Summer Skin

Sea + Sun + Soirees will not equal happy skin.

Summer can mean being overly exposed to the heat of the sun, the salty ocean, or too much chlorine from swimming pools.
Of course plunging into the ocean feels fantastic, but the alkaline nature of seawater (with a pH between 7.5 and 8.4) will have a drying effect on the skins naturally acidic pH. Then you throw in the warm temperature, air conditioning, and poolside cocktails, and you have created a recipe for skin damage.
These factors all compromise the barrier function of the epidermis (your skin protecting what's underneath), and your skin will become crepey (wrinkled!) and dehydrated.

To treat the damage of summer, you must focus on calming and soothing your skin. The goal is to eliminate irritation and inflammation, and to restore the barrier function of the skin. This damage puts you in the category of having sensitive skin, and therefore, less is more.

1.Choose a cleanser formulated for sensitive skin. Usually, these types will have eliminates irritants like drying alcohols or artificial fragrances. (Note: these cleansers are typically milky and creamy in consistency, and will not foam up when worked into the skin with water).

2. Exfoliation is optional, but if you chose to include it, use a gentle/mild exfoliant. (The bottle should specify if it is gentle/for sensitive skin). A gentle formulation won't increase the redness and agitation of the skin, and will leave the enzymes to get to work to break down the protein material of the skin. Steer clear of using any kind of "scrubs", as they will cause friction, stimulate capillaries, and increase the heat of the skin.

3. Speaking of heat, be careful of the temperature of the water you use when cleansing. Because damaged skin has had its barrier lipids weakened, hot water can further destroy your already tender skin. Water should be tepid. The warmer the water, the more counterproductive treating your skin will be when the purpose is to calm and reduce inflammation.

4. Serums and masks are vital in treating sensitized skin, and offer the most therapeutic results. Oatmeal is the greatest ingredient for calming itchy or irritated skin, so look for a mask that contains oatmeal, and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes on the skin.

Overall, you want to avoid temperature extremes - nothing too hot or too cold - as both will place additional strain on the delicate capillaries.

6 Ways to S.O.S

Save.Our.Skin!

There are a few common mistakes when it comes to sunscreen application (or lack-there-of) that can put you at risk for cancer. Luckily, the fixes are easy.

Here is a list of 6 mistakes that are commonly made, and 6 ways to tweak your routine to stay worry-free!

#1. Putting others before yourself.

Normally, it is the kind thing to do. But when it comes to sunscreen application, you want to do the exact opposite. That short 15 minutes you take lathering up the kids, your significant other, family, or friends, you've made yourself susceptible to sunburn, which damages the skin's DNA which leads to cancer.

The Quick Fix:

Think of it like being on an airplane, when the flight attendants are explaining the proper use of the oxygen masks should they deploy, take care of yourself first. The best strategy is applying sunscreen in the bathroom - unclothed - before leaving the house. The solution needs 15-30 minutes to bind to your skin anyhow. Applying "in the buff" will ensure that you've covered every spot, and are less likely to miss the areas around the edge of your clothing, which most frequently end up burned.

Once outside, apply more. Think of it like paint or nail polish; one coat doesn't finish the job.

#2. Believing the labels.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but a sunscreen that claims to "last 8 hours", isn't possible. These products are tested in less-than-realistic conditions, and more lotion is used than an average person would apply. A full ounce is needed to cover your body, but realistically, we use about one quarter of that. The test conditions also do not take into account or include the possibility of swimming or sweating.

The Quick Fix: Despite what the label may tell you, reapply frequently! Especially after dips into the water and wiping yourself dry (and wiping off whatever sunscreen you had left on your skin). Staying out of the sun during peak hours (10 a.m- 3 p.m) is also recommended.

#3. Thinking sunscreen is only needed at the beach/pool/lake/river/any body of water.

Wrong! Wanna know where potentially deadly melanoma is most commonly found? Not the arms and shoulders, but the lower legs. That is in part to wearing shorts/skirts/capris without sunscreen.

The Quick Fix:

Shield yourself everyday with light lotions that provide protection against bout UVA and UVB rays. But choose wisely: look for lotions with at least an SPF of 30, and that contain a combination of avobenzone and octocrylene, or zinc oxide (just read  the ingredients people!).


#4. But I look younger and skinnier when I am tan.

That may be true, but that way of thinking is honestly irresponsible.

There are better, safer ways to obtain that glow. Whenever your skin changes color from UV exposure, it is more than a tan, it is a sign of DNA and skin damage.

And forget about tanning beds! The UV light that is emitted from those beds penetrate deeper than UVB rays (which is actually the harsher of the 2). One out of five women reading this use tanning beds. Even if it's only "occasionally", 74% of you are more likely to develop melanoma. Do the math!

The Quick Fix: Spray tans and self tanner! I know, I know, you're worried about ending up the same color orange as an Oompa Loompa. But do your research! We provide customized Airbrush Tanning with Sunless Tans solution; the most natural, bronzing tan solution you've ever seen! It gives the best brown/gold tint, as if you've been vacationing in Hawaii, but without the dangers of UV exposure! L'Oreal also makes a fabulous self tanner called Sublime Bronze. Use your resources, you'll find one right for you!


#5. Not wearing sunglasses when we should.

Most commonly, we wear our shades between 10 a.m and 3 p.m (peak sun hours). But it is during that time that the sun is directly above us, and our eyes are protected by our eyebrows (they're not just for waxing!). In the morning and late afternoon, when the sun is low in the sky, is when our eyes are hit more directly. UV light to the eyes will raise our risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and eyelid cancer (yes, that unruly "c" word can even occur on your lids). Eyelid cancer accounts for 5-10% of all skin cancers.

The Quick Fix: Wear your shades every time you're in the sun. Choose a pair that will block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays (it should say so on the label). You can also take your current pairs to an optician who can measure how much radiation they block. THE BIGGER THE BETTER!
#6. Skin checks?

Around 95% of squamous and basal cell carcinomas are curable, if treated early. So are 99% of melanomas. But far too many of us are not seeing dermatologists regularly. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends skin checks once a year.While doing your own scans are highly recommended (see our blog post about the ABCDE's of detecting melanoma here), there is nothing compared to the examination of a trained professional.
The Quick Fix: Schedule your skin check ups while you set up your other annual appointments (dentist, ob/gyn, etc.). That way you don't forget!

VISIT THIS SITE WWW.AAD.ORG AND FIND FREE SCANNING SITES NEAR YOU!

Sweet News!

A recent study conducted at UC San Francisco found that eating a 1.6-ounce bar of dark chocolate packed with flavanoids relaxes the blood vessels, increases circulation and improves blood flow to the heart! (Flavanoids are plant-based compounds that are also found in red wine and tea). This is very *sweet* news for healthier-looking skin! The flavanoids in just one square of dark chocolate on a daily basis can also significantly decrease skin scaling and roughness, and may help protect it from UV rays.

Here's a sweet tip: The darker the chocolate the better! Milk chocolate also contains flavanoids, but not nearly as much.

Dear 16-year old me...the importance of skin scans.

Skinny Nut!

The pistachio is often referred to as the *skinny nut*.
It is known to limit the blood sugar (glucose) response found in the bodies of people who have a metabolic syndrome that often leads to type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Benefits of the skinny nut are:
*They contain fewer calories - about 160 per ounce - than most other nuts
*In-shell version takes longer to eat, which enables teh snacker to fill up faster
*They are believed to lower LDL levels (bad cholesterol)
*Good source of fiber and protein
A yummy snack with great benefits! A win-win!

Detecting Melanoma

It is important, as a skin care  facility, to call attention to a disease that kills one American ever hour. But when detected early, it can often be successfully treated.

Developed by NYU's Langone Medical Center, a guide to detecting melanoma provides criteria for diagnosing it, as well as other skin cancer's. The dermatologists developed this quick and simple guide known as the ABCDEs to be a self examination process of the skin to detect moles that could be cancerous.

A is for Asymmetry, where one-half of the mole is unlike the other.

B is for Border, where the mole is irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.

C is for Color, which varies from one area to another or has different shades of tan, brown, black, and sometimes white, red, or blue.

D is for Diameter of a mole when it is bigger than the size of a pencil eraser.

E is for Evolving or changing size, shape, or color.

Skin Cancer checks are important for everyone, including African-Americans. It is recommended for African-Americans to get annual exams and to use sunscreen diligently, because when skin cancer does occur within this population, the mortality rate tends to be high because of late detection.

The month of May was Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, but at aRejuvenation Spa, we like to stress the importance of skin protection every month. Living in the Mile High state, the sun can be especially bright and unforgiving. Please protect yourselves by using an SPF of 15 or higher everyday. We especially love PCA Skin's moisturizers with SPF in them which provide ample coverage without having to blob thick sunblock onto your face each day. They have a fully customizable line that contains a moisturizer for every skin type and occasion. To encourage regular sunscreen use, we are offering them at 10% off this month. See www.pcaskin.com to find a moisturizer that's right for you, or call/stop by to talk with us about it... we love to help!

Blue-berry good for you!

Adding blueberries into your diet can strengthen your immune system, keep colds away, cleanse your blood, and repair and protect your skin!

Blueberry Facts:
*Strengthens blood vessels (leads to healthier blood pressure levels and a healthier heart)
*Improves memory, balance, and coordination
*Improves eyesight
*Prevents and relieves arthritic symptoms
*Lowers blood pressure
*Contain manganese, which support strong bones
*Lowers cholesterol
*May help prevent urinary tract infections
*High levels of Vitamin C to support your immune system
The summer months are here, and it is the perfect blueberry season! So eat up!

Fill'er Up!

Forget drastic plastic surgery and discover an alternative, non-invasive procedure that can actually slow the aging process. Put aside all of your pre-conceived notions about Botox, and learn just how this gentle approach can take years off of your face.

When is the right time to start using Botox?
Botox is just as much a preventative measure for keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay as it is for cosmetic or corrective use. If you wait too long to begin, and wrinkles get deep enough to crack the epidermis, it becomes much more difficult to treat and almost impossible to completely correct. There is no concrete age when beginning treatment is recommended, because each person's skin ages differently. If you are uncertain about when to start, just keep in mind that prevention is the best medicine!
Why Botox?
The intention of Botox is to smooth anything from mild to deep-set furrows, crow's feet, and frown lines while leaving your face capable of movement. If injected conservatively (and correctly), it will do just that. According to the FDA, Botox is one of the safest procedures out there. It even recently won FDA approval as a treatment for chronic migraines. This injectable wonder can also make you feel better in other ways, with a theory that there is a mood-elevating factor that comes along with treatments - possibly because frowning can send feedback to your brain that you are feeling bad. Most people hold tension between their brows and are sending that signal to their brains without even realizing it.

Will I look catwoman-esque?
No! As long as the injections are done correctly. The safest way to find the best doctor is always referrals from friends, family members, and physicians. Word of mouth is best, and beware of Internet searches (doctors can pay for search engines to display them as 'the best plastic surgeon').

Can I over-do it?
Absolutely. Which is why it is so important to find a doctor who will treat you correctly and ethically. For best results, it is actually recommended that you begin with frequent injections within the first year (3 or 4 treatments), and then scale back to 1 or 2 sessions a year. The idea is to build up a foundation of training the muscle, then getting to a place where injections may not even be needed. After several treatments, the muscle "forgets" how to contract in a frowning manner, and you will need injections less frequently.

How can we help?

Once a month, our medical director, Dr. Michael Shell, provides Botox treatments at our location at a discounted rate. There is no better way to try something out than with a deal! Stay tuned for the announcement of the next Botox Night in July!

June Specials!

Laser Hair Removal

Bathing suits and tank tops and tube tops, OH MY!

Begin laser hair removal treatments on your underarms and get 10% off this month!

Skin Care

Freshen up your skin to be as bright as the Colorado sun! For those of you who haven't, try a signature aRejuvenation Facial with Kait for just $50!

Massage Therapy

Aside from relaxing and revitalizing yourself, massage increases circulation and reduces the physical dangers of stress. Recuperate from all of the fun in the sun with

$10 off any massage!

Nail Care

We've got 10 good reasons for anyone who hasn't had a pedicure before to treat themselves; your toes!

Enjoy $1 off each lil' reason, to get $10 off your first pedicure!

SUNSHINE DAY!

10% OFF ON ANY PCA MOISTURIZER WITH SPF!

May Specials

Laser Hair Removal 

Get yourselves swimsuit ready! Start treatments on a bikini region and get 10% OFF your first treatment!

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 Skin Care 

Bronze the safe way with a natural looking Airbrush Tan! Just $20!

(Enhance the life of your tan with an eXmitt Exfoliating Mitt that can be used right before your tanning session. Add $4!)

 

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Massage Therapy

Relax and rejuvenate your muscles with a 60-Minute Deep Tissue Massage for only $65!

Nail Care
Have you met Ashton yet?
New clients book a Gel Manicure with her and receive 30% OFF!

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 *Specials may not be combined with any other discounts or offers.

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Here Comes the Sun...

Sunscreen is the number one product to protect your skin from the aging process.

To date, there is not a criteria in the United States for measuring and labeling the amount of UVA defense that a sunscreen provides. The FDA, however, plans to introduce UVA standards within the next few years.
They would demand that manufacturers assess the sunscreen's ability to screen out UVA with a series of tests, then be given a 1 to 4 star rating; 1 indicating the lowest and 4 the highest among of UVA protection. Any manufacturer that does not meet the minimum requirements would have to label their products "no UVA protection."

In the meantime, for your skin's sake and safety, wear an SPF of at least 15 or higher everyday to protect yourself against UVB. And always be aware that no matter what sunscreen you use, some UV radiation will always get through to your skin. This is why you should still take precautionary measures like seeking out shade and wearing protective clothing.

Stress and Your Skin

For many years, stress has been linked to health issues. Migraines and high blood pressure can be signs that you've got too much on your plate. But, were you aware that one of the first places stress shows up is on your skin?

Whenever we feel overwhelmed or anxious, the pituitary gland is signaled by the hypothalamus, which sends a chemical message to the adrenal glands.  This causes the adrenal to produce cortisol, which is a major stress hormone.
Once cortisol enters our system, it communicates with our organs and causes inflammation as a reaction to stress. What this means for the skin is that when a pore is inflamed, it becomes thick and swollen, and is more likely to become clogged. The matrix breaks down when collagen is inflamed and results in a wrinkle. Wrinkles, acne, itchiness and dryness appear with inflammation, and are telltale indicators of what is going on inside.

Our healthy habits are usually the first thing to go when we get stressed. We may eat junk food, skip going to the gym, smoke, or forgo our skin-care routines.
Learning how to take control of the things that are truly under our control - and believe it or not, many stressors fall into this category - is a great help. Preparing for times of stress and giving ourselves a break is the first step toward managing it.

Here are three skin care products that can help undo the damaging effects of life's daily stressors:
1. Moisturizer- it lessens the itch and dryness brought on by stress
2. Retinol- derived from vitamin A, retinol sloughs away dead skin cells and thickens the skin. Also targets acne, age spots, and wrinkles.
3. Glycolic/Salicylic Acid- gently exfoliates the skin, and salicylic calms the skin, especially during a breakout

How to: Age Gracefully with Skin Care

Here are 4 Quick Tips to live by!

1. PROTECT Your Skin.
The best, most important thing you can do for your skin at any age, is consistently use sunscreen. Make it a habit to make it a part of your daily routine, because sun damage is the number one cause of premature aged skin. Using a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher is ideal.
We love PCA Skin's extensive line of moisturizers with SPF, because they provide ultimate protection without an overly thick, creamy sunscreen feel.

2. Keep it Moist.
Experts say that moisturizer is a critical piece of the puzzle. Despite what type of climate you live in, it is necessary. This is the place you want to avoid being frugal. If you spend money on anything, it should be toward a good moisturizer, complete with a gentle cleanser (NO bar soap on your face. Ever.), and an alcohol-free toner.

3. More Does Not Mean Better.
Don't overdo it. Don't over-exfoliate (once a week at most), and don't over scrub your face, (even if it's just with water and a washcloth). The skin on your face is fragile - treat it with care.

4. Utilize the Experts.
Speaking with a professional will help you to establish a good base of knowledge about how to care for your face. If you move climates, your skin will move right along with you. The same is true with seasons. An expert can help guide you through those changes and reccommend proactive self-care steps.

How Often Should I Get a Facial?



Facials are a hallmark in skin maintenance. If done regularly, the treatments can minimize environmental damage and aging, and promote an attractive, healthy glow!
So to answer the question, once a month is ideal due to the rate of cellular turnover. Pore congestion and flaky, dull skin is caused by the dead skin cells that build up in between treatments. Therefore, the idea behind a facial is to provide a deep cleansing that will remove the dirt, dead skin cells, and oil build up. This will allow your pores to function properly, and keep your skin looking smooth, healthy, and vibrant.
A good facial usually should consist of a skin consultation which is followed by a deep cleansing, exfoliation, massage, mask, and hydration (a moisturizer with SPF in it of course!)

The *Sweet* Relief of Stress

Can a chocolate bar provide relaxation?
Well, Swiss researchers have found that the dark chocolate kind has shown the ability to reduce stress and tension when consumed daily. The wonder that is dark chocolate contains antioxidants and is also known to fight heart disease.

Scientists at Switzerland's Nestle Ranch Research Center (which is connected with the chocolate brand of the same name), conducted a study group with highly stressed individuals and had them eat 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate every day.

After a review of their blood and urine samples (taken once before the testing period, and at the end of the two-week study), the scientists discovered that the stress hormones catecholamine’s and cortisol dropped significantly over that time.

An excuse to eat more chocolate? We’re in!

Bon appétit!

Special Event!!

We are having a Night of Botox Special Event on Wednesday, March 23rd from 5-7pm!!
Get Botox treatments at a discounted rate of $11/unit!
Call our office a.s.a.p to schedule-SPACE IS LIMITED!

March Specials

Luck o’ the Laser

Need a Laser Hair Removal touch up? Looking to start a new region? Or have you just been putting off making an appointment? Well it's your lucky month!

Receive 10% OFF any area for the month of March!

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Shed Away Your Winter Skin

Try a GENTLE, fully customizable PCA Chemical Peel, and get a FREE eyebrow wax!

PCA SKIN Professional™ Products help reduce the depth of surface lines, smooth rough skin texture, treat skin discoloration and redness, and assist in clearing acne/blemished skin. (Includes Post-Treatment Kit).

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New Employee’s in Full Bloom!

Help us welcome our 2 new Massage Therapists Jenna and Stephenie,

and our new Esthetician Kait!

Receive 10% OFF your first service with one, or all three of them!

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March into Pedicure Season!

You'll be breaking out your sandals any day now!

New Clients: Get yourselves flip-flop ready & receive

a pampering Spa Pedicure for the price of a regular pedicure! A $10 savings!

As always, new clients receive 20% off all other regular priced nail services!