Facial Articles Archives | Precision Wellness

What Causes Acne?

Myth: Acne is caused by dirt and poor hygiene
FACT: Acne is not caused by dirt or surface skin oils. Vigorous washing and scrubbing will only irritate the skin, triggering an overproduction of oil, ultimately making acne worse. Because acne is triggered internally, the best approach to hygiene is to use Bioelements line of products for acne prone skin as directed, which fights existing acne, prevents future breakouts and heals visible signs of past acne flare ups.

The medical term for acne is an inflammatory eruption affecting the face, upper back, and chest, consisting of blackheads, cysts, papules, and pustules, and occurring, but not confined to puberty and adolescence.
Acne is a chronic disease of the sebaceous hair follicles that can be successfully treated and controlled by sticking to a strict regimen, but not 100% cured, as in permanently banished. Professional treatment and sticking to a strict at home treatment agenda is crucial. Usage of product outside of the system may compromise best results.

What causes acne?
Hormones prompt your oil glands to produces excess oil, provoking the skin cells in your pores to rapidly shed. When the pore becomes clogged by trapped oil and dead skin cells, it creates a perfect breeding ground for irritating acne bacteria. As your skin tries to deal with the bacteria, it becomes inflamed, eventually causing a full-blown breakout. To stop this cycle from repeating itself over and over, you need to use medical ingredients to control all four trigger factors:

1. Excess sebum
Sebum is produced in sebaceous follicles that are found all over the body except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They may number several hundred per square centimeter on some areas of the face, and there may be about 150 per square centimeter on the back. Human sebum has great complexity containing free fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, squalane and waxes. The average rates of sebum secretion are higher in people with acne than people without acne.

2. Pore-clogging Dead Skin Cells
The epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin, extends down into the follicles, forming a lining. Dead skin cells shed indie the follicles in large clumps. In people with acne, these dead cells stay in the follicle, where they mix with sebum and form an impaction called a micro-comedo.

When the impaction builds, it flows to the surface of the skin. In some cases, it causes the pore to dilate, creating an open comedone (a blackhead) or it becomes a closed comedone (a whitehead).

3. Acne Bacteria
P. acnes are a natural resident of the skin. They are anaerobic bacteria, which means they hate the air, and so they live inside sebaceous follicles. The mixture of sebum and dead cells there facilitate the overgrowth of P. acnes. The chemicals that P. acnes produce as a by-product of ingested sebum contribute to the final trigger factor inflammation.

4. Inflammation
Free fatty acids released from the P. acnes are a primary irritant. As P. acnes proliferate in the oxygen-free environment of the follicle, the irritation and inflammation increase.

The other cause of inflammation is the body’s response to the development of the acne lesion. White blood cells are the first line of defense on the body’s response to injury and infection. Some ingest the bacteria and cellular debris, others produce a host of antibodies and other substances that kill the bacteria and help repair the damaged tissue. Some cause the tissue to become inflamed as the work.

The Importance of Sunscreen (and what happens to your skin without it)

We’ve been told to wear sunscreen during the summer months to avoid sunburns and skin damage, but really we should be wearing it year-round as a preventive health measure! No matter your skin color or tone, you should be wearing sunscreen.

Sunscreen actually dates to ancient Egypt times, where they would use rice bran extract and jasmine to help shield their skin from the sun. In 1936, chemists invented the first commercial sunscreen, and it has been improved upon ever since. Modern sunscreens are water resistant and are included in many cosmetics and beauty products (primers, foundations, serums, and creams).

Did you know that even on cloudy or snowy days you should wear sunscreen? Up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, if you assume it is OK to forgo protection on an overcast day, think again. Snow can reflect up to 80 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays, increasing your risk of expose to sun damage.

There are two major ways that sun exposure can damage your skin’s health; ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation which speeds up the aging process in your skin and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation which burns your skin cells. The UV rays from the sun can reach your skin not only when you are outside but even when you are inside your home or car through the windows.

“Your skin has its natural defense mechanism to protect your skin from UV radiation at a certain level. But it is insufficient to shield your skin cells from excessive sun exposure, which can result in long-term skin concerns such as age spots, wrinkles, pigmentation, sagging skin, roughness, darkening, and others,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

Let’s dive into some of those things that happen to your skin when you do not wear sunscreen:

Sun Burns – Your skin may develop mild to severe sunburns which appear as red, hot, painful patches on skin with blisters.
Dry Skin – Direct sun exposure on your skin causes loss of moisture and natural oils from your skin. Leading to dehydration and your skin eventually develops dry, rough patches in the affected areas.
Sunspots – Or aging spots occur when your skin is exposed to sunlight for a long time. Usually associated with itching, burning sensation, and tenderness.
Premature Aging – UV radiation can damage the collagen and connective tissue in your skin, leading to loss of elasticity in your skin, causing wrinkles, saggy and aged skin to appear in younger people.
Darkening of Skin – Melanin in excessive amounts produced in your skin as part of its natural defense. This leaves your skin with dark patches and uneven tone.
Skin Cancer – Irreparable DNA damage from UV radiation can generate a gene mutation which can eventually trigger cancer in your skin.

It is recommend to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Most people think apply sunscreen with more SPF makes it last longer and ignore the reapplication. But this is a myth.

It is better to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50 and reapply it every 2 hours throughout the day, especially when you are outside. TIP: It takes a minimum of half an hour for your skin to absorb the sunscreen. So, it is better to plan ahead and apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you step outside.

Closely pay attention to your skin, if you notice any new mole, freckle, or brown spot, seek medical attention immediately. If the spot does not heal or turns into an unusual lesion as it can be an early sign of melanoma.

Sunscreen is an important preventive health care habit that should be maintained all year, including cloudy days and winter months. If you find your self with damaged skin from UV exposure, come see us at Precision Wellness. Our amazing estheticians may be able to help reduce some of the signs of damaged skin.

Why you should choose a Custom Facial

A custom facial session is designed specifically for your skin type – utilizing a variety of products and techniques based on your therapist’s knowledge. Your esthetician may integrate holistic and skin-soothing techniques and/or the clinical application of products. Depending on your goals, your facial can assist with advanced exfoliation, hydration, acne treatment, and inflammation reduction.

A basic facial is the same for everyone. It’s a great way to hydrate and calm your skin, but it doesn’t offer much more than that. If you want customized service from an esthetician who knows about all of your needs (whether medical or aesthetic), then book a custom facial because the esthetician will be able to guide you to your skins specific needs, and offer you advise on what products to use at home.

Facials are more than cleansers and masks, they also include facial massage. It’s more than just for relaxation – it’s anti-aging, relieves sinus pressure, and helps with blood flow which leads to that beautiful glowing skin! With a custom facial, this massage can be more targeted to your specific needs. Our therapists can even give you tips on how to perform your own facial massage at home!

Add On Services Offered:

The benefit of getting custom skin care treatments is that these are often added-on in sessions for unique needs. Some of these may be offered in conjunction with your custom facial while others may be available as a separate service:

Dermaplaning: This treatment is the best way to remove peach fuzz and dead skin from your face. Learn more here.
Microneedling: Microneedling is a form of dermal needling that involves puncturing the top layer of skin with tiny needles. The goal of the treatment is to create tiny channels in your skin that can help stimulate collagen production and improve the overall appearance. Learn more here.
Facial Reflexology: Using facial reflexology techniques stimulates both physical and emotional wellbeing by calming the nervous system promoting feelings of relaxation, decreasing stress levels, and infusing a sense of empowerment while encouraging freedom from negative thoughts. Learn more here.

Looking to get a custom facial in Springfield Missouri? Book Online Today!!

Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

Winter is coming and before you know it the cold weather will be here. During this time of year, many people begin to feel run down, tired, depressed, and to top it off they have dry skin! If your skin becomes too dry it can lead to flaky, red patches that are not only uncomfortable but embarrassing as well. Thankfully there are a few tips that you can follow in order to help prevent such symptoms from occurring during these colder months…

1. Stay hydrated – drinking enough water is vital for healthy looking skin, it keeps the cells plump and full of moisture which in turn reduces fine lines and wrinkles

2. Load up on fruit & veg – eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will ensure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs to fight off colds, coughs & flus over the winter months

3. Modify Facial Skin-Care Regiment – During the winter months, choose cream-based cleansers, and apply toners and astringents sparingly, if at all. Use a natural face scrub or exfoliator once or twice a week throughout this time

4. Moisturize frequently – Keep your hands well moisturized during this time too! Applying a hand cream after each washing can help, also wearing waterproof gloves when washing dishes or cleaning around the house.

5. Lower the thermostat – When it is chilly outside, the first thing most of us want to do is crank up the heat. But central heat can make the air in your house even more dry. Try setting the thermostat at a cool yet comfortable setting (68-72 F) to maintain healthy skin.

6. Limit shower time and temperature – It can be tempting to take a long, steamy shower, but your skin will be much better served with a 5-to-10-minute lukewarm shower (or bath)

7. Invest in a Humidifier – Using a humidifier in your home or office will add moisture to dry winter air and help keep skin hydrated.

8. Fragrance-Free cleansers – The wrong soap can worsen itchy, dry skin. For instance, regular bar soaps may contain irritating ingredients and fragrances. Instead wash with a fragrance-free, moisturizing cleanser or gel.

9. Sunscreen – It’s not just for summer months! On bright winter days, snow reflects the sun’s rays – up to 80%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. That means whether you are out on the slopes, playing in the snow, or just walking through a parking lot on an errand run, it is just as important to be applying sunscreen in the harsh winter months.

Give your skin what it needs – Winter air has a way of drying out skin, leaving it raw and red. Even with at-home moisturizers, your skin can still look and feel dry. Facials offer professional skincare, which penetrates into the layers of your skin, allowing your face to calm down redness and irritation and regain its healthy summer glow.

7 reasons we recommend winter facials:

Deep hydration
Professional grade exfoliation
Increased circulation
Vitamin and antioxidant infusion
Cleaned out pores and blackheads
Expert insight
Relaxation

So, whether you are traveling to someplace cold this winter or sticking around the Midwest, we wish you beautiful, hydrated skin all winter long. To schedule your facials or other appointment, book online today!

Microneedling Need-To Knows

Microneedling in Springfield, Missouri, is performed as a gloved esthitician places a microneedlin pen against a patient's cheek.

Prepare For Your Microneedling Appointment + Leearn Microneedling Aftercare

Learn more about what to do before and after your microneedling appointment in Springfield, Missouri, at Precision Wellness! Taking optimal care of your skin before and after your treatment can help ensure the best results possible, meaning firm, smooth, and glowing skin in no time. Read more for microneedling tips and answers to your commonly asked microneedling questions!

What To Do Before Your Microneedling Appointment

If you are concerned about skin irritation during microneedling, stop using topical products a few days before your appointment.
Wait until it a tan fades before microneedling since tanning makes your skin more sensitive to injury and possible infection.

What To Do After Your Microneedling Appointment

Slather on a broad-spectrum, chemical-free sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the weeks following your treatment (and, let’s be honest, always!).
Hydrate your skin! Apply a mild hydrating serum and use a mild cleanser.

What Not To Do After Microneedling

Avoid sun exposure like the plague during treatment, as it increases the risk of scarring. The needles make tiny puncture wounds in the dermis, creating an open wound that needs protection from sunlight.
On the day of your appointment, do not wash the skin, expose to high heat, or sweat too much (that means no sun, no gym, no hot yoga).
Avoid putting on makeup for the rest of the day, but if you have prior commitments, it is totally safe to wear later in the night.
Avoid retinol and acids, such as glycolic and salicylic. These ingredients will be too strong right after microneeding is done.
Avoid exfoliating scrubs in the days immediately following treatment.

What Is Fibroblast PlasmaTherapy?

About Fibroblast Therapy + Benefits Of Plasma Skin Resurfacing

People of all ages, shapes, and sizes have loose skin. For some, this may be bothersome and unwanted. In the past, the only way to resolve sagging skin was through invasive surgical procedures. Now, there’s the option of Fibroblast Therapy! This revolutionary, non-invasive skin-tightening procedure can create similar results as surgery without ever going under the knife.

Wait, What Is Fibroblast Therapy + How Does Fibroblast Therapy Work?

The term “fibroblast” describes the collagen- and protein-producing cells in the dermis, the layer of skin just below your outermost skin layer. Fibroblasts play an important role in helping skin wounds heal as well as maintaining skin firmness and tightness.

Your esthetician uses an electric handheld device called a plasma fibroblast pen for the procedure. This pen uses a metal probe to ionize atmospheric gas between its tip and the gasses that the skin naturally emits, forming a plasma charge. The electrical arc is created, shrinking the targeted skin as the pen is applied. Your skin tissues will retract and tighten, providing you with a more youthful-looking appearance. As your skin continues to heal and repair post-treatment, your skin elasticity will continue to improve and tighten — it only gets better!

What are the benefits of Fibroblast Therapy?

Plasma fibroblast therapy is a nonsurgical treatment that may be used to treat skin conditions such as acne scars, age spots, seborrheic keratosis, and wrinkled skin.

Cosmetic specials may also use plasma fibroblast therapy as an alternative to lip fillers to make the lips look fuller.

Are there any side effects of Fibroblast Therapy?

While plasma fibroblast therapy can offer results, they are not likely to be as dramatic as a surgical procedure. Side effects of plasma fibroblast therapy include redness, swelling, mild hypopigmentation, mild hyperpigmentation, skin peeling, and crusting. When you consider that you are getting a skin tightening solution without the need for dangerous surgery, these side effects are much easier to swallow.

Will I see results from Fibroblast Therapy right away? How Long Do The Results Of Fibroblast Therapy Last?

You will notice some results immediately after your appointment. As cell turnover occurs and the product of collagen increase, you will notice further changes to your skin. You should expect to see the full results of your treatment around 3 months. Fibroblast procedure results typically last for three years.

If you are feeling self-conscious about the state of your skin, call your esthetician at Precision Wellness to discuss if fibroblast is right for you!

How does a facial help with anti-aging?

As skin ages, it becomes duller and develops lines, wrinkles, and folds. Anti-aging facials are cosmetic procedures designed to restore a youthful appearance to the face.

Facials are non-intrusive skincare procedures designed to improve the appearance of the facial skin. Most facials are multi-step treatments, combining various skincare products and techniques to target different aspects of the skin.

Anti-aging facials are facials designed specifically to rejuvenate mature skin. They do so by improving the thickness and smoothness of the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, creases, and folds, as well as brightening up the tone of the skin.

Most anti-aging facials have the same three goals:

Thicken the skin
Improve the elasticity of the skin
Restore a vibrant skin tone

By thickening the skin and improving its elasticity, anti-aging facials reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkle, and folds. By restoring a vibrant skin tone, they reduce dullness. Together, this gives the skin a more youthful appearance.

Here are some of the anti-aging facials options available to you:

Exfoliating facials

Exfoliating facials are designed to remove dead skin cells from the outermost layers of the skin, revealing the younger, healthier cells underneath. This makes them a highly effective way to give the skin a more vibrant tone.

Collagen facials

Collagen facials are creams, serums, and masks designed to replenish the collagen in facial skin. By doing so, they help to maintain the skin’s thickness and elasticity, ensuring a smooth, taut appearance.

Hydrating facials

The primary goal of a hydrating facial is to moisten the skin. Making the skin appear plumper and more vibrant, these products help to sooth dry skin and prevent cracking or flaking.

Light therapy facials

Light therapy facials use powerful, medical-grade LED light to rejuvenate the skin. They do so by increasing collagen levels in the skin, thereby improving skin thickness and elasticity. This is also an effective way to reduce excess pigmentation, which is often caused by sun damage.

Microdermabrasion facials

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment in which abrasive crystals are shot against the skin. Like other types of exfoliations, microdermabrasion removes dead cells from the top layer of the skin to reveal younger, healthier skin.

If you are ready for an anti-aging facial to help your skin appear younger and more vibrant, call Precision Wellness today!

What are the Long-Term Benefits of a Regular Facial?

Woman-with-towel-on-head-and-facial-product-on-face-puckering-lips

Most of us consider a day at the spa a luxury. At the end of the day, you probably look forward to being pampered and prettied up in a relaxing environment. One particular indulgence that does more than just spoil you, is a facial.

Staggering amounts of pollution, dirt, grime and dead skin accumulate on our faces. This build up is unavoidable. We can do the best we can to keep the skin clean, but it is not always enough. Many advocates compare getting a facial to going to the dentist. We brush our teeth, floss (when we remember) and still acknowledge the importance of going to the dentist for a regular deep clean. Keeping on a regular dental schedule saves us a lot of money down the road. Like our teeth, the skin needs to be evaluated and cleansed by a trained professional every so often to maintain a healthy complexion. Getting facials on a regular basis, even once every few months or year, will save you from needless spending in the future.

What are some of the benefits of a routine facial you ask? Let’s dive in:

Regular facials provide noticeable improvements to your skin tone, texture, and appearance.
Regular facials lead to less pronounced wrinkles and keeping your skin hydrated.
Your existing creams and moisturizers will be more effective.
Healthy skin is our body’s first line of defense against illness, bacteria, and disease (it is extremely important to take care of it!).
Professional facials help increase circulation in your skin by promoting new skin cell growth which leads to healthier and younger looking skin!
General recommendation is a facial every three to four weeks (or once a month). The life cycle of skin cell development and exfoliation.
Facials help this process and assure your skin always glows!
Removing blackheads and exfoliating dry, flaky skin, facials help fade dark spots from long-term damage and bad habits.

Are you wondering the disadvantage of regular facials? The most common side effects after a facial are redness and blotchy skin due to the pressure of exfoliation and extraction. You should avoid wearing makeup or using any of the products on your skin during the day or two that follow your facial to give your skin time to heal. That’s it… that is the only disadvantage! (now that is a side effect I’m ok with!)

One important note to remember is that a single facial will not improve the quality and healthy of your skin in the long-term. Much like going to the gym, improving the health of your skin is a continual process, requiring commitment and dedication.

At Precision Wellness, we offer a wide variety of facial services customized to fit the needs of your skin type and goals for your skin you’d like to achieve.

Back & Body Facials before Bikini Season

Our largest organ is our skin. We need to take care of it just like we do the rest of our body. Sleeping, eating well, and exercising helps with your overall health, and especially your skin. While a back facial may seem silly and pointless, it is not only helpful to those who like exposing their back with their swimsuits or garments, it can contribute greatly to good skin health. Skin care should not be limited to your face and neck. Your back deserves some pampering too!

Summer is only a few short months away, you are likely getting ready to show off some more skin at the beach, pool, or lake. Our backs can be an area of skin distress like acne, dryness, and irritation.

Facials are obviously designed to address the skin on the face, helping to eliminate and prevent acne and skin blemishes. As helpful and important as facials are, back facials are even more important – mainly because the back is very difficult to reach and properly clean. Some scrubbing tools can be helpful to unclog pores and help to prevent skin problems, but we are just not able to properly moisturize the back in the way that is needed to handle dry skin or other skin problems. In a back facial, the aesthetician can give the back the thorough and deep cleaning and moisturizing it desperately needs.

Many estheticians begin a back facial with a steaming session designed to open the pores and enhance the more relaxing components of the session. From there, back facials involve a process of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing the skin on the back. Most back facials will include an extraction process to clear out blocked pores and reduce the severity of any present back acne.

Post back facial, you might find your back skin to be red or mildly irritated. This is normal. Post care should involve regular moisturization.

If you are ready to indulge in a back facial to help you relax and rejuvenate your body, contact Precision Wellness today!

How To Build Healthy Self-Care Habits That Stick

Lightbox with motivation words for self care, positive thinking, mental health, emotional wellness

Self-care is all about the everyday habits that help you take care of and nurture your health and well-being. It means listening to your body, intentionally tuning in to the thoughts going on in your mind, and challenging your behaviors.

You may love the idea of self-care, and you may be on board with the benefits, but have you recognized the need for self-care? Actually adopting a self-care practice that can improve your life in more ways than you think.

Understand what self-care is and what is not

“The way I define self-care is the intentional, proactive pursuit of integrated wellness that balances mind, body, and spirit personally and professionally,” says Paula Gill Lopez, Ph.D., an associate professor and the chair of the department of psychological and educational consultation at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Self-care is about more than taking care of your physical health. Things are moving so fast around us that we need space to self-care and slow down to rest from all the busyness in our lives.

Ultimately, your self-care routine should make you a better version of yourself. You should get some enjoyment out of the activity. Rule of thumb, if the activities that you choose are adding to your well-being and are not detrimental to the other areas of your life, then there is a benefit. You are better suited to take care of others, foster strong relationships, be resilient, and balance personal and professional responsibilities.

To help you get some direction, I have rounded up some powerful, important tips on self-care. Please take these tips as guideposts rather than commands. Find a way to make them fit that feels comfortable.

Do not do things you hate: This seems obvious but sometimes it is not. When exercising you need to do an activity that you enjoy or it is not self-care. Each self-care habit you engage in must be customized especially for you, and the first step is to stop routines and actives that make you feel like you’re dying inside.
Find out what you love: This also seems obvious, however, when you are not doing what you love, you lose determination. When you lose determination, you are back to square one. Don’t settle for anything less than raw, pulsating passion.
Recover from “expert addiction”: There is a curious and toxic trend in our society to trust outside sources of advice and approval more than we trust our own selves. If you want to build lifetime habits, the ONLY approval you need is your own. Do not allow your path to be dictated by others. Find your own way. You are your own expert.
Develop a daily self-care routine: Speak kindly to yourself EVERY DAY! Move your body, connect with your spirit, eat mindfully. It is much easier to do something EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. When you do something every single day, you develop a habit more easily.
Play with your routine: Commit to structure of the routine while allowing yourself to play within it. Impose a rigid structure with rigid activities, soon you will feel suffocated. To feel free as well as fulfilled, you must allow for structure as well as play in your habits. Allow for your routine to have a basic structure and allow yourself to play with the activities within that structure.
Relax: Remember the feeling of peace. The purpose of caring for yourself is to do it in a way that is graceful, flowing, and kind to yourself. If you begin to get stressed, find a way to relax. A massage or facial can do wonders 😉
Know your worth: Self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself as it produces positive feelings and boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
A healthy work-life balance: Contrary to common belief, workaholism is not a virtue. Being overworked with excessive stress and exhaustion can make you less productive, disorganized, and emotionally depleted. I can also lead to all sorts of healthy problems. Professional self-care habits are just as important and personal self-care habits. Setting professional boundaries, avoiding overextending, etc. ensures that you stay sharp, motivated and healthy.
Stress Management: A little does of stress is a healthy way to give us a nudge on deadlines or to finish overdue tasks, constant stress and anxiety can have an adverse effect on your mental and physical health. Eating healthy, connecting with a loved one or practicing meditation cuts down the toxic effects of stress by improving your mood and boosting your energy and confidence levels.

Now, after we’ve decided on new self-care habits, how do we get them to stick?

Start small – if you’re increasing water intake, start by one extra glass. It’s baby steps that will lead to big accomplishments.
Know your excuses – What gets in the way of this habit? Is it because you’re tired? Or you run out of time? Whatever habit you’re failing to form, consider what is preventing your success. Once you nail down your usual excuses, you can address them!
Set yourself up for success – It’s time to nip the excuses in the bud and get to work. If you forget your gym clothes, have an extra pair in your car. If you have a tendency to forget appointments for yourself, schedule them and don’t back out!
You will fail, but try again – Whether you cheat on a diet, skip a work out, or forgot to journal this morning – it’s ok! Just try again tomorrow.
Keep track – What gets measured gets managed. Plus it’s a great way to set goals, smash those goals, and celebrate your successes!

Precision Wellness is here for you, no matter what part we take in your self-care journey. Remember, you’ve got this!

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