About Infinite Glow Spa

What is Microdermabrasion and what does it do?

Microdermabrasion is a non- invasive, non-chemical, pain free way of exfoliating the skin. By way of a Microdermabrasion machine fine crystals are blasted at the skin while at the same time a vacuum action is used to increase the blood supply to the treated areas providing nutrients necessary for skin regeneration and increased cellular turnover. A diamond head with the same vacuum action can also be used as an alternative to the crystal machine. Microdermabrasion diminishes Dead layers of skin and impurities as well as stimulate the production of new skin cells, which promotes increased levels of collagen (provides the skins toughness) and elastin (allows the skin to stretch and rebound). The treatment requires no downtime and can be performed on all skin types. Improved smoothness, glow, overall tone and texture will be achieved, and can be done on your lunch break.

With healthy skin, the natural process of cell growth and renewal causes the epithelial cells (the cells of the outermost part of the skin) to slough off naturally as the new cells press up from below. This natural process may be inhibited by factors such as pollution, hormonal fluctuations, make-up and aging. When natural oils combine with dead cells corneocytes are formed causing a sticky mass on the surface of the face. Corneocytes makes the skin feel and look rough, dull and dry. The ability for the skin to retain moisture becomes seriously impaired. This is a problem faced by many and is easily treated by regular exfoliation by means of microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion improves skin elasticity and texture; evens pigment distribution and will reduce scar tissue. Microdermabrasion encourages cell renewal at the deepest layers of the skin while buffing the surface of the skin resulting in the treated area looking fresh, vibrant, and youthful. You will glow.

Skin conditions that benefit from Microdermabrasion are:

What is a Cold Laser and what does it do?

Cold Laser is a Low Level Laser Therapy and refers to the use of low powered laser light. The Cold Laser is used to stimulate biological processes. Just as plants exposed to normal sunlight synthesize carbohydrates in their chlorophyll containing tissues (photosynthesis), laser light stimulates the formation and release of our body’s own chemical compounds. In low level laser therapy (light therapy) the infrared laser energy has a stimulating effect on tissues because it increases cellular energy. Cold Laser stimulates the production of collagen, the most common protein found in the body and also stimulates the lymphatic flow, helping to eliminate toxins and excess fluids from the tissues. The Cold Laser is an effective therapy that works with the body’s own healing and pain reliving mechanisms. There are no harmful side effects from the cold laser. It is a completely painless and safe procedure with zero downtime. Cold Laser is the only non-surgical technology available currently that is safe enough to treat around the eye for lifts, brow hair reduction and dark circles. Results are accumulative, and reversal of specific conditions will require multiple treatments.

How is the cold laser different from a hot laser that a plastic surgeon might use? Hot lasers cause heat from the resistance of your skin to the laser; this heat vaporizes the external layer of the skin in a very controlled way so that there is a very smooth would. The wound response stimulated new skin to grow and since the wound is smooth, the new skin is smooth too. A Cold laser is a class 3A laser, which combined with a propagating gel that lowers the resistance, so that the photons (bundles of energy that trigger biological changes within the body when they penetrate) penetrate deeper into the skin without the heat response. In short Cold Lasers do not cause thermal changes in the tissues; the Cold Laser delivers enough energy to stimulate a response from the body on a cellular level without damage to the tissue.

When DNA absorbs the photon’s energy it becomes activated. The DNA transmits this energy to the cell wall by means of a protein and calcium transfer. The cell walls are transformed and the cell begins to function at full capacity again. Tissue treated with light therapy have increased blood flow, which helps distribute vitamins and nutrients, as a result of increased blood flow toxins and waste products are removed from the tissues.

Has research been done on this technology? Scientific research reveals that cells respond directly to light energy. "From the biological situation, I suggest that the immediate effect of light is on the communication pathways. Specifically, it is proposed that the light stimulates the flow of solitons, which are waves of energy and information that travel rapidly through the protein fabric of the body. The flow of solitons opens the gates and switches and organizes dymanic living matrix pathways. Cells can then "whisper" to each other using their own languages. These whisperings orchestrate the repair of trauma of all kinds.

The Cold Laser

Different Lights are used during treatments depending on what is being treated.

What is IPL or Intense Pulsed Light hair removal?

Intense pulsed light hair removal is a new and advanced long-term hair removal method. The client lies in a comfortable position, and then the technician glides a hand piece over his or her skin. Precise doses of light within specific wavelengths are emitted from the hand piece placed on the skin and moved along after every pulse.

What is the IPL hair removal process?

The principle of an IPL is that the light is transmitted through skin tissue and is absorbed by melanin, which is found at the root of the hair. When the light is absorbed, heat is produced which radiates out into the follicle wall destroying the cells so hair re-growth is impeded. IPL works equally well on most skin pigmentations without removing any of the pigment. IPL hair removal can also safely and effectively eliminate hair of all colors: black, brown, red, blond and even white. Only a handfull of treatments, at monthly intervals are needed to obtain stunning results. It is very quick, relatively painless and very little redness or skin reaction to worry about.

Is IPL hair removal safe?

Yes, it is very safe. The Intense Pulsed Light system delivers energy to the skin very gently. Plus, the hand piece extracts heat from the skin during each pulse of light for maximum protection. Moreover, the wider range of possible settings and spectrum of light delivered by IPL enables a much broader range of possible settings than available in any single or even in many combinations of Lasers. These capabilities translate into better and safer treatments and more effective results. The main side effect that may occur is temporary redness which lasts for either a few minutes or occasionally for a few hours. Patients could usually go right back to work. More serious side effects are very rare (less than 1% of patients). Those usually involve a temporary change of skin color (lightening or darkening) that can last for several weeks or months. For maximum safety, all clients should be at their lightest skin color at the time of the treatment. It is safer to treat the darkest skinned patient who is at his lightest that to treat a light skinned patient that has been recently tanned.

Does it hurt?

No, the light is selectively absorbed by the hair and hair follicles. The skin itself is exposed to little heat. Plus, no irritating chemicals are used and the hairs aren't pulled on in any way. Patients usually find IPL treatments less painful than laser treatments or electrolysis. Local anesthetic creams (Emla) or pain medications are therefore not needed.

How many IPL hair removal treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed depends on the area to be treated, the hair density and the contrast between the hair and the skin color. The more there is a contrast between the hair and the skin color, the less treatments you need. Consequently, people with white skin and black hair would require the least number of sessions, and people with white skin and light hair would require the most number of sessions. Moreover, your hair grows in cycles and many factors influence its growth, such as age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, metabolism, previous hair removal methods and medical history. All these factors help increase or decrease your hair's resilience. IPL slows the growing capacity of follicles in the growth cycle at the time of the treatment. You might therefore only need one treatment. However, since some hair follicles may enter their growth cycle after your treatment, 2 to 6 treatments are needed, in average, in order to achieve optimal results. In most cases, a 50% hair reduction is observed after an average of one to two treatments. Each treatment can be given at three weeks or longer intervals (2-3-4-5-6 months), depending how far you are in the treatment. The exact amount of time that the hair stays gone depends on the area being treated as well as the settings in accordance with the client's hair and skin factors

How does IPL differ from Electrolysis and Diode Laser Hair Removal?

The main difference between IPL and Laser is that Intense Pulsed Light utilizes a range of wavelengths whereas laser has only one single wavelength. This means that the light that causes the hair to be eliminated is not adjustable. Unfortunately, hair texture, color and size vary from person to person as well as on one's own body. If you use the same beam of light for different hairs, how can you expect them to be removed with the same efficiency? This is why one hears a lot of variation in results when it comes to Laser. With IPL, the energy delivered to the area is adjustable. In other words, we have the ability to customize the settings (the wavelength, number of pulses, duration of pulses, delay between pulses, and power delivered) to match each client's specific hair color, thickness and depth; as well as the color of their skin. We can therefore treat more hair types effectively (almost any area of the body can be treated), with more consistent results. This ability allows minimizing side effects and maximizing the effectiveness of the treatments. Here is a comparison of the wavelengths of some lasers and the IPL. Ruby = 694nm, Alexandrite = 755nm, Diode = 800nm or 810nm, Nd:YAG = 1064nm, IPL = 420nm to 1200nm. Moreover, since Intense Pulsed Light utilizes a range of wavelengths, it has other uses. Besides removing hair from the face and all body areas, it can treat other skin disorders like pigmentation irregularities in the skin due to sun damage as well as small congested blood vessels and diffuse redness found on the face and chest. This is where Intense Pulsed Light systems are superior to Lasers. Their broad-spectrum light enables them to go within different depths in the skin layers in order to reach, with accuracy, hair follicles, small red blood vessels and treat pigmentation disorders, depending on each client's needs.

What skin imperfections could an IPL Photo Facial treat?

Red complexions caused by Erythema, Erythrosis and Broken Capillaries. All signs of Sun Damage or Photo-Aging, Hyper-pigmentation or Irregular Pigmentation, Fine lines and wrinkles, Enlarged pores, Skin roughness, Acne and Acne Scars.

How does IPL compare to other advanced technologies?

Microdermabrasion is when the top layers of the skin are sanded or polished away. Chemical peels use acid solutions to burn away layers of skin (the intensity of a chemical peel will depend on what type of peel is being used). Laser skin resurfacing works by exfoliating the protective outer layer of your skin, which may require bandages and a somewhat lengthy recovery period. IPL was designed to combat the effects of aging and to treat damaged skin in a softer and gentler way. It delivers precise amounts of light energy through your skin's surface which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. As the new collagen and elastin form, they soften the appearance of aging skin. Collagen plumps up the skin and elastin firms it. Fine lines and wrinkles are therefore decreased. Moreover, the redness associated with rosacea would be dramatically reduced

How many treatments will you need?

In the cases of hyperpigmentation, three to six treatments are usually needed, depending on the area and the condition of the skin. In the cases of facial veins, multiple treatments are necessary to achieve optimal results. Tiny pink and red vessels usually require two to three treatments to achieve acceptable results. Veins that are darker or purplish are usually more difficult to remove and therefore may require more treatments.

What results could you expect?

After one or two treatments, your skin will have a more even tone and a smoother look and feel. Clients with rosacea will see a progressive decrease in redness with every treatment. Sunspots will start to fade and pores will become less apparent. Fine lines and wrinkles may soften over time. These improvements continue with each treatmen

Will the pigmentation spots, the red complexion or the veins return?

No, whatever is treated will never come back. However, if your skin is prone to have pigmentation imbalances or facial veins , chances are that new ones will form over time. After all, IPL skin rejuvenation treatments improve previous skin damage. However, after the cure, the natural aging process will continue. That is why you should apply sunscreen on the treated area and avoid sun exposure. In addition to that, maintenance treatments are recommended in order to uphold optimal results.

What will recovery be like?

Post-treatment discomfort is almost nonexistent. Your skin may appear slightly more red or flushed than usual. This will fade within the first few hours to 48 hours after your treatment. Pigmentation will even out in about ten days after the treatment. After blood vessel treatments, capillaries may seem to be more visible, but will slowly shrink in about three to ten days, leaving the skin looking younger with a more even toned complexion. Following any treatment, your skin may feel tender for several days. It is totally normal.

IPL acne treatment

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units. They consist of a sebaceous gland connected to a canal, called a follicle, which contains a fine hair. Cells called keratinocytes line the follicle. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, the oil that lubricates and protects our skin. As our skin renews itself, the old cells die, mix with our skin's natural oils, and are expelled onto the skin's surface. Under normal circumstances, these cells are shed gradually, making room for fresh new skin. For the majority of acne sufferers, the trouble begins when the body begins to produce male sex hormones called androgens. These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the enlargement of the sebaceous glands. (Androgens are also responsible for acne flare-ups associated with the menstrual cycle and, on occasion, pregnancy). When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. In its journey up the follicle toward the surface, the sebum mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. As we have seen for the normal pilosebaceous unit, this process is normal. However, in people with overactive sebaceous glands, these cells are shed more rapidly. Mixed with a surplus of sebum, the dead skin cells form a plug in the follicle, preventing the skin from finishing its natural process of renewal. This clog can take the form of a white head or a black head. The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is a regular resident of all skin types. It lives at the skin’s surface and in the follicles and it is part of the skin’s natural sebum maintenance system. Since they feed on the sebum, excessive sebum production encourages their rapid multiplication. They then change the chemical composition of oils and secretions into extremely irritating fatty acids. The bad news does not stop there. Contamination is the next step. In fact, these new substances, created by the chemical reaction, have the ability to penetrate the follicle’s wall and contaminate other parts and other canals of the internal layer of the skin. As this happens, the sebaceous gland of the clogged follicle continues to produce sebum, bacteria continue to multiply and the contaminated areas continue to spread. In simple terms, there becomes an inflammation in the follicle and the surrounding skin.

What happens next? Well for every inflammation, there is an inflammatory response.

When your body encounters unwanted bacteria, it sends an army of white blood cells (our bodies’ paramedical team) to attack the intruders. This process, called the inflammatory response, is what causes pimples to become red, swollen and painful. In this fight, many bacteria are destroyed and rejected as pus. If the general condition and the immunity defense are good and most importantly, if the skin was not touched or scratched, the pimple softens and disappears without leaving a trace.

Is it finally over? Unfortunately, not in all cases.

As you have just read, when tissue suffers an injury, the body rushes its repair kit to the injury site. Among the elements of the repair kit are white blood cells and an array of inflammatory molecules that have the task of repairing tissue and fighting infection. However, when their job is done they may leave a somewhat messy repair site in the form of fibrous scar tissue, or eroded tissue, especially in people who are susceptible to scarring. The result; an acne scar

What should you do to prevent scarring?

Unfortunately, there is no miracle treatment that could erase scars. The best cure is PREVENTION. It is therefore crucial to treat acne early in its course, as soon as the first signs appear for the more that inflammation can be prevented or moderated, the less likely you are to experience permanent damage to your skin. It is also important to continue the treatment even after pimples disappear in order to keep new blemishes at bay.

How does IPL treat acne?

IPL acne phototherapy is a revolutionary treatment that can clear moderate inflammatory acne without any side effects. It works by directing intense blue light to the treatment area to eliminate P.Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. The light causes the photodestruction of the bacteria that causes acne without damaging any of the surrounding tissue. Moreover, this cure helps improve the appearance of acne scars for the light energy delivered through your skin’s surface stimulates the production of new collagen beneath the scars. This treatment works well on all skin types (colors) and can treat any area of the body.

Who are the best candidates for this treatment?

IPL treats inflamed, mild to moderate acne blemishes. If you have pustules, it would be better to do a microdermabrasion and cold laser treatment first and then proceed with the IPL sessions.

How many treatments will you need?

In general, one to eight sessions (one treatment every two weeks) are needed, depending on the severity of your acne problem. It is essential to follow this cure with a home regimen in order to maintain the results obtained by regulating your sebaceous secretions on a regular basis and in order to prevent or minimize scarring as much as possible.

Pre-Treatment Advice

Hair Removal Methods - During the month before your treatment, it is important not to use hair removal creams, bleaching ingredients, wax, electrolysis, tweezers, hair epilators or any other method that weakens or removes the hair from the roots on the area to be treated. Only shaving with a manual or electrical razor is allowed between sessions. Before starting the hair removal session, you have to shave very closely with a razor.

Clothing - Avoid wearing dark clothing or undergarments on the areas to be treated so there would be no color transfer onto the skin.

Sun and Tanning - IPL treats efficiently tanned skin. However, the maximum efficiency of the treatment will be obtained by avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds for the area to be treated a month before starting the treatment. We also suggest that you do not use a self-tanning cream during the same period. A sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 should be applied on the concerned area.

Body Hair Removal - For optimal results, the areas to be treated should be regularly exfoliated with a non irritating and non abrasive Glove. Your skin should be properly and regularly hydrated and nourished with a cream. However, the day of the treatment, DO NOT apply any cream or lotion. Also, if you are treating your underarms do not apply any deodorant or if you did, make sure you wipe it off before treatment. Shave right before your treatment.

Face Treatments - For optimal results, it is strongly recommended that the face should be properly treated from all impurities (eg: Blackheads) and dehydrated skin as they might filter out the Intense Pulse Light and therefore compromise the results. We will recommend a skin care home regimen specifically designed for your pre and post treatment needs. We will not be held responsible for any cutaneous reaction that may occur if not using our recommended procedures.