely perfect skin, which in real life is impossible to achieve to that extent, evidenced when celebrities are captured in real life, not retouched."

4 and 5. Arms/Thighs

Some celeb photos have their extremities slimmed and trimmed so much that they appear to be the size of a toothpick. There are photos out there where the elbows appear to be the same width of their biceps and their knees seem to be the same width of their thighs. According to Glatt, if this were really how their arms and legs looked, "then they would not work right to walk or pick things up! The trouble with altering their arms and legs in a photo is that it does look so entirely fake. People get the impression that this look can be achieved with surgery, which is typically not possible or safe."

These are really great examples of the distortion we carry in our minds about how we as women should look and feel. 

These magic tricks set up impossible expectations and unattainable realities to women across the globe; resulting in eating disorders, body dismorphic disorder, depression, insecurities, and unhappy clients. Although there are countless ways to improve your appearance and well-being, we will never reach perfection (because, what does that even mean, exactly?). 

We must be confident in ourselves, in both our inner and outer beauty, and never forget that the vast majority of what you see-- is just too good to be true.

HUGE NEWS!

We have two big announcements we are very excited about! 

We think you will be, too!

Many of you have been asking for Latisse; so after months of researching and trying it for ourselves, we have decided to bring it in!

We will be offering a special introductory promotion for Latisse this month- $20 off your first purchase! 

If you are interested in purchasing Latisse lash conditioner, we do need to make sure it is clinically appropriate and medically safe for you to use- so please give us a call and we will happily answer your questions and set up a consultation.

In addition; Juvederm XC with lidocaine has just been FDA approved and released for clinical use. 

And we have it!

With Juvederm XC, the injection of the filler will be much more comfortable and will not require additional numbing or dental blocks!

This is great news and we are very excited to be offering this new product. The lidocaine in the Juvederm XC activates in seconds, making it a virtually painless and very comfortable experience.

Our nurse injector, Jen Oltersdorf RN is happy to meet with you for a free consultation if you would like to discuss your options and get more information about Juvederm, Juvederm XC, or Botox. Jen is available for consultations and injections Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturdays by appointment only.

And, lastly - SAVE THE DATE! 

March 25th from 6-8PM will be our next open house.  

We will be featuring SmoothShapes - the only FDA approved laser treatment for cellulite.

Additionally, we will be featuring Botox, Juvederm XC, and Latisse.

As always, we will provide fabulous food and beverages, door prizes and exclusive open house specials.

This open house is in part sponsored byAllergan makers of Latisse, Juvederm, and Botox.  

We will be offering special pricing on all Allergan products at the open house only.

Jen Oltersdorf, RN will be here providing injections that night so you can take advantage of the special pricing.

Please feel free to invite a friend or family member to attend with you.

We must have your RSVP by March 22nd to plan accordingly for the event!

Cheers to smooth thighs and youthful skin for Spring!

Kimberly