Hydration is Key

Arizona’s low humidity can quickly dehydrate your skin, leading to dullness and irritation. Hydration treatments are crucial for maintaining a supple, healthy complexion. At Blume Skin & Body, the HydraFacial® deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with nourishing serums, leaving it visibly smoother and more hydrated in just one session. The Geneo Facial is another advanced option for boosting moisture retention, helping your skin stay resilient against the dry Scottsdale air. For optimal results, pair these in-office treatments with daily use of a quality moisturizer and increased water intake.

Sun Protection: Your Best Defense

With Scottsdale’s high UV index, sun protection is a year-round priority. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is a must-zinc or titanium-based formulas offer safe, effective coverage. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, and don’t forget often-missed areas like lips and ears. After professional treatments such as laser therapies or facial peels, diligent sun protection is even more critical to prevent pigmentation and ensure optimal healing.

Exfoliation for a Glowing Complexion

Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. Professional exfoliation treatments at Blume, such as Dermaplaning and DiamondGlow, can enhance skin texture and tone while minimizing the risk of irritation commonly caused by at-home scrubs. These services are ideal for preparing your skin to better absorb hydrating and protective products, giving you that summer-ready glow.

Addressing Common Summer Skin Concerns

Summer can worsen issues like pigmentation, sunspots, acne, and melasma. Advanced treatments at Blume, including Lumenis M-22 ResurFX, Moxi, RF Microneedling, Micropen and Photofractional therapies, target pigmentation and acne scars for clearer, more even skin. These non-invasive options are tailored to address the unique challenges of Scottsdale’s climate, helping you maintain a flawless complexion.

Body Contouring Options for Summer

As pool season approaches, many look for effective ways to contour their bodies without surgery. Blume offers non-invasive solutions like CoolSculpting® ELITE, CoolTone®, and BlumeSculpt Neo to reduce stubborn fat and sculpt your physique. These treatments require no downtime, making them ideal for busy Scottsdale residents preparing for summer vacations or events.

Recommended Sun Protection Products

Daily sun protection is a cornerstone of healthy skin, especially in sunny climates like Scottsdale, AZ. The best sunscreen is one you’ll use consistently—ideally a broad-spectrum product with at least SPF 30, suited to your skin type and preferences. Here are several dermatologist-recommended options for daily use, each offering unique benefits for various needs.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

This lightweight moisturizer combines hydration with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, making it ideal for daily use. It’s formulated with ceramides and niacinamide to support the skin barrier, and is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. Suitable for most skin types, it streamlines your morning routine by offering both moisture and sun protection in one step.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sheer Matte Sunscreen SPF 30

This mineral sunscreen offers a sheer, matte finish, making it a great choice for those with oily or combination skin. The brush-on powder format is convenient for touch-ups throughout the day and won’t disrupt makeup, which encourages consistent reapplication—a key to effective sun protection.

Skinbetter Science® Broad Spectrum SPF 56 Sunscreen Compact

100% mineral-active sun protection in a tone-adapting compact.  High sun protection in a weightless, transparent, silky smooth compact. Provides priming benefits with no tint.

ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless 3.4 FL OZ

Ultralight tinted mineral sunscreen SPF 50

Eryfotona Ageless is an ultralight tinted, fast-absorbing emulsion which helps fight the signs of photoaging. Its innovative formula protects, helps repair and corrects. It combines 100% mineral SPF 50 sunscreen with an innovative blend of peptides, antioxidants, and DNA Repairsomes®, helping repair existing sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Discover Your Custom Summer Skin Plan – Book a Consultation

Preparing your skin for summer in Scottsdale means prioritizing hydration, sun protection, exfoliation, and targeted treatments for common seasonal concerns. Blume Skin & Body offers advanced, personalized solutions to keep your skin healthy and radiant all season long. Schedule a skincare consultation in Scottsdale today to create your custom summer skin care regimen and experience the best in local skin care at Blume.

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Receive luxurious, pampering elegance with the Valmont Luxury Facial at Blume Skin & Body.

This lifting facial offers deep relaxation with carefully choreographed movements from our expert aestheticians coupled with the high-quality Valmont products that nourish, protect and lift the skin for a youthful, radiant glow.

This facial is great for those looking for a lift or a boost in their skin especially in preparation for a special event. Likewise, after a long or excessive weekend, this facial would benefit anyone who is feeling puffy, drained or dull with the wonderful lymphatic massage.

What to expect during your Valmont Luxury Facial

Your luxury pampering session begins with a thorough cleansing of the skin to allow the rest of the treatment to sink in to the skin. Makeup and debris are easily swept away with the Valmont Bi-Falls and Icy Falls. Next, the Face Exfoliant and Prime Renewing Pack removes dead skin cells for a smoother complexion. Finally, the Bubble Falls, Vital Falls and Primary Veil are used to re-balance the skin’s pH and strengthen the microbiome.

Next, our expert aestheticians will use the precise Butterfly Movements of the Valmont Facial to release muscle knots in the face. This slow, deep tissue massage will hit several key areas of the face to de-puff, increase blood circulation and give a lifting effect. The Valmont Lift Boost helps to make the massage movements glide across the skin as this anti-aging and lifting serum is worked into the skin with carefully calculated motions. To seal it all in and give your skin that signature glow, the Valmont Collagen mask is left on the face while the massage continues down the neck and shoulders.

Star Ingredients

Valmont Lift Boost Ultra Lifting Concentrate is a super concentrated massage serum that delivers the potency of the anti-wrinkle ritual in a single shot. Made with Snail slime to supply nutrients and regenerate the skin’s elasticity and aid in cellular renewal to leave the skin looking luminous. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and tensing sugar extracted from oat to ensure the skin is smooth, supple and moisturized as this revolutionary product is massaged into the skin with expert techniques. The high-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid fills in fine lines due to dehydration. The Lift Boost Ultra Lifting Concentrate is specially formulated with Triple DNA – an unparalleled moisturizer that retains 10,000 times its weight in water. This state-of-the-art anti-aging molecule stimulates all cell functions, and paired with liposome RNA which helps to repair any damaged skin, your complexion will have an unmatched glow by the end of the Valmont Facial!

Final Effects

By the end of this luxurious treatment, your skin will be depuffed, firmed, toned and uplifted. Your complexion will appear glowing and features are relaxed, making you feel 10 times younger! This luxurious facial gives you the pampering and relaxation you deserve, coupled with products that help to lift, tighten and plump the skin.

If you’re ready to treat yourself to the most luxurious facial of your life, schedule your appointment with us today. Make sure to keep an eye on our monthly specials for a discount on the Valmont Facial.

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June is Acne Awareness month! So, to commemorate, I wanted to share what I’ve learned through my journey of having acne as an adult.

In the United States, Acne is the most prevalent skin condition. While acne is most common in adolescents, it can also carry on into adulthood for many people.

Acne is not only physically painful, but can be emotionally distressing as well. As someone who has dealt with persistent acne for several years in their adulthood, I can attest to how much acne can affect self-esteem. For many people who struggle with acne, we feel ashamed and upset to have breakouts on our skin. It can especially be disheartening when you feel you have tried every trick and remedy you’ve heard of, and it still won’t go away.

Read on to find some tips to managing and living with acne – at the MedSpa and at home!

Medical -Grade Treatments for Acne

At Blume Skin & Body, we have three main treatments to help address all facets of acne.

1. VI Chemical Peel

The VI Peel improves the tone, texture and clarity of the skin. There are 5 different formulations of the VI Peel to target different skin concerns. For someone with acne, the VI Peel Purify will help to kill off the bacteria that causes acne and in the next week, blemishes will dry up and flake off completely. The VI Peel Purify includes added Benzoyl Peroxide, Kojic Acid, and Hydrocortisone to target active breakouts in acne-prone skin. The VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus is an added booster to also address acne with hyperpigmentation and scarring.

VI Peel Process

2. Forever Clear BBL

If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard of a Photofacial (or IPL/BBL), but you may not have heard of a BBL meant to treat acne. The Forever Clear BBL is unique to other Photofacials, and it uses a three-step process to combat acne. First, skin is treated with a blue light to eliminate acne-causing bacteria down in the pores. Then, the skin is treated with a yellow light to reduce inflammation and redness caused by acne. Lastly, the skin is treated with infra-red light to tighten skin and initiate the skin’s healing process.

3. Microneedling

Once the acne has been controlled and there are no more active breakouts, they may still be skin issues with tone and texture. Acne can leave behind stubborn scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (red marks left after acne is gone). Microneedling is a treatment that creates tiny, controlled micro-wounds in the skin which then triggers the skin’s natural healing process to heal over those scars.

Reminders for At-Home Care of Acne-Prone Skin

The most important thing to remember with acne-prone skin is to have patience. Clearing your skin of acne can be a long road with ups and downs. This is because there could be several factors contributing to acne, including stress, hormones, diet, and many more. Addressing acne means addressing it from each angle, which requires a lot of patience!

It’s important to try and learn what your acne triggers are. Keeping a diary or notes in your phone about when you get breakouts can help you to determine whether your acne may be caused by hormonal changes, stress, environmental factors, or even certain foods. Dairy and sugar can be a trigger for acne in many people, so try cutting back on those to see if it improves the acne.

Other small habits that can add up over time would be avoiding touching your face, sleeping with your hair away from your face (if you have long hair), making sure to switch out your face towels and pillow cases frequently, and most importantly, not picking at your skin!

Finally, make sure to honor your esthetician’s work by consistently using the skincare regimen they recommend at home. Keep at it and don’t get discouraged! Progress may be slow, but every improvement should be celebrated. Each person’s acne and skin is so different, so what may work for one person may not work for you. It will take a bit of trial and error to find the solution to clear skin.

At the end of the day, acne is such a common condition and almost everyone has experienced it to some degree. We can love ourselves regardless if we have acne or not, and remember “perfect” skin does not exist – everyone gets blemishes and flaws and we don’t need to feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it! The Blume estheticians are here to help you contain and rid your face of blemishes – and they will do all that they can to get you the results you’re looking for, free of judgement.

If you’re ready to get clearer skin, call us and set up a consultation appointment today!

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If you’ve experienced collagen loss due to aging, you may have looked into a wide array of treatments. You may be asking yourself “Do I Need Filler or Ultherapy?”

The good news is, you don’t have to choose….do both and get twice the results with the 3D Collagen Boost!!

As we age, our collagen production slows down, starting in our late 20’s. As we get older, that process slows down more and more. Collagen loss looks like less volume, loose skin, thin skin, skin laxity and drooping skin. Collagen supplements and powders have become extremely popularized, however there are limitations to what those can truly do for your skin. The best results come from treatments that can replace volume loss, and help our bodies to actually produce more collagen again, giving us long-lasting results.

During the natural aging process, our body slows down the production of collagen, causing loose skin and wrinkles. At Blume Skin & Body, we love to treat volume loss, loose skin, thin skin, skin laxity and drooping skin at 3 different levels with our 3D Collagen Boost Package, which includes an Ultherapy treatment for the Face and Neck, 2 syringes of Radiesse filler, and a Neocutis Micro Firm Neck cream. This combination treatment will help you get long-lasting results in the office and at home!

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment approved by the FDA for lifting the skin on the neck, chin and brow/forehead. Ultherapy uses targeted ultrasound to lift and tighten loose skin, without any downtime! (Results vary from patient to patient). Ultherapy results last up to a year or two, with great results in patients with collagen loss.

Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to generate a thermal effect under the skin. This has the ability to reach the lowest level of the skin, the basal layer, where the collagen loss is most prominent. The thermal effect essentially fires up the repair process in the skin that strengthens existing collagen and produces fresh, brand-new collagen. Here are a few stunning before and after photos that demonstrate the power of Ultherapy!

Ultherapy Full Face Before and After

Ultherapy Neck Treatment Before and After

Radiesse

Filler, or dermal fillers, are FDA-approved to add volume to areas where the volume has been depleted or lost. They also create a smoother and/or fuller appearance to the area that’s treated. Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid are all imperative in keeping the skin smooth and tight. The combination of these injected into the skin ensures that your skin remains firm.

As stated above, our skin, over time, naturally loses elasticity as we get older. And as a result, fine lines and wrinkles will become more noticeable. Of course, genetics and lifestyle do play a large role in how our skin ages. Fillers can be used to help plump thinning lips, enhance cheek bones, restructure the chin, define the jaw line, and can create support for drooping skin. When diluted properly, it can be injected throughout the face to stimulate collagen growth.

Radiesse is a volumizing filler, and like many other fillers, it brings back instant volume to the skin for that instant gratification. What’s unique about Radiesse is that it also works under the skin to continue producing collagen, making it last up to one year!

3D Collagen Boost Before & After

Utilizing Ultherapy and Radiesse together will have even a bigger result than having one or the other alone. The 3D Collagen Boost addresses skin laxity and sagging, plus stimulates collagen while targeting deflation and volume loss.

Neocutis Neo Therapy Neck & Décolleté Tightening Cream

As a part of the 3D Collagen Boost package, you will also take home a Neocutis Neo Therapy Neck Cream. This cream supports the results of the Ultherapy treatment to improve skin texture and elasticity, continuing the reproduction of collagen, plus it adds moisture for supple skin. Overall, this neck cream is excellent to continue to tighten any saggy skin as well as diminish the appearance of age spots.

While there are several treatments to choose from, one treatment by itself can only do so much. By combining treatments, patients can have a purposeful treatment plan that is personalized to them, yielding longer lasting results. This 3D Collagen Boost Package is a trifecta of treatments that targets the aging process from every depth. Deep within the dermis, underneath the skin, and topically. This will help to fight collagen loss on 3 different levels.

If you think about your skin as a house, Ultherapy is like the foundation. Making sure the foundation is solid, secure and strong gives you the perfect base to start with. It stimulates your own collagen, creating a beautiful, lifting support. Radiesse Filler is like the insulation, adding more support and giving your home another protective layer. Top it off with the Neocutis Firming Neck cream, your house is now complete with stylish home décor!

At Blume Skin & Body we created the 3D Collagen Boost as an anti-aging package to fight collagen loss on 3 different levels. As always, results will vary from patient to patient. That’s why it is important to have a one-on-one consultation with your Licensed Ultherapist and Injector, to determine the best treatment for you!

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Photofacials have been a trending topic amidst the aesthetic and beauty world for many years and have been recently gaining even more popularity. This treatment was invented in the 90’s and it has come a long way, PhotoFacial, IPL and BBL are all terms for light energy delivered safely to the skin. At Blume Skin & Body, we are no strangers to photofacials, our office has the Lumenis M22 IPL, Sciton Joule BBL and two Sciton Mjoules with in motion BBL and the MOXI laser. Our expert Certified Laser Technichians have been able to offer many more options in terms of light and laser treatments to lift pigment, smooth out wrinkles, get rid of unwanted texture, and clear blemishes for the face and body. Read on to learn more about the different treatment options available with this one machine and which one may be right for you!

IPL/BBL Photofacial Treatments
One of the newest treatments available is BBL with the Sciton Mjoule. Many patients are familiar with the IPL (or Intense Pulsed Light) treatment, and the BBL Photofacial is very similar with the updated Broad Band Light technology. At Blume Skin & Body, the BBL Photofacial is our most popular treatment because it covers a wide array of our clients’ concerns. In Arizona especially, the sun causes so much damage to the skin, resulting in collagen destruction, added wrinkles, sun spots, and broken capillaries – all of which the BBL, IPL Photofacial can treat.

Photofacials produce amazing results for those battling pigmentation issues, including sun damage, rosacea, acne scarring, and more. Interestingly enough, photofacials have also been shown to treat dry eyes because it reduces inflammation and vascular activity around the tear duct. The Lumenis M22 IPL has gotten FDA Clearance for this amazing treatment to help with inflammation and dry eye. Check out the information on the Beautiful Eyes Treatment on our website for more information.

The Photofacial is quick, comfortable and produces amazing results from the first treatment. Patients will experience a bit of redness and perhaps swelling on day one, which will reduce quickly and in the following days, dark spots will begin to lift from the face and eventually slough away.

The BBL Photofacial is recommended to be done in a series of three, with each treatment being done four weeks apart. After the initial three treatments, patients will only need to do the treatment every 6 to twelve months for maintenance, depending on their skin and lifestyle.

Forever Body BBL
The Sciton Mjoule also allows us to recreate the stunning results of a Photofacial all over the body with the Forever Body BBL. Chest, arms, shoulders, legs and more can all be treated with ease because of the in-motion attachments on the Mjoule machine. The Forever Body BBL treatment is comfortable and quick, with little downtime, just like Photofacials!

Also recommended in a series of three treatments, the Forever Body BBL can help reduce vascular issues, redness, and dark spots to improve signs of aging anywhere on the body. Results are seen within 2 – 4 weeks.

Forever Clear BBL
Over 50% of Americans struggle with acne, but with Forever Clear BBL treatments, acne can be controlled without the use of topical creams or prescriptions. This treatment can also be done with the Sciton Mjoule, Lumenis M22 or Sciton Joule, and utilizes three different wavelengths of light to kill p.acne bacteria that causes breakouts, calm down redness and reduce inflammation. Patients who struggle with acne can receive these treatments 1 – 2 times a week and will begin to see results soon. Multiple treatments will most likely be needed, but fortunately these treatments are quick, comfortable and do not require any downtime!

Moxi + BBL Photofacial
The BBL Photofacial treatments have excellent results with little downtime, but it does have a few limitations. Those with certain skin conditions like Melasma, or darker skin tones would not be a candidate for the BBL treatments. However, that is where the Moxi laser treatment comes into play! The Moxi treatment is unique because it is safe for all skin types, allowing the providers at Blume Skin & Body to treat even more patients.

The Moxi Laser treatment is a 1927 true laser that can help even out tone and texture of skin, induce collagen production, decrease pore size, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and the Moxi can even picks up on complicated pigment that the Photofacial may miss.

This treatment can be done in combination with the BBL treatment, creating a super-powerful light and laser treatment. However, for those who aren’t a candidate for the BBL treatment, the Moxi can be done on its’ own and still provides great anti-aging, preventative care that is perfect for everybody.

Learn more about our IPL, BBL, Moxi and combination treatments by viewing our website, or set up a free consultation today to finally see clear, rejuvenated and radiant skin!

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Oxygen facials are no stranger to the aesthetics industry. They claim to help improve blood circulation, which plumps the skin and makes it appear brighter. Fight acne, and accelerate wound healing, as well as kill certain bacteria.
But are Oxygen Facials just another “hype” treatment? There are the machines that blow air “into” the pores. Glass oxygen domes that sit around the head. Topical masks that claim to bring oxygen to the skin. Needless to say, there is a lot on the market in terms of “Oxygen Facials”.

One treatment that stands out, is the Oxygeneo/Geneo Facial and is available at Blume Skin & Body. The Oxygeneo/ Geneo facial is a non-invasive treatment that is suitable for all skin types. Its unique oxygenation technology helps trigger the body’s natural, physiological process of producing oxygen. Oxygen is then carried to the surface of the skin. The elevated levels of oxygen prepare the skin to absorb key nutrients throughout the rest of the facial treatment. This process increases oxygen levels internally within skin. Not just putting oxygen around the skin, in hopes that it will penetrate.

After the oxygenation and exfoliation process is complete, a blend of active ingredients are infused into the skin during an ultrasound and neo-massage step. This allows for maximum skin hydration and pure nourishment.

As you already know, all Blume Skin treatments are 100% customizable. Even the Oxygeneo/Geneo Facial! Each and every Oxygeneo/ Geneo facial is geared towards specific skincare needs and goals. 100% natural ingredients like red algae, charcoal, & vitamin C, are calculated to achieve individual skincare goals. Natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will improve the skin’s overall health and appearance. This is always our #1 priority.

The Geneo Facial has it all. Detox, Hydrate, Illuminate, Balance and Revive. There truly is a Geneo facial for everyone!

Geneo Detox: Prevents and reduces damaged cells with the help of anti-inflammatory properties. These modalities help to soothe and relax the skin. So much of the irritation and redness are caused by external allergens, environmental stressors and free radicals.

Geneo Hydrate: Gentle exfoliation ingredients along with vitamins helps to improve the skin’s texture, tone and clarity. Natural ingredients in their dormant state helps to improve the skin’s moisture retention. This process enhances hydration and firmness. Microcirculation is stimulated as well as collagen synthesis, which leads to an improved metabolism of the skin.

Geneo Illuminate: Vitamin C and Kojic Acid will aid in reducing and inhibiting hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage and standard aging. By unifying the skins tone, a more even skin tone and texture will shine through.

Geneo Balance: Removes impurities by a proprietary blend of charcoal and a variety of acids to detoxify the skin by removing dirt and build up. The anti-bacterial ingredients help to treat and fight acne from reoccurring. Antioxidants help refine pore size as well as promote collagen stimulation while balancing oil production.

Geneo Revive: Ferulic Acid and Retinyl Palmitate helps to improve the skins elasticity, resulting in a smoother more sleek appearance. While reducing fine lines and diminishing the signs of aging, the naturally derived ingredients help to even out the skin tone and reduces sun damage.

Rather than falling for a fad oxygen treatment with little to no objective. It only makes sense to trust the science. The science of Oxygeneo/Geneo is first class. Like anything, choosing an aesthetic treatment should be based on the science and the strategy of the treatment. Covering your head with a glass dome pumping with air or “pushing” oxygen onto the skin with an airbrush tool doesn’t quite have the scientific backbone to warrant any type of result. The Oxygeneo/Geneo Facial has the capability to produce an instant gratification and long lasting results speaks for itself!

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So much skincare, how to choose the best concoction for your skin care concerns? With skincare cocktailing you can mix premium skin product brands to design the perfect skincare routine for you. What skincare products can I mix together safely? Here is a general rule of thumb with choosing skincare products according to specific skin types.

-Foaming Cleanser- is a great option for that “clean” feeling and preferably those with combination or oily skin.
-Lotion/Creamy Cleanser- gentle enough for all skin types and also a great makeup remover. Preferably those that have dry skin, sensitive skin, reactive skin and using topical prescriptions and retinol.
-Exfoliating Cleanser- not advised for active acne, or rosacea, but great for clogged pores and once weekly exfoliation.
-Antioxidant Serums- designed for brightening and free radical protection. Great for all skin types except acne.
-Hyaluronic Acid serum- perfect for everyone, even acne
-Growth Factor and Peptide Serums – excellent choice for antiaging and overall skin health
-Retinol- recommended to be advised by a medical aesthetician for dosing. Not recommended for pregnant woman, breastfeeding woman or taking Accutane.

Those were just a few standard skincare products to choose from. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

Your mom’s neighbor’s daughter is selling a multilevel marketing skincare line and you are interested in learning about the products because you have been on an uphill battle with your skin. This line seems simple, there’s a “kit” for acne, a “kit” for anti-aging, a “kit” for dry skin. Easy peasy pick a kit and abracadabra your skin is fixed! Not quite.

The pre-picked skincare kits sound great, with no thinking required. The trouble with this method is that not everyone can tolerate every product in an acne “kit” morning and night. Or the products in the anti-aging “kit”. Or any of the “kits”. Our skin is so complex. For example, there are a number of different varieties of acne. Hormone related, stress related, diet related, oil production, and so much more. It takes specific training and education to identify them. Along with aging skin, dry skin and sensitive skin.

For the majority of the population, a combination of these categories is typical. We need to take into consideration each individual’s skin type. Do they breakout still? Are they dry or oily? What’s their sensitivity level? Are they reactive? This must be done BEFORE anything else. A good skincare routine is necessary to protect your investment in any laser treatments, chemical peels or photofacial treatments.

For many, helping to erase and prevent fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation are the goal. Of course, skin care alone can’t turn back the clock, but skincare alongside good medical grade treatments can. But throwing them a cookie cutter anti-aging skincare “kit” isn’t always the answer. Is the individual oily? If they are, the products may be too heavy for them. Are they prone to breakouts? Perhaps this would lead to unwanted blemishes. Then we have to fix acne and aging. A fun combo. Your Medical Aesthetician and Certified Laser Technician can help guide you through the maze of choices.

Even treating acne can be tricky. A standard acne skincare “kit” can be extremely harmful to the skin. Typically, acne geared skincare can contain a combination of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, lactic acid, physical exfoliants and retinol. These are all amazing ingredients to help fight acne, kill bacteria and prevent future breakouts. But when these are used every day, twice a day, your results will be the complete opposite of what you were trying to achieve.

The rule of thumb when cocktailing any skincare together is, if you are using any products that are drying, or that compromise the surface of the epidermis (retinol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc.), you should be using a mild cleanser, a sunscreen and a denser moisturizer to balance out the dryness from the more aggressive products. Hyaluronic Acid is another amazing product to incorporate into your routine. Hyaluronic Acid is recommended for all skin types, especially acne. Using products that help to kill bacteria will leave the skin feeling dry and irritated. That’s when Hyaluronic can play a major role is deep hydration without adding heavy moisturizer.

Here are a few popular combinations for skincare cocktailing:

Three Step Simple Routine – Normal/Combination Skin
Epoince Lytic Cleanser AM & PM
Neocutis Bio Serum Firm AM & PM
Skin Medica Mineral Shield Tinted SPF 32 AM
Valmont Prime 24 PM

I Love My Serums Routine – Anti-Aging Routine
Valmont Illuminating Foamer AM & PM
Skin Medica Lumivive System Day & Night AM & PM
Valmont V-Line Lifting Serum AM & PM
Skin Medica Neck Correct Cream
NeoCutis MicroDay AM
NeoCutis Bio Cream Firm PM

High Maintenance 12 Steps – Love my Skin Routine
Valmont Icy Falls Makeup Remover PM
Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser AM & PM
Valmont Illuminating Toner AM & PM
Valmont Clarifying Infusion AM & PM
Skin Medica Advanced+ Serum AM & PM
Skin Medica Neck Correct Cream PM
Valmont V-Line Neck Cream AM & PM
NeoCutis Nouvelle PM
NeoCutis Lumiere Eye Cream AM & PM
Valmont Hydra3 Eye Serum
Epoince Renewal Lotion PM
Elta MD Clear SPF 47 AM

Dry Skin
Epionce Milky Lotion Cleanser AM &PM
Neocutis Bio Serum Firm AM
Valmont Hydra 3 Serum PM
Neocutis Bio Cream Firm PM
Neocutis Lumiere Eye Cream AM & PM
Neocutis Nouvelle PM as directed by you Aesthetician

Oily Skin
ZO Gentle Cleanser (AM & PM)
Neocutis Hyalis (AM)
Elta MD Clear (AM)
ZO Complexion Pads (PM every other night or as directed)
Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion (PM)
Neocutis Nouvelle (every other night or as directed by your Aesthetician))
Epionce Lytic TX (as needed)
Neocutis Lumiere (AM & PM)

Are you overwhelmed? Blume Skin & Body offers complimentary skin analysis with suggestions to add to your current routine or start fresh with new products. The Medical Aestheticians are eager to help you maintain your skin health with skin care and skin treatment suggestions. Please check out all services and products on the website.

The post Do I need a skincare system? appeared first on BLUME.

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. But for many it can be confusing. Where to start? Which system is right for me? Woman tend to be more conscientious about their skin. Making sure they are cleansing properly, exfoliating weekly, hydrating, protecting and maintaining. For men, this is a whole other world. Here are a few recommendations for an easy skincare routine for men:

Instead of: Splashing with water or using bar soap in the morning or at night
Replace with: Cleansing with a milky cleanser (dry-combination skin) or a foaming cleanser (oily skin). Cleansing with bar soap or water alone won’t thoroughly cleanse away dirt, oil, or daily debris. This will cause unwanted oil build up and bacteria that can cause acne.

Instead of; No moisturizer in the morning
Replace with; Applying a light weight sunscreen. The daily use of sunscreen will not only keep the skin protected during the day, it will hydrate the skin and won’t trigger the sebaceous glands to over produce oil.

Instead of; Using a wash cloth to scrub the skin
Replace with; Using an exfoliating cleanser a few times a week

Instead of; Using aftershave
Replace with: Using an antioxidant serum or hyaluronic acid serum after shaving. This will properly replenish the hydration to the skin and help sooth after shaving.

Instead of: No moisturizer
Replace with: Using a light weight moisturizer before bed

Instead of: Using over the counter cleansing pads
Replace with; Use a medicated pre-moistened pad

Instead of: Using alcohol or witch hazel on breakouts
Replace with: Using a medicated treatment gel or retinol

One of the most important aspects of a skincare routine (especially men) is the daily use of sunscreen. It always seems to fall to the wayside. “I’ll only be outside for a little bit.” “I never get sunburn.” “I don’t like the way sunscreen feels on my skin.” This is understandable for both men and woman. Unfortunately, sunscreen typically isn’t on a man’s radar. The daily use of sunscreen not only helps to fight the early signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. It helps to protect against precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Skin health doesn’t just stop at skincare products. There are a wide variety of skincare treatments to help maintain the appearance of the skin. Facial treatments and skin rejuvenation aren’t just for the ladies! Statistics show that men make up around 49% of the medical spa/skin rejuvenation clientele.

Ultherapy- Ultherapy is the perfect non-surgical option to help restore tightness, improve sagging, and to lift the skin.
Facials- Facials are a great maintenance treatment to help restore the skins moisture and keep the skin clear from blemishes.
Injectables (Botox, Xeomin and filler)- Injectables are wonderful to help add volume in areas it is lacking (filler). As well as decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time (toxin).
Laser- Laser therapy can help with a number of different skin conditions. Redness/broken vessels, Laser skin resurfacing for Acne Scars and Laser skin resurfacing for Sun Damage & Age Spots.

These are services that men are flocking towards to help treat and maintain their skincare goals.
Taking care of your skin has become a standard practice over the years. We get haircuts, we brush our teeth, we go to the doctor and the dentist, we take care of our skin. The largest organ on the human body is the skin, it is our shield, the protection of our organs, it deserves special care.

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The year is 2002, you have a party to attend in a few weeks and you have been dealing with acne for months. Being unbelievably fed up is an understatement. Your best friend suggests going tanning or laying in the sun to dry up your acne. The thought of getting a little tan is enticing too. Having a little color may conceal the acne as well! Your friend has been tanning for a week and it’s helping her….. until it doesn’t anymore.

In theory this method makes sense right? The suns ultra violet rays can dry the skin. So if you are dealing with acne, you must have oily skin, therefore the sun will dry up the acne. It may feel like the sun is doing something to your acne for maybe a week or so, but this is actually the complete opposite and very dangerous for your skin.

The sun doesn’t actually dry out sebum (oil) on your skin. It dries the actual skin. As a result to the skin being dry, your oil glands will then produce more oil as a response to the dryness. Picture a little army of oil coming out with a vengeance trying to protect and hydrate the skin that is in need. “We must attack the dryness! Come on troops hydrate on the double!” As a result of the oily army’s attempt to protect and secret, this then produces more breakouts and deep rooted clogged pores.

Getting Down to the Basics

Acne is not all created equal, and each different type of acne should NOT be treated the same. The most common types are cystic acne, which is typically hormonal, very red, inflamed and painful, acne due to oily skin and acne due to dry skin (which is more common than you’d think). Adding UV light to inflamed painful acne is only going to inflame it more. Adding UV light to dry skin that has acne will only make it more dry and create more of a breeding ground for acne. Adding UV light to oily skin that has acne will only dry out the very surface of the skin, making it almost impossible for the oil to secret properly. Therefore creating more oil as your oil glands are trying to produce more since it is unable to secret thoroughly.

Now that we know what the UV rays can do to acne in the beginning stages of “trying to dry it up’. Let’s talk the aftermath.

Picture this, you fall on the pavement, scrape your knee. It bleeds, and scabs over. You treat it, maybe with ointment and a bandaid. You keep it covered so that it can heal properly, since there is brand new skin underneath that scab. We want to protect it so that it doesn’t scar. So let’s circle back to your face. The scab on your knee is the breakout on your face. It is healing skin that has been inflamed, irritated, and perhaps picked at (hopefully not). If the skin isn’t protected against the UV rays you can develop Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and /or increased scarring. Acne prone/broken out skin is healing skin, combining healing skin to UV rays is a recipe for sun damage, which is even harder to remove than the acne itself.

Here are a few solutions to help treat the acne and keep it safe at the same time.

Facials:

Getting facials on a regular basis (4-6 weeks apart) can help reduce the amount of breakouts that pop up. Facials help to kill acne causing bacteria and soothes the skin from irritation that comes with painful acne. Extractions during a medical facial are extremely important. The bacteria that is lodged in the pores won’t just “come out” and you can’t just “scrub or wash it away”. It physically needs to be removed just the right way.

Peels:

Chemical peels are a great way to help kill bacteria from acne, break down the thick dead layer of skin on the surface of the epidermis, and target acne scars and hyperpigmentation (PIH). Deep set clogged pores can not be removed with a chemical peel as it works from the inside layers out. A facial like I stated above would be the best option to start.

Microneedling and Laser:

These minimally invasive treatments are fantastic for helping to eliminate acne scars, PIH, and redness (broken capillaries and broken blood vessels). However, if your acne is still active, meaning if your acne is still bacteria filled and inflamed, these methods will have to be put on hold until the acne is under control.

Lastly, finding yourself a highly skilled Medical Esthetician that is well versed in acne is huge. Like I stated above, acne is not all created equal. So treating it should be customized.

There was a time where doing at-home beauty treatments were all the rage, putting toothpaste on a blemish was the “go-to” and reading Cosmo was a great way to find beauty hacks. Well, its a new day my dear, and beauty is at the hand of the esthetician. One hand has all your customized treatments ready to take charge. The other hand is holding yours during this confusing time. We are here to help you all along the way of your skincare journey. Whatever your journey may be, we got your back.

The post But the Sun Dries Out my Acne… appeared first on BLUME.

The Instagram filter look can mess with our heads majorly. It projects an unachievable goal to not only young girls, but to grown adults too! While we are all trying to raise our daughters with lessons of self love, body positivity and plain old acceptance, there’s no denying we all STILL want to have awesome skin. But our mental health doesn’t have to suffer to get it. Here are 5 habits to get fabulous skin.

Moisturize

Now this may seem too simple, and it sort of is! Many individuals that have dealt with skin issues like acne, or oily skin typically skip this important step in fear of making things worse. It’s actually the complete opposite. When our skin isn’t properly hydrated it creates a thin dead layer of skin on the very surface of the epidermis. Sometimes you can see it and usually you can feel it. What happens is, that dead layer of skin creates such a barrier that your natural oil production is unable to secrete properly. Instead, it secretes slower than normal, creating a shine to the skin, giving the skin an oily appearance. That’s why many think they have oily skin. Since that oil secretion is moving so slowly, the oil can get stuck under the dead skin and form into deep clogged pores. Moisturizing on a regular basis can ease that dead skin helping to balance the entire function of the skin, including oil production.

The same applies to dry, combination and aging skin. Moisturizing is crucial for lubricating the pores, and feeding the skin what it needs. Fine lines and wrinkles will be less visible when they are properly hydrated. So finding a great moisturizer for night time is very important.

Sunblock

Now that we’ve covered the night time moisturizer portion, now we can cover the day time. Ah yes, SPF should be your BFF. Daily use of SPF is a great way to achieve fabulous skin. The best sunscreen to look for isn’t necessarily one that has a large SPF number on the front of the bottle. It’s actually the percentage of the active ingredients on the back of the bottle that give the sunscreen its protection power. High percentages of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral ingredients that create a physical barrier from the sun. If you are using products that make you more photosensitive, like retinol or glycolic acid, or receiving treatments that make you more susceptible to burn or hyperpigmentation, SPF everyday is imperative.

Retinol

Piggybacking from the importance of SPF, retinol is an amazing product to incorporate into your skincare routine. Retinol based products can come in all different shapes, sizes and potencies. Retinol or Retin-A is a derivative of Vitamin A. It helps with cellular turnover and helps to soften signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles) and is a key component in helping with acne. It helps with skin texture, dilated pores and general skin wellness. Retinol use can be as simple as using it intermittently a few times a week, or spot treating acne blemishes. It is important to remember that you must limit your sun exposure during the time of use. For example, don’t use retinol the night before you know you’re going out on a hike, swimming, or any outdoor activity the following day. And when you do go out, make sure the retinol has been cleansed off the following day and a proper SPF has been applied.

Serum

So many serums, how do I know which one is best?! That all depends on what your skin is doing at the moment and your goals. Hyaluronic acid, antioxidant, peptide, and growth factor serums all have so many amazing benefits. So to pick the best one for you leads me into the next must-have for fabulous skin.

Medical Esthetician

Establishing a good relationship with a highly trained, knowledgable Medical Esthetican will guarantee the right path for you on your skincare journey. Which serum to invest in, and which treatments you should dedicate your time on maintaining your fabulous skin. Whether is laser, facials, microneedling, peels or microdermabrasions, your esthetician will establish a treatment regimen to fit your needs completely.

Living in a highly virtual world where the filters are at our fingertips, it’s important to remember the true beauty within us. True beauty can’t be seen in a mirror or a computer screen or a phone. We were all born to be real, real people with real flaws. Perfection is such an illusion that we continuously have to remind ourselves of. Luckily the support from trusted professionals can help keep your true beauty shining through.

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