Guinot’s Masque Hydra Sensitive was recently named one of the “Top 100 Best Products of The Year” by New Beauty Magazine. Masque Hydra Sensitive relieves and calms your skin with an in-depth treatment that works instantly to help your skin boost its own natural defenses.

Guinot’s Masque Hydra Sensitive helps to:

• Soothe irritations.
• Reinforce the protection of the epidermis and the skins natural defenses.
• Visibly calm redness.

The Masque Hydra Sensitive’s formula includes activators that work on the surface to protect and reinforce sensitive skin. “With sensitive skin, you need to be extra gentle. And if you want gorgeous skin, you’ve got to baby it, and this product does both,” said Seasons Aesthetician Lisa Best. The natural ingredients in Masque Hydra Sensitive like Vitamin E restore, reinforce, and protect lipids from damage caused by free radicals. Chamomile extract and oak sooth irritations deep within your skin while Centellas asiatica extract help revitalize it.

Say goodbye to redness! Sensitive skin is vulnerable and needs extra protection from brutal environmental elements such as temperature variations and pollution. This sensitivity can manifest in the appearance of redness, friction or an itching sensation. “After using Masque Hydra Sensitive, the skin’s natural barrier of defense is reinforced and redness is visibly reduced, leaving the skin feeling comfortable, soothed and moisturized,” said Best.

“At Seasons – The Spa, we use Masque Hydra Sensitive in many of our treatments. Our clients love the way their skin looks and feels,” said Best. Want more good news? This product is also available for purchase at Seasons – The Spa so you can enjoy beautiful skin any time. For an at-home treatment once or twice a week, apply a thick layer to clean face and neck. Leave on for 10 minutes. Remove with water and apply toner.

For more information about spa treatments featuring Guinot’s Masque Hydra Sensitive or to purchase Masque Hydra Sensitive, contact our Spa Concierge at (318)255-1155.

At Seasons, it is our goal to help you look and feel your best – as naturally as possible! The latest in our lineup of services, the Acne 12-Week Intensive, is a highly-specific treatment based on the type of lesions and the severity of the acne.

The Acne 12-Week Intensive includes includes:

• A consultation with our Seasons Skin Care Specialist
• An individualized acne treatment plan Complexion Analysis using VISIA
• A series of 12 LED Light Treatments and/or Skin Rejuvenation Treatments using IPL
• Deep-pore cleansing and exfoliating treatments
• 30 days of skin care products specially formulated for acne-prone skin
• The Acne 12-Week Intensive take-home packet including a specialized morning and evening regimen
• Complimentary maintenance and extractions as needed during treatment
• A 10% discount on acne skin care products during treatment

The Acne 12-Week Intensive Package, an $850 value, is offered at just $650. There’s no better way to stop acne dead in its tracks! Beautiful skin CAN be yours.

Lisa Best, Licensed Aesthetician

She’s no johnny-come-lately. Lisa has been in the beauty business since 198…well you get the idea. She knows a thing or two about helping you look your best. Lisa is certified in many different skin procedures including: Microdermabrasion, Intense Pulsed Light, LED treatments and much more. She has extensive knowledge about the skin through practice and advanced education both in the U.S. and abroad.

You’ve asked, and we’ve listened. Seasons Aesthetician, Lisa Best, is here to answer some common questions you have about your skin! If you would like to see your skincare questions answered on our blog, email: office@seasonswc.com with the subject line: Ask An Aesthetician.

Q: Some people think freckles are “cute” but I don’t. Is it possible to get rid of my freckles?

A: Freckles are cute but if you want to get rid of them, I can help. Freckles are dark spots of melanin that occur on people who are pale or fair-skinned. To fade freckles, we suggest having a photofacial and using a lightening product with hydroquinone (like Obagi Clear). Photofacials make your skin more youthful by making freckles less noticeable. Photofacials use thermal energy and light to promote collagen production in the skin dermis. The freckle absorbs the wavelength and the pigment is broken apart. The fragmented pieces are absorbed into the body. There’s barely a trace of the original freckle. For best results, we recommend having a series of photofacials, use Obagi NuDerm Clear and use a broad spectrum SPF daily.

Q: My skin is starting to show signs of laxity/sagging, is there a facial that will help?

A: Yes! The Hydradermie Lift. The Hydradermie Lift uses muscle stimulation to tighten your muscles. Its like an exercise for your face! But just like exercise, you can’t be do it once and expect to get the best results. For best results it should be done in a series – usually 4-6 treatments once a week and then once every 2-3 months for maintenance.

Q: I have age spots on my hand and chest! Is there anything I can do to get rid of them?

A: Photofacial treatments (IPL) on the hands and chest work great for fading age spots. The IPL treatments may take a few treatments before noticing a major difference, but eventually the spots will fade. You will need to wear sunscreen everyday or they will come back!

Q: Facials, facials, facials. How will I ever choose? Is it ok to tell my Aesthetician that I would like something in particular?

It is absolutely ok for you to tell the Aesthetician that you would like something in particular. To help you choose, decide if you want a more relaxing facial, corrective facial or a little of both. If you aren’t a seasoned spa-goer and still aren’t sure, we are here to help. At Seasons, we provide clients with complementary consultations and we use a VISIA skin analysis machine to take pictures of your skin. The VISIA gives us a detailed picture of your skin and shows skin damage, texture, wrinkles, giving us a good idea of where we need to start on your skin care regimen.

Q: I wash my face every morning and every night but I still have blackheads. What should I do?

A: We are all plagued by those pesky blackheads. Blackheads are created by a build-up of excess oil in the pores. When this oil is exposed to oxygen, it turns a dark color. To get rid of them, try a product that has Benzoyl Peroxide 5%. Apply a thin layer of the benzoyl peroxide to the blackheads and allow it to dry. Repeat this process at night before bedtime, and your blackheads should disappear. At Seasons – The Spa, we have lots of great products and facials to help with blackheads.

Q: I am starting to get wrinkles! Is there anything I can do to prevent wrinkles without getting Botox injections?

A: You have probably heard about the Clarisonic Pro but what about their newest gem, the Opal? The Clarisonic Opal uses sonicare waves penetrating serum deep into the skin resulting in a smooth appearance. I would also suggest using Retin A every night. Retin A increases collagen production and helps prevent the signs of aging (consult a skin care specialist or physician before using Retin A). Obagi products are also great for transforming your skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Q: I have Rosacea. Can it be cured? If not, is there something I can do to suppress the symptoms?

A: Unfortunately there is no cure. But you can suppress the symptoms during a flare up. Depending on your skin and the severity, we would try procedures such as IPL and red light treatments to help strengthen capillaries. Products such as Obagi Rosaclear and Guinot Red Logic are also really good for clients with Rosacea. Make an appointment for a consultation with your Aesthetician to make sure you are taking advantage of all of the great procedures and products for your skin – and aren’t doing something that could make it worse.

New Beauty Magazine, Winter 2011

In the Winter 2011 issue of New Beauty Magazine, Obagi was acknowledged for their dedication to excellence with two prestigious beauty awards. New Beauty’s First Annual Beauty Choice Awards named Obagi skin-care the ’Best Skin Care System Sold in a Doctor’s Office’ and Obagi’s Clear, ‘Best Over-All Dark Spot Eraser’. New Beauty Magazine is a leading beauty publication that prides themselves on being visually stunning, ethically balanced and scientifically accurate. The Annual Beauty Choice Awards are given by a “panel of  diverse and rich in accomplished talent, ranging from Beverly Hills plastic surgeons to Hollywood specialists” [prlog.com].

‘Best Skin Care System Sold in a Doctor’s Office’

Why it won: “The time tested line melds the most powerful skin-care ingredients in an easy-to-follow numbered system for dramatic results” [New Beauty Magazine, Winter 2011]. Obagi skin-care systems and products contain prescription-strength formulas and are available only through physicians. In the article, Nashville Dermatologist, Micheal Gold, says ”This is a great line that’s been around for a long time. The brand continues to reinvent itself and utilizes clinical studies from dermatologists to show its benefits.” A New Beauty Editor gushes that ”This supercharged skin-care line works over time to really deliver dramatic results!” .

‘Best Over-all Dark Spot Eraser’ [Obagi Nu Derm Clear]

Why it won: “Clear gets rid of stubborn dark spots while fighting the signs of aging” [New Beauty Magazine, Winter 2011]. A New Beauty Editor says that “Active ingredients in a strong concentration tackle common discoloration problems, to achieve perfect, evenly tones skin.”  The Nu Derm skin-care system boasts a number of great products including Gentle Cleanser, Toner, Clear, Exfoderm, Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, and Blender. Tretinoin and Sunfader products are also available upon the recommendation of a physician or skin care specialist.

Seasons is proud to carry the full line of Obagi products. Start your skin transformation today with a complimentary consultation and find out why Obagi is the best skin care system! Seasons – The Spa 318.255.1155.

The Hydradermie facial is a spectacular treatment  that provides visible, lasting results. This fully customized facial deep cleans, purifies, soothes, reduces inflammation, hydrates, nourishes, and reduces signs of aging. The Hydradermie facial is known as the “star” of facial treatments and as TV star Marsha Thomason mentioned, having the Hydradermie facial on a regular basis will provide you with the best results. 75 minutes, $75.

Available at Seasons – The Spa, Lotion Hydra Fraicheur completes the cleansing process by toning and refreshing the skin with rose extracts, glycols, and vitamin B5.  ”It is the perfect complement to Guinot’s Lait Hydra Fraicheur Cleansing Milk and is great for all skin types. My clients love the fresh smell and the lasting, clean feeling!” said Seasons Aesthicican, Lisa Best.

You don’t have to be a celebrity to have access to great products and treatments. Seasons – The Spa offers complementary consultations with our Skin Care Specialists to help you find the Guinot product that is best for your skincare needs. Be treated like a star, reserve your appointment for the Hydradermie Facial today!

Don't spend your lunch break in front of the computer!

1. Botox – You may have heard the expression “wearing your emotions on your sleeve,” but in reality you wear them on your face. Say goodbye to the evidence of age and watch your frownlines diminish and disappear with this simple and quick procedure. Results vary and usually last up to four months. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

2. Photofacial – This non-ablative, non-invasive treatment can be performed on the face, chest, neck, arms, legs and back and is highly recommended for acne, rosacea, and skin rejuvenation. Utilizing Intense Pulsed Light, a specific wave length targets and destroys unwanted blood vessels and pigmented discolorations without harming skin and stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen that replenishes what time and sun damage has taken away. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

3. Microdermabrasion Facial – Suitable for most skin types, this non-surgical mechanical exfoliation removes the outer layer of dead, dry skin. Regular treatments stimulate cell regeneration and improve the appearance of brown spots, shallow acne scars, sun damage, enlarged pores, and fine lines. Appointment time: about 45 minutes.

4. Session in the Sauna – The infrared sauna has completely transformed the meaning of the word “sauna”. Our no-steam sauna offers 7 times the effectiveness of a traditional sauna because of its ability to penetrate human tissue. Weight loss isn’t the only advantage of a sauna. A sauna helps rejuvenate and heal the body as you simply relax. Additional benefits include: detoxification, pain relief, improved circulation, lowered blood pressure, wound healing, skin purification, immunity, cell health, muscle recovery, weight loss and more! Appointment time: between 15-45 minutes.

5. IPL hair removal – Hair removal with intense pulsed light is fast and very effective in eliminating large areas of unwanted hair. Light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and converted to heat in the follicle. The heat damages the follicle and disables it from growing new hair. Excellent for areas such as the lip, under arms, or even the bikini area. IPL works best on darker hair, and is recommended in a series of four to six treatments. Consultation required. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

6. 30 Minute Swedish Relaxation Massage - This is a soothing massage that relaxes and calms the body, improves circulation, and eases muscle aches, tension, and stress. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

7. Cellulite Reduction with Smooth Shapes – This pain-free treatment uses dynamic laser and light energy with the ultimate result of tighter and smoother skin. Collagen is regenerated, circulation is improved and metabolic processes are restored. This treatment is recommended in a series of eight treatments. Consultation required. Appointment time: about 45 minutes (1 area).

8. Paraffin Hand and Foot Therapy – Experience this warm and relaxing therapy for hands or feet. Healing heat penetrates deeply and promotes relaxation. This therapy is ideal for achy muscles, arthritic joints, and rough, dry skin. Appointment time: about 20 minutes.

9. Eyebrow shaping – At Seasons, we use waxing and tweezing as a method of semi-permanent hair removal. Our brow experts will de-fuzz those bushy brows and leave you with beautifully sculpted eyebrows. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

10. Ion Foot Bath – This safe, effective, and natural foot bath rids your body of impurities and toxins. The ion spa uses water as a conductive medium to detoxify and cleanse your body. Benefits include heavy metal removal, increased energy, pain relief, improved oxygen delivery, and much more. Appointment time: about 45 minutes.

Can’t get enough of our spa services and products? Become a Spa Member at Seasons – The Spa and enjoy our services all year long! For more information about the Spa Membership Program, visit our website or contact the Spa Concierge at 318.255.1155.

Bethany Cox, LMT and client during a Hot Stone Massage at Seasons - The Spa.

A visit to the spa is a great way to escape from the stresses of everyday life. Seasons The Spa now has extended hours of service beginning July 1st, 2011. We will now be open Tuesday through Saturday for retail and spa services. Visit Seasons The Spa to experience the ultimate in relaxation, rejuvenation and renewal of the mind, body, and spirit. Contact the Spa Concierge for your appointment: 318.255.1155.

• Tuesday – 9 am – 7 pm
• Wednesday – 9 am – 6 pm
• Thursday – 9 am – 7 pm
• Friday – 9 am – 6 pm
• Saturday – 9 am – 3 pm

For a list of our services, please visit our spa services page.

Anna Stephens, WHNP

What is a Medi-Spa (Medical Spa)?

A medical spa is a hybrid between a medical clinic and a day spa that operates under the supervision of a physician. Dr. Nathan Goodyear is the overseeing physician at Seasons – The Spa and Seasons Medical Aesthetics. The spa menus at medi-spas will vary, but you can usually receive treatments such as laser hair removal, IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments, microdermabrasion, photofacials, injectables like Botox and dermal fillers, and chemical peels. For a the spa menu at Seasons, visit: www.seasonswc.com.

Compared to other day and medi-spas, what makes Seasons the best choice?

We are constantly learning, evolving, adding services, and exploring new technologies to offer our clients the superior service they have come to expect. Our clients are not the only ones who have noticed! Seasons – The Spa was named ‘Best of the Delta – Best Medi-Spa 2010′ by Delta Style Magazine and Seasons was voted ‘Best Small Business 2010′ by Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Louisiana Tech University College of Business.

What types of training have you received for medical spa procedures?

I attend advanced training every 4-6 months with a clinical trainer from Merz Aesthetics, makers of Radiesse dermal filler. I’ve also attended training with Empire Medical in 2008 and again in 2010. Empire Medical offers a more general type of training including Botox and many types of dermal fillers. In addition, I’ve received advanced training from Allergan, makers of Botox and Juvederm.

How much experience have you had with facial fillers in the lips or nasolabial folds?

I have been injecting this area for over 3 years.

How will I choose the filler that is safest and best for me?

At your personal consultation, we will discuss your beauty goals as well as discuss different options available. After determining what areas most concern you, we will decide which filler best suits your needs. Not all fillers can be used in all areas of the face.

Does insurance cover medi-spa procedures or is financing available?

The type of medical insurance that most of us have will not cover medical spa procedures. These procedures are considered cosmetic by almost all insurance companies. Fortunately, the cost involved for most medical spa procedures is minimal and there are other options for paying for medical spa procedures such as credit cards and Care Credit financing. For more information about Care Credit, please contact our Ruston office at 318.255.1155.

Clarisonic’s innovative technology vibrates at 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just one minute, the micro-massage action brush head cleans better than traditional manual cleansing. The Clarisonic Skin Care System is safe for all skin types and gentle enough for use twice a day – in the shower or over the sink. You will notice a reduction in the appearance of pores, improved skin tone, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and improved absorption of serums and moisturizers. Clarisonic PRO, $195. Clarisonic Mia, $149.

Have you been making the ‘scrunchy face’ in the mirror lately? Wondering when those frown lines and crows feet got there? I know I do it. And yes I know, it’s part of getting older. But if you aren’t satisfied with that, there is a solution: Botox!

If you’ve never had Botox, you may have some questions or concerns. We have compiled a list of FAQ’s to help you decide whether Botox is the right procedure for you. Here is your Beginner’s Guide to Botox!

 
• Does it hurt? You should expect to feel a small sting. The needle used for the injection is so small that the procedure is almost painless but we do provide ice cubies to help numb the area before an injection.
• Is it safe? The FDA approved Botox for use in reducing glabellar lines after clinical trials demonstrated that it is both safe and effective in its use for up to 120 days. A risk associated with Botox is if Botox is injected into the wrong facial area, it could cause ptosis or “droopy eyelids.” This not a permanent complication, as it goes away with time. A small percentage of patients also experience headaches, flu-like symptoms or become nauseous following the procedure.
• Will my face look like I have had plastic surgery? For people who have never had Botox, sometimes the preconceived notion is that you will have a frozen, expressionless face. That is not the case. Media images of scarred or deformed celebrities are usually the result of a plastic surgical procedure (such as a face lift) gone wrong. Botox is not surgery and scarring or deformity would be nearly impossible. A properly administered Botox treatment by a qualified professional should never leave you expressionless. Insider’s tip: Check out real results from Botox clients! You can visit the Botox website for Before & After photos.
  

  Uh-oh! When did I get those?

• When will I see results? Don’t be surprised if you glance in the mirror without noticing an immediate difference. It may take up to 48 hours to see results and up to 14 days to see the full effect. So give the Botox time to work its magic – the wait will be worth it. Insider’s Tip: if you are planning on attending a special event and want to look ‘refreshed’, make sure to schedule your Botox 2 weeks prior to the date to make sure your Botox has had a chance to take effect.
• Who will be doing the injections and how do I verify their certification? Do your research! Make sure that you are seeing someone who is certified as well as qualified to administer Botox. To find a certified administrator in your area, you can visit www.botox.com and search under “find a doctor”. Anna Stephens, NP performs Botox procedures at Seasons – The Spa in Ruston and Seasons Medical Aesthetics in Monroe. She has had advanced training in injecting Botox and receives regular education on injecting.
• What’s the difference between dermal fillers and Botox? It is important to keep in mind that Botox is not a wrinkle filler – in other words, it will not plump the skin or erase deep wrinkles and permanent lines. It works on expression lines that eventually turn into deep creases and permanent wrinkles.
• Where can Botox be injected? The most common place Botox is injected is in the face (between the eyebrows, above the eyebrows, around the eyes, in the forehead, and around the mouth). For cosmetic reasons, Botox can also be injected in the neck. To treat excessive sweating, Botox can be injected in the feet, palms, underarms, and forehead.
• How long does the procedure take? The procedure will take about 30 minutes and patients can return to work immediately after. There may be the appearance of a small bump at the injection site that lasts 10-15 minutes. The makers of Botox do recommend that users not lay flat for four hours after the injection so the Botox doesn’t migrate.
• I want to get Botox but I don’t want anyone to know. Are my procedures confidential? They are absolutely confidential! We have lots of clients that love their results but don’t want to share with their co-workers (or even their spouse) that they have had Botox injections. We understand and comply with HIPPA to ensure that your medical records are confidential. Insider’s tip: Let the spa concierge know that you would prefer the utmost privacy at your appointment. We will make sure not to call for a reminder appointment. At Seasons, you also have the option of going directly to the treatment room and leaving through our privacy door. The concierge will take your payment in the treatment room so you will not have to check out in the spa lobby.
• How long will my results last? Botox isn’t permanent. Results vary but typically last three to six months.
• What is the cost? At Seasons, the cost for Botox is $250 per area. To determine what an area is, we recommend a consultation with our expert Botox injector (consultations are always complementary). Insider’s tip: Be sure to check out our website and Facebook page for specials on services such as Botox. Seasons also offers the Brilliant Distinctions Program for patients who wish to earn discounts on their Botox procedure.
• Does Botox work best in conjunction with other services or products? By itself, Botox is a great cosmetic procedure. However, there are ways to optimize your Botox results. The best way to optimize results is to use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection to prevent future wrinkles and sundamage. Seasons carries skin care products that help reverse wrinkling by brands such as Obagi and Guinot and has a menu of corrective facials to help you look healthy and youthful.

So you have decided to get Botox. Now what?

Schedule a complementary consultation to meet with our Nurse Practitioner, Anna Stephens to discuss your desired results, cost, and to answer any other questions you may have. Make an appointment to treat your mild to moderate wrinkles at our Ruston location 255-1155 or in Monroe 340-1778. Appointments in Ruston can be scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Appointments in Monroe are available on Tuesday only.

Still unsure if this is the right procedure for you?

Come in and visit with our Nurse Practitioner, Anna Stephens. Consultations are complementary and confidential. She will help determine the best cosmetic regimen for you. If you aren’t ready for Botox, we have other skin rejuventation services and products to help you look your best!