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.

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.

The church…the flowers…the dress. Every bride dreams of that special day, that combination of time, place, and unique elements that make a wedding day memorable. The planning begins months in advance. Armed with a head-to-toe countdown plan, Seasons has just what every bride needs to look her best.

6 months prior to the big day…

• Complexion analysis. An analysis by our VISIA Imaging System will measure vascular and melanin conditions such as pigmentation, pores, wrinkles, texture, porphyrins, UV spots and photodamage. The computer-generated report gives recommendations for facial rejuvenation treatment and ongoing skin care to reverse the ravages of life on your face. Complimentary with any treatment.
• Microdermabrasion. Seasons skin care specialist Joy Smith advises microdermabrasion monthly for skin treatments to be effective. “Your skin cells regenerate every 28 days so it is important to exfoliate,” said Smith. “Products are most beneficial when they are able to penetrate the skin.” Suitable for most skin types, microdermabrasion is a non-surgical mechanical exfoliation that 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.
• Skin Care. You’ll want to complete the skin care countdown plan with great products such as Obagi Medical Products or Guinot skin care products. Regular skin care will slow down the aging process and allow a healthy glow all day everyday.
• Hair removal with IPL. While on your honeymoon to some exotic and relaxing location, unwanted hair should be the last thing on your mind! IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments should begin 6 months in advance. Hair removal with IPL 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, this treatment lasts only 10 to 15 minutes, works best on darker hair, and is recommended in a series of four to six treatments. Consultation required.
• Cellulite reduction. Does the thought of wearing a bikini on your honeymoon make you cringe? Using our cellulite reduction system, Smooth Shapes, can reduce cellulite so you have less worrying and more time to enjoy yourself! Smooth Shapes is a 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. Recommended in a series of eight. Consultation required.
• Holy Yoga. Begin a fitness routine that tones your body and soothes your spirit. Flexibility, strength, muscle tone, pain prevention, stress reduction, and improved breathing are all benefits you’ll find in a Holy Yoga class. Instructor Megan Peters is the only certified Holy Yoga instructor in Louisiana. Classes are held in the Resource Room at Seasons in Ruston.

3 months prior to the big day…

• Infrared Sauna. If you are trying to kiss those last few pounds goodbye you may want to try our infrared sauna. It’s designed to help you burn calories by simply relaxing.
• Swedish Relaxation Massage. To replenish your energy and rejuvenate yourself, there is nothing better than a Swedish relaxation massage. This particular massage is designed to relax your entire body and mind. After this treatment, you will feel refreshed and ready to take on any planning task.
• Hydradermie Lift. Hydradermie Lift provides a “youth revolution” by stimulating facial muscles to give them new tone and exerting a lifting effect on the features. Using galvanic currents, the hydradermie lift stimulates the muscles of the face, neck, and eyes giving you the effects of a face-lift without the surgery. This relaxing procedure encourages lymphatic drainage of the face and neck, reducing swelling and leaving your face with a youthful, healthy glow.

1 month prior to the big day…

• Hot Stone Massage. Relax and enjoy a complete mind, body, and soul treatment with the benefits of a deep tissue massage without the deep pressure. This massage promotes healing and well-being on all levels by using hot stones.
• European Facial. For all skin types, this relaxing facial includes cleansing, exfoliation, aromatherapy, steam and extractions. The pampering continues with an upper body massage followed by a custom mask and a moisturizer to finish.
• Paraffin 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.

Confused? Overwhelmed? Let Seasons create a countdown plan for your big day with a free consultation. We’ll customize a treatment plan to fit your lifestyle, your budget, and your needs. Let us help you glow for your special day. Call 318-255-1155 (Ruston) or 318-340-1778 (Monroe) to schedule a consultation.