smooth skin Archives - Envy Skin Clinic

February 15, 2024February 28, 2024

Achieve Baby Soft Skin Again

Do you invest a fair amount of time taking care of your skin? It should be one of your best assets. If not, it’s time to up the ante and get your skin feeling softer, more supple, and superb – just like a baby’s.

Here are our 8 top tips to get your skin as soft as silk.

1. Hop on the dry-brushing bandwagon
Dry brushing makes skin ultra-silky, but the perks don’t stop there. Dry brushing also increases circulation, leaving you feeling invigorated.
Best of all, it’s really easy to do. Ideally, you should dry brush on dry skin with a natural bristle brush, large head, and long handle. Before you take a shower, start brushing at your feet. Gently whisk your brush up your body in long movements. Use light pressure and you only need to do a couple of strokes per area. Then shower like you normally would.

Most dry brushing fans advocate brushing in the morning for a refreshing boost. Dry brush for around two minutes a day and within just a week you’re sure to notice softer and smoother skin.

2. Steam your face

A regular trip for facials or microdermabrasion can help encourage circulation and plump up the fat cells. But sometimes we just don’t have the time to get to the salon.

You can create your own steam facial bath at home by adding a couple drops of essential oils like orange, lavender, eucalyptus or clove in a glass bowl. Then pour hot water into the bowl and lean over, using a towel to cover your head.
Take slow, rhythmical breaths and enjoy the sensation of the warm water and oils opening up your pores. Follow your steam with an ultra-hydrating moisturizer like Obagi’s facial moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep skin glowing and smooth.
Make facial steams part of your weekly skin care routine for super-soft skin.

3. Don’t forget your lips

When our lips are dry or chapped, we tend to lick them, and this only leads to more dryness. Keep your lips constantly coated with a moisturizing lip balm, preferably one with SPF of at least 30 that act as barriers against the elements. Try EltaMD’s UV Lip balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31.

If your lips are chapped, layer a moisturizer underneath your lip balm for ultimate hydration and soft lips.

4. Always prep before shaving

Using a shaving cream isn’t something many of us do if we’re in a rush. But skipping it can lead to bumpy, red, and irritated skin. Today’s shaving gels are very effective and they help the razor glide smoothly over your skin, keeping it as smooth as a baby’s!

5. Hydrate

Aim to keep your skin hydrated from within by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. While it may sound simple enough, things like caffeine and air conditioning dehydrate us, leaving the skin looking and feeling thirsty. As a result, your skin looks dry, flaky, and even can become prone to acne.

6. For soft feet

The thick skin on the soles of your feet is the driest part of your body, and the pressure from walking and standing all day means it’s prone to cracking.
To keep your feet as soft as a baby’s, soak them in warm water for a few minutes and then treat them to a moisturizing foot cream that contains urea.

7. Protect your skin from the elements

The skin is like a magnet. It absorbs everything. When you head outdoors, pollution, dirt, and grime clog your pores. So, keep your body protected by wearing a good quality sunscreen, like EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44. Also, try to keep your skin covered as much as you can. Little tips like these help delay the onset of aging, wrinkles, and dark spots, and help to keep your skin soft and supple.

8. De-stress whenever you can

Try as we might to avoid them, unhealthy habits and stress have a big effect on your skin. If you’re not getting enough sleep or you’re crash dieting, for instance, you get a surge of hormones or cortisol. This leads to inflammation and can worsen skin conditions.
If you need to unwind, try meditation, remember to take short and regular breaks during the workday, and learn how to just breathe when you’re feeling the pressure.

Start using these 8 tips today and you’ll achieve baby soft skin once more!
Book a relaxing skin care treatment at Envy Skin Clinic today.

February 8, 2024February 8, 2024

5 Things A Chemical Peel Can Improve

You’ve likely heard of chemical peels. Perhaps you’ve been putting off getting one. Maybe you’re really keen but aren’t sure if they’re for you.

Chemical peels can be of varying intensities and are designed to treat a multitude of skin issues.

Essentially, a chemical peel resurfaces your skin. Treatments are adjusted to suit your unique needs and ensure the very best results. Each chemical peel is designed to exfoliate the top layers of your skin.

Your needs along with skin sensitivity determine just how many layers are removed during a peel treatment. The time it takes to see results depends on the intensity of your chemical peel.

Acne and scars

Chemical peels dive deep into your skin’s layers to unclog pores, at the same time skimming the surface to get rid of blackheads and post-pimple scars.

The acid used in the peel lingers in your pores. This is a good thing as it keeps the pores clear over time. If you suffer from acne or left-over acne scars, a chemical peel could be the answer. There’s little to no downtime involved. It’s also suitable for all skin colors.

Smoother, softer skin

There are several types of chemical peels, ranging from superficial to medium in depth. There’s little recovery time and there are minimal chances of side effects. Peels are safe to use on all types of skin and afterward, you will enjoy rejuvenated, younger-looking skin. In fact, a chemical peel visibly improves your glow and tone of your skin, increasing hydration and suppleness. Peels can be used on the face, neck, hands, and chest.

Fine lines and wrinkles

A lighter chemical peel can dramatically improve your skin’s tone and texture. In turn, this works to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. At first, results tend to be somewhat subtle but become more noticeable with repeated treatments.

It’s advised that you avoid sun exposure after a chemical peel until new skin covers the treated area completely.

Melasma

We know there’s no permanent cure for those sun-triggered dark patches that are the result of hormonal surges – the kind caused by the Pill and pregnancy. However, chemical peels offer a possible solution to help with Melasma.

A host of other improvements

Besides the above mentioned skin improvements, chemical peels offer a range of benefits for several common skin complaints, including:

Aging skin
Scars
Hyperpigmentation
Crow’s feet
Sagging skin
Sun damaged skin

The main benefits of having a chemical peel

No matter what kind of skin condition you want to improve, chemical peels offer some incredible benefits. Following a medium or deep peel, for instance, you can look forward to visible facial skin tightening.

What’s more, regular chemical peels help you say goodbye to pigmentation and age spots. Not to mention a dramatic decrease in forehead furrows and wrinkles around the cheeks and mouth.

Medium and deep chemical peels, especially, work well for wrinkles around the mouth. These areas can even be treated on their own with even less recovery time.

Are you a chemical peel candidate?

While a chemical peel may be suitable for all skin types, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says some people may not be good candidates, including those who have:

A history of abnormal scarring
Pale freckled skin and red hair
Abnormal pigmentation
Used acne treatments in the last year

The best way to find out if you’re a chemical peel candidate is to speak to a professional at ENVY Skin Clinic.

Book an appointment today!

December 28, 2023January 18, 2024

8 Tips To Soothe Dry Skin

Flaky, scaly, itchy — these are the classic signs of dry skin. And who wants to look like a lizard, much less touch dry skin? Slapping on lotion when dry skin gets flaky isn’t enough to kick this skin health problem — you need to take some serious steps to soothe dry skin.

8 Dry Skin-Soothers

Try these beauty tips to add moisture and bring dry skin back to life:

1. Cool down your showers: Very hot water will only dry your skin out more. So when you enjoy a bath or shower, keep the water lukewarm instead of hot. Same goes for when you wash your face.

2. Moisturize, moisturize: It seems like a no-brainer — if you’ve got dry skin, you need to moisturize. But how and when you apply moisturizer makes a big difference. If you’ve got dry skin, apply a moisturizer to your face and the skin all over your body at least once a day, or twice a day for extremely dry skin. The best time to put it on is when you get out of the shower. You should always pat, not rub, your skin dry so that a little moisture is left on the skin. Apply moisturizer quickly to lock in the moisture from the shower. A soothing oil added to your bath, is also recommended.

3. Exfoliate your skin: Avoiding exfoliation because you think it’s drying your skin? It’s not. Regular exfoliation is actually great for dry skin. That thick, callused, dead skin that’s covering healthy skin beneath is soaking up all the moisture. So slough it off with an exfoliant, then moisturize.

4. Be gentle to your skin: If you’ve got dry skin, it’s time to skip those harsh, drying bar soaps and upgrade to something a little more soothing for your skin. Some bar soaps are now made with moisturizers, but even better, are body washes that contain a lot of moisturizers — and always look for products for sensitive skin. If you’re using an anti-aging cream to combat wrinkles, you may want to focus more on moisturizing instead. Anti-aging creams “can perpetuate the dryness,” as they often contain acids and other ingredients that can really dry out the skin. So skip anti-aging in favor of more moisturizing products.

5. Wear sunscreen: Sunscreen will not only help protect your skin from drying burns and sun damage but also offer moisturizing qualities. Apply sunscreen every day to all areas that see the sun — face, neck, ears. You can even get a moisturizer with built-in sunscreen to get the benefits of two products in one. Just be sure that the sunscreen is rated SPF 15 or higher.

6. Cover skin in the cold: Extreme outdoor weather can suck the moisture right out of your skin, whether it’s the bitter cold of winter or the dry heat of summer. Use physical barriers in the cold, like masks and gloves, to protect the skin from wind burn. A hot, humid climate won’t dry your skin, but dry, desert-like areas will take a toll. Keep skin well moisturized in dry, hot weather, and try to stay out of the heat whenever you can.

7. Use a humidifier: When the climate outside is dry, you can escape inside your home, but what if the air in your home is drying, too? Use a humidifier in the room to put moisture back in the air. This is especially helpful in winter if your home has drying central heat.

8. Cut back on bathing: One good way to preserve moisture in your skin is to cut back a bit on bathing. Don’t bathe every day if you can get away with it. Instead use a washcloth and gentle soap to wash your face and neck, under your arms, and any other areas where skin touches skin. It’s also a good idea to limit the amount of time you spend in the shower or bath — 10 to 15 minutes max.

Ready to experience the transformation? Explore our Laser skin rejuvenation, TriLift, Botox treatment, and other Aesthetic Services to unlock your healthiest, most radiant skin. Visit our website to learn more and schedule your consultation today!

December 26, 2023

Treatments That Help To Improve Adult Acne

Why adults suffer from acne

There are a number of reasons for this. Adult-onset acne can occur for many reasons. From family history and fluctuating hormone levels, to stress, certain skincare and hair products, to the side effects of some medications. Navigating adult acne can be daunting. If you’re noticing more frequent breakouts, there’s good news. Besides keeping a regular skin care routine with the right products, you can choose from several effective skincare systems.Acne can be unpredictable and it can be tricky to get under control. It can become more complicated with age.

Finding a tried and tested system, can really help control your adult acne.

Chemical Peels

Regular chemical peels can help to improve mild to moderate acne. During a treatment session, a chemical peeling agent is applied to your face. The chemicals typically include ingredients like BHAs – a salicylic acid that acts as an anti-inflammatory to break down and exfoliate the outer layer of your skin. There’s also AHAs, which are similar to glycolic acid. This acid reduces inflammation and spots.
Chemical peels are good for treating active acne as well as hyperpigmentation; these are the discolored spots that acne tends to leave behind. They also work well for superficial acne scars. Peels that include glycolic acid can also work to improve acne and pigment changes for people with darker skin.

Lights and Lasers

Multiple treatments of skincare systems that use lights and lasers, such as MicroLaser Peel, ProFractional, and BBL, conducted at repeated intervals can help keep adult acne at bay. Broadband Light (BBL) is an advanced technology that uses pulsed light to improve pigmentation, age spots, veins, broken capillaries, and adult acne. It’s an effective way to restore your youthful appearance.

Say goodbye to adult acne once and for all

Adult acne is more common than you may realize. If you suffer from frequent breakouts, inflammation, and pigmentation, you know that treating your skin is an ongoing process of ups and downs. Some days or months are better than others. You don’t need to continually experiment with different products and treatments. It’s always best to see an expert.
With professional skincare systems and personalized skincare routine advice, you can kick your acne to the curb and once again enjoy clear, smooth, and youthful-looking skin.

Book a consultation with the experienced team at ENVY Skin Clinic today.

September 6, 2023January 18, 2024

Do Eye Creams Really Work?

An eye cream is a type of moisturizer designed specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes. It’s true that some people use a general face cream in this area, but others believe it requires extra care.

If you’re looking to add an eye cream to your beauty regimen, hydrating and moisturizing are two key features to seek out. But eye creams can do so much more.

ENVY Skin Clinic is a medspa Bloomington are passionate about helping you make your skin the best it can look. Do eye creams really work? Here’s what the experts have to say.

What eye creams can do

Since the skin around your eyes is more delicate than the rest of your face, it’s no great surprise that this area is one of the first places to display the fine lines and wrinkles that come with getting older. But unlike the forehead or lips or cheeks that can withstand injections of Botox® or dermal fillers to smooth out the creases, the eye area can’t. Hence, the eye cream.

Since there are fewer oil glands in the undereye area, the skin is prone to drying out quickly, That means using a hydrating formula is incredibly important.

Some experts believe the ideal eye moisturizer contains:

Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, bind water to skin.
Emollients, such as ceramides and fatty acids, help improve skin texture and appearance.
Occlusives, like beeswax and mineral oil, prevent water from evaporating through skin.

Since the benefits of these components are well-known, you’re likely to have an easy time finding an eye cream that contains them.

Eye creams can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that occur from decreased collagen production — the protein that gives our skin strength and resilience — and sun or environmental damage.

To reduce fine lines and wrinkles, choose an eye cream with:

Peptides: short amino acid chains that build collagen and hyaluronic acid
Retinol (a form of vitamin A): increases skin elasticity by speeding up cell turnover and collagen production
Vitamin C: an antioxidant to reduce signs of sun damage

Hydration can also temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines. A 2017 study demonstrated an improvement in the skin 15 minutes after applying a hydrating cream, with the decrease in fine lines lasting for at least 56 days.

What eye creams can’t do

Eye creams are good at fine lines and wrinkles, but they can’t adequately address under eye puffiness. The results are temporary, and they require caffeine. If the creams contain a high concentration of caffeine, it constricts the blood vessels leading to the eye area and decreases puffiness.

A small 2009 study found that eye cream with caffeine helped minimize the appearance of wrinkles and smooth out the skin.

Eye cream also can’t take away dark circles, which in many cases are genetic, but you have plenty of other options. The easiest is a tinted moisturizer. It provides the benefits of an eye cream while also acting as a concealer to hide dark circles. Longer-lasting solutions, such as chemical peels or lasers, involve talking with your doctor about what’s appropriate for you.

If you’re interested in getting started with an eye cream, we offer the SkinMedica line of products in-office or directly on our website. If you’d like to learn more about eye creams and what they have to offer, schedule a consultation with one of our providers.

August 7, 2023January 18, 2024

Say Goodbye to Damaged Skin with IPL Photofacial

What is IPL Photofacial or IPL Skin Rejuvenation?

A photofacial is a 30-minute procedure in which intense pulses of light are used to penetrate deep into the skin. IPL™ photorejuvenation then causes collagen and blood vessels below to constrict removing age spots, red spots, and other pigmentary anomalies. The procedure involves only minimal discomfort, while the redness and swelling that may last at most for 2-3 days. Benefits of a photofacial occur gradually in the weeks following treatment as the skin is transformed into a smoother and more even look.

Is a Photofacial Right for Me?

A photofacial is beneficial if you have any age spots, or reddish-brown spots on the skin. These types of pigment spots are often seen with aging, sun-exposure, and with smoking. The procedure requires a free consultation often with a test spot followed by a 30-minute treatment a few days later. The procedure has no downtime making it convenient even with a busy schedule.

A photofacial can also improve skin texture, eliminating discolorations, reduce pore size, and minimize wrinkles.

How does IPL Work?

During IPL™ photorejuvenation treatment, high energy light waves are used to reduce or eliminate many common effects of aging, including facial wrinkles and skin discolorations. IPL™ light also encourages the production of collagen, a natural protein that fills in wrinkles, making the skin smooth and supple. With each treatment, the results of IPL™ photorejuvenation become more pronounced. Five full-face IPL™ photofacial/fotofacial sessions spaced three weeks apart are normally required for optimal results.

What is the cost of a IPL Photofacial?

At ENVY Skin Clinic, we create a customized treatment plan based on your skin and your goals. So it is difficult to estimate the cost without understanding the number of treatments that you may require.