Ethos Medical Spa has developed an effective prescription strength topical acne treatment that has been very effective in reducing mild to moderate cases of acne. I recently wrote about the primary ingredient of our topical acne solution, retinoic acid, which works at the molecular level to ameliorate the conditions that can promote acne. But the other ingredients also play a role in the success of our anti-acne formula.

One ingredients, salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxyacid found in many topical acne cleansers and gels, cuts through oil and promotes exfoliation, or the removal of dead skin on the outer layer of the epidermis, helping to clear pores where acne can form. Lactobionic acid, a polyhydroxy acid we also use in our topical acne treatment, is another exfoliating agent. This hydrating acid has the added benefit of having anti-aging properties, as it stimulates the production of collagen. The Ethos Spa formulation also includes azeliac acid, a naturally occurring substance found in wheat, rye and barley, and that is also produced by yeast. Azeliac acid is a normal component of skin flora. It has anti-bacterial properties and also has the ability to lighten abnormal skin pigmentation, which can often accompany cases of acne. Niacinimide, an anti-inflammatory agent, also enhances the effectiveness of our prescription strength treatment.

Together, the ingredients in our formulation work on the different factors that can cause acne: they decrease oil production, unclog pores, limit inflammation and fight the bacteria involved in causing acne. This topical formula has achieved excellent results by itself and in combination with our laser acne treatments for our patients, who come to the Ethos Spa in Summit, from throughout northern New Jersey including the towns of Basking Ridge, Chatham, Short Hills, Livingston, Millburn, New Providence and Westfield, and Essex, Morris, Monmouth and Union Counties.

This is a guest post written by Dr Nilam Amin

Dr Nilam Amin is a dermatologist in Chicago who provides services to treat and manage skin, hair and nail conditions. She also provides skin care tips and resources online to encourage and promote healthy skin, hair and nail care.

As the summer months come to an end, some of the moisture in your skin will go right along with it. This may come as a surprise seeing as though hot burning sun may seem like more of a cause for dry skin. Ironically, humidity helps to retain the moisture in your skin.  As the weather gets colder, the texture of your skin becomes dry and maybe even flaky or irritated. Indoor heating and air conditioning are both contributing factors to dry skin as well. Managing dry skin is important because the presence of dry skin is known to worsen other skin conditions that may already be present.  Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is a common skin condition that is known to flare-up in the colder months when the skin has less moisture. Chicago dermatologist Dr Nilam Amin of Nima Skin Institute has outlined some simple methods of caring for dry skin.

Simple Remedies for Dry Skin

Nutrition: Having a proper diet regime is always an essential way of assuring good health.  The food you eat can have an effect on the condition of your skin. Vitamins and protein are essential elements of healthy skin.

Hydration: Water is another important element regarding the health of your skin. Drinking lots of water keeps your body hydrated and will improve the condition of your skin.   Hydrating your skin with lotions or creams is also important.  Remember to avoid moisturizers containing fragrance or color.

Things to Use in Moderation or Avoid

Hot Water: Believe it or not, the excessive use of hot water can result in dry skin. This is because hot water strips your body of its natural oils and moisture.  It is better to take warm showers or fewer showers during the day.

Harsh Detergents/Soaps: Seeing as though you can’t completely avoid these kinds of products, it would make good practice to purchase soaps and detergents made for sensitive or dry skin.

Alcohol: Products containing alcohol often dries out the skin.   Rubbing alcohol and alcohol based products like astringent can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture.

Taking care of dry skin isn’t a challenging feat at all. As you can see, there are many simple ways to maintain the moisture in your skin.  Be sure to contact a dermatologist if you feel that you may be affected by a skin condition.

Acne is usually considered a teenager’s skin problem. But acne affects many adults as well. In fact, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. While acne does not present any significant health threats, it can cause devastating psychological consequences, and effective treatments can have significant benefits in terms of the patient’s sense of well being and also on improving his or her appearance.

At the Ethos Medical Spa in Summit New Jersey, we have developed effective treatments for mild to moderate acne that includes a prescription strength formula that attacks the different components leading to the formation of acne.

The primary component of the Ethos Spa topical acne treatment is retinoic acid, which is also sold under the brand name RetinaA and Renova. A Vitamin A derivative, retinoic acid works at the molecular level to decrease the production of oil in the pores and normalize the hyperproliferation of skin cells that promote blockage of the pores, which can lead to the formation of acne. Retinoic acid also has anti-aging properties that help even skin tones and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, an added benefit of this acne treatment. That, by the way, is why retinoic acid is used in many prescription strength anti-aging formulations such as Obagi Condition and Enhance System.

Our formulation has additional ingredients that increase their effectiveness, as I’ll describe in a future blog. We have seen excellent results using this topical treatment as part of the solutions to acne we offer patients in Northern New Jersey, including the towns of Berkeley Heights, Chatham, Short Hills, Livingston, Madison, New Providence and Westfield, and Essex County, Morris County, Monmouth County and Union County.

Everyone knows Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments today, FDA approved, and proven effective for reducing wrinkles and giving skin a more youthful appearance. But there is a new use approved for Botox that many patients at Ethos Medical Spa in Summit, New Jersey are taking advantage of: hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. Excessive sweating can cause awkward situations in both social and professional settings. Prescription strength deodorants can help reduce excessive sweating, but they can irritate the skin and are not always effective.

Botox, administered in as little as five minutes, can result in long lasting reduction and control of excessive sweating. Botox can be injected into any area of the body containing sweat glands, such as the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet. Botox injections in the underarm area have reduced sweating by at least 50 percent in most people and results often last as long as nine months. Thus, two treatments are sufficient to control excessive sweating for an entire year. Nerve blocks can be used in conjunction with these Botox treatments to ensure the procedure does not cause pain or discomfort.

Our board certified physicians, who specialize in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, have been offering Botox treatments for excessive sweating to our clients throughout Northern New Jersey, including the towns of Chatham, Short Hills, Livingston, Millburn, Madison, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Westfield, Basking Ridge, Far Hills and Bernardsville, and Union, Morris, Essex and Monmouth Counties.

Laser and other light-based hair removal technologies have come a long way in the last few years. Whereas before permanent hair removal was only effective on lighter skin tones, today’s lasers work on almost any skin type, enabling just about anyone to have unwanted hair removed permanently. But that leaves a lot of questions prospective patients want answered. Here at Ethos Spa in Summit, New Jersey, where we specialize in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, patients who come in for hair removal want to know the cost, how many treatments it will take, and whether or not the procedure is painful. So here are the answers for any prospective patients out there with the same questions:

Multiple treatments are often necessary for permanent laser hair reduction. Hair growth occurs in cycles, and when a follicle is dormant, laser treatments are ineffective. Only during the anogen, or growth phase, can the energy travel down the hair shaft to destroy the follicle. Having several treatments ensures that all follicles in the problem area will be treated during their inaugural phase.

The interval between treatments is based on the location of the hair targeted for removal. Hair growth cycles on the face are relatively rapid, so treatments are performed every three or four weeks. Treatments on the legs, which have a slower hair growth cycle, are performed every six to eight weeks. The cost of laser hair removal typically ranges from about $125 per treatment for a small area – the chin or lip, for example – to $800 per treatment for an entire leg. Prospective patients concerned about the level of discomfort of laser hair removal treatments can rest assured that the treatments need not be painful. At Ethos Spa, we utilize topical anesthetic and an external cooling device to maximize comfort.

Even with the best or laser technologies and trained providers, hair regrowth can occur after with six months to five years following treatments. At Ethos Spa, we give customers who buy a minimum of five treatments free touch ups for life. These permanent hair removal solutions have been very popular with our clients in Northern New Jersey from Short Hills, Summit, Livingston, Millburn, Chatham, Madison, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Westfield, Basking Ridge, Far Hills and Bernardsville, and from Union, Morris, Essex and Monmouth Counties.

Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in medical spas and physicians offices. That’s not surprising, because the advances in laser technology have made these permanent hair removal procedures more effective and safer than ever. Laser hair removal is one of the most requested procedures at our medical spa in Summit, New Jersey.

Lasers, intense pulse light (IPL) and other light based hair removal technologies work on the principles of selective photothermolysis, which targets pigment in the hair follicle and shaft. Earlier laser technologies could only be used on people with relatively light skin. But today’s variety of lasers enables people with almost all skin types to take advantage of these permanent hair removal solutions. So rather than skin tone, today the biggest factor in determining the advisability of laser hair removal for a given individual is the presence of pigment in the hair itself. And the good news is almost all hair has sufficient pigment to absorb laser light and destroy the ability of the follicle to produce more hair.

Nonetheless, it’s important for anyone considering laser hair removal to check the qualifications of the individual and the facility where the procedure will be performed. If laser hair removal is performed incorrectly, skin blotching and other problems can occur. These pigment changes are usually temporary, but they are still an unsightly nuisance, especially if they occur as a result of a procedure undertaken to improve appearance. Make sure the facility has a range of lasers to ensure they have the optimum laser for your skin type. Here at Ethos Spa, where we specialize in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, we have the YAG laser, the 610 diode laser, and IPL for laser hair removal. Our clients in Northern New Jersey from Short Hills, Summit, Livingston, Millburn, Chatham, Madison, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Westfield, Basking Ridge, Far Hills and Bernardsville, and from Union, Morris, Essex and Monmouth Counties, are very pleased with the results.

Hair removal is one of the most popular uses of lasers for non-invasive cosmetic procedures. That’s understandable, because a new generation of laser machines have made hair removal even safer and more effective, and usable on a wider variety of skin types, than ever before. A permanent solution to unwanted hair on almost any part of the body is now a reality! Is it right for you? How long does it take? How much does it cost? Those are among the many questions people considering this procedure want answered. That’s why we’ve created an Ethos Medical Spa microsite dedicated to explaining the facts about laser hair removal and the laser hair removal treatments. We perform these procedures at our facility in Summit, New Jersey, for customers from Livingston, Short Hills, Millburn, Morristown, Basking Ridge, Montclair and surrounding communities.

Our Laser Hair Removal microsite (laserhairnj.com) explains how lasers affect follicles and hair bulbs to achieve their results, It explains in simple terms how the wavelengths of various types of lasers affect different skin types, and much more. You’ll even find before and after pictures so you can see the difference the treatments provide. We explain the procedures themselves: the number of sessions needed, the time between treatments, the costs, and what the treatment feels like. We also explain potential risks and complications, and who should not seek laser hair removal treatments.

At Ethos Spa, we utilize the best laser hair removal technologies: the 810 nm diode laser, the alexandrite laser, and the 1064 nm Nd:Yag laser. The diode laser is ideal for the lighter skin types from Fitzpatrick skin type I, II, III and IV, which includes Caucasians of most ethnic backgrounds. The alexandrite laser works best on skin types 1 through IV, is fast, and also sprays a burst of cold cryogen gas onto the skin before the laser is engaged to provide comfort and prevent burns. The 1064 nm Nd:Yag laser delivers excellent results for darker skin types seen in some South Americans, Asians, and African Americans.

Our laser hair removal microsite also enables you to take action against unwanted hair. We have a link that makes it easy to schedule a complimentary laser hair removal consultation or a treatment at Ethos Spa. This is one more reason why Ethos Spa is the leader for non-invasive cosmetic procedures of all kinds in the Summit New Jersey area.

Laser hair removal

How do you decide where to go for laser hair removal? This is an important question that must be answered before you go to any place for laser hair removal. First and foremost, you should know who is performing the procedure even though you may have a consultation with a physician. Many places do not employ a medical professional to perform these procedures because often types an IPL or intense pulse light device is utilized. The reason for this is that an IPL device is not considered a laser and therefore is not subject to the same restrictions on use as a laser. However it can still cause pigment changes, burns, and potentially scarring if used on the wrong skin type or in the presence of a tan. In New Jersey, only a physician can operate a Class IV laser which is typically the type of laser used for laser hair removal.

There are many different types of laser and you should go to a center that has different types and understands skin types as it is not only crucial for effectiveness but also safety. The three types of laser primarily used for laser hair removal include the alexandrite, diode, and YAG laser. The alexandrite and diode laser is primarily utilized for skin types I, II, III, and IV. This is someone who is fair or light skinned and of Irish, northern European, some Asians, and some Mediterranean descent. Darker and and tanned skin need a laser such as the YAG laser which is safe on all skin types including ethnic skin such as Middle Easter, South American, South Asian, and African American Skin type.

At Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center, we have all the major lasers utilized for laser hair removal as well as IPL. Second, only a board certified physicians trained in the application of these lasers will ever perform the treatment. While complications can occur with any laser use, our goal at Ethos Spa is to provide you the most effective results in a safe and tranquil environment, The final benefit of getting your laser hair removal done at Ethos Spa is our lifetime guarantee where after the initial series of treatments, you will never have to pay for laser hair removal again.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. – and one of the most difficult to treat. That’s because the occurrence of acne is primarily determined by heredity – it is an inherited disorder. Acne can be controlled but cannot be cured. However, several natural acids have been shown to be effective in improving acne, and their effect appears to be enhanced when used together. These ingredients include retinoic acid, or tretinoin, salicylic acid, lactobionic acid, niacinamide, and azelaiz acid.

Retinoic acid works by decreasing oil production and preventing the accumulation of skin cells within the pore. Working at the molecular level, it has the added benefit of anti-aging properties that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as decrease pigmentation associated with acne.

Salicylic acid has long been used as an agent to treat acne. It can be incorporated in a cleanser or in a treatment gel. A beta hydroxyl acid, salicylic acid helps decrease the oil and also provides exfoliation to remove the accumulation of debris and cells within the top layers of skin. It also promotes increased penetration of retinoic acid by removing surface oil and debris.

Lactobionic acid is a poly hydroxyl acid which also helps exfoliate the top layers of skin and thereby prevents blockage of the pores. It also helps to hydrate the skin, and studies have shown it may promote collagen synthesis, leading to its anti-aging properties.

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, helps reduce redness and inflammation typically seen in inflammatory acne lesions. A study comparing niacinamide to clindamycin showed it to be just as effective due to its antibacterial properties. Also, unlike antibiotics, there is very little risk of developing resistance to niacinamide.


Azelaiz acid is a natural substance found in wheat, rye, and barley. It can also be produced by a yeast which normally lives on the skin. It is non-toxic and tolerated by most people. It has several different properties which makes it useful in the treatments of acne. First, its anti-bacterial properties reduce growth of the bacteria found within the follicle. Second, it has keratolytic and comedolytic properties which help reduce and prevent the abnormal growth of cells that line the follicle, which leads to the plugging of the pores. Third, it reduces abnormal pigmentation found in melasma, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as found in acne, as well as sun spots.

At Ethos Spa we offer a prescription strength anti-acne formula that combines these five ingredients. Available in gel or a light cream-based formula, it has been shown to be highly effective in treating mild to moderate acne. Many people do not like taking oral medications, but our acne formula is safe in people of all ages, including teenagers. At our treatment center in Summit New Jersey we also offer laser therapy for acne and acne scars, and other non invasive aesthetic and cosmetic procedures.

Acne, also commonly called pimples or zits, is the most common skin condition in the United States. Acne occurs when pores become clogged with skin cells, oil, dirt, and bacteria. The pore is an opening to the pilosebaceous unit, comprised of the hair, the follicle in which the hair sits, and the sebaceous gland, which produces sebum, an oil. If clogged, the pores can form blackheads or whiteheads. Blackheads, or open comedones, contain keratin, which gives the blemish its black appearance, in addition to dirt and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, or closed comedones, contain a cap filled with sebum, imparting a whitish appearance, as well as dirt and other debris. Both whiteheads and blackhead are non-inflammatory. When the bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acne, proliferate and the walls of the follicle rupture, an inflammation can develop, leading to papules and pustules. Moderate to severe forms of acne are characterized by nodules, or hard bumps, and cysts, sacs filled with pus and fluid. These can ultimately lead to scarring and pigment changes.


Acne is most prevalent in teenagers due to surge in hormone production, which is one of the factors triggering acne. But acne can affect anyone from newborns to adults in their 30s and 40s. Other causes of acne include greasy or comedogenic cosmetic products, medications such as steroids, estrogen, and lithium, as well as high levels of humidity and sweating.


At Ethos Spa we offer a prescription strength anti-acne formula that is highly effective in treating mild to moderate acne. Available in gel or a light cream-based formula, its five key ingredients – retinoic acid, or tretinoin, salicylic acid, lactobionic acid, niacinamide, and azelaiz acid – work in concert to combat the major causes of acne. We also offer laser treatments for acne and acne scars and other non invasive cosmetic procedures and aesthetic procedures at our offices in Summit, New Jersey.