Education

Gone are the days of luxury as the preeminent requirement for a spa experience. It’s no longer good enough to be slathered in chocolate or gold flakes in order to make the grade for a quality skin care treatment. People want results, and science-backed skin care procedures and products are visibly improving the skin’s appearance and health.

One of our most results driven treatments at Spruce Body Lab is the Spruce Skin Deep Facial. This treatment incorporates technology to increase the benefits of the skin care products and produces ionic responses which improve the pH balance, circulation and tonicity of the skin.

Because all of Spruce Body Lab’s treatments are customized to each individual’s skin condition, the Spruce Skin Deep Facial has many variations on how the technology and products can be used. For instance, one of the applications that is used during this treatment is called galvanic iontophoresis, galvanic is the type of electric current being used and iontophoresis means “to wander through a cell”. This technology can be used to penetrate a lactic acid based exfoliant deeper into the skin to address photo-damage, as well as penetrate hydrating and antioxidant ingredients deep into the skin. Galvanic iontophoresis allows for products to reach layers of the epidermis that are impenetrable otherwise as the current moves past the “rheins barrier”- a layer of the skin that determines what goes in and comes out of the skin.

From this perspective, the Spruce Skin Deep Facial is clearly results oriented- but it doesn’t stop at product penetration. The ionic shift that takes place in the skin during the application of current creates an acidic pH balance- which is extremely important to skin health, vasoconstriction which calms and cools the skin; all the while water is drawn up from the dermis (where  80% of the skin’s water is retained), into the epidermis which normally holds a mere 20% of the skin’s water content. This all translates into a smoother, brighter, calmer and better hydrated complexion.

For clients suffering from adult acne, the high frequency component of this treatment is very beneficial. The high frequency electrode, creates ozone- an anti-bacterial treatment for the skin. The circulation created by the current paired with the ozone effectively dries up, clears and heals active and would-be break outs.

Although this technology has been around for many years, it has been largely overlooked in North America and has recently seen a resurgence in use. I’ve even seen home high frequency kits that are sold on the Home Shopping network.

I wouldn’t encourage using this technology at home, as I can’t speak to the efficacy of equipment that is made for this use, but I can certainly attest to the results that a technology facial can bring.

Stay tuned for our Mother’s Day Interlude- a special package for Mom’s to enjoy this results-driven treatment while taking some time out to relax.

We all want the beautiful glow of sun-kissed skin, but we don’t want the consequential sun damage that comes with it. One of major signs of accumulated sun damage is an uneven skin tone. More and more people are looking for ways to treat this condition known as hyper pigmentation.

Scientists have extensively studied the process by which our skin gains its pigment, which is referred to as melanin. They do not yet fully understand why our skin’s melanin can become unevenly distributed with age. On a positive note- there are effective ways to treat sun-induced hyper pigmentation.

One ingredient that has been used to treat hyper pigmentation effectively is hydroquinone. Doctors in North America commonly prescribe hydroquinone. However, it has been banned in most of the world because it has a highly sensitizing effect on the skin. In some cases it can cause contact dermatitis and photosensitivity.

Brightening ingredients are one of the simplest and gentlest ways to treat hyper pigmentation. Licorice, bearberry, mulberry, and vitamin C are examples of the ingredients that prevent the formation of pigmentation. Also, lactic acid in 5% formulation is an alpha hydroxy acid that has been shown to effectively inhibit the enzyme that plays a central role in melanin formation.

In addition to topical applications, professional treatment such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments can produce accelerated results. It is best to consult a skin care professional to determine what treatment method is best for you. Results vary and it usually takes at least eight weeks to see visible lightening of the spots. A 75% lightening of the treated areas is considered a good outcome.

The most important thing to remember is that prevention is the key. Always where a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15- even on a cloudy winter day! Use tinted moisturizers or self-tanners to get that bronzed glow.