B l o g

Serenity Skincare offers a range of premium services. Tailored to each client's specific skin conditions and schedule, professional products are selected and incorporated into each treatment to achieve the desired result: beautiful, healthy, younger looking skin.

Peels & Skin Cancer Prevention

August 13th, 2013

Peels are one of the premier treatments for anti-aging, pigment reduction, rosacea and acne control, but did you know that new research shows they may also help in the prevention of skin cancer? In a recent study conducted at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Medical Center in California, facial resurfacing methods including TCA peels successfully treated actinic keratosis (AK), the most common skin pre-cancer, 10% of which develop into squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer.1 Three months after treatment with a 30% TCA chemical peel, the number of actinic keratoses lesions were reduced by 89% and basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas were reduced by 40% in up to 4-5 years of long-term follow-up. Although the study was small the outcome was extremely promising.

Although aestheticians must not make medical claims, offering a series of TCA treatments, spaced in 3-4 week intervals may reduce the incidence of these lesions. Pre-cancers like AK are in the epidermis and since peels work in the epidermal layer; these resurfacing treatments take them off.

TCA is a key ingredient in many of Rhonda Allison’s peels formulas. You will find TCA in 10% TCA/AHA, 15% TCA/AHA, TCA/Salicylic, Kojic Clay TCA, Sake Peel, and Salicylic Solution. Although a 30% TCA solution was used in the VA study, a series of lighter peels and ongoing homecare with retinols may have a similar impact. I’m not suggesting that you tell your clients to stop seeing their Dermatologist, or that these peels be used as a replacement for medical treatment for active AK lesions. However, a regular program of peels is an effective solution to future incidence of these lesions, and a key part of an on-going preventative regimen.

In 2009, more than 1 million people were diagnosed with skin cancer, making it the most common of all cancers.2 About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.3 The best prevention is of course, avoidance.

1. Don’t Burn
2. Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds
3. Use Sunscreen (Generously apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.)
4. Cover Up –Wear a hat and buy sun resistant clothing to use for extended outdoor exposure.
5. Seek Shade (UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
6. Watch for the UV Index
Also, be aware of the signs of skin cancer:

Skin Cancer Detection – ABCD
Checking moles for any of the following changes:
Asymmetry
Border
Color
Diameter

And recently some health organizations have added E to that group – an elevated or evolving mole.

This is a great visual that was offered by a Dermatologist’s office.
Click to view more details: http://fourpointsdermatology.com/2011/abcd’s-of-skin-cancer-detection-2/

Peels stimulate the formation of new healthier cells, improve the appearance of fine lines, reduce pigment and help control acne. The new research adds another possible benefit to offering this valuable, profitable service.
_________________________
1 Facial Resurfacing Treatment for Photo Aging May Also Prevent Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer Foundation Website 2012.
2 American Cancer Society. (2009). Cancer Facts and Figures: 2009. Retrieved October 8, 2009, from http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/500809web.pdf
3 Robinson, J.K. (2005). Sun Exposure, Sun Protection, and Vitamin D. Journal of the American Medical Association, 294, 1541-1543

Tags: skin cancer prevention
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Holiday Wishes

December 14th, 2012

Every year I’m shocked at how quickly time passes. It seems like yesterday I was putting the decorations away in preparation for 2012 and yet, here we are again; rushing to finish last minute shopping, planning holiday parties with family and friends, all while scheduling clients for treatments to help them look their best. We find ourselves pulled in too many directions, with little time to enjoy the real meaning of this time of year. Whatever your faith, the holidays are a time to appreciate all of our blessings. Many people have suffered great losses this year with devastating destruction and loss of life. Each day as we rush from one task to the next, let’s take a moment to pray for those who have less, those who have lost and those who are mourning loved ones who have passed. May 2013 bring them the blessings of peace of mind and hope and may we all remember to offer a little kindness to everyone we encounter on each day of the year. Hope you have a blessed holiday. Ann

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Peel Your Body

April 5th, 2011

You slather your face with sunscreen and never forget a hat, but how well are you taking care of the skin on your chest, hands and arms?  These areas can show your age more quickly than your face.  What can you do to banish the age spots and crinkly cleavage?  Now Rhonda Allison Clinical Enterprise has the answer.  The Rhonda Allison Nude Therapy Body Products offer the same age fighting ingredients you use for your face.  A combination of cell rejuvenating peels along with Rhonda’s age-defying home care helps reverse the signs of aging.

The Wine Luster Body Peel, uses the tightening and toning duo of Malic (from apples) and Tartaric (from wine) to rejuvenate these areas.  Once the peel is complete, homecare heals hydrates, firms and tones.

Nurture Balm:  Cocoa Seed Butter, Willow Herb and Epidermal Growth Factors heal dry, irritated skin.                                                              

Peptide Spritz:  Firming and wrinkle reducing peptides combine with energizing actives to smooth bumpy, uneven tissue.  Skin appears lifted, plumped and youthful.

Ultra Exfole':  Lactic, Salicylic and Retinol with Omega 6 lipids exfoliates sun-damaged skin revealing smoother, healthier tissue.

Phyto-Endorphin Hand Cream:  Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Vitamin E powerful antioxidants slow down the aging process.  Daisy Flower lighten and brightens.  Monk’s Pepper the special phyto-endorphin complex provides a radiant glow, reduces inflammation and supports healing of dry, damaged skin.

When you seek to turn back the hands of time, don’t forget to include the skin of your chest, hands and arms.  If you start now, you can confidently wear the latest spring and summer fashions knowing the skin you reveal will be smooth, soft, glowing and youthful.

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Peel for Beautiful Skin

January 25th, 2011

Superficial peeling of the skin helps maintain the skin’s health while slowing the aging process.  Many skin conditions like acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation improve dramatically with regular peels especially when coupled with home care that helps control these conditions.  A peel removes epidermal layers of the skin with an acid solution that is selected to address specific needs.  This type of peeling helps “dry out” active acne, reduce redness, soften shallow wrinkling and scarring and lighten hyper-pigmented (dark area) patches.  Depending on the strength of the peel used the skin can superficially flake for 2-3 days or in deeper treatments large patches of skin can lift in sheets.  Proper home care and strict adherence to post care instructions are critical for optimum results.  Sun exposure needs to be limited and sunscreen and hats are required when going outside.  Although, while going through the process you may feel like a molting snake, the results are amazing.  A series of progressive to mid-depth peels can clear acne and remove years from your appearance.  It’s important to schedule a peel with a trained professional who has experience with your skin type and color.  Peels are another tool in the growing arsenal of surgery free alternatives to youthful looking, clear, beautiful skin.

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Holiday Reflections

December 2nd, 2010

Holidays are a time fraught with exaggerated expectations of a Norman Rockwell picture postcard experience. If your family is anything like mine, we fall far short of this lofty goal. Someone drinks a bit too much or complains about the new cranberry sauce while the kids run around screaming from too much sugar and not enough rest. In the midst of the chaos, I find it helpful to focus on all the things for which I’m grateful. Although my family isn’t perfect, I know they love me. I’m blessed with wonderful clients, work I love, a husband who tolerates my idiosyncrasies with amused affection. While your standing in line to buy the latest gadget your teenager must have, tearing through your recipe book at midnight before the big day or grinding your teeth in slow, holiday traffic remember; there’s always someone who has it worse; someone who has lost a loved one, someone in poor health, someone without a job, someone living in a war torn country with no food or clean water to drink, someone who would cry tears of joy to have the life you have. The holidays are about gratitude and giving and as we enter the season, consider how you can bring joy to someone else while feeling gratitude at the abundance of your own life. It will make the season brighter and although none of us will have perfection we all can find contentment in giving to those less fortunate while expressing gratitude for the small blessings we find everyday. May you have a great holiday season.

Tags: Facials, holidays, skincare
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TRANSFORM YOUR SKIN

October 2nd, 2010

We are a society that looks for instant results, we want to lose 20 lbs. in 20 days, have six-pack abs. in 60 minutes, and younger looking skin overnight. If something sounds too good to be true, then it usually is not true. Changes in our skin don’t happen overnight whether they are for the bad or the good. The best results I’ve seen in my own practice is when a client commits to a series of treatments and home care. Typically sun damage and acne require several peels with post treatment facials to clarify and renew the skin. By strategically scheduling appointments that resurface and regenerate newer healthier cells, you will see a gradual transformation. I have seen remarkable changes with this approach. Monthly facials are great for maintenance, but real changes require a more intense and focused approach. Like any change whether it’s fitness, diet or the skin; time and commitment are required. Do you have what it takes to make the change?

Tags: chemical peels, Facials, skin care
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Change it Up

August 8th, 2010

Skin care like exercise works better when you switch things up. If you still use the cleanser, toner and moisturizer you started with in your twenties, it’s time to rethink your program. In fact, seasonally you should consider the types of products you use. During summer you want products that hydrate without leaving a heavy residue. In winter you want protection from the cold outside and drying heat inside. Changes in hormones, age, and lifestyle may also affect which products work best with your skin.  The next time you visit Serenity Skincare consider changes to your old regimen.  New products, make positive results. 

Rhonda Allison Skin System

A Rhonda Allison Skin Care System

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Post Care for Injections/IPL/Laser/Surgery

March 18th, 2010

The search for the fountain of youth continues every day, but instead of combing the swamps of Florida like Ponce de Leon, we scan ads for IPL/Laser, injectables like Botox and Juvaderm, liposuction and facelifts.  All these techniques remove years from our appearance, but they also create downtime in order to heal from the procedure.  Follow-up post care can reduce the time it takes to heal and extend the benefits of the procedure.  Rhonda Allison Skin Care products offer several options. 

 

After an injection:

  • Post Balm and Growth Factor
  • Calming Skin Gel and ice if the injection site swells or itches
  • Hyaluronic Serum/ Peptide Formulas/Super C/Growth Factor increase longevity of the filler 
  • Growth Factor and Peptide Formulas help increase longevity of Botox as will any other rejuvenating topical.  Botox does not require as much healing support.  Wait to do any skin peels 24-48 hours after a fresh injection.

 

After IPL/Laser:

  • Pro Salve mixed with Sea Gems and Daytime Defense for day.  (If skin is open and raw, wait 24 hours before adding Sea Gems) If Sea Gems is too active, some clients prefer Drop of Essence. 
  • Calming Skin Gel for itching
  • Growth Factor 1-2 weeks after procedure depending on the depth of the laser

 

After surgical procedures:

  • Drop of Essence swabbed over areas of skin avoiding sutures
  • Ice with peas
  • All-Purpose Cleansing Pads, one pad, gentle cleanse avoid sutures follow with Pro-Salve mixed with Calming Skin Gel if there is itching (NOT FOR USE AFTER LASER, PEEL, PHOTO FACIAL
  • Therapy E Serum on incision sites (after removed) followed by Drop of Essence then add Growth Factor one week later

 

All Purpose Cleansing Pads remove surface residue from skin gently while providing antiseptic, antibacterial, and antioxidant support

Calming Skin Gel is a hydrocortisone balm that helps reduce itching and irritation

Daily Defense SPF 30 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that uses zinc oxide as a natural sun barrier

Drop of Essence Hydration Drops is an Omega 6 essential fatty acid that calms burning sensations and hydrates and heals

Growth Factors are Epidermal Growth Factors that increases cell renewal after any exfoliations and assists in wound healing

Post Balm Lubricating Ointment is a lighter post peel occlusive that reduces tightness and discomfort of a peel

Pro Salve is an occlusive healing balm that accelerates cell renewal and prevents trans-epidermal water loss

Sea Gems is a complex that inspires healthy DNA mechanisms and enhances mitochondrial ability

Super C Serum provides free radical scavenging L-Ascorbic Acid with an active blend of collagen boosting peptide to enhance healing and reduce affects of environmental damage

Therapy E Serum is a potent healing serum, which aids in the repair of scar tissue with antioxidant, hydrating and humectant properties.

 

So enjoy today’s versions of the Fountain of Youth and use Rhonda Allison Skin Care advanced, therapeutic formulas to enhance the healing process

 

Tags: Post care
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Facials: The Luxurious Necessity

January 11th, 2010

How many times have I heard someone say, “I love facials, they are such a treat!”, or “I always get a facial when I’m on vacation”.   I agree facials can be a luxurious way to escape from our day-to-day stress.  However, facials are also a way to maintain healthy skin.  Now, I don’t know about you, but my face is the first thing people notice and if my skin looks dull, lifeless with uneven pigment and blemishes am I creating the best impression possible?  I don’t think so.  Taking care of our skin is as important as taking care of our teeth or getting a regular check-up.  If you don’t skimp on those areas of your health, why would you skimp on the feature you present to the world everyday? 

 

So, since maintaining the health of your skin is a priority: how do you decide what to invest in and whom to trust with this important job?  There are literally millions of products available in stores, on the internet, on television, through mail order that claim to make your wrinkles disappear, your acne heal, your pigment disappear. Magazine ads display pictures of 30-year-old models airbrushed, with perfect skin claiming you can have the same results.  As with most claims if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 

Products widely available for purchase are limited in how much active ingredient they can offer.  The purpose of these products is to appeal to the masses and if the ingredients are too active then the product is difficult to offer to a wide audience.  If your goal is to use products that provide the best results then you also need to think about how much of the price of the product goes into the jar vs. into the marketing machine that gets you to buy the product in the first place.

 

The benefit of choosing products that are offered through trained estheticians are that these products are recommended based on you skin type and goals.  As you achieve various goals, the program can be adapted to address new concerns.  Skin care like exercise should be adapted to keep improving and a professional can help you make the right choices.

 

So the next time you’re on vacation, go ahead indulge in a facial.  But don’t forget to schedule a regular visit when you get home.  Beautiful skin isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity.

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Change it Up

November 4th, 2009

The end of the year is a time to tie up loose ends and think about plans for the New Year.  It is a time to re-evaluate what’s working and what needs to be adapted and changed for further growth.  I find the end of the year is my time for clearing out the old and bringing in the new.   I empty my junk drawers, throw out old make-up and rethink my skin care choices.   The skin as a living organism requires change and stimulation.  Like exercise, you need to change your program occasionally to continue to see progress and results.  One easy way to change up your skin care is to try a new cleanser or add a new serum to your current regime.   

 

If you normally use a milky cleanser, try a mild gel in the evenings a couple of times a week to clear out deep-seated debris.  If you prefer a squeaky-clean feel, incorporate a glycolic cleanser.  Vitamin serums add nutrients and anti-oxidants to your skin regime.  At Serenity Skincare, we offer a wide range of protective and nourishing serums that add an extra boost to your normal moisturizer.

 

At your next salon visit check out the array of cleansers and serums that can give your skin the extra boost it needs.

 

Tags: cleansers, serums, skin care products
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