Beginner’s Guide to IPL Hair Reduction: ‘Hair’ Today, Gone Tomorrow
Are you ready to shed your winter coat and put on that teenie weenie bikini? Here’s the buzz on de-fuzzing with intense pulsed light (IPL).
How does IPL hair removal work?
IPL is fast and effective in eliminating unwanted hair. The laser gets to the root of the of the follicle by going into the shaft and heating the hair at its base, destroying the hair, and effectively stopping or reducing re-growth. Lasers are set to target pigmentation, so laser hair removal is usually more effective on darker hair.
What’s the treatment like?
IPL treatment lasts only 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the area). A gel is applied to the skin to act as a conductor for the laser and help keep the skin cool during the procedure. Our aesthetician will use a hand-held laser tool on the desired area. The procedure can cause discomfort in some individuals, but it’s usually slight and fades quickly.
Do I need to have a consultation before treatment?
Yes. It is our policy to meet with you prior to a laser treatment to make sure you are a candidate for this procedure. It is possible to have your treatment the same day as your consultation as long as there is enough time. If you feel like you may want to have a treatment the same day, please tell our spa concierge when booking your appointment.
How often do I have to come back for the treatment?
The recommended course of treatment is six sessions. However, this will vary based on skin tone, hair texture and the rate of hair growth. We recommend that you wait 4-6 weeks between sessions.
When can I see visible results for hair removal?
The hair reduction is gradual and increases with each treatment. The exact amount varies from person to person and by area.
Will my hair be permanently removed?
Though we know you’ll be thrilled with your results, we can only ensure permanent hair reduction, not complete elimination because it is possible that you may need a touch up in the future.
Before your service:
- Please shave the area to be treated before your appointment.
- Do not pluck, wax, use a depilatory, or undergo electrolysis in the areas you wish to treat for 6 weeks prior to your hair removal treatment. Shaving is good. Everything else is a no-no!
- Avoid any UV exposure to the areas to be treated for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Avoid self-tanning products for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- If you have taken any medications such as Accutane in the last 6 months, please let us know. Certain medications can make your skin more susceptible to damage from the laser.
After your service:
- Some redness and swelling in the treated area is normal, it may feel similar to a sunburn.
- Avoid applying irritants (glycolics, retinoids, etc.) to the treated area for 7 days after treatment.
- Apply sunscreen to the treated area for 6 weeks after the procedure.
- Keep the treated area clean. To avoid irritation, do not scrub the area.
- Do not use deodorant or antiperspirant for 24-48 hours after an underarm treatment.
Ready to get smooth? Call Seasons – The Spa at (318) 255-1155 to schedule your complimentary consultation. Until May 31st, 2012, you can receive a discount on all IPL and waxing services. For more information, click here.
Don’t Be A Stupid Cupid: 10 Outside The Box (Of Chocolates) Valentine’s Day Gifts
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Make her melt with a thoughtful gift from Seasons - The Spa!
OK guys…let’s flashback to Valentine’s Day 2011. It’s 5 p.m. and you are on your way home from work when you notice a vendor on the side of the road selling balloons and stuffed bears out of the back of his trunk. Shoot! She has been dropping hints all week but you have somehow forgotten to “do something special” for her. So you pull into the local Walgreen’s because surely they have something you could buy her for Valentine’s Day. Whew! You aren’t the only guy sifting through picked over cards and candy.
There aren’t many options but you think to yourself, “Hey, she will never know I bought this last minute plus she will LOVE this Sponge Bob card and tinfoil-covered chocolate rose.” You get home and present her with the drugstore treasures only to find out that she – in fact – could tell you put little thought into her gift and her face is getting that look right before she says “I’m fine” and starts vacuuming really fast. And, well…you remember how the rest of the night went!
Don’t be a stupid cupid! Give her a gift that we guarantee will knock her socks off (any other article of clothing is up to you)! Here are 10 Valentine’s Day gifts from Seasons – The Spa that will show her you are thinking outside of the box (of chocolates).
- The Dream Gift: Spa Membership. With the Spa Membership, she can pamper herself all year long with services like monthly massages, unlimited yoga classes, sauna sessions, and more! Starting at only $60 per month, we have 3 three unique membership plans to help her de-stress on a regular basis.
- The Romantic Gift: Couples Massage Class. Throw out the usual plans and join us on Valentine’s Day from 5-6:30 p.m. for a class in massage. Learn how to release tension in your partner’s arm, legs, hands and feet and use compression techniques on the torso. Only $35 per couple [$25 for Spa Members]. Class includes door prizes, hors d’oeuvres and wine from Portico Bar & Grill, and a goodie bag. Reservation required (We had to make your responsible for something).
- The Gift of Relaxation: 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. 60 minutes, $80.
- Gift For Him: Man’s Facial. This relaxing facial includes cleansing, exfoliation, aromatherapy, steam and extractions as well as special treatment for the beard area. 60 minutes, $65.
- The Beautiful Gift: Liftosome Facial. This firming, radiance-boosting treatment uses a thermal mask that shapes the facial features and diffuses energizing concentrates of Vitamin C and Ginseng. These active ingredients combine with a warming effect and fill the skin with new energy, restore its elasticity and regenerate new cells. 75 minutes, $95.
- The Perfect Gift: A Gift Card for Spa Services of her choice. She keeps saying she hates those crow’s feet around her eyes, but if you’re afraid a gift certificate for Botox might send you to the doghouse, then a gift card will be perfect! Available in any denomination and as always, wrapping is complimentary.
- The Favorite Gift: Clarisonic Pro, Mia, or Mia 2. Starting at only $119, 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. Available in a variety of colors (Oh, No! Choices! Our friendly spa staff will help you pick the perfect Clarisonic!).
- The Gift of Peace and Quiet: Yoga Classes. Flexibility, strength, muscle tone, pain prevention, stress reduction, and improved breathing. Yoga provides all of these benefits and much more! 12 classes are only $100.
- The Hot Couples Gift: Sauna Sessions. Our Sunlighten infrared sauna has completely transformed the meaning of the word “sauna.” The state-of-the-art, no-steam sauna offers 7 times the effectiveness of a traditional sauna with added amenities including a DVD player. At no extra charge, book the sauna for you and your lovely lady. Starting at $15 per session.
- The Waterworks Gift: Prenatal Massage. This gift is guaranteed to make her cry the happy tears. Now, the hormones might have something to do with it, too, but we know she will love that you thought of her during this special time. The soothing essence of massage allows expectant mothers to feel serene, healthy, and comforted while helping to relieve common ailments of pregnancy. Packages start at $45 for 30 minutes.
The team at Seasons – The Spa is here to assist you in your journey to becoming the Smartest Cupid Ever. If you have any questions about how to attain this title, please give us a call! Seasons – The Spa at 318.255.1155. As always, wrapping is complimentary!
American Spa Magazine Features the Aromatic Facial
Guinot’s Aromatic Facial is featured in the October 2011 issue of American Spa Magazine. The Aromatic Facial offered at Seasons – The Spa is an all natural facial using essential oils and plant extracts. Great even during pregnancy, this “green facial” provides the “glow” without the chemicals that your body doesn’t need during this important time.
The treatment takes relaxation to a new level with the use of gentle effleurage movements and one of five Aromatic Essential Oils-Balance, Energy, Nourishing, Serenity, and Vitality-that is chosen based on the client’s particular skin type. A pressure-point massage ensures that the skin absorbs the rich plant actives, which help to hydrate, balance, and energize the skin. A custom-blended peel-offmask, also rich with plant concentrates, helps calm the skin and leave it glowing.
For more information about the Aromatic Facial, contact our Spa Concierge at 318.255.1155.
Say Goodbye to Acne with the Acne 12-Week Intensive from Seasons
Want clear skin without harmful medication?
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.
The Gift of Beautiful Skin: December Obagi Event
From December 1st – December 14th, when you purchase Obagi products totaling $350 or more (pre-tax) from Seasons – The Spa, you are eligible to receive a $50 Visa Prepaid Card!
At Seasons – The Spa, we carry a wide variety of quality skin care products to meet the needs of your unique skin type. Because we want you to have the best possible results, all of our products are hand selected by Dr. Goodyear and our skincare specialists. Our staff has chosen Obagi as the leading skincare line for damaged skin.
Obagi has developed clinically-proven products and systems primarily for common and visible skin conditions including: aging, photodamage, hyperpigmentation (melasma and freckles), acne, sun damage and rosacea. Obagi has been featured in numerous publications and received many accolades including being named ‘Best Skin Care System Sold in a Doctor’s Office’ by New Beauty Magazine.
This is the perfect opportunity to see what Obagi can do for your skin. Visit us during our Obagi Event and give yourself the gift of beautiful skin!
Here’s how to receive your $50 Visa Prepaid Card:
- Purchase $350 or more of Obagi products from your skin care specialist between December 1 and December 14
- Request an itemized receipt for your purchase
- Visit www.obagi.com/healthyskinrewards to complete a short redemption form
- Print and mail the completed redemption form, along with your original receipt, to the address on the form
- Obagi will mail your $50 Obagi Visa Prepaid Card directly to you within 4 to 6 weeks
Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation with our skincare specialists. Seasons – The Spa 318-255-1155.
Related articles
- Obagi Sun Shield Wins Self Magazine Healthy Beauty Award
- ‘C’ Your Way To Better Skin With Obagi
- Obagi Named Best Twice by New Beauty
- Ask An Aesthetician: Q&A with Lisa Best
Ask An Aesthetician: Q&A with Lisa Best
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.
Obagi Named Best Twice by New Beauty
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 Photofacial Phenomenon: How to Rejuvenate Your Skin With a Series of Treatments
UV damage before and after Photofacial treatments using Visia Skin Analysis
Perhaps you’ve heard of photofacial treatments. But exactly what is a photofacial?
Photofacial treatments use an intense pulsed light (IPL) to penetrate your skin on the deepest levels causing your body to produce new collagen, creating healthier and smoother skin. This non-ablative, non-invasive treatment can be performed on the face, chest, neck, arms, legs and back.
IPL Photofacial is particularly suited for treating rosacea, sun damaged skin, age spots, and facial veins and will give you the best results when treated in a series. Pain associated with treatment is very minimal and most clients report the feeling of the IPL light beam to be like a rubber band snapping against the skin.
Photofacial results are long-lasting if you undergo the presribed number of treatments. A skin regimen can be carried out at home to maintain the results. After a couple of years, a touch-up photofacial treatment might be needed.
Give your skin an energy boost at Seasons – The Spa! Schedule your treatment during September and take $50 off your treatment (see our September Beauty Bonus). For more information about photofacial treatments and other skin rejuvenation services, please visit our Spa Services page.
To schedule your photofacial treatment or a complementary consultation and Visia Skin Analysis with our Aesthetician, call Seasons – The Spa at 318.255.1155.
Guinot Featured in Lucky Magazine
In the August issue of Lucky Magazine, “Lost” actress Marsha Thomason talks about her love for Guinot’s Hydradermie facial and Lotion Hydra Fraicheur Toner. At Seasons – The Spa, we also love Guinot and are proud to carry the full line of Guinot products and provide several Guinot body and facial treatments.
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!
Best of the Best
It’s that time of year again. Northeast Louisiana will cast its vote for Best of the Best.
Each year, Delta Style Magazine asks local readers to to cast their votes for “Best of the Delta,” culminating in a list of the Top 3 in each category available. In 2010, Seasons – The Spa was honored to be named “Best of the Delta” in the category of Medi-Spa by the readers of Delta Style Magazine. And now we turn our attention to 2011.
This year, Seasons is nominated in three categories including Best Medi-Spa, Best Day Spa, and Best Massage Therapist – Bethany Cox. We are so very grateful to our clients and friends for the nomination in each of those categories. That means you’ve already voted us in the Top 3 in each of those categories.
To cast your vote for Best of the Delta finalists, click here and we’ll link you to the final ballot.
Thanks for the nominations!
We think you are the “Best of the Delta” as well!
