What you choose to put on your skin every day is an important step on your journey to great looking skin. It’s crucial that we feed our skin the same way we feed our bodies if we want to look healthy and vibrant. This can be a very confusing task as we are constantly bombarded with the latest and greatest in skin care products.

There are a few key things you should look for in your skin care products to ensure they have what it takes to make your skin look great. Concentrated natural actives, vitamins in a specific form and minerals that have the ability to change the look and function of your skin are a few key components any high grade skin care product should have. Also, it is extremely important that the product has a good delivery system which helps to actually penetrate deep into the skin.

Products that have these key characteristics (and therefore have the ability to truly transform your skin) are called Cosmeceuticals. So what differentiates a Cosmeceutical from an ordinary beauty product? Simple. Cosmeceutical products contain highly active ingredients. The vitamins also come in a specific form that helps keep them stable and the advanced delivery system allows these important nutrients to penetrate. It is important to note, though, that not all Cosmeceutical lines are created equal. As such, it is important to speak with a skilled practitioner who can recommend products that are capable of living up to their own hype.

BE CURIOUS

Here are three questions you should ask before purchasing a Cosmeceutical skin care product:

What is the delivery system of the product?
There is significant research showing that most skin care has a penetration rate of 2%. Many people think that acidic creams and serums penetrate better but that is not true according to many independent studies which means 98% of all of the ingredients out there are wasted if a line does not have an effective absorption strategy.

What form is the vitamin A?
If there is no vitamin A in your treatment serum than the ability of the product to remodel the skin is extremely limited. You want the vitamin A to be in the form of retinaldehyde. This is the strongest form of vitamin A but does not cause irritation and peeling like other retnoids.

When the sales person is making claims of what a product can do, ask how it achieves that goal.
For example if the sales person tells you the product can lighten sun spots you should ask how and why this happens. It is our right as consumers to be educated on the purchases we make, especially when we are putting these products onto our skin.

LET’S TALK OSMOSIS

At SKN we do thorough research on all Cosmeceutical lines before we consider providing them to our clients. For this reason, the skin care lines we carry are found at very few clinics in Canada. We do not carry products based on their popularity but rather we choose products because of the results they are able to achieve. Products need scientific proof – not just a great marketing campaign.

SKN has recently added the Osmosis Pur Medical Skin Care line. Osmosis is cruelty free, paraben free, and artificial fragrance, color and additive free. The products are water soluble, plant based and use more active ingredients per serum than any other line in the world. Osmosis is heavily researched with many products having numerous published research articles supporting their efficacy. Osmosis has the most advanced delivery system available, phosphatidylcholine liposomes, which are proven in research to increase penetration 1000%. Aging and many skin conditions are worsened by the decline in blood flow that tends to start in our mid-twenties. Blood flow is the skin’s only source of food and immune support (antioxidants, enzymes, proteins, lipids, immune cells). Osmosis uses 8 different dermal stimulators and other ingredients which work with the skin to increase circulation and nutrient supply. The other shortage that occurs with loss of blood flow is in our protective antioxidant base. Osmosis utilizes the skin’s strongest and most active antioxidants (17 of them) to keep the focus on repair and remodeling of existing conditions by reducing free radical damage seen daily through environmental, food and sun related trauma.

Tip #2 – Discover Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

There are many different treatments offered at Spas and Clinics and it is hard to know which one will provide you with the best results. At SKN, we offer clinical treatments in a spa environment so you get both results and relaxation. We offer customized clinical treatments that are designed specifically to address your skin needs.

FEEL GOOD INSIDE AND OUT

We believe in focusing on both the internal and the external so you look and feel your best. If you’re looking for a true balance of relaxation and results, SKN offers medical grade facials that are extremely relaxing but most importantly are results driven using an array of highly active ingredients from the Osmosis line. Additionally, we offer customized peels that have the ability to create profound changes in the skin such as reduced appearance of lines, wrinkles, acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Peels will also enhance the effectiveness of your products as the skin is better able to absorb and utilize the ingredients since the skin turnover has been accelerated.

A LITTLE POKING

Cosmetic Acupuncture is the ultimate in holistic anti-aging and will tighten and brighten the skin while simultaneously balancing your internal system. You can expect positive side effects such as better sleep, less stress, and increased energy. We also have an advanced dermal therapist that performs Photo Rejuvenation and Skin Tightening for aging skin. Our specialty is healthy, beautiful skin. Whether you have aging skin, sun damage, acne, rosacea, melasma or just want to boost the skin and maintain its health, we can help. At SKN we understand that skin conditions and aging are a result of something happening internally so we offer a holistic approach that focuses both on the external signs and the internal causes.

Tip #3 – Nutrition is Key!

The food we feed our bodies affects the look and health of our skin. We hear it all the time – eat a diet high in antioxidants! The reason for this is that antioxidants scavenge those free radicals that cause damage to our skin, body and brain. Some foods high in antioxidants are berries, oranges, pink grapefruit, grapes, apricots, peaches, raisins, tomatoes, dark green leafy veggies (spinach, kale, etc.), Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, red peppers and carrots.

KEEP THAT GLYCEMIC INDEX LOW

Following a low glycemic index diet will keep our blood sugar balanced which is very important for those with acne because a spike in blood sugar increases the production of sebum. So eating small, protein and veggie based meals throughout the day will keep the blood sugar in check.

EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT

Traditional Chinese medicine offers great insight on how one should eat according to their constitution and pattern. For example if you suffer from the skin condition rosacea it is important for you to avoid heat producing foods like mangoes, spicy foods, and lamb. Rosacea is a heat condition so you want to heal the skin and body by adding cooling foods such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and other fresh fruits (except citrus) and veggies. If you suffer from acne it is also important to avoid heat producing foods but also damp inducing foods like dairy products, and bananas as they will contribute to acne outbreaks. This is just a brief picture of how Chinese food cures can work to reduce or eliminate skin conditions when combined with other therapies.

Since I started working here at SKN, (I am the in house makeup artist, as well as working reception) I now see the light. I have always been into taking care of my skin, I wash my face every night and have tried every night cream under the sun. But until working here and being surrounded by the positive influence of the amazing and talented staff, I realize now…that I need a skin care plan too. If I want beautiful, healthy skin, I need to work at it. I need to honor a consistent plan and take action, much like I need to do with fitness. I need to protect and maintain this wonderful (yet challenging) organ.  As we age, our cell turn over slows down, thus producing wrinkles. However, along with regular treatments, (that are ever changing, depending on what the skin needs) I can keep my skin looking great throughout the years.

Now think of cosmecuticals as food for your skin. You need to feed your skin the proper nutrients it needs in order for it to fully produce the desired results. Just like fitness, you can’t expect to have an amazing body, while you eat KFC every night.  So with a little commitment and a plan, we can have strong healthy bodies, and beautiful skin, that ages with grace and dignity!

I have had the opportunity to try the cosmeceuticals lines we have here, such as Jadience, Seaflora and the newest addition Osmosis. These lines are amazing and will nicely fit into any skin care plan.

If you are looking to start a personalized skin care plan, SKN can help. Feel free to call us and make an appointment with our newest addition to the SKN team, Amy Chalmers.  Amy is a Cosmetic Dermal Specialist and Trainer as well. She just moved back to Canada after living and working in Austrailia, where she gained numerous industry qualifications, recognized at both a national and international level. Amy is beyond qualified and we are thrilled to have her here. Amy can sit down with you and address any skin concerns, head to toe…and get you on YOUR PLAN!

“Your skin is like a mirror – it reflects everything that is going on within your body and mind. Pay attention to keeping your mind, body and emotions balanced, and the results will show up as a clear, glowing complexion.” -This is a quote I recently heard and I really liked the message. It’s so true, we get so caught up in the hussle and bustle of our daily lives, we don’t even realize that our stress levels are affecting our immune system, AND the body’s biggest organ-SKIN!  Stress  puts a damper on the body’s digestive system and interferes with the ability to absorb proper nutrients. So we need to reduce our stress levels and work on staying positive,  But if you don’t have time to meditate the stress away for 3 hours at a budist temple (which I’ve done and is amazing btw). There are small, day to day steps you can do to help achieve and maintain that glowing skin…oh and stress levels too:)

1. DIET: A balanced diet and proper eating habits help keep the body and mind performing at optimal levels. I try to eat unprocessed foods. I am also aware of the eat for your skin diet, which includes foods like Salmom, blue berries, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, sprouts, wheat grasses,etc.

2. SLEEP: We hear it all the time, but it is so important. Do whatever you need to do to get relaxed so you can sleep better. I try to do a quick half hour yoga session before bed. Check out www.eoinfinnyoga.com He has a “quickie” lesson you can download for free.

3. EXCERCISE: Here too, it’s whatever works for you. I love running, yoga, hiking. I do some at home workout videos if i’m really inspired. I find morning  to be the best time to excersise, you wake up, get it done and feel great all day.  Being outside, in nature at least a few times a week will definitely help with stress. We live in such a beautiful city, we have endless outdoor adventure possibilities.

4. DE-STRESS. Deep breaths, all is well in your world. Life really is a gift. Take some time for yourself and de-stress. It could mean a yoga class, a walk by the beach, a glass of wine with a girlfriend, popcorn and movie, or buying a new pair of shoes.

Here at SKN, we want to aid in your quest for a zen state of mind, we want you to radiate the light that you are. Book a facial this Good Friday (april 2) and receive a  complimentary Seaflora product of choice. Give us a call at 604-568-6333

HAPPY DE-STRESSING!!

Top 3 Treatments:

Cosmetic Acupuncture

This treatment is unsurpassed by any because of its power to brighten and tighten the skin while simultaneously bringing the internal body into balance.   Some of the cosmetic results one can expect from this treatment are a leveling of deep lines, a reduction of fine lines, smoother, more vibrant skin,  overall skin tone becomes more consistent,  improvements in acne and rosacea and much more.

Some of the positive side effects you can expect from this treatment are improved sleep and digestion, decrease in stress and anxiety levels, reduction or elimination of hot flashes and night sweats.

I provide all my clients with a health plan consisting of recommended foods, supplements, and Chinese herbs.  The cosmetic acupuncture treatment plan is a holistic plan that should encompass body, mind and spirit.

Cosmetic acupuncture consists of 10 -12 treatments, two treatments a week.  Once the series of 10-12 is completed you will have a maintenance treatment every six weeks and complete the entire program once a year.  learn more at www.vancouvercosmeticacupuncture.com and if you live in the Vancouver area feel free to come in for a free consultation by requesting an appointment at www.SKNClinic.ca

Photo-Facials

Photo-facials are great treatment option for those looking to eliminate sun damage, redness, broken capillaries, treat acne outbreaks and pigmentation scarring from acne.  Photo-facials also stimulate the production of collagen so you skin will look and feel tighter and brighter as a result.

Photo-facials are a diverse treatment that allows your practitioner to customize the treatment to your specific needs.  There are a variety of filters that are chosen depending on your skin needs.

This treatment is safe when performed by a skilled practitioner and involves no downtime.  If you are getting rid of sun damage you will need a series of 2-6 treatments spaced three weeks apart.  The hyper pigmentation from the sun damage will begin flaking off and the end result is beautiful, even-toned skin.

If you suffer from acne these treatments allow your practitioner to use multiple filters, to target bacteria, inflammation and to heal the skin and improve skin texture.  These treatments can be performed once a week and after six treatments your skin will be looking great.

This is currently one of the only treatments successful in the treatment of rosacea.  The rosacea filter targets the hemoglobin in the blood to eliminate redness and broken capillaries.  These treatments will require a series of 2-6 and you will need follow up treatments every six months.

I highly recommend combining the cosmetic acupuncture with the photo-facials so that you get even better results because you are working both internally and externally.  It is important to remember that what is present on our skin is an external manifestation of what is happening in our bodies.

Skin Tyte

This is new technology that works on tightening the skin by delivering deep heat into the dermis stimulating collagen remodeling and contraction. Since there is no downtime, patients may resume their regular activities immediately following treatment.   Following the  treatment a new foundation of collagen is created leading to increased skin firmness.   So overtime the results increase.  Extra bonus this is safe for all skin types.

Clients need a series of 2-5 depending on the amount of skin tightening needed.  The treatment is most effective for face, neck and chest.

This wraps up my top 3 treatments for 2010.  They have been chosen based on effectiveness, safety and proven results.   If you want to look beautiful, natural and healthy then these are the treatments for you.

For more information please email info@SKNClinic.ca or  visit our website at www.SKNClinic.ca

When I meet my clients suffering from acne more often than not they are using products such as pro-active which can be extremely drying on the skin and as a result accelerate the aging process of the skin.  Many clients also inform me that they are using nothing at all because they believe any added moisture will make their skin even oilier.   The reality is that not using a proper moisturizer leads to oil-gland confusion, meaning your glands become over-active due to the lack of moisture being provided, hence even oilier skin.  A proper moisturizer will work to balance the oil glands and regulate the amount of oil produced, hence reduced oil.

Frequently clients come in for a facial claiming to have oily skin but during the facial treatment it is discovered that they have extremely dehydrated skin.   When the  client begins a proper skincare routine using natural products containing safe anti-bacterial and moisturizing agents there skin starts to make a shift to new, healthy, rejuvenated skin.  It takes time for skin to reach a healthy state, we recommend following a skincare program for at least six weeks to notice changes.  In many cases changes will happen earlier but if you have had troubled skin for years it will take time for your skin to heal and reach a healthy state.

Jadience
Jadience skincare  was developed by leading dermatologist in the treatment of acne Anna Ragaz, as well as a pioneer in cosmetic dermatology and anti-aging medicine and Jenelle Kim, practitioner of oriental medicine who has studied with the most respected doctors and herbalist in east asia.  Her great grandfather was a royal doctor to the Joseon Dynasty.
Together these outstanding practitioner have created a skincare line that combines scientifically proven treatments with centuries-proven formulas unlocking the door to ultimate health, longevity and beauty.
Jadience has created a product series for all skin types and internal products to address deeper internal issues that are leading to acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

Featured products:
Jade and Ginseng Regenerating Serum:
This powerful age-defying, anti-wrinkle serum works miracles to hydrate, protect and firm the skin. The anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties of Ginseng, Green Tea Extract and White Peony are combined with the purifying actions of Jade Powder to synergistically repair, strengthen, rejuvenate and nourish the skin by stimulating cellular regeneration. This advanced formula fortifies your skin’s natural immunity to environmental damage and visibly corrects the appearance of your skin.

Jade and Burdock Exfoliating Scrub:
The ritual of using finely ground herbal granules to exfoliate dull surface skin cells in order to reveal new, healthy dermal layers has been used in Asia for hundreds of years. We use the finest ground herbal granules made fresh for every batch of product.  Our herbal granules are non-abrasive and our formula stays true to the centuries proven ritual which results with ageless, radiant, and smooth skin.   This is one of our key secrets to beautiful skin!   This non-irritating, deep cleansing scrub exfoliates lifeless skin as it invigorates healthy dermal cells. Eliminates bacteria and penetrates deep to clear blemishes and prevent new breakouts.  Your skin will be cleansed, purified, and absolutely radiant.  Perfect for blemishes and troubled skin.

Jade and Burdock Blemish Control Gel:
This extra-strength blemish control gel is formulated with Jade Powder, Burdock Root and an exclusive blend of active herbal ingredients to treat blemishes and troubled areas, leaving skin clear and smooth for a radiant complexion. This proprietary herbal blend kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, unclogs pores and prevents the formation of comedones, while balancing and healing your skin

To learn more about this amazing product line visit www.jadience.com.
Call 604-568-6333 to order, we offer free shipping in Canada and on International orders over $200.

Seaflora Skincare

Hand-harvested from the cold clean Canadian Pacific Ocean, these all natural wild seaweed skincare products are nutrient rich with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements creating the most nourishing, healthy and vital seaweed skincare products on the market today.  The skincare products are manufactured from CERTIFIED ORGANIC seaweeds ensuring that the products are of the highest quality and sustainably when harvested and processed.

Laminaria Facial Moisturizer:

Laminaria Digitata is combined with alfalfa; containing antioxidants to fight free radicals and calendula to help calm and sooth sensitive skin. This gentle moisturizer is perfect for everyday use to improve skin texture, leaving skin clear, vital and healthy. Excellent for Acneic, oily, sensitive skin types.

Iridaea Purifying Facial Masque:

Highly concentrated in amino acids, zinc, fatty acids and beta-carotene, this beautiful nutrient rich masque will help to calm, exfoliate, firm and renew tissue by increasing fluidity of cellular membranes and helping to slow the aging process of the skin. It assists in healing acne and irritated skin as it encourages cell growth. Your skin will feel years younger. Recommended for all skin types, especially dry, mature, sensitive.

To learn more about the Seaflora Skincare line visit http://www.sea-flora.com/index.php. If you find a product you love then give us a call at the SKN clinic at we would be happy to send it out to you.  Free delivery in Canada and on International orders over $150.

Proper Skincare for Acne

Eating for Beauty

Top 3 treatments for healthy, glowing skin

Skincare for Aging Skin

We will begin the Beautiful Skin Series  with my top 5 supplements to help you create healthy, beautiful skin.

My top 5 skin supplements are:

1. Fish Oils - Take the liquid not the pill you get some much more from an oil because you will absorb it quicker and more of it. Look for fish oils that are made up of the smaller fish such as sardines, mackerel and anchoives. You body is able to metabolize the fats from these small fish. When it comes to the superfood salmon I recommend eating the fish not taking the oil or the pill. Fish oils are rich in omega 3 which play a critical role in promoting healthy skin. They help to regulate cellular function and maintain elasticity and suppleness in the skin. Consequently, a fatty acid deficiency will show up as skin problems. Most of us do not get enough of the Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet whereas Omega 6 fatty acids are in plentiful supply. Symptoms of Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include skin problems like eczema, dandruff, dry and flaking skin and poor wound healing.   I highly recommend Nutrasea fish oil.

2.  Vitamin C – It is an antioxidant that will fight off age.   It is also necessary for the production of collagen, which is the connective tissue that keeps our skin nice and firm.   I would aim to take vitamin C throughout the day and great easy way to do that is with those yummy emergen c packets.  You can also use vitamin C topically but make sure it is the fat soluble form ester C.  Dr. Perricone makes a great topical ester C that your skin will love.

3.  B Vitamin Complex – B Vitamins are important for so many bodily functions but we are going to focus on the skin in this article.  B-vitamins help to maintain healthy skin tone and are also great to relieve mild anxiety and stress.    When we feel healthy our skin will reflect it.  The B vitamins all have individual jobs but they must be taken together as to prevent a deficinecy of another b vitamin.  You can add higher doses of individual b-vitamins as needed but always remember to take your b-vitamin complex first.

Vitamin B1 aids skin health by helping to keep the circulation normal.

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin deficiency can lead to hyper pigmentation (aka brown spots). Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine deficiency can result in dermatitis or eczema.

Niacin deficiency can also cause an eczema type of skin eruption with brown pigmentation, largely on the face, forearms and legs.

Deficiency of pantothenic acid and biotin can also leads to different types of eczema.

I recommend taking a liquid if you can find one.  Praire Naturals makes a  great Vitamin B complex in liquid form.

4.  Digestive enzymes - Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food so it can be used by the body. Digestive enzymes are essential for healthy skin because it helps improve skin, hair and nails by increasing the blood supply to the skin and body. When enzyme levels are insufficient, a host of problems may arise. If the food we eat is not broken down properly it may enter the intestines in large masses causing bloating, gas and other digestive discomfort.  Large particles of food may enter the blood stream and trigger the immune system to attack.   If your food is not being broken down then the vitamins and minerals contained in the food are unable to processed and used by the body causing malnutrition.   You could eat all the raw vegetables you want but if your body does not contain the necessary enzymes to break these foods down then you will suffer from digestive discomfort and lack of nutritents.   When food builds up in your body it becomes toxic and can lead to systemic inflammation which in turn may cause skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema and also exacurbate these conditions for those suffering from them.   Digestive health must be at its optimal level if you want beautiful skin.

To simplify just think of this vicious cycle – food is not properly digested, vitamins and minerals are not absorbed, inflammation increases.  This constant internal state of distress is reflected externally with flare-ups of skin conditions.

For more detailed info on the job of each enzyme you can visit http://www.beta-glucan-info.com/digestive_enzyme_facts.htm or http://www.dermaharmony.com/skinnutrition/digestiveenzymes.aspx

5.  Silica -  Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the connective tissues of the body. It strengthens our muscles, hair, tendons, ligaments, nails, cartilage, bone and is very essential to have for healthy skin. Silica deficiency can lead to a reduction in skin elasticity and can interfere in the body’s ability to heal wounds.  I highly recommend the liquid Silica by the company Naka.

Before beginning a supplement and nutrition program I would recommend consulting with a health practitioner such as a Natural Nutritionist, Acupuncturist, Practitioner of Chinese medicine, Naturopathic doctor or other health care practitioner.

You may also request a health plan (supplement recommendations, food cures following the philosophy of chinese medicine and lifestyle recommendations) online by emailing  info@sknclinic.ca. The cost of this plan is $89 canadian dollars.  You will be required to fill out an intake form evaluating your health, there will be follow up questions so your health practitioner can collect as much detailed information needed so they are able to provide you with a plan best suited to you.   Your plan will arrive via email within 10 days.

Taking new approaches with these tips:

1. Plan to eat at a holiday party.  Instead of eating before you go to a party in order to control temptations…if you feel hungry go ahead and eat! Try to really go for what your body craves. If you eat exactly when you are hungry, and exactly what you are hungry for…the food will taste more satisfying and you will eat less!

2. You don’t have to stick to carrots and celery sticks at a party.  If you are really craving low-fat foods than that is great! But if you eat them when you really want something else, you will find yourself overeating later in response to the deprivation.

3. Choose comfortable, flattering holiday party outfits that make you feel sexy!  Instead of wearing tight outfits to remind yourself not to eat, wear something special that will make you feel attractive and good about yourself to prevent emotional overeating at parties. Anxiety usually leads to compulsive overeating.

4. Instead of forcing yourself to say “No thanks, not today….” Love yourself enough to say “YES” when you feel like saying yes and “NO” when you feel like saying no. Trust yourself, stop stressing, count your blessings and truly enjoy what this holiday season may bring!

What does IPL Mean?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. The entire spectrum of light is penetrated through a Safire crystal. Because of this and the proper use of filters we can use IPL’s for a variety of treatments. For example we do laser hair removal with the same machine we do photo-facials with. (Please see note on IPL Laser hair removal) In order to direct the light to do what we need it to, we place appropriate filters into the hand piece, which isolate certain aspects of the light spectrum, each penetrating into a different depth of the human body.

Photo-facials for Sun-Damage

In a Photo-facial for sun-damage we place the correct filter into the hand piece and the light penetrates into the same depth of the damaged cells. The light also increases the cell turnover rate of the skin bringing all of those damaged cells to the surface to be sloughed off naturally. This can also be used on individual spots.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Depending on the extent of the sun-damage the average person needs only 1-5 treatments, (give or take) to completely remove the sun-damage. Many people continue with photo-facials after the sun-damage is gone because of the added side effects of photo-facials that stimulate collagen production. The skin continues to improve, becoming more toned and tightened with an increasingly even skin tone that all increases after each treatment.

Is It Permanent?
All the sun-damage is gone permanently, however we cannot control new sun-damage appearing if you choose to go into the sun or tanning beds. If you do choose to go into the sun it is always a good idea to use SPF sunscreen.

Photo-facials for Rosacea

In a Photo-facial for Rosacea we would put on a filter that would target blood in the depth of the capillaries. The light would then cauterize the capillaries, reducing the amount of redness on your skin.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Depending on the extent of the Rosacea you may only need from 1-5 treatments, (give or take) too completely remove the Rosacea. Many people continue with photo-facials after the Rosacea is gone because of the added side effects of photo-facials that stimulate collagen production. The skin continues to improve, becoming more toned and tightened with an increasingly even skin tone that all increases after each treatment.

Is It Permanent?
Since Rosacea has many causes, three months after you have completed your series of treatments the Rosacea may return. Because your body is always repairing and replacing capillaries throughout the body. That is why at the SKN Holistic Rejuvenation clinic we recommend combating Rosacea internally as well as externally. With acupuncture and an appropriate herbal plan you can help target the internal causes of Rosacea while the IPL Photo-facials help to rapidly target the external appearance of this condition.

Photo-Facials for Acne

In a Photo-facial for Acne there are two different filters, one filter that isolates the blue light that penetrates into the sebaceous glands, helping to control the excess flow of oil in the skin. Then a second pass with a filter that isolates the yellow light, that kills bacteria.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Depending on the extent of the acne you may need 1-5 treatments to be completely acne free. Many people continue with photo-facials after the acne is gone because of the added side effects of photo-facials that stimulate collagen production. The Skin continues to improve, becoming more toned and tightened with an increasingly even skin tone that all increases with each treatment.

Is It Permanent?
Since there are many causes of Acne, i.e. improper skin care, diet, exercise, medication, hormones, detox etc… your acne may return a few months after your series of treatments. That is why at the SKN Holistic rejuvenation clinic we recommend that you target the internal causes of the acne with acupuncture, acu-facials and or a herbal plan, while the photo-facials target the external appearance of this condition. This will give you the longest lasting and hopefully permanent results in helping to balance your skin.

Photo-facials for Skin Tightening (Skin Tyte)

The Skin Tyte Photo-facial is by far the deluxe photo-facial treatment. In simplest terms the Skin Tyte Photo-facials uses extreme heat and cold to help contract and tighten the collagen in your skin. While at the same time stimulating the skin’s healing response triggering your body to produce more collagen which will help to continue to tighten and tone your skin. It can also be used on areas other than the face, like the stomach after pregnancy, or any areas with dramatic weight loss that leaves areas of the skin loose.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
You will notice results immediately and each treatment is accumulative. Depending on the level of collagen loss or skin sagging already present you may need one to five treatments to get the desired result.

Is It Permanent?
About 6 months to a year after your series of treatment you many need another touch up simply to maintain to results you have.

Since collagen loss is a natural part of aging we can only slow down this process and keep you young looking for as long as possible. Allowing you to age gracefully without the pain of plastic surgery.

At the SKN Holistic Rejuvenation clinic we advise you try acupuncture, acu-facials and or a tailored herbal plan to help even further to slow down the visible signs of aging in your skin. Lessening the need for skin tightening down the line and allowing your skin to age gracefully and in the healthiest possible way.

Stone Chi Massage is a deeply relaxing, invigorating and healing form of massage therapy.  This unique form of massage combines traditional Chinese medicinal theory with Hot Jade stone massage. It is a rejuvenating experience whereby the muscles, bones, cells, even down to a DNA level are balanced through hot and cool stones.

Dena will be able to determine which of your energy centers may be experiencing imbalance, through the use of touch and symptoms described by the client. Then hot and cold stones are placed on key acupressure spots to help release any blocked energy and balance your chi as she deeply massages your aching muscles with heated Jade stones.

When Jade stones are heated they emit negative ions which help to rejuvenate and re-energize your body while the far infrared rays emitted by the Jade stone bring your body back into balance.

Apart from the overall healing of your body, you will be extremely relaxed. It is not far fetched to say you will be drooling.

Dena is the only one in Vancouver who does Stone chi massage. Come see her down at the SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic for your treatment. Your body will thank you.

2.  Use a natural skincare line that does not contain chemicals and preservatives as these will only irritate your skin and make it worse in the long run.   My top two natural, organic skincare line  are Jadience and Seaflora.

3.  Nurture your internal body with fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid processed, sugar based, gluten based products.  The look of our skin is an external manifestation of an internal imbalance.   If you need guidance see an practitioner of Chinese medicine or naturopathic doctor to give you herbal, supplement, and nutritional advice.   The SKN blog also love to hear from it’s readers what content they would like us to write about.

4.  Avoid taking antibiotics long term it will destroy your internal flora,  leading to overgrowth of bacteria and a weakened immune system.   Be sure to take probiotics and good bacteria based foods like kefir and miso.

5.  If you are looking for treatment for your acne, I highly recommend cosmetic acupuncture.  Cosmetic Acupuncture is a powerful treatment because it begins with body points to balance your internal system and is completed with facial needles.  These facial needles work to increase the flow of blood and oxygen up to the face feeding the skin with nutrients.  Cosmetic acupuncture also tightens up the skin working on the collagen and elastin.   Because this is a holistic treatment it also balances the hormonal system which is a big factor in adult onset acne.

6.  When searching out external treatments for acne I encourage you to find an experienced practitioner who uses Sciton BBL therapy.  It is a light based therapy that treats over-acting oil glands that result in the reduction of acne and improve mild acne scarring.  It also works on the collagen texture of the skin improving the overall complexion.    Remember to always combine this with an internal therapy so you are getting to the cause of the acne.

7.  Load your body up with good oils.  I highly recommend Nutrasea oil.  It is small fish based oil and it actually tastes okay.   These oils will help to reduce internal inflammation that is sparking these outbreaks.   On the other hand remember to avoid the bad oils which lead to the internal inflammation.

8.  Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated and your body flushing out those toxins.

9.  Love your liver.  Your liver is your detox organ and it needs to be functioning at its optimal state.  A good way to keep your liver healthy and strong is to do a liver flush every six months.  I recommend the Alpha Omega Liver Flush.  It is so easy all you do is take 1tbsp every morning for thirty days.   Don’t underestimate your liver it is so important to our overall health.

10.  Practice relaxation and breathing techniques to keep you centered and calm.  When our bodies and minds are stressed there is internal chaos that can cause our hormones to go crazy.   A balanced body and mind will lead you to healthier, happier skin.

For information on skincare products, tips or anything to with acne just shoot me an email at info@SKNClinic.ca.