by Mia Valleskey | Feb 1, 2023 | Tips & Tricks
As time passes, we notice more visible signs of aging. Many of these signs can be attributed to volume loss in the skin. When facial tissue thins, we begin to see lines around our nose, mouth, and cheeks, and those lines can look hollow. Dermal fillers are one way to smooth lines and wrinkles by replacing lost volume in the skin, restoring a more youthful look to the face.
What Are Injectable Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injected beneath the skin to smooth lines and wrinkles, soften creases, enhance facial contours, and restore lost skin volume. The fillers are made of a gel-like substance, and different formulas are available. Over a million men and women choose facial rejuvenation through dermal fillers each year. The treatment can be cost-effective and help you look younger without the pain and downtime associated with surgery.
Things to Know About Dermal Fillers
If you’re considering dermal fillers, there are a few things you should understand before you go to your appointment. Here are five of those facts.
- They could be temporary. Dermal fillers typically last about six months. Sometimes, the effects can last longer. However, you should expect temporary results that are designed to put off any surgical intervention.
- Some are all-natural, and some are synthetic. Some fillers are derived from things naturally produced in the body, like hyaluronic acid and collagen. Other fillers are made from synthetic ingredients but are proven to be safe and highly effective.
- They are best used on the face. Many ask if injectable fillers can be used on other areas of the body to avoid cosmetic surgery. The FDA has not approved injectable fillers for use in other areas of the body. It would take much more filler for larger areas than for the face. The face has areas that are more easily targeted by the injectables.
- There is a low risk of side effects. Injectables are in a gel-like form, and they are placed just beneath the skin. There is a very low risk of side effects as the injectable works to restore skin volume and smooth out lines and wrinkles.
- Always choose someone qualified to do the injections. Be cautious when selecting your practitioner. You want to choose someone capable of doing the procedure. An inexperienced practitioner could place the injectable in the wrong place or within a blood vessel causing complications or unwanted results.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re interested in dermal fillers and how they can help you look younger, contact Beauty & Body by Mia to learn what dermal fillers can do for you!
by Mia Valleskey | Dec 1, 2022 | Tips & Tricks
Are you looking forward to the Times Square mirrored ball dropping you a fresh start? The new year is certainly exciting, giving a blank slate to everyone who makes it to midnight. If you are looking to start 2023 looking fabulous and feeling confident, consider a few of our client-favorite treatments.
Plumped and Beautiful
Mia is experienced in giving clients Juvederm filler treatments. Juvederm, for example, is a pain-free treatment that we can use to plump and fill areas that are prone to premature wrinkles. Our clients find Juvederm treatments work great in reducing signs of aging around the eyes and mouth, meaning you can roll into 2023 looking years younger.
So Long Cellulite
If you are hoping to rock a short dress or sleeveless number for your New Year’s Eve party, but aren’t quite sure how to reduce the appearance of cellulite on your arms and legs, we have the solution. Our Plasma Skin Tightening treatments can reduce the appearance of cellulite in just a few sessions, which means you have plenty of time to schedule your appointments before your party begins. Plasma skin tightening is a non-invasive procedure designed to stimulate the body’s collagen production and tighten sagging, loose skin for a more youthful appearance.
Benefits of Botox
In the past five years, people getting Botox treatments have significantly increased. More than 60% more procedures happened in 2023, which means more men and women are seeking out the procedure. Botox treatments are safe and effective. Even better, results are long-lasting which means you won’t have to come in too often for your next treatment.
Beauty & Body by Mia offers a variety of treatments all designed to help you feel confident. We’d love to help you develop a plan that will make 2023 your best year yet. Call us to get started today.
by Mia Valleskey | Nov 1, 2022 | Tips & Tricks
Have you noticed your skin looks loose or crepey as you get older? If you have, you aren’t alone. Sagging skin, along with wrinkles, happens naturally as we age.
The reason for sagging skin is related to elastin and collagen production. As we age, our skin loses the ability to produce elastin and collagen, which in turn causes our skin to lose firmness and elasticity. Luckily, we live in an age where we can fight against the changes with surgical and non-surgical procedures. Let’s look at non-surgical tissue tightening procedures.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound waves to target and treats certain conditions. When we think of ultrasounds, we think of imaging. For example, obstetricians use ultrasound technology to give couples the first glimpse of their unborn child.
HIFU is a different kind of ultrasound. It doesn’t create images. Instead, highly focused sound waves interact with tissues to modify or destroy them. The beam from the ultrasound can pass through layers of tissue without harming anything that isn’t the target.
The energy of the HIFU causes a rise in tissue temperature. The heat from the temperature rise then destroys (ablates) the tissue in the targeted area. The heat from the ultrasound is sent deep into the skin, which can tighten and lift the skin, reducing wrinkles. Results vary, some appearing immediately and others after six months of treatment.
Hollywood Carbon Facials
A Hollywood carbon facial has several other names. It’s been called a Hollywood peel, a carbon laser peel, and a charcoal peel. The treatment combines the benefits of Q-Switch laser technology and charcoal.
The main goal of a Hollywood peel is skin rejuvenation. It’s designed to work against big pores, the signs of aging, and skin damage like acne or scars. The result of a Hollywood peel is a softer, glowing appearance.
The non-invasive treatment is gentle on the skin. There is no downtime with a Hollywood peel. Some patients could experience redness, which typically lasts only a few hours.
Photo Facials
Photo facials are also known as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. IPL tackles many ills, from age spots to sun damage. The treatment uses short blasts of high-intensity light that cause more even tone and texture and younger, firmer-looking skin.
IPL is a skin rejuvenation treatment that usually only takes 30-60 minutes. It’s normal for skin to look swollen and slightly red during the treatment. Slight discomfort is also a normal part of the process.
Final thoughts
As we age, our skin sags and changes as a normal part of the aging process. Several tissue tightening techniques are available to help reduce the signs of aging. Beauty & Body by Mia can help determine which skin tightening technique is best for you.
by Mia Valleskey | May 15, 2022 | Tips & Tricks
Obviously, you use skin products and procedures to look your best. But sometimes, those efforts can trigger a rash or a breakout that defeats what you were trying to accomplish. In that case, what is the safest course of action that protects your skin and clears up the flare-up?
As part of our continuing educational series, let’s discuss what you should do when products cause unexpected breakouts such as redness, rashes, and hives.
Why Breakouts Happen
The first and most common cause of a breakout is an allergic reaction — your skin comes in contact with an ingredient that triggers a histamine response, i.e., hives. Typically, hives stay limited, remaining at or near the area of application.
Redness after using an anti-aging or exfoliating product (face masks, chemical peels, etc.) is a different matter. Because these products are by definition intended to remove a tiny layer of skin, some irritation is likely to occur. This is especially true with products containing retinol, salicylic acid, or other acne-fighting ingredients.
Acne breakouts are common when the formula of the beauty product is oil-based and clogs your pores, trapping oil and bacteria.
Finally, breakouts sometimes happen if you haven’t washed and exfoliated well, or you are using a product that is expired and that might contain irritating bacteria.
Specific Solutions to Specific Breakout Problems
If you are suffering from hives due to an allergic reaction, immediately stop using the product and get it off of your skin. Experts recommend removing the product with room temperature water or a gentle moisturizer.
Be careful not to scrub too hard or with hot water, as each of these can intensify the histamine reaction. Never try to camouflage or cover up the affected area with cosmetics.
If the hives are severe or painful, you can also take an over-the-counter antihistamine allergy medication, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec. These remedies reduce the inflammation, itching, and discomfort of the allergic rash.
Of extreme importance, if you suffer more serious side effects such as swelling of the tongue or throat, pronounced swelling of the face, or shortness of breath, this is a medical emergency, and you should either call 911 or seek immediate attention.
For puffiness and redness due to irritation, rinse your face several times with water to make sure you have removed all of the irritants. For added relief, you can apply soothing hydrocortisone cream or a light layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor.
It can be tempting to want to get rid of annoying pimples by picking or popping them. But this could cause the affected area to become even more irritated and inflamed. At worst, you could even develop an infection leading to permanent scarring.
Instead, carefully cleanse the area with salicylic acid and apply a topical antibiotic or a benzoyl peroxide gel.
Meeting and Treating All Your Skin Care Needs
The best way to ensure the optimal health of your skin is to only use products recommended by a trusted professional who is familiar with your specific skin condition and needs.
In the greater Chicago area, your best and most trusted resource is Beauty and Body by Mia. As one of the leading aestheticians in the area, Mia Valleskey offers skincare products, procedures, and services that keep you looking healthier and younger.
For a free skincare consultation or to book an appointment, contact Beauty and Body by Mia TODAY
by Mia Valleskey | Apr 14, 2022 | Tips & Tricks
Taking care of your skin requires the right products day and night. However, not all facial care products are worth your time or money. In fact, some can damage your skin, causing micro-tears, drying with alcohol, or adding preservatives. Which ones should you avoid? We’re not going to point fingers at specific products, but we will highlight key ingredients that should be on your no-no list. Avoid any product that contains anything from the following list.
Parabens
There are a lot of conflicts out there about parabens. Some studies claim they’re fine. Others claim they are potential endocrine disruptors, which can lead to hormone imbalance. Usually, parabens are used as preservatives, and you will find them in a lot of moisturizers and cleansers. How do you tell if something is a paraben? The ingredients will have names that start with methyl, butyl, ethyl, or propyl.
The Ethanolamines
Found mostly in things like facial cleansers and some types of soaps, three products fall into this category. They are DEA, MEA, and TEA. Or, more accurately, they are diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine. You may also find them in sunscreen and makeup products.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is used in products as wide-ranging as a paint strippers and skincare products. It’s made from petroleum and can clog your pores very quickly. It also prevents the skin from eliminating toxins, which increases the chance of developing acne and other skin conditions. Where will you find it? Almost everywhere. Check your cosmetics, your creams, and your lotions.
Aluminum
At this point, this should be a no-brainer, but aluminum is still found in an incredibly wide range of skincare products and many women are none the wiser for it. Aluminum is a toxic metal. It also creates estrogen-like effects in the body. Because it disrupts the endocrine system, it leads to hormone imbalances.
PEG
PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is used to control moisture and as a product thickener. You’ll usually find it in cleansers designed to help you get rid of oil on your face. The problem is that eliminating your skin’s natural moisture leads to aging and skin damage.
These are just some of the toxins that you should avoid in your facial care products. There are tons of others, including commonly-used options like propylene glycol and butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium Laureth sulfate.
Interested in learning more about effective skin care and rejuvenation? Contact me to schedule your skin consultation.
by Mia Valleskey | Feb 15, 2022 | Tips & Tricks
Winter weather can be harsh on your skin. Changes in temperature between indoors and outdoors, cold wind, and low humidity can leave your face and body feeling dry, itchy, and uncomfortable. The struggle to keep your skin moisturized in winter might seem like an inevitable part of the season, but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to combat and prevent dryness, so you don’t have to spend the holidays feeling flaky.
Moisturize
An excellent moisturizing routine is a part of taking care of your skin regardless of the season, but it becomes particularly vital in winter. Moisturizers do more than rehydrate – they seal in moisture. Look for a long-lasting product with hyaluronic acid to ensure you’re getting the most out of your moisturizer. Don’t skimp with the application, either. Use a moisturizer after showering or washing your face and as part of your regular skincare routine.
Humidifier
Indoor and outdoor humidity is low in winter, which leaves your skin struggling for moisture. One easy way to help yourself out is to set up a humidifier in your bedroom and let it run while you sleep. It’ll help restore the outer layer of your skin. Running a humidifier has the added benefit of helping with allergies and sinus issues that often appear in winter, too.
Juvéderm HYDRATE
Juvéderm HYDRATE is an excellent way to keep your skin hydrated and healthy throughout the coldest season. It’s an injection from Juvéderm’s ULTRA fillers and is packed with things that will keep your skin hydrated. Juvéderm HYDRATE has hyaluronic acid, the very same thing recommended for moisturizers, to replenish the amount naturally lost by the body. Treatments last four to six months, so one round of Juvéderm HYDRATE will get you through the winter season.
Rezenerate Treatment
Rezenerate is a minimally invasive body treatment that uses a combination of nanotechnology, acupressure, and cold therapy. It’s used to hydrate dry skin, even skin tone, combat wrinkles, and fine lines, reduce oil production and blemishes, and generally rejuvenate your skin. It’s a quicker, less invasive alternative to some other facial treatments, making it a perfect way to save your skin and your time.
Don’t Wait
Harsh winter conditions can dry out your skin quickly and you don’t want to wait too long to begin a proper winter skincare routine. Find a good moisturizer, set up your humidifier, and schedule a consultation with Beauty and Body by Mia to ensure your skin stays in the best condition possible!
