Bella Laser Blog

The Sun & Your Skin

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:25:00 GMT

Usage of proper skin protection can eliminate or significantly reduce premature aging, skin cancer, skin damage and discoloration of the skin showing up as "age spots" and freckles. Before and after your laser treatment it is imperative that you wear sunblock to reduce adverse effects from your treatment.
Below is beneficial information and commonly used terminology when selecting which Sunblock or Sunscreen to use.

UVA – aging, tanning rays; long wave UV rays absorbed by the dermis. These are the most damaging rays. It has the longest wave, which go the deepest and destroy the collagen in the dermis
.
UVA rays are the deepest penetrating and found in tanning booths. The deep penetration gives the most golden brown tan, but is also the most damaging. This is a slow reacting ray. This is why it takes about an hour to get a sunburn with this light. It is deep reacting sunburn that leaves a reddish-blue color and eventually a deep tan.

UVB – burning rays; middle wave UV rays
UVB rays are the rays we are exposed to at the beach. This wavelength is shorter than UVA and has less penetration, which reacts within 20-30 minutes of exposure. UVB causes a moderate tan.

UVC – short wave UV rays
UVC rays are found at high altitudes and are also used in germicidal lamps. Since they come from so high up, they are filtered out by the ozone layer. However, at higher altitudes or in areas with less ozone protection, penetration can occur. These very short UVC rays don’t penetrate deeply but hey cause a quick reaction. You can get a burn from 30 seconds of exposure with these lamps/rays. This would result in a beet-red erythematous reaction. UVC causes very little tan.

Sunblock and Sunscreen - What's the Difference?

Sunscreens either absorb or reflect the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The active ingredients that provide sunscreen protection is titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (preferred by those with rosacea).
• Sun block – blocks the suns rays; no burn or tan. Sun blocks build up a reservoir. Therefore use a sun block daily for 5 days prior to a sunny trip.
• Sunscreen – screens the suns rays; absorb or reflect UV rays; skin will not burn, but will tan.

• Titanium Dioxide (titanium) is used in almost every sunblock because of its refractive index and its resistance to discoloration under ultraviolet light. This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet light. It is also water resistant.
• Zinc Oxide (zinc) is used in sunscreens and sunblocks for the prevention of sunburn due to its ability to absorb all UV radiation. It is insoluble in water.
SPF = Sun Protection Factor
SPF10 = 1hour
SPF 15 = 1.5 hours
SPF 30 = 3 hours

Sweating and swimming require repeated applications. It is best to avoid being in the sun from 10am-3pm as this is when the suns rays are the most potent.

Self-Tanners
Self-tanning crèmes/lotions formulated with dihydroxyacetone. This ingredient reacts with the proteins on the skin, turning them darker.

Because Tans Last Longer Than You Think

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:14:00 GMT

If you’re an active person, chances are you spend more than your fair share of time in the sun.

And if you’re over thirty, you are more than likely to show signs of premature aging due to sun damage. With facial skin treatment, you can now treat sun spots, pigmented lesions and overall skin texture—giving you a more revitalized appearance than you’ve had in years.
• Reverses the signs of sun damaged skin
• Reduces pigmentation
• Treats the Blush of Rosacea
• Improves overall skin texture and appearance

How does it work?

Facial skin treatment works by directing a beam of light to an irregularity in the skin, such as enlarged blood vessels or irregular chromophore. This removes the abnormality without scarring or damage, while stimulating collagen production to tighten the surrounding tissue, resulting in improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging.

How does this treatment differ from chemical peels and dermabrasion?

Unlike other treatments that remove an outer layer of skin and require significant healing time, laser treatment works by gently penetrating the skin to destroy the underlying vessels and pigment that are the cause of the problem. The outer skin itself is not damaged.

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment causes only minimal discomfort and any initial soreness is easily alleviated with a cold air cooling system.

How many treatments are required?

Typically several sessions are required for full-face treatment. The average treatment takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Results may be seen after the first few treatments. The treatment can be performed in a relaxed, comfortable manner without the use of typical anesthetics or gel.

How long does recovery take?

You’ll be able to return to normal activities immediately, though sunscreen should be applied as a post-treatment precaution.

Now You See Them, Now You Don't

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:59:00 GMT

They’re quite the nuisance, aren’t they? Leg and facial veins are bothersome at best, unattractive at worst. Fortunately, with cosmetic laser treatment, you can make yourself look and feel a whole lot better—often times, with as little as only one or two visits.

• Removes leg and facial veins
• Helps you get back to wearing shorts and bathing suits again
• Simple treatment
What causes unwanted veins?
Red, blue or purple leg and facial veins can be a result of sun exposure, use of oral contraception, hormone therapy, age or genetics.

Am I a candidate?

It’s as simple as this—if your skin is showing signs of aging, then you are a candidate for laser treatment. Your doctor or practitioner can help you determine your specific needs.

How does laser treatment work?

A cosmetic laser emits a prescribed dose of energy to the vein. The laser “selectively” targets the problem veins while sparing surrounding areas. After treatment, the vessel will naturally disappear.

How many treatments are required?

Typically only one or two treatments are required and results can be seen in 3–4 weeks. Treatment time usually varies between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated.

Does it hurt?

The treatment causes only minimal discomfort. Any redness or swelling should be gone within a day and you’ll be able to resume normal activities immediately.

Post-Hair Removal Treatment Instructions/Recommendations

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:07:00 GMT

1. Immediately after treatment, there should be redness and bumps at the treatment site which may last up to 2 hours or longer. It is normal for the treated area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours. If the area is too uncomfortable, apply cold packs or ice intermittently for the first day. Some physicians recommend aloe vera gel or some other after sunburn treatment such as Desitin. Darker pigmented people may have more discomfort than lighter skin people and may require aloe vera gel or an antibiotic ointment longer.

2. Makeup may be used immediately after the treatment unless there is blistering. It is recommended to use new makeup to reduce the possibility of infection. Make sure you have moisturizer on under your makeup. In fact, moisturizer will help the dead hair exfoliate from the follicle, so use moisturizer frequently and freely on the treated area. Any moisturizer withough alpha-hydroxy acids will work.
3. Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of dark or light spots for 2 months. Use sunscreen SPF 25 or higher at all times throughout the treatment and for 1-2 months following.
4. Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. DO NOT USE any other hair removal methods or products on the treated area during the course of your laster treatments, as it will prevent you from achievig your best results.
5. You may shower after the laser treatments, and use soap, deodorant, etc. The treated area may be washed gently with a mild soap. Skin should be patted dry and NOT rubbed. You may apply deodorant after 24 hours.
6. Anywhere from 5-30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur and this may appear as new hair growth. This is not new hair growth, but dead hair pushing it's way out of the follicle. You can help the hair exfoliate by washing or wiping with a washcloth.
7. Hair regrowth occurs at different rates on different areas of the body. New hair growth will not occur for at least three weeks after treatment. Stubbles, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 10-20 days from the treatment date. This is normal and will fall out quickly.

Pre-Laser Hair Removal Instructions

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:11:00 GMT

1. The area to be treated should not have been exposed to the sun or tanning booth for at least 4 to 6 weeks before treatment. If so, treatment can cause blistering and possibly hypopigmentation (white spots) that can last for months.

2. If you use tanning cream, do not apply for 7 days before treatment.
3. Do not apply deodorants, makeup or skin lotion to the treatment area on the day of your appointment, or clean this off with a baby wipe or soap and water before your appointment time.
4. Do not wax, pluck, bleach, use chemical depilatories or have electrolysis for at least 4 to 6 weeks before treatment. Shaving is fine.
5. Shave the area to be treated 12 to 24 hours before your appointment. A small amount of “stubble” is fine, but longer hair must be removed.
6. Patients taking high doses of iron may be more susceptible to hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin. This change usually resolves but can last for months. Be sure to tell us about any
supplements, vitamins, or medications you are taking.
7. If you have a history of peri-oral herpes (cold sores) and are having laser to the face, a prophylactic antiviral therapy may be started 24 hours before treatment and continued for 1 week.

Permanent Hair Removal Methods Compared

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:12:00 GMT

At Bella Laser Center, we offer Laser Hair Removal, which is a Permanent Method of Hair Removal. We like to share information with our customers on various methods of permanent hair removal so that they know the facts to make the decision that is best suitable for them.

Electrolysis

An invasive technique by licensed practitioners, this procedure works with electricity. A needle is inserted alongside the hair and slides into the follicle alongside the hair root. The electric current destroys the papilla, which supplies nourishment to the hair. Electrolysis is excellent for lighter, downy, non-pigmented hairs. Special training and licensing are required to perform this service.

Electrolysis uses three different modalities to permanently destroy the hair; galvanic, thermolysis and blend. The electrologist determines which method to use based on your hair type, skin characteristics and sensitivity.

Galvanic Electrolysis uses galvanic current with normal body salt and water in the follicle and turns it into a compound to destroy the papilla. The Thermolysis method destroys the hair by coagulating the papilla through means of heat from the high-frequency current. The heat cauterizes and destroys the dermal papilla. The Blend method decomposes the papilla through simultaneous usage of galvanic and low-intensity high-frequency current.

Advantages: Hair is permanently removed.
Disadvantages: Electrolysis is time-consuming and tedious since only one follicle can treated at a time. Can take from 1-3 years to rid hair from a large area. Painful. Costly.

Laser Hair Removal

Although laser is permanent, touch ups may be needed between treatments, maybe once a year.
The Cynosure's Elite Aesthetic Workstation removes unwanted hair with unsurpassed efficacy and client comfort. That's because its revolutionary technology combines two optimal wavelengths in one system: the 755-nm Alexandrite laser and the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser.
Since you can switch between wavelengths during a single procedure, your technician can select the most appropriate laser for any given hair or skin type.
The sensation of laser is like a rubber band snap on the skin. The pulse of a laser light is very quick. For example, a lip mustache can be done in 30 seconds.

Advantages: More comfortable than electrolysis. Easier to maintain between treatments since you can shave hair (as opposed to waxing). Treatments are generally very quick and permanent. Provides a more even skin tone.
Disadvantages: Costly. Takes time and a commitment to a treatment regiment to see results.

Get to the Root of the Problem

For the entire body
For all skin types, including tanned skin
Cost effective
Simple treatment

As you see, traditional hair removal routines can be tedious, painful and expensive over time. Shaving may last a day, waxing a couple of weeks, but none of them last forever - and therein lays the true beauty of laser hair removal.

How does it work?

To eliminate hair, the laser emits gentle pulses of energy that pass through the skin to the hair follicle. This energy is then absorbed into the hair follicle to destroy it so that hair can never grow there again.

Am I a viable candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be applied to all areas of the body and on all types of skin (even tanned or dark skin).

Does it hurt?

The treatment causes only minimal discomfort.
Patients often say it feels similar to the snap of a rubber band. Slight redness or localized swelling can occasionally occur, but this usually subsides within the first 24 hours after treatment.

How many treatments are required?

Typically patients will see results in 4-6 treatments, though this number will vary based upon skin tone, hair color and several other factors. Your doctor or practitioner will talk to you about variables that may affect your individual results.

Contact Us Today for a free consultation and find out how Bella Laser Center can help you!

512-799-9192
Bella Laser Center
1007 College Blvd;
Bastrop, Texas 78959

A Comparison of Temporary Hair Removal Methods

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 01:27:00 GMT

Is Permanent Laser Hair Removal really superior to the various temporary solutions available? We like to share information with our customers on various methods of hair removal so that they know the facts to make the decision that is best suitable for them.

Waxing

The hair to be waxed should be the length of an eyelash. If much shorter, the wax will not adhere to enough to pull out the hair. Waxing generally produces hair free areas for approximately 4-6 weeks.

If a client has shaved, they need to wait ten days to two weeks average for regrowth. Don’t be surprised if a client shows up for a waxing and shaved before she arrived. Because of these sudden cancellations, it would be penny wise to ask the client booking the appointment if she has allowed her hair to grow at least 2 -3 weeks.

Advantages: Very affordable, large areas can be treated relatively quickly. Hair is temporarily removed for several weeks. Salons can make lots of money in a short amount of time from waxing.
Disadvantages: Temporary method of hair removal. Stinging, bleeding, ingrown hairs, bruising, bumps, redness, inflammation, or tearing of skin may occur.

Tweezing

Advantages: Allows for precise hair removal from small areas.
Disadvantages: Impractical for large areas since only one hair can be removed at a time. Stings when being pulled.

Depilatory Creams

These creams contain chemicals that dissolve hair at the surface. Cream is applied and after waiting the required time, it is wiped away with the hair. Always patch test an area first to check for allergic or sensitivity reactions. Active ingredients are generally caustic alkali preparations containing sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, thioglycolic acid, or calcium thioglycolate (destroys disulfide bonds). Common store brands are Nair or Neet. Most commonly depilatory creams are used on the legs. Generally these creams are left on the skin for 5-10 minutes.

Advantages: Affordable, leaves skin very smooth for about 1 week.
Disadvantages: If cream is left on for longer than indicated may cause chemical burns or severe irritation.

Sugaring

Sugaring is an ancient Egyptian method of hair removal. A liquid and water-soluble sugar paste, applied in a thin coat and removed with cotton/pellon strips. Sugaring is great for sensitive skin or those who have adverse reactions from traditional waxing. Residue is easily removed with water.

Advantages: Affordable, great for sensitive skin
Disadvantages: Temporary, messy

Threading

Threading is an ancient method of hair removal mostly used in the Middle East and India but becoming more popular in the US. Often used to define and clean the eyebrows, lip and other areas on the face, it can be used on large areas of the body. This method involves twisting and rolling a 100% cotton thread along the area with hair. The hair becomes entwined in the thread. The thread is then pulled away and removes the hair from the follicle.

Advantages: Affordable
Disadvantages: Temporary, can be painful

Shaving

Hair at the skin surface is trimmed by the razor blade sliding across the skin.

Advantages: Very affordable, large areas can be treated relatively quickly. Hair is trimmed at the surface for several days.
Disadvantages: Bleeding if cut by razor, ingrown hairs, skin irritation or shaving bumps may occur. Short-lasting results with a constant commitment.

Not All Lasers Are Created Equal

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:29:00 GMT

Often people think that all laser hair removal treatments are the same. This is far from the truth. Lasers use focused beams that can be modulated with pulse width, power and treatment size to improve the absorption of the hair follicles.Most laser hair removal studies show that for permanent results, 755nm to 810nm lasers work best.

IPL vs. Yag Laser

YAG Laser

Bella Laser Center's Elite Laser removes unwanted hair with unsurpassed efficacy and client comfort for ANY given hair or skin type. That's because its revolutionary technology combines two optimal wavelengths in one system: the 755-nm Alexandrite laser and the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser.
Since you can switch between wavelengths during a single procedure, you can select the most appropriate laser for any given hair or skin type. You can also perform multiple procedures on the same client during the same visit. As such, you won't have to compromise performance capabilities—and you won't have to purchase two separate laser hair removal systems to ensure both optimal results and client safety. What's more, you'll be able to administer treatments in significantly less time than with a single-wavelength product.

This wavelength has high melanin absorption characteristics and proven long-term results for permanent hair reduction and pigmented lesion removal. This means no matter what your skin and hair color, your treatment WILL be permanent.
The high-powered YAG is the safest wavelength for permanent hair reduction on darker skin types and tanned skin. It is also the wavelength of choice for treatment of facial and leg veins—the most common form of vascular lesions.
The Elite delivers high fluence from large spot sizes-ensuring deeper penetration, faster treatment sessions and optimal results.
Unlike equipment with predetermined parameters, the Elite includes a variety of spot sizes and adjustable pulse durations—allowing you to customize treatments to accommodate your clients' specific needs.

Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

IPL is not a laser, it is in fact, as the name says, "Intense Pulse Light". It is NOT an effective treatment for permanent hair removal, and will take many treatments to reduce hair, but is NOT permanent. IPL is not effective for veins reduction either.

IPL is however, effective for skin rejuvenation only; sometimes called photorejuvenation or photofacial, this skin treatment is commonly used to improve a wide range of skin problems including: sun damage, wrinkles, stretch marks, and age spots.

Hair Function and Growth Cycle

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:27:00 GMT

The function of hair is to protect us from environmental elements, and ultraviolet rays. It also acts as a filter for the nose, lashes, ears and reproductive areas to keep out dust and other airborne particles. Sweat on your brow is caught by your brow hair. Hair is also is a conduit of sensation for the skin. Much like a cat’s whiskers sense things, we too feel throughout hair. Hair allows for sebum to move upward and onto the skin’s surface to allow for additional protection.

Hair is made from a hard protein called keratin. It needs proper vitamins, minerals and nutrients to grow. Hair growth, color and texture are predetermined by genetics.

Hair Growth Cycle

It takes 8-13 weeks for hair to grow from the papilla to the surface of the skin.

• Anagen Phase - hair is in a growing or active phase that will re-root itself or grow back 10% of the time. This stage lasts for several months. Most of your body hair is in this phase of the cycle.

• Catagen Phase – a brief phase in which the hair bulb regresses and starts to shrink. The hair is growing upward and detaches itself from the bulb, and falls out.

• Telogen Phase - hair is in a resting state, and will grow back 20% of the time

Common Hair Disorders

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:21:00 GMT

Healthy hair is an indicator of internal health as well. Dull, lifeless hair can signal a health problem. Hair responds to outside elements and tends to grow faster in warmer climates. Excessive cold can dry hair and reduce its luster. Disease, drug use and aging can affect growth and hair appearance.

• Hypertrichosis is excessive hair growth that may involve hair of the vellus, terminal, or lanugo type, apparent at birth and occasionally lasting up to adolescence. This is a congenital or genetic abnormality.

• Hirsutism is hair growth in a male pattern (ex. sideburns) affecting about 8% of adult women. Women who have hirsutism, would be referred to a endocrinologist for testing of hormonal imbalance. Possible other causes could be due to pregnancy, vitamin deficiency, diseases, drugs, emotional shock, stress, or menopause.

• Endocrinologists are medical physicians that deal only with the hormone system in the body. Usually Testosterone, a male hormone, may be playing havoc in most hair disorders. Progesterone is the female hormone, which may have been overpowered by the Testosterone. Have a business card of an endocrinologist handy for your clients needs.

• Alopecia – hair disorder resulting in hair loss due to an inflammatory reaction in hair follicles on the scalp that causes redness (erythema) and pus-filled blisters (pustules). It leads to scarring and permanent hair loss.

• Hair loss - Contributing factors can be improper hair care, prolonged styling techniques, braiding, certain cancer treatments, emotional or physiological stress, various drugs, heart problems, illness, hormonal changes, seborrheic dermatitis, iron deficiency, lack of protein, ringworm,

• Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia): the most prominent type of hair disorder affecting, to varying degrees, half of all men over 50 years of age.

• Hair shaft disorders - usually hereditary abnormalities

• Folliculitis or Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) – ingrown hairs caused from sebaceous gland not producing enough oil, or shaving with a razor, or other factors - Laser Hair Removal can significantly help or eliminiate this.

Photo-aging and Skin

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:21:00 GMT

A healthy looking tan is in fact just the opposite. It is skin that has been damaged. The skin produces melanin as a natural sunscreen to try and protect the skin cells against further damage. This damage shows up as "age spots", freckles, discoloration or uneven skin color, wrinkles and skin cancer.

Photo-aging Group	Age Group	Characteristics
1 – Mild	Typically ages 28-35	Minimal wrinkling or scarring Mild or no keratoses Minimal or no makeup
II – Moderate	Ages 35-50	Early wrinkling; mild scarring Sallow color with early actinic keratoses Little makeup Early to moderate photoaging Early senile lentigines visible Keratoses palpable but not visible Parallel smile lines beginning to appear
III – Advanced	Ages 50-65	Persistent wrinkling or moderate acne scarring Discoloration with Telangiectasias and actinic keratoses Always wears makeup Yellow – gray skin color Prior skin malignancies
IV – Severe	Ages 60-75	Wrinkling; severe photo-aging, gravitational, and dynamic Actinic keratoses with or without skin cancer Wrinkles throughout, no normal skin Severe acne scaring Wears makeup but doesn’t cover imperfections well or Makeup cannot be worn- it cakes and cracks

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