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Some of the most common things we do every day can cause those annoying acne breakouts. Here are some things you can do to prevent or reduce the severity of your breakouts.

1. Cellphones! The dirt and bacterias collecting on our cellphones reach our face when it touches the phone. One thing you can do to limit the amount of dirt that comes in contact with your face is to use antibacterial wipes to wipe it down once a day.
2. Airplanes! The dry air in an airplane cabin dehydrates our skin and builds up oil that turns into acne. To prevent this build up, use a moisturizer before your flight and an exfoliator once you land.
3. Sunscreen! Sunscreen clog pores, so to prevent this, you need an oil free sunscreen that will not clog your pores.
4. Yoga Mats! All your sweat, make-up, oil and bacteria is left on the mat after every yoga class. Make sure to wipe your mat down after every class and during your class avoid making face to mat contact.
5. Hair products! They are filled with oils that can clog pores when put onto the skin. To prevent this, shield your face before using hair products and make sure to efficiently wash off all the conditioner from your hair before getting out of the shower. also do not use hairspray to hold your makeup in place.

If these steps do not help, or you would like to see better results contact us to schedule an appointment and learn about our acne treatments.

Unwanted body hair has been a bane for women and men since the dawn of time. Scam artists still prey on body hair-haters by promoting questionable products that claim to “permanently” remove unwanted hair. However, the truth is the only permanent hair removal solutions have been seen with the use of laser technology. Here is a bit more information about laser hair removal.

How does it work?

The pulsing laser wavelength technology targets the coloration in the hair follicles, which prevents the re-growth of hair in that particular area. The benefit of laser treatments is that because of the melanin absorption there is no damage to the pores nor do they damage the skin tissue surrounding the hair follicles.

Do I only have to get treatment once?

The simple answer is “no.” Most areas will require 3 to 6 laser treatments in order to obtain the most permanent results. How many treatments you’ll need depends on: (a) your skin type and hair color and (b) the growth cycle of your hair. If you are having large areas done such as your back, the length of the treatment will be greater but not necessarily more treatments than smaller areas.

Does it hurt?

Some people experience a slight pinching sensation, but today’s laser hair removal techniques are virtually painless and allow the removal device to glide gently over the skin. This creates a soothing cooling sensation. Those who have extremely sensitive skin can apply a topical anesthetic prior to treatment if they choose to. Some swelling and reddening can be expected after each treatment, however, these symptoms subside within a matter of hours.

Laser hair reduction has become so in demand that engineers are constantly improving the technology, to create more efficient and improved methods.

Where can I get painless laser hair removal?

You can get laser hair removal treatments at Ethos Med Spa at their Summit or Englewood NJ locations.

Thanks to painless laser hair removal, you really do have options besides old-fashioned and ineffective electrolysis treatments, shaving, waxing, or using depilatories. Laser hair removal really is an affordable and permanent option.

If you are afflicted by acne, then it is very possible that at least once you considered utilizing a laser treatment to get rid of it once and for all. However, when you investigated further and discovered the price of this anti-acne solution as well as the fact that you might need several treatments in order to achieve optimal results, it did not seem viable anymore.

In fact, in addition to high cost people in general prefer not to opt for this procedure due to other disadvantages, such as:

In spite of the fact that all of the above are perceived as the drawbacks of eliminating acne via laser treatment, it is necessary to mention that not all procedures and devices present these inconveniences. Essentially, if you want to get rid of your unpleasant skin condition without having to undergo lengthy and painful treatments then you should learn more about VBeam.

The VBeam treatment

VBeam is a low energy laser especially designed to deal with various skin conditions, from acne and scars to rosacea and stretch marks. What makes this solution stand out in the crowd is the fact that it emanates a gentle heat wave just underneath the skin’ surface, thus dealing with the condition from the inside out. The heat beam has the major roles of stimulating the natural collagen production while making the skin a less welcoming environment for bacteria in time. And, perhaps the biggest trump card is that it has an ideal wavelength that considerably minimizes the propensity of side effects.

Before the treatmentSimilar to other laser treatment, the most important thing to remember before undergoing a session with VBeam is to avoid sun exposure. At the same time, it is advisable that the treatment is not performed on tanned skin, as otherwise the results might not be satisfactory. Not to mention that the risks of healing with skin discoloration is exponentially higher.

After the VBeam treatment

In order to enjoy the maximum from the VBeam treatment, it is crucial that you follow the recommendations of our physicians here at Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center. However, because VBeam is not an ablative laser (does not remove the skin) the recovery time is considerably lower, usually up to one day. During that time it is possible that the skin will be reddish and will feel tender, similar to minor sunburns.

Expected results

Even though it depends on the severity and type of acne, the average time needed for the skin to be cleared of acne-causing bacteria, lesions and red marks is of approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Nonetheless, many patients have gladly stated that they have observed a reduction of the acne following the second or third treatment. It is important to note that after the acne is gone completely you might have to undergo a touch-up procedure from time to time to avert a breakout and maintain the desired results.

Microdermabrasion has become very popular with a number of patients looking for a convenient yet long-lasting solution to their skin problems. Microdermabrasion is fast, it is less painful than other cosmetic procedures and the effects are usually very long-lasting. Moreover, the whole procedure of microdermabrasion can be completed within a single one hour sitting. The after effects are mostly invisible to the naked eye and the recovery time from the after effects is typically a couple of hours. In this write up, we look at some of the other nuances of microdermabrasion that should be helpful for those considering this cosmetic procedure.

Who should/should not undergo microdermabrasion?

First up, you should clearly understand whether you actually need microdermabrasion or not. In theory, people of any age group, gender, or skin type can undergo microdermabrasion without any side effects. Typically, those who are unhappy with the outer appearance of their skin and want to get rid of fine lines, under lines, scars, discoloration, sun tan, motley spots on the skin and dead skin should go for microdermabrasion.

The microdermabrasion procedure is generally very mild and is also useful for those people who do not have a definite skin-related disorder but want to get the youthful glow back on their skin. Those suffering from sun damage and acne can also benefit from microdermabrasion. However, microdermabrasion is not a medical procedure against acne and will only help mitigate the effects of acne. Microdermabrasion will not remove acne, but will only help alleviating the effects of acne on your skin.

People who have particularly sensitive skin should stay away from microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion does cause some redness and rashes on the skin and if you have delicate skin that is susceptible to allergy and rashes, we suggest that you consult your dermatologist before undergoing microdermabrasion. People suffering from some of the common skin disorders like eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, or severe acne should probably stay away from microdermabrasion. Most importantly, people who have taken the medication Accutane should stay away from microdermabrasion.

The benefits:

Microdermabrasion scores over other methods in that it is a non-surgical procedure. Being a non-surgical procedure, microdermabrasion is faster, more convenient and more economical than other cosmetic procedures. Moreover, microdermabrasion give the skin a young feel almost instantly. Microdermabrasion also aids in secretion of elastin, a hormone that makes the skin supple. Skin pores open up after microdermabrasion and the skin tightens up. Microdermabrasion helps the patients get rid of aging skin without having to shell out a fortune in return.

The risks and common complaints:

Like almost all cosmetic procedures, microdermabrasion also has some risks associated with it. There have been some cases wherein microdermabrasion has caused permanent scarring. Microdermabrasion is also known to have caused rashes and irritation on the skin. Most patient also complain that microdermabrasion does not bring about the required results and it takes multiple sittings to achieve the end results. Microdermabrasion being a relatively mild process, the final results might be subdued as compared to other more powerful cosmetic procedures.

Even though being able to wear gorgeous sandals is one of summer’s main highlights for women, no lady will show off her in her flip flops without making sure her feet are perfect. The simplest way to make sure you have dazzling feet suitable for your stunning sandals is to get a pedicure. Unfortunately for some women, the fresh pedi is something they get to enjoy only for a few days, time after which they revert to their regular shoes. However, maintaining the fresh pedicure for longer is something you too can enjoy with the following tips. Don’t forget to get a facial in New Jersey to go along with your newly maintained pedicure!

Wait for your polish to dry

While most nail polishes are said to dry in approximately 15 minutes, sometimes it is best to allow it more time just to be sure. Despite the fact that the polish looks dry, in reality only the topcoat – generally, a quick-dry compound – has dried. The nail polish itself will usually require a few hours before it dries completely, especially if you put on more coatings. Therefore, if you want the pedi to last longer you should schedule it on a free day, when you actually have the time to relax.

Use the adequate cuticle oil

Applying cuticle oil on a daily basis will not only guarantee that that polish will last longer, but it also maintains that fresh out-of-the-salon look. Because dry-skin is a sign of neglect, invest in a quality cuticle oil – preferable with a roll-ball applicator for more versatility – to moisturize the skin around the toenails.

Get a quality topcoat

As the topcoat has the role of making the polish look fabulous, then you could purchase one for home. Since wearing sandals means you are leaving your pedi exposed to a lot of things, having a topcoat to seal off everything is a lifesaver. On a side note, if you got your pedi done at a professional salon, then ask the pedicurist to apply polish to the very end of each toenail. By capping the edges each time a new coat is applied, there will be less risk of chipping and the duration of the polish will be more extensive.

Avoid extreme temperatures

Because the nail polish requires a few hours to dry off completely, it is recommended that you avoid activities that involve hot temperature. To put it simply, make sure you don’t schedule an appointment at the sauna, hot yoga or the beach on the same day as your pedicure. Well, if some appointments are unavoidable, then at least wait 6 hours after your pedicure.

Wear flip-flops for the rest of the dayIn the eventuality that you are getting your pedicure done by a professional, then don’t forget to bring your flip-flops with you. Wearing this type of shoes ensures that you protect your freshly painted toenails and provide the polish an airy environment, where it can dry faster. However, if you forget to bring them don’t despair as you can still protect your pedi with some twists of plastic wrap and thick layer of cuticle oil.

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.

Sweating is a normal function of the body that keeps it cool. However, for more than one million Americans, excessive sweating is an embarrassing result of overactive underarm sweat glands. The technical term is severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, but no matter what you call it, it is a true medical condition that can interfere with pretty much everything you do; for some people, even prescribed anti-perspirants are ineffective.

When all other means of treating the problem don’t work, you might be surprised to learn that BOTOX® has been proven to be effective in reducing or eliminating excessive perspiration. That’s right, the same Botox that smooths facial lines has been FDA approved and used by physicians to treat overactive sweat glands since 1994!

Clinical studies have shown that 81 percent of patients who perspire profusely experience at least a 50 percent reduction in sweat production with BOTOX injections administered directly to the arm pits. It works by preventing chemical signals from reaching nerves in the sweat glands. For individuals who have run out of potential cures for excessive underarm sweating, Botox is considered a miracle solution that has only recently gained widespread attention for this application.

BOTOX treatments for excessive underarm sweating can result in a noticeable difference in as little as one month, and a single treatment can last up to six months. Most insurers cover this treatment as well. Each treatment takes only 10 to 15 minutes with roughly a dozen injections being made in the underarms to target all glands.

Imagine the lifestyle improvements you can enjoy when your excessive sweating is under control.

In case your skin looks saggy, you start noticing blackheads and pimples frequently and your face feels overall swollen, then the simplest remedy to your problems is the facial. If you are not a regular at top spas and clinics in New Jersey, you might be tempted to believe that getting a professional facial to improve the overall appearance of your facial skin is just a waste of time and money, especially with so many more or less effective DIY kits available these days. However, you are wrong and in the following article we will explore what happens during a professional facial treatment.

Determining your skin type

While you are seated comfortably and relaxing with soft, slightly moistened pads over your eyes, the aesthetician will determine your skin type and its current health condition with the help of a lighted magnifying glass. In general, in order to determine the elasticity he will have to pinch you a bit, whereas to establish the thickness level the professional will have to press on the skin. On a side note, prior to this phase you might undergo a short cleansing session to make sure all cosmetics are removed and the skin can be correctly evaluated.

Removing skin imperfections

In the eventuality that you have blackheads or pimples, there are high chances the professional will apply an exfoliating ointment with peeling properties to dissolve the plugs first. In addition, based on the exfoliating product used, you may undergo a steam treatment or have heated, moist towels applied to enhance the efficiency of the cream, gel or ointment. In case the blackheads or whiteheads are not eliminated via either of the aforementioned techniques, then they can be removed with a special instrument dubbed extractor.

Massaging to improve blood circulation

Once the skin imperfections have been dealt with, the aesthetician will processed to massaging the skin in order to improve blood flow. It is necessary to mention that he will most likely employ a moisturizing lotion or oil to lubricate your skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. On a side note, the massage also has the role of relaxing the muscles of your face and hence, making the treatment products applied more efficient.

The mask for skin rejuvenation

Applying a mask following the massage is an optional step in a professional facial and mostly depends on your skin’s needs. In the event that your skin is dehydrated, a mask that replenishes moisture will leave your skin rejuvenated and with a healthy glow. If for instance your skin is oily, the aesthetician could apply a clay-based facial mask to siphon the extra sebum.

Final touchesAfter the mask, the next logical step is to apply a serum specific to your skin type in order to prevent blemishes or other minor side effects. However, if applying a mask was not mandatory in your case, then the aesthetician will apply a nutrient-rich cream or lotion. Moreover, depending on the spa or clinic you selected, you could also benefit from a lip treatment or eye gel.

If you’ve ever suffered from a migraine, you know how debilitating they can be. In the world of headache varieties, migraines are in a league of their own; pounding pain, usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Many migraine sufferers know what’s coming when they experience a preliminary “aura,” a sensory disturbance that comes over them before the pain begins.

Migraines have plagued many well known figures, including entertainers Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley, political and historic figures including Thomas Jefferson, Julius Caesar, Napolean, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, Mary Todd Lincoln, authors Virginia Woolf and Lewis Carroll, neurologist/psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and many others.

Experts estimate that 15 percent of the U.S. population experiences migraines at some time in their lives.

Migraines can be exacerbated by light, noise, and even smells, which is why most sufferers need to recover in a darkened, silent room. There is no specific known cause of migraines, although studies show there could be a hereditary connection. Also, sleep disturbances, some red wines, MSG, aged cheese, chocolate, stress, barometric pressure and other environmental factors can be triggers. Most physicians first try to help patients with lifestyle changes and medication to halt their suffering.

However thousands of patients who simply don’t respond to lifestyle changes and medications are responding to BOTOX injections for migraines. In fact, many are calling Botox a wonder drug that has given them their lives back.

People have been receiving BOTOX treatments to prevent migraines since before it received FDA approval as a migraine treatment in 2010, but had to pay for it out-of-pocket since insurance did not cover it prior to FDA approval. Usually, patients start out with Botox injections every three months to prevent migraines, and over time the frequency is reduced to every six months. An astonishing 85 percent of migraine sufferers improve with Botox treatments.

Migraine headaches are one of the most disabling but under-recognized neurological conditions; chronic migraine sufferers experience a headache more than 14 days of the month, which can severely interfere with family, work, and social life, so effective treatment is very important.

Physicians who administer BOTOX treatments for migraines are few and far between, and must have special training to know how and where to inject the Botox to extinguish them. Allergan, Inc., the maker of Botox, advises qualified physicians to administer 31 Botox injections into seven specific sites on the head and neck. Some people self diagnose their infrequent migraines and treat them with medications to provide temporary relief, instead of seeking an evaluation and diagnosis from a neurologist who can offer a long-term treatment plan.

Ultimately, BOTOX prevents migraines before they start, offering an option for people who want to reclaim the hours and days lost to migraine pain, and control their quality of life.

Retinoic acid is a nutrient produced in the body from Vitamin A that aids cell growth and development. Retinoic acid has long been used as an effective anti-aging product in the cosmetic aesthetics industry, and has proven to be one of the best anti-aging ingredients available.

Retinoic acid is the acid form of vitamin A, and is also known as all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA. Popular cream or gel products that use retinoids for anti-aging solutions include Aberela, Airol, Renova, Atralin, Retin-A, Avita, and Stieva-A retinoids. The most usable forms of Vitamin A include retinoic acid (acid form,) retinal (aldehyde form) and retinol (alcohol form.)

Three chemical compounds—retinoic acid, retinal, and retinyl ester—are collectively referred to as retinoids, and topical retinoids make up the beneficial base in skin rejuvenation. The Vitamin A in retinoids is absorbed through the skin, increasing the rate of cell regeneration and collagen production, which act together to shed old the damaged cells and replace them with healthy new cells, stimulate new collagen production, and create a more youthful appearance.

Retinol changes to all-trans retinoic acid within the keratinocytes—the predominant cell type in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis.)—when it comes in contact with the skin and becomes active. It also stimulates new growth of tiny blood vessels, which improves circulation and increase the oxygen supply to the skin for a healthy glow. Topical retinol’s anti-aging properties treat sun-induced wrinkles and diminish age spots.

Retinaldehyde is another pro-drug that converts to retinoic acid, but has one less step involved in the conversion and produces the least amount of skin irritation of all Vitamin A derivatives, making it usable on all skin types.

Retinoid topicals should not be used when your skin is exposed to sunlight, which degrades the Vitamin A that is critical to the anti-aging process. Retinoid products are best used at night.

Vitamin A in all its forms works as a “cell-communicating” ingredient, which means it can actually tell a skin cell to behave and look like a normal, younger cell. This is an especially important ingredient when it comes to achieving anti-aging goals, because sun damaged skin produces unhealthy, abnormal, and inflexible skin cells.

For best results, results using any form of vitamin A/retinol are enhanced when used with other anti-aging products containing antioxidants, skin-repairing ingredients, and different cell-communicating ingredients like niacinamide. Achieving the best results when treating signs of aging is too complex for any one ingredient alone to address. Talk to your physician or medical practitioner to determine your best options for topical anti-aging products, or come and see Dr. Hardik Soni at Ethos Spa to see how we can help you.

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