Believe it or not, more and more men (no matter the sexual orientation) are seeking out laser hair removal treatments to help with what is now known in the industry as “manscaping.” At our Miami med spa, we are all too familiar with the demands of our male clients who wish to be bare, or almost bare, all over their bodies, including around the genitals and the anus.

Laser hair removal treatments is the IDEAL method to help men deal with ingrowns due to shaving. African-American men greatly suffer from ingrowns. If you’re a man (light, dark or black skin toned) considering laser hair removal treatments, here are a few helpful facts you should consider:

• The only laser technology you should consider is the CoolGlide ™. Why? Because it delivers! It is not an IPL! IPL’s do not deliver permanent hair reduction. It also is the only laser technology approved by the FDA to safely treat all skin colors without causing any skin discoloration. Additionally, as the name implies, it’s handpiece is cool, delivering a more comfortable treatment, as the handpiece is glided across your skin during treatment, the built-in cooling mechanism immediately cools the treated area, reducing any pain or discomfort.
• Laser treatments can cover all areas, from head-to-toe (including the genitals), however, never have the eyebrows done, it is too close to the eyes, and poses greater risk.

To schedule a consultation, please call: 305-864-8824.

There are two options to treat hyperpigmentation which we advocate and believe in:

1.       Naturally derived skin lightening creams, containing arbutin:

At Bay Harbour Med Spa,  we have long been an advocate for skin lightening treatments which do not contain hydroquinone (an immunotoxic ingredient found in many bleaching creams). So we set out to find an ingredient that was an alternative to hydroquinone, we found it and are excited about its benefits, this ingredient is called arbutin.

Arbutin is is derived from the leaves of bearberry, cranberry and mulberry shrubs. According to The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, arbutin contains properties which inhibit melanin.  Arbutin is an expensive ingredient which is why many cosmetic companies which produce skin bleaching creams aka skin lightening creams opt to use hydroquinone over arbutin.

Arbutin is a plant derivative,  its enzyme  act as catalysts which detoxify and bind toxic molecules. Because these ingredients are water soluble the free radicals can be excreted and the oxidants are neutralized. The combined activity of these enzymes help to protect the skin cells against toxins and dangerous molecules ( such as the sunís ultraviolet rays).

If you’re in the market for skin bleaching creams aka skin lightening creams, we hope you’ll heed our warning. Please visit our online skin lightening treatment  store, or search out for arbutin derived skin lightening creams, if you’re considering topical treatments to treat hyperpigmentation.

2.  Microdermabrasion treatments:

Microdermabrasion  is a procedure which  is great for treating a variety of conditions including:

• Micro-peeling exfoliation
• Fine lines
• Crows feet
• Hyper-keratosis
• Acne, impurities and scarring
• Rough and uneven textured skin
• Hyperpigmentation

Microdermabrasion is performed by a technique in which the particles, usually crystals – are blasted at the skin using air through a hand piece, and then a vacuum sucks the crystals and dead skin cells back up away from the skin.

By protecting the eyes, and then slowly passing the microdermabrasion tip over the skin’s surface, the outer layers are thinned or removed. Microdermabrasion is a comfortable procedure, occasionally resulting in a mild redness where slight skin sensitivity can show. The micro-crystals abrade the top layer of the skin where uneven pigmented skin cells converge. To protect the skin further against hyperpigmentation, the use of sunblock is advised. Your skin will have a fresh glow and look healthier after the first treatment.

A series of treatments are needed to achieve optimal results. You can look forward to much smoother skin with better texture and an overall reduction in hyperpigmentation spots and fine lines. You should use microdermabrasion treatments at regular intervals as part of your skin care regimen.

For a free consultation, or to discuss your options for skin discoloration treatments in Miami, Florida, please call: 305-864-8824.

Copyright 2011. Bay Harbour Med Spa. All rights reserved.

Bay Harbour Med Spa (a European med spa located between Miami Beach, Sunny Isles and Aventura), specializes in unique, yet effective skin care. As such, we offer stellar back and buttocks facials, which consist of deep cleansing and exfoliation. The back and buttocks area is especially hard to reach. It is the one spot on the body that is often negelected or over looked.

A back facial is a treatment specifically designed to treat the back. Back facials often mimic the techniques used in skin treatments of the face, and they are supposed to clear and soften the skin of back while providing therapeutic responses such as a deep moisturizing treatment which will leave the client with a healthy, glowing back. Back facials target issues such as clogged pores and acne on the back- this treatment is suitable for teens, men and women.

Kicking it up a notch……..

A thorough back facial combined with  microdermabrasion is actually quite beneficial, especially for people who spend a lot of time in low-backed clothing or swimsuits.

This type of back facial combo begins with cleansing, mechanical abrasion, deep steaming which is designed to open the pores and soften the skin, proper technique of extraction, and finally a custom blended mask specifically mixed to target your specific skin issue- be it dry skin, clogged skin, oily skin, or back acne.

By abrading the back, excess oil and dirt which clogs the pores is removed. Back acne is common and often harder to treat than facial acne. The back is made of tough skin with thousands of sebaceous glands that produce a lot of it.

A couple of useful tips if you have skin issues affecting the back’s region:

1. Always wear clean clothes as to not harbor bacteria
2. Wear cotton clothing
3. Shower soon after perspiring, especially right after a work-out

To schedule an appointment for a back facial or buttocks facial, please call us at: 305-864-8824.

Copyright 2012. Laser Hair Removal Miami: Bay Harbour Med Spa. All rights reserved.

For many women and men, hair removal is more than just a process. More than a routine and much more than just a chore- it is a full-on battle! Depending on the hair removal method used, the process can be time-consuming, painful, stubble can reappear (for some after just a day), and painful, unsightly ingrowns may occur (especially in black skin). Americans spend about $10 billion on various products or services to remove unwanted hair. From razors to lasers, people are searching for the ‘it’ solution. They fall for many promises to “permanently” remove hair. The truth of the matter is, that there are only a few options which could either reduce the symptoms mentioned above, or, permanently reduce hair.

Let’s go over some of the better, safer options out there for you:

Waxing

Because the results last longer than shaving, this is a popular choice amongst many women and men. A typical waxing procedure can yield up to 2 to 4 weeks of smooth skin. Wax can typically be performed on any part of the body. For men, some of the most popular areas are the chest and back. For women, eyebrow and bikini waxes are often requested.

Pros. It provides long-lasting results, and effectively removes large amounts of hair at one time. It can be used on all skin types, and repeated waxing can lead to softer re-growth. It is safe for all skin colors.

Cons. It is painful, and if not performed by a professional, may cause a burn. It less of a hygienic process. Meaning that even if the applicator is changed, the double dipping as it’s referred to, can yield this a less than clean process. Some waxing facilities use the same wax container 30, 40 or more times per day. Not ideal! Also, the hair has to be a certain length for waxing.

Electrolysis

It works by using a fine needle to transmit an electric current into a hair follicle to destroy its root. Because the hair is treated follicle by follicle, it is often a length process. Even smaller areas, such as the upper lip, can take as long as four hours. Electrolysis can be used to treat hair anywhere on the body except inside the nose and ears. Because hair grows in stages and hair is not in the same stage at the same time, multiple electrolysis sessions are needed to achieve optimal results.

Pros. It is a permanent hair removal method.

Cons. It is a time-consuming process that may be painful.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal uses a pure monochromatic beam of laser light to target the melanin in the hair and damage the hair follicle. Laser hair removal has come a long way since it’s inception in the 1990s. It is now a safe and effective treatment. However, please note, if you have dark to black skin, there is only one laser technology that is safe- that is the CoolGlide laser hair removal technology.

Pros. Laser offers permanent hair reduction, and is safe for many skin types. It can treat larger areas, as opposed to electrolysis. It can reduce and/or eliminate painful ingrowns.

Cons. It costs more than waxing or electrolysis.

If you live in South Florida, please feel free to call us for a free consultation at: 305-864-8824. Bay Harbour Med Spa is located between Miami Beach, Sunny Isles and Aventura. Our spa is just walking distance from the luxurious St. Regis resort in Bal Harbour.

Courtesy of Bay Harbour Med Spa. Thanks for stopping by our informative skin care blog. For those of you who are not familiar with us, our authentic European med spa is located within walking distance of the luxurious St. Regis hotel in Bal Harbor, Florida.

Today’s topic will cover skin care specific to pregnant women. Here are some common skin problems affecting pregnant women, as well as their solutions:

• Pregnancy Mask, aka melasma and chlosma- this basically means that the skin’s pigment becomes darker in areas of the face. You may know this to be called as pregnancy mask. Appearance usually is noticeable on the forehead and cheeks. Hormones are increased during pregnancy, causing hyperpigmentation. There are several options you have. The first, stay out of the sun and use sunblock during pregnancy. After giving birth, if not breastfeeding, you should use a hydroquinone free skin lightening product to lighten the dark spots. If you don’t live in the Miami area, we offer a worthy skin lightening system on our online store at: http://skin-lightening-store.com.
• Broken capillaries: Basically, they are tiny dilated blood vessels, which break (so to speak) by increased blood circulation. They usually appear on the face, neck and chest during the last trimester. It’s important to limit sun exposure in these regions during pregnancy. The effects usually disappear shortly after delivery; if not, gentle microdermabrasion treatments may help.
• Stretch marks: usually appear as pinkish streaks running down your abdomen and/or breast. A vitamin E lotion may help, as well as Cocoa Butter lotion, which will help keep the area hydrated and lubricated.
• Sensitive skin: The skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, especially to the sun. We advise that you use simple products (naturally derived, with not much alcohol in them), and use sunscreen If you live in South Florida, we offer customized skin care products at our skin care bar. We will be blend products containing only the purest of natural ingredients, specific to your skin’s needs. Please feel free to call us at 30.864.8824 for a complementary consultation.

If you’ve found this article helpful, please feel free to share it with your friends.

Wishing you a nice day,

Bay Harbour Med Spa

Thanks for stopping by Bay Harbour Med Spa’s blog. If you’re not familiar with us, we are an authentic European med spa, located minutes from the luxurious St. Regis Hotel and Resort in Bal Harbor, Florida.

Today’s short article will cover your skin’s DNA. If your skin seems dull, uneven, blemished, or the aging process has expedited, your skin’s DNA needs repairing. Sounds complicated, does it not? Actually, it’s not!

DNA damage to the skin is caused by excess exposure to the sun, bad eating habits, tanning beds, excessive alcohol consumption and the like. We’re sure you get the idea. If any of this is familiar to you, the solution is simple. Avoid the bad habits above, and in no time, you will experience the renewal and protection of skin tone and texture.

Bay Harbour Med Spa (located between Sunny Isles, Miami and Miami Beach) specializes in skin care specific for men’s skin. As a matter of fact, 45% of our clients are men. Men need skin care services just as much as women.

It’s extremely important that if you’re a man (not matter the age), you take note of why skin care, facials and proper skin care regimen is so important. Why? Well, simple! Think about the problems caused by shaving and excessive sun exposure from long hours of exposure to the sun (from playing golf, to driving from place to place, from the beach, from playing sports and so on).

What’s more, many men do not have the best eating habits and poor food choices often lead to poor skin complexion and texture. An added issue, is that most men either do not read labels or don’t know what to look for when buying skin care products. They just pick whatever they see on the shelves of drug stores and the like.

While many men have thought or considered a facial, they may be shy or uncomfortable because of the stigma that only women should get facials. Or that it’s not a masculine service to seek out. Nothing can be further from the truth! Good skin care and a healthy balanced diet is no less masculine or feminine. It is imperative for overall good health.

Men from their teens on, will benefit from a deep and purifying skin rejuvenating facial which includes the following: steaming, exfoliation, abrasion and extractions. We apply corrective serums on sun-damaged or irritated areas, followed by natural, nourishing, healing masks which we apply onto the face, neck and upper chest.

Once you experience a proper men’s facial at Bay Harbour Med Spa your skin will look and feel like it never has before.

To schedule a free consultation, please call: 305-864-8824.

Our skin care bar offers corrective skin care products such as:

• Gentle, natural shaving foams
• Alcohol-free, healing after shave moisturizers, containing essential oils, instead of artificial fragrances
• Eye cream blended to help reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes

For a complementary consultation, please call: 305-864-8824.

Here’s a great article courtesy of Yahoo!:

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/mood-boosting-bacteria-found-dirt-213800904.html

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/skin-conditions/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-your-skin