skin care Archives - Laser and Skin Care MedSpa

Don’t Forget to Pack the Sunscreen for your Winter Get-Away

Posted on December 12, 2019March 4, 2020 by Dr. Maureen Bakken

Every year around this time, Canadian Snowbirds are packing their bags to escape the cold Canadian winter. With over half a million Canadians looking to get out of the cold and into the sun, it is important to remember to protect your skin with proper sunscreen. Over 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Canada each year, more than 5,000 of which are melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Though skin cancer is preventable and most often treatable, it remains the most common form of cancer.

The Ultra Violet (UV) radiation levels vary depending on the time and location. The World Health Organization posts a UV Index on their website with a list of the UV measurements according to the area. The Weather Network also has a UV Report that you allows you to type in the destination of where you are headed, and it will advise the latest reading for that area.

Most of us understand the importance of using sunscreen to protect our skin from the damaging UV rays but with so many options of sunscreen products and different levels of protection, how is one supposed to choose? In order to select the right sunscreen for you, it is important to understand a few sunscreen basics.

Picking the proper sunscreen starts with deciding the type of exposure you are expecting. If you will only be outdoors for a few minutes at a time, a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, which filters out about 93 percent of UV radiation, is usually sufficient. If you plan on enjoying the sun longer than just a few minutes, you will want to look at a sunscreen option with a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Laser and Skin Care Medspa offers high quality, affordable skincare, and sunscreen products for normal and problem skin types. Issues such as acne or rosacea require particular attention, and we take the time to discuss your options with you and gain an understanding of your skin type before recommending a product.

Though skin cancer is preventable and most often treatable, it remains the most common form of cancer. According to the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation, these are the types of skin cancer that are common:

Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a skin condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (i.e. sunlight). Some experts believe that AK is the earliest form of SCC.

Basal cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form and accounts for 90% of all skin cancers. It starts in the basal cells at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer) and is caused by long-term exposure to sunlight. It is the most easily treated.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type. It starts in the epidermis, eventually penetrating the underlying tissue if not treated. It is easily treated when found early, but in a small percentage of cases, this cancer spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and is responsible for the most deaths. However, it can be cured if it is diagnosed and removed early. Melanoma can develop from a pre-existing mole that appeared normal but changes, or as an irregular appearing new spot.

(the above information was taken from the website http://www.canadianskincancerfoundation.com/about-skin-cancer.html)

Sunscreen is an integral part of a sun protective regime. You should also include time out of the sun in a shady area, wearing protective clothing such as a full brim hat and sunglasses, and avoid the UV tanning beds. If you would like assistance picking out the best sunscreen for your skin type, the professional staff at Laser and Skin Care Medspa are available to answer all your questions and make a recommendation for you.

The Skincare Makeup by Jane Iredale

Posted on August 9, 2017August 4, 2017 by Dr. Maureen Bakken

Jane Iredale started in an industry that is obsessed with appearance. She traveled from London to New York looking for a new experience and found exactly that as she began a career as a casting director and producer.

Jane Iredale Amazing Base

She had first-hand knowledge of the effects the makeup was having on the skin of those in front of the camera. Jane set out in 1994 to put an end to makeup that was not doing any favors to those that wore it. She wanted a product that would not contribute to problem skin or skin issues. In Jane’s own words “My goal is to make products that look good, feel good and are good for the skin.” She has accomplished that, and the Jane Iredale line of cosmetics that promote healthy skin was born from her first product which is still a favorite with clients; Amazing Base.

Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics has been loved by dermatologists and plastic surgeons worldwide from the very beginning of her venture. She was the first to supply the aesthetic industry with a line of makeup that contained skin care benefits. The fact that this line not only promotes healthy vibrant skin but also the women that wear it is important to the company.

The company began because Jane Iredale wanted to help women not only look their best but also to feel their best. She believes that makeup can and should enrich a woman’s life. Jane firmly believes that healthy skin is the ultimate foundation and the company’s philosophy exemplifies this. The products are not tested on animals, and Jane believes in giving not only money but time and effort to enriching lives and making a difference.

Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetic’s philanthropic efforts are many. The longest partnership is with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, but it doesn’t end there. Jane and her staff are involved in over 25 great causes. The motto on their website demonstrates this beautifully:

Care where you give your time and support.

Giving with purpose has measured impact.

~Jane Iredale

The company believes in a holistic approach to beauty, and their supplements, skincare, and makeup follow this belief. What makes their makeup so unique is using only the highest of quality minerals and organic ingredients when possible. All products are hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested to create a clean and beautiful look that is not only healthy but safe as well for all skin types.

avocado with natural ingredients for makeup

Pure ingredients with long-lasting performance, are what you will get when you use Jane Iredale’s Mineral Cosmetics. Achieve a clear and healthy complexion with products for everything from your head to your toes offered by Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics and because of the medical grade, they are safe for post-surgery procedures, acne, rosacea, sensitive and/or aging skin. All Jane Iredale products are antibacterial, hydrating, mineral based, and blocks damaging UV light while allowing the skin to breathe, yet provides excellent coverage for pigment problems, imperfections, and wrinkles.

Laser Skin Care and Medspa has been a Gold Winner in sales of Jane Iredale makeup since 2011. We understand the high quality of this product, and we would be happy to assist you in picking out the right product for you.

Therapeutic yet beautifies.

Jane Iredale makeup

Using Jane Iredale is a win/win for your skin.

Don’t Distress Over Skin Pigmentation

Posted on July 5, 2017March 4, 2020 by Dr. Maureen Bakken

Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin, and special cells in your skin make this. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it can affect the production of melanin. While some skin pigmentation will affect only patches of your skin, others can affect your entire body.

There are a number of reasons that can cause discolored skin patches. They are a common problem with a number of different causes. Discolored patches develop due to a difference in melanin levels. Hyperpigmentation occurs when your body produces too much melanin, and hypopigmentation is when not enough is produced. The stimulation of melanin causes your tan but can also bring about unwanted dark patches as well. A few other examples of skin pigmentation happen in young women from taking the pill or pregnancy which can alter the hormone levels in females, which in turn can affect the melanin levels.

It is a good idea to be alert any time you notice a change in the texture or color of your skin, but know that most of the time, skin discoloration is harmless. Once you have checked in with your doctor, there are treatments available for the many people that experience these changes to their skin tone.

You will want to book an appointment to discuss the issues causing your skin discoloration with a professional to choose the best method for you. Resurfacing treatments such as microdermabrasion and laser treatment are options that can be used to successfully remove the upper layers of skin to allow for regrowth of the skin with the right amount of melanin.

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells that is non-invasive. You may notice that fine lines and age spots become less visible. These treatments are considered nonaggressive and can be quite relaxing. Patients have said that microdermabrasion leaves their skin feeling softer, smoother and looking fresher.

Another treatment you may want to consider is laser treatment or Intense Pulse Light. This can even out the skin tone and often will tighten the skin, giving it a smooth appearance. The certified professionals at Laser and Skin Care Medspa use the Palomar Icon (Cynosure) Pulsed Light and Laser System. This system emits concentrated intense beams of light into the skin. The light is absorbed by the melanin or pigmentation in the skin. The damaged lesion (target area) naturally disintegrates and then visibly disappears vastly improving skin tone.

We offer a free consultation to discuss all your options with you before recommending a course of action. We understand that noticeable patches of discolored skin can cause you concern or embarrassment and we want you looking and feeling your absolute best.