Solé Medical Spa

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Acne - No matter the age

As we go through our teen years our hormones are raging and we all tend to get at least a few blackheads and some of us get horrible acne for a couple of years! Hormones are to blame for the excess oil and breakouts that we experience. As we get older most of us think those annoying pimples and blackheads are long gone, but hormones are still active and constantly changing. This means we are still going to deal with the occasional breakout or increase in oil production. Hormones are just one of the things we battle with acne, so many things come into play when we are trying to pinpoint the cause. But one thing is for sure, Skin Medica really shines when it comes to helping to dry up excess oil without over stripping your skin and helping to prevent breakouts with a special Benzoyl Peroxide cream.

SkinMedica's Acne System employs therapeutic antiseptics to destroy bacteria, clean deeply, speed healing and reduce breakouts on blemish-prone or troubled skin.

Prevents pores from clogging
Reduces the number of skin surface bacteria, whiteheads and blackheads
Promotes normal cell turnover, which can slow with oily skin types.
Absorbs oil from skin surface

Friday, July 1, 2011

Over time, as the sun damages your skin, the temporary wrinkles that form on your forehead when you move your facial muscles may become permanent, making you look stern, tired or angry even when the underlying muscles are still. This happens because the sun degrades the skin so much that it loses its ability to "snap" back into place. Botox relaxes the muscles under those wrinkles, thus smoothing out the brow.

Some physicians use Botox very carefully around the lips. If applied in sparing amounts, Botox injections can help to improve the fine vertical wrinkles in this facial area. Botox can also improve depressed eyebrows, and it is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the underarms or hands.

A tiny amount of Botox around the eyes can make them look wider, according to some Botox specialists. The procedure is particularly popular amongst Asian patients, but may be performed on anyone seeking wider eyes. The Botox is injected into the lower portion of the orbicularis oculi, which is the muscle that encircles the eye near the cheekbone. The injection causes the middle of the eye to sink downward, creating a slightly larger eye opening. It also creates a more almond shape that's widest in the middle and more narrow on the sides. The only issue with using Botox for wider eyes is that the orbicularis oculi muscle is the same muscle that enables the eyelid to shut. If there were a problem with the injection, the patient may run the risk of not being able to shut his or her eye.

Botox is often used in conjunction with lasers and fillers to enhance the overall results of those treatments. Rarely will you achieve great skin by only doing one thing or another. It really takes a few different approaches to your skin, such as Botox, laser, and correct skincare. Just like you can exercise, but if you diet too, you'll get to your goal much faster!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Getting to know us...

Our Receptionist

Sole Medical Spa wouldn’t run the same without our hardworking, multi-tasking receptionist Martha Cunningham! She is arguably the best receptionist in town and we are proud to have had her here for two years! Being

at the front all day, she deals with the good, the bad, and the ugly and still somehow manages to always have a smile. Her good nature and funny wit make her a pleasure to be around. She has always enjoyed caring for those around her. With us, she is able to do that, along with the fun of cosmetic needs, for her, it is the best of both worlds. She joins us in our goal to help patients look good and feel even better! Martha grew up and started a family in Palm Beach county Florida. She relocated to Tifton in 2006. She has three boys who are without a doubt her heart and soul. Brandon, Bailey, and Bo, who range in age from nineteen to ten, keep her on her toes and going constantly. If she isn’t at Sole booking appointments and answering the phones, you can bet on finding her at Tift Area Academy either on the football field keeping stats or at the basketball court working the clock! In her “downtime” she also enjoys running and exercising. She has joined our aesthetician, Laura Burke, and nurse, Rita Taylor, in 5k races. Martha and her boys have recently started attending Journey church. Martha loves skincare and all of the procedures that we offer, from chemical peels to Botox to massages. But when pressed to name two of her most favorite things, she chooses the filler Radiesse, which she has had in her cheeks and temples, and IPL laser treatments, which has taken away all of those sun spots she has from growing up in south Florida!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Mystery of Sunscreen

Of course, we love SkinMedica's products. So naturely when this sunscreen came out a few months ago we were all over it! This very water-resistant, full spectrum UVA/UVB defense sunscreen protects the skin from the sun’s harmful rays in an oil-free, PABA-free and fragrance-free formulation. We love how light it feels on the skin, but still gives great protection!
Very water resistant

Provides long-lasting UV protection

Provides skin with antioxidant protection against free radical damage

UV ProPlex™ improves performance by effecting a more uniform distribution of UV filters on the skin

Active Ingredients:

Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5.0% → An FDA approved, water-resistant sunscreen that provides excellent UVB absorption that helps prevent sun damage to the skin.
Oxybenzone 6.0%, Octocrylene 2.0% → An FDA approved sunscreen that provides excellent UVB absorption as well as short-wave UVA that helps prevent sun damage to the skin.
Zinc Oxide 3.3% - Zinc Oxide → An FDA-approved inorganic sunscreen. When used in sunscreens, it creates a physical barrier that coats the skin surface and blocks most UVA and all UVB rays from penetrating the skin.

We couldn't have said it better than this article written by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Q. Who needs to use sunscreen?
A. In a word: Everyone! More than 2 million nonmelanoma skin cancers are diagnosed annually.¹ Many studies have found an association between sunburns and enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Dermatology recognize six skin categories:

Skin type	Sun history

I	Always burns easily, never tans, extremely sun-sensitive skin.

II	Usually burns easily, tans minimally, very sun-sensitive skin.

III	Sometimes burns, tans gradually to light brown, sun-sensitive skin.

IV	Burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown, minimally sun-sensitive skin.

V	Rarely burns, tans well, sun-insensitive skin.

VI	Never burns, deeply pigmented, sun-insensitive skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that, regardless of skin type, a broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 should be used year-round.

Q: What are UVA and UVB rays?
A: Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays: ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays (which pass through window glass) penetrate deeper into the dermis, the thickest layer of the skin. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system, which interferes with the immune system's ability to protect you against the development and spread of skin cancer. UVA exposure also is known to lead to signs of premature aging of the skin such as wrinkling and age spots.

The UVB rays are the sun's burning rays (which are blocked by window glass) and are the primary cause of sunburn. A good way to remember it is that UVA rays are the aging rays and UVB rays are the burning rays. Excessive exposure to both forms of UV rays can lead to the development of skin cancer.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

Q: When should sunscreen be used?
A: Sunscreen should be applied every day to exposed skin, and not just if you are going to be in the sun. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass windows, but UVA rays can, leaving you prone to these damaging effects if unprotected.

For days when you are going to be indoors, apply sunscreen on the areas not covered by clothing, such as the face and hands. Sunscreens can be applied under makeup, or alternatively, there are many cosmetic products available that contain sunscreens for daily use. Sun protection is the principal means of preventing premature aging and skin cancer. It's never too late to protect yourself from the sun and minimize your future risk of skin cancer.

Don't reserve the use of sunscreen only for sunny days. Even on a cloudy day, up to 80 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. In addition, sand reflects 25 percent of the sun's rays and snow reflects 80 percent of the sun's rays.

Q: How much sunscreen should be used, and how often should it be applied?
A: Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outdoors. When using sunscreen, be sure to apply it to all exposed areas and pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands, and arms. Coat the skin liberally and rub it in thoroughly — most people apply only 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen.

One ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Don't forget that lips get sunburned, too, so apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Sunscreens should be reapplied approximately every two hours or after swimming or perspiring heavily. Even so-called "water-resistant" sunscreens may lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water. Sunscreens rub off as well as wash off, so if you've towel-dried, reapply sunscreen for continued protection.
Also, there are a number of combination cosmetic products, such as moisturizers that contain sunscreen, but it is important to remember that these products also need to be reapplied to achieve continued UV protection.

Q: What type of sunscreen should I use, and what ingredients should I look for?
A: There are so many types of sunscreen that selecting the right one can be quite confusing.

Sunscreens are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks. The type of sunscreen you choose is a matter of personal choice. Creams are best for individuals with dry skin, but gels are preferable in hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest.

Sticks are good around the eyes. Creams typically yield a thicker application than lotions and are best for the face. There also are sunscreens made for specific purposes, such as sensitive skin and for use on babies.
Ideally, sunscreens should be water-resistant, so they cannot be easily removed by sweating or swimming, and should have an SPF of 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB light. Ingredients to look for on the sunscreen label to ensure broad-spectrum UV coverage include:

Cinoxate
Ecamsule
Menthyl anthranilate
Octyl methoxycinnamate
Octyl salicylate
Oxybenzone
Titanium dioxide
Zinc oxide

Q: Can I use the sunscreen I bought last summer, or do I need to purchase a new bottle each year? Does it lose strength?
A: Unless indicated by an expiration date, the FDA requires that all sunscreens be stable and at their original strength for at least three years.

You can use the sunscreen that you bought last summer, but keep in mind that if you are using the appropriate amount, a bottle of sunscreen should not last very long. About 1 ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered to be the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly.

Q: What is an SPF?
A: SPF stands for sun protection factor. Sunscreens are rated or classified by the strength of their SPF. The SPF numbers on the packaging can range from as low as 2 to greater than 50. These numbers refer to the product's ability to deflect the sun's burning rays (UVB).

The sunscreen SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.
For example, if a sunscreen is rated SPF 2 and a person who would normally turn red after 10 minutes of exposure in the sun uses it, it would take 20 minutes of exposure for the skin to turn red. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 would allow that person to multiply that initial burning time by 15, which means it would take 15 times longer to burn, or 150 minutes. Even with this protection, sunscreen photo degrades (breaks down) and rubs off with normal wear, so it needs to be reapplied approximately every two hours.

Dermatologists strongly recommend using a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater year-round for all skin types. This will help protect against sunburn, premature aging (e.g., age spots and wrinkles) and skin cancer.

Q: Does the SPF tell how well a sunscreen protects against UVA or UVB rays?
A: The SPF number on sunscreens only reflects the product's screening ability for UVB rays. At present, there is no FDA-approved rating system that identifies UVA protection. Scientists are working to create a standardized testing system to measure UVA protection.

Q: Does SPF 30 have twice as much sun protection as SPF 15?
A: UVB protection does not actually increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, an SPF of 30 screens 97 percent of UVB rays, whereas an SPF of 15 screens 93 percent of UVB rays, and an SPF of 2 screens 50 percent of UVB rays. However, inadequate application of sunscreen may result in a lower SPF than the product contains.

Whichever SPF you choose, wearing sunscreen should not provide a false sense of security about protection from UVB exposure. No sunscreen can provide 100 percent UVB protection. Using a higher SPF provides greater UVB protection than a lower SPF, but it does not mean that you should stay out in the sun longer.

Q: Is sunscreen application all I need to do to protect myself from the sun?
A: Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here's how to be sun smart:

Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. "Broad-spectrum" provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.³
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Q: Is there a safe way to tan?
A: There is no safe way to tan. A tan damages the skin. Tanning occurs when ultraviolet rays penetrate the epidermis, the skin's outer layer causing the production of melanin as a response to the injury.
Chronic exposure to ultraviolet light, both natural and artificial, results in a change in the skin's texture, causing wrinkling and age spots. Thus, tanning to improve appearance is ultimately self-defeating.
Every time you tan, you damage your skin and this damage accumulates over time. This accumulated damage, in addition to accelerating the aging process, also increases your risk for all types of skin cancer.

Q: Are tanning beds a safer way to tan?
A: In spite of claims that tanning beds offer "safe" tanning, indoor tanning equipment, which includes all artificial light sources such as beds, lamps, bulbs, booths, etc., emits UVA and UVB radiation. The amount of the radiation produced during indoor tanning is similar to the sun and in some cases may be stronger. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning damages the DNA in the skin cells. Also, excessive exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning can lead to skin aging, immune suppression, and eye damage, including cataracts and ocular melanoma.

Many tanning salons are unregulated, allowing customers (especially those with fair skin that tans poorly) access to tanning beds without supervision or eye protection. The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) opposes indoor tanning and supports a ban on the production and sale of indoor tanning equipment for non-medical purposes. The Acadmey supports the World Health Organization recommendation that minors should not use indoor tanning equipments because indoor tanning devices emit UVA and UVB radiation and overexposure to UV radiation can lead to the development of skin cancer.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services and International Agency for Research on Cancer panel have declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

Q: How do I treat a sunburn?
A: In case you forget to cover up and apply sunscreen, the resulting sunburn can be painful, as well as dangerous. Remember that you may not immediately see the effects of overexposure to the sun. It may take up to 24 hours before the full damage is visible.

There are several types of burns and burn treatments. The two most common sunburns are first-degree burns and second-degree burns.

First-degree sunburns cause redness and will heal, possibly with some peeling, within a few days. These can be painful and are best treated with cool baths and moisturizers or over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams.
Avoid the use of "-caine" products (such as benzocaine), which may cause sensitivity to a broad range of important chemicals. Anti-inflammatory oral medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may lessen the pain and discomfort associated with sunburn.

Second-degree sunburns blister and can be considered a medical emergency if a large area is affected. Do not break the blisters, as they are a natural protective mechanism to heal the affected area and rupturing them delays the healing process and invites potential infection. A layer of gauze may be used to cover the area until healed.

When a burn is severe, accompanied by a headache, chills, or a fever, seek medical help immediately.
Be sure to protect your skin from the sun while it heals and thereafter.

Q: Will using sunscreen limit the amount of vitamin D I get?
A: Unprotected UV exposure to the sun or indoor tanning devices is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Sun exposure is responsible for vitamin D production in the skin, so wearing sunscreen will decrease the skin's production of vitamin D.

Individuals who wear sunscreen and are concerned that they are not getting enough vitamin D should discuss their options for obtaining sufficient vitamin D from foods and/or vitamin supplements with their doctor.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Getting to know us...

Our Medical Asthetician

Laura Burke serves as our Medical Aesthetician. She has her certificate from the Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics and worked in Atlanta, Georgia as an aesthetician before getting married and moving to Tifton. Laura has been

with Sole for two years now. After graduating of high school, Laura started college with the intent of being a nurse. She loves people and caring for their needs, both the physical and emotional. However, after being in the nursing program, she realized nursing was not what she wanted to do with her life. She has found medical esthetics to be the perfect combination of treating patients and caring for their needs, while having fun and being girlie at the same time. Her favorite part of her job is seeing changes within a patient and their confidence growing. Patients love her nurturing personality, compassionate heart, knowledge within the field, and easy-going attitude. She is a treasure to have with us! Treatments she personally enjoys are chemical peels and Botox. Neither of which she would ever want to do without. She and her husband, Chris Burke, will celebrate their second wedding anniversary at the end of May. They live in Tifton and have enjoyed starting their life here. Laura enjoys running and fitness. She has participated in 5k races and is planning on a 10k this summer. She and her husband are very involved in their church, First Baptist Tifton, and its small groups and activities. Although, they are yet to become parents, they do have three, furry, four-legged children who are great substitutes for now. Laura is excited about the field of esthetics and its challenges of keeping up with this fast paced industry.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Longing for beautiful skin? From head to toe??

We have recently started carrying the Clarisonic cleansing systems. And we are so excited!! So why choose Clarisonic? Sonic Skin Cleansing improves skin tone, reduces the appearance of pore size, but my personal favorite reason is it helps skin care products work their best. The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System uses a

patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just 60 seconds, the micro-massage action removes 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Removing more dirt and oil from your pores also helps products work more effectively. When you are using products like our Skin Medica medical grade skincare, you want to get all you can out of these unparalleled products! We are carrying two different cleansing systems. THE MIA: The Mia is a great cleansing system, but it is small and compact. This system only has one speed. It's

compact size makes it ideal to carry on trips. The Mia comes in fun colors too! THE PRO: This is a major step up from the Mia. This model is only sold by skincare professionals and has varying speeds. Increasing the speed provides you with a better exfoliation. Great for after a day of makeup, after workouts, or if you tend to have more oily skin. It even comes with a BODY brush head. Perfect for pre-spray tans/lotions!! Speaking of heads, Clarisonic makes five different heads. This allows ANYONE to use this system. No matter what your skin issues are, there is a brush head for you!

Delicate: The most gentle of all the heads, for ultra sensitive skin.

Sensitive: These bristles are only slightly more stiff, best used for sensitive skin to normal skin. Perfect for using twice a day.

Normal: This is great for getting every bit of dirt, oil, and makeup off you skin, but still gentle enough to use daily. And hey gentleman, this works very well to prep skin before shaving (And don't worry... the whole system comes in graphite gray too!).

Deep Pore: Okay, so if you are wanting all you can get out of this wonderful system, the Deep Pore head is for you! Abrasive enough to give you a great exfoliation, prep your skin for product and cut right through the daily grime. Have difficulty with large pores or hard to reach areas of the face, such as around the nose... this little guy is your answer! Again, gentle enough for use every day of the week! Doesn't get much better than that!

Body: But wait, why yes it does! The body brush allows you to not just give your face the royal treatment, but your entire body! Perfect before shaving your legs or bikini area, getting your skin and hair ready for a super close shave. Use before using tanning lotions, sprays, or towelettes for a longer lasting, more even tan!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Skin Medica: TNS Essential Serum

At Sole Medical Spa we are completely loyal to Skin Medica. Why out of all the brands of product out there would we have chosen this one line? Skin Medica is a medically based line. Every product they come out with has had tons of research put into it. They don't just bottle some moisturizers and smell-good fragrances, slap a price tag on it, and start selling. TNS Essential Serum is a great example of their whole approach to skincare. This is a combination of two things we believe your skin cannot and should not go without.

TNS: Which stands for Tissue Nutrient Solution. While there are many ingredients in this first chamber including antioxidants, soluble collagen, cytokines and natural proteins, the foundation and most important part is the human fibroblast and human growth factors. This un-paralleled combination is what makes TNS so important to your daily skincare regimen. It helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and the overall tone and texture of skin; strengthens the skin's natural ability to regenerate itself; and improves firmness and resiliency.
APS: This chamber focuses more on your needed antioxidants and peptides. Each of course has its own purpose and design, but for the most part they are going to counteract free radical damage, provide significant protection against UVA rays, Reduces redness, and improve an array of other areas.

There are so many facets to both solutions that we’ll have to come back another time and focus more on one and then the other. So keep checking back with us!