Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

You already know Fantasia is excited about SkinCeuticals Skin Care line. We could tell the product ingredients were superb without knowing anything about the science behind them. It’s always great when you find a product that looks and sounds good and has the science behind it. We’d like to talk a bit about the company and it’s philosophies.

SkinCeuticals was founded in 1994, and as we have discussed, they have innovative dermatology products designed to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. The company’s goal was to create and market innovative products backed by science. They have been careful to devote significant resources toward careful controlled and peer-reviewed research in support of the technology behind the products. SkinCeuticals is committed to clinical research, product development, and education to promote complete skin care solutions. (At Fantasia, we like this because we are all about solutions. Solutions for thinning hair and hair loss as well as solutions for damaged and aging skin.)

Here’s what dermatologist are saying: SkinCeuticals has a great product lineup. The products are pleasant and even elegant. There are three SkinCeuticals product classes that stand out as an exceptional amongst an impressive overall lineup. Vitamin C products, broad spectrum sunblocks and phyto skin lighteners which are rich in botanicals are areas in which SkinCeuticals truly excels.

SkinCeuticals topical vitamin C products comprise an innovative skin care line featuring stabilized L-ascorbic acid at a low pH. We all know that vitamin C products like SkinCeuticals are supposed to visibly improve skin clarity, tone and texture as well as minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin with a firmer, smoother, younger looking appearance.

Peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown that in order to be effective, a vitamin C formulation must contain stable, acid pH, L-ascorbic acid of at least 10% concentration. SkinCeuticals topical vitamin-C products feature the Duke University-patented technology for stable L-ascorbic acid, in concentrations ranging from five (for around the eyes)to fifteen percent, in cosmetically-elegant formulations.

SkinCeuticals sun protection products contain Z-Cote, a form of micro fine, transparent zinc oxide which provides true broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. These sunscreens are cosmetically elegant and perfect for use under makeup or other cosmetics. SkinCeuticals are really among the best we’ve seen. The products are quite elegant, the packaging is awesome and the price is reasonable.

So, it’s not just Fantasia. If you are seeing a dermatologist for whatever reason, be sure to ask about SkinCeuticals. At least ask if they are familiar with the products and what they think.

As we age, our body undergoes many natural changes associated with aging skin. Genes determine the natural aging process which cannot be altered. But, that said, there is a lot we can do to minimize the effects of premature skin aging which are caused by our environment and lifestyle.

There is intrinsic aging which is characterized by decreased production of collagen and elastin. This is what gives skin its strength and elasticity. Other characteristics include decreased skin cell turnover or shedding of dead cells and loss of fat beneath the skin. These changes are seen in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, thin skin, hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as sagging dry skin which may itch.

When it comes to intrinsic aging, you may want to think about Microdermabrasion or Facial Sculpting. In many cases, these treatments can provide some pretty dramatic results with regard to fine lines and wrinkles. Certainly a good skin care program will help as well.

Then there is extrinsic aging. This is usually caused by the effects of the sun. These changes resemble the natural aging of skin only they appear much earlier in life. I have to admit I have issues with this. I grew up in Tucson, Arizona and was a sun-worshipper. I would spend day after day laying in the 110 plus degree sun. I loved it. My tanning oil of choice was baby oil and Iodine. For years I had the best sun tan you can imagine and never thought of having to deal with the effects years down the road. However, the damage caused by the sun is cumulative, meaning that your skin never forgets your tans and burns, even from childhood! I remember one time going to Mexico over Spring Break and getting the most severe sunburn I’d ever had in my life. I had second degree burns. The doctor who treated me commented, ” you don’t even know how much damage you have just done to yourself.” Of course being young and immortal, I just blew off his comments and once healed, was back in the sun again.

Your degree of premature aging depends on the total amount of sun you have received over the years. Of course smoking can also age skin by producing oxygen free radicals which cause premature wrinkles. If you don’t quit smoking for health’s sake, how about quitting for vanities sake?

While you can never start a good skin care program to early in life, I also believe it’s never too late to start a good program. Until they close the coffin there will probably always be things you can do to make a difference.

With modern technology and advances in skin care and makeup as well as all of the procedures we have today, we can turn back time somewhat which is a Baby Boomers dream. You would probably want to look at the non-surgical options first. If all else fails there’s always plastic surgery. However, there are some terrific non-surgical alternatives such as microdermabrasion and facial sculpting, both which are offered at Fantasia.

You may not be aware that we do Microdermabrasion at Fantasia. In fact, we have been doing it for several years, almost since the technology was first introduced. If you are looking old and tired, you may be thrilled with microdermabrasion. What we do here in the salon is much more sophisticated than the exfoliating which you can do in the privacy of your own home. Yes, you can improve your skin somewhat from the in-home treatments. But, with microdermabrasion, you can actually “turn back the clock” where your face is concerned!

The way microdermabrasion works is like “sandblasting” the face. Obviously it’s not that harsh but that’s the concept. A fine mist of microscopic crystals applied with a small vacuum massage gently removes the outer layer of skin on the face. As a result, new elastin and collagen formation is encouraged. The younger, softer skin moves to the surface effecting significant textural and color changes. You will notice an immediate improvement in your skin and the effects increase over the course of treatments. You will actually get more predicable results with microdermabrasion than you will with chemical peels.

Why would you want to do microdermabrasion? If you have wrinkles, sun damaged and aging skin, enlarged pores, acne prone skin, acne scars, blackheads, or whiteheads. If you feel you are looking older and more tired than you should for your age, this could be the answer.

Is microdermabrasion a one-time thing? No, for optimum results, we recommend at least six treatments. Periodic maintenance such as one treatment per month plus a good skin care product regimen is recommended for best results.

With microdermabrasion there is typically no downtime. The expected result is smoothing of your skin, general overall improvement and wonderful feeling skin. One word of caution, stay out of the sun for a couple of days after you have had a treatment. A couple of years ago, I was going through my series of treatments, one which was on a Friday in July. I knew I had an outdoor wedding the next day but didn’t think to much about it. When I got to the wedding at 2:00 in the the afternoon in July, outside, I found that there was no way for me to get out of the sun and my face felt like it was on fire! Had I have known I’d be sitting in the sun I would have brought a wide brimmed hat or something. I will never forget that wedding because of how miserable I was!

I was with a gathering of ladies last weekend and the topic of microdermabrasion came up. One of the gals mentioned she had a friend she had not seen in over a year and when they got together, she was astonished at how wonderful and young her friend looked. Turns out she had been having microdermabrasion treatments.

Are there side effects? Very rarely swelling and or blistering can occur. Or perhaps the skin will be pink, flaky but usually any of these issues are resolved within a week. Microdermabrasion is a great non-surgical, affordable solution younger looking skin.

Call Fantasia and talk to our Esthetician. She will discuss different packages and prices with you. If you are looking to recapture some of your youth before a special upcoming event, this could be just the ticket for you!