The Photofacial Phenomenon: How to Rejuvenate Your Skin With a Series of Treatments
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!
Looking for a Lunchtime Get Away?
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.
New! Extended Hours 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.
Managing Stress With Facial Reflexology
One word can sum up the root of most illnesses in America today. And the word is…stress!
Stress can cause a variety of problems from wrinkles, to ulcers, to more severe illnesses such as cancer. At Seasons, we offer services to help manage stress including Facial Reflexology. Not only is Facial Reflexology relaxing, but it is a natural way to improve the body’s function and appearance from the inside out. A soothing Facial Reflexology treatment is performed by the practitioner applying pressure on different points of the face and scalp, as well as massaging specific areas searching for deposits or “knots” under the skin. These deposits will reveal problematic areas that can act as the base of future treatments. Symptoms can be treated over time through working with these deposit areas. Each client is unique and some treatments are recommended through a series of 4 or more treatments.
“Following a Facial Reflexology session, most clients feel deeply relaxed with a healthier complexion. Individuals should get plenty of rest and consume plenty of water to support the body in its transition.” – Bethany Cox, LMT & LFR
What is Facial Reflexology?
Facial Reflexology combines the modern science of neurology with ancient therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, South American Zone Therapy, Vietnamese face maps, and Acupuncture points. This technique of Facial Reflexology was developed by Lone Sorenson. Sorenson’s technique is based around the idea that by using finger tip pressure, you can stimulate a release of endorphins and serotonin, leaving the face feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. This stimulation sends impulses through the central nervous system and the meridians to the physical body and the major organs. Sorenson’s technique of Facial Reflexology stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in addition to balancing hormones and leveling emotions. The technique calms the body and allows it to heal naturally.
Want more information about the benefits of Facial Reflexology? Check out our other blog posts:
- 10 Natural Ways to Cure Your Bedtime Blues
- Top 10 Pregnancy Tips
- The Proof Is In The Practice – A Journey to Reflexology
- Treat The Inner and Outer You with Facial Reflexology
To schedule your Facial Reflexology session or a consultation with our Facial Reflexologist, call Seasons – The Spa at 318.255.1155.
Top 5 Travel Essentials: Get “The Glow” on The Go!
Vacation is a time for rest and relaxation but it shouldn’t mean abandoning all of your healthy lifestyle choices. Here are 5 travel essentials that will help you feel and look your best.
Clarisonic Mia. It is very important to clean your face daily. The skin can absorb toxins in new environments, and you want to make sure your face stays clean. If you are traveling somewhere warm with a high level of humidity, reduce trapped dead skin cells by using your Clarisonic Mia. Bonus: This skin care must-have includes an international charger and comes in a variety of colors!
Sunscreen. No matter where you are traveling, sunscreen is a must! Seasons has ‘the super-duper sunblock’, Sun Shield SPF 50. Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50 combines UVB absorption and UVA blockage for a high level of sunscreen protection. (If you don’t have an SPF with both UVA and UVB protection, you aren’t really doing your skin any favors.) Sun Shield SPF 50 is sheer, PABA free, and fragrance free for all skin types. Bonus: Not only is Sun ShieldSPF 50 great for all skin types, it is really light and doesn’t leave your skin with the “white SPF face”. It’s a beach bag must have!
Water. Staying hydrated will do wonders for your skin! Keep a bottle of water with you at all times and drink as much as possible. Whether you’re boarding a plane or taking a long road trip, you need to keep your body and skin hydrated. All the cream in the world will never keep your skin moisturized if your body isn’t hydrated. Skin that is dehydrated will look dull and dry.
Multivitamins with Omega 3. Omega 3 fats play a significant role in reducing inflammation in our bodies which is extremely beneficial to the skin. Fish oil has polyunsaturated fats which help replenish fats lost in the skin (a loss in these fats can cause excessive dryness and flakiness). It is important to buy the best quality supplements, like Xymogen Daily Essentials available at Seasons Wellness Clinic, $57. Bonus: Daily Essentials come in packets that make them easy to pack! Along with keeping your skin beautiful, your multivitamins may assist your digestive function, boost brain function, give you added energy, help with weight management, and increase your immune resistance.
Lip Balm. Traveling into different climates will take a toll on your lips. Bring lip balm and apply it regularly to keep your lips healthy and avoid dryness. Bonus: Stop by Seasons – The Spa before your trip and we will give you FREE Seasons lip balm with SPF 15! Lip balm with SPF is the ultimate way to protect your lips against sunburn, dryness and windburn.
We would love to hear your tips on staying healthy and beautiful when you are on the go. What do you do to keep your skin hydrated, healthy and on its best behavior when you’re traveling?
Dedicated to Excellence: Anna Stephens, WHNP
Deciding to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox treatment or dermal fillers can be stressful if you are not sure who to trust or what to expect. Making sure you choose a licensed and trained injector is very important. Botox treatment and dermal filler injections are a fusion of art and science and the injector should be highly knowledgeable about the physiology and anatomy of the body.
At Seasons, we pride ourselves on having a knowledgable and certified staff and encourage educational courses to stay up to date on the latest procedures. Make sure you choose someone who is certified as well as qualified to administer Botox or dermal fillers. To find a certified Botox or Juvederm administrator in your area, you can visit www.botox.com or www.juvederm.com and search under “find a doctor”.
Anna Stephens, WHNP, performs Botox treatments and dermal filler 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.
“We are constantly learning, evolving, adding services, and exploring new technologies to offer our clients the superior service they have come to expect,” said Stephens. “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.”
Anna Stephens is known for her warm, personal demeanor and passion for extraordinary results and client satisfaction. Establishing a personal relationship that allows her to understand her patient’s concerns and desires is a key part of her success. Anna’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University and a Master of Science in Nursing with certification as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner from Northwestern State University. She also has special training in numerous aesthetic procedures.
Anna has been injecting Botox and dermal fillers for over 3 years. She attends advanced training every 4-6 months with a clinical trainer from Merz Aesthetics, makers of Radiesse dermal filler. In 2008 and 2010, Anna attended training with Empire Medical. Empire Medical offers training in cosmetic procedures including Botox and many types of dermal fillers. In addition, Anna has received advanced training from Allergan, makers of Botox and Juvederm. She feels educating herself on a regular basis is most important for her technique and for the satisfaction of her clients.
What we value the most at Seasons are the heartfelt words of a satisfied client. Cindy Cardova, a Seasons client, described Anna as “smart and beautiful.” And we certainly agree with that. She went on to say this about her Seasons experience: “I would come see you every day if I could. It is scary to walk into a place where you don’t know the skill and experience level of the personnel. I would highly recommend [Anna] to any woman seeking these services.”
To schedule a consultation for Botox or dermal filler treatments, contact the Spa Concierge at Seasons The Spa in Ruston at 318.255.1155 or Seasons Medical Aesthetics in association with It’s Permanent in Monroe 318.340.1778.
Medi-Spa, Botox and Fillers Defined: Q&A with 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.
Supersonic Skin Care For Softer, Smoother Skin: It’s Clarisonic!
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.
Your Clarisonic questions – answered!
What are the benefits of the Clarisonic PRO?
- Compatible with all of the brush heads including the body brush head
- 4 adjustable speeds
- Built-in timer
- Waterproof for use in the shower
- Available in a variety of colors!
- 3 year warranty (see below for details)
What are the benefits of the Clarisonic Mia?
- Cordless
- Compact, perfect for traveling
- Comes with an international charger
- 1 speed
- Waterproof for use in the shower
- Available in a variety of colors – including pastels!
- 1 year warranty (see below for details)
What are the different types of brush heads?
The brush heads available are: Normal, Sensitive, Delicate, and Deep Pore. These brush heads are compatible on both the Mia and PRO. All of the brush heads plus the Body Brush is available for the PRO model (Body Brush not available for the Mia).
What brush head came with my Clarisonic?
- Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System: Sensitive Brush Head.
- Clarisonic PRO Sonic Cleansing System: Sensitive Brush Head. (The Graphite Gray model comes with a Normal Brush Head.)
Which brush head is best for my skin?
Everyone’s skin is different, but here are some suggestions when choosing a brush head:
- The Normal brush head is slightly stiffer than the delicate and sensitive. This brush head is better if you want a deeper cleanse, if you don’t have sensitive skin, or if using on a man’s face.
- If you experience dry patches or irritation, you might want to try the sensitive or delicate brush head.
- The Sensitive brush head is the most popular brush and comes with most of the skin care systems.
- The Delicate brush head is designed for extra-sensitive skin or for those suffering from complicated skin conditions such as rosacea.
- The Deep Pore brush head is the newest addition to the family. This is a great brush head for someone who can’t seem to get rid of the black heads or has acne-prone skin.
When should I clean my brush heads? And what is the best way to remove the head from the brush?
Clarisonic suggests that you clean your brush head once a week using an antibacterial cleanser. For a more detailed tutorial on brush head cleaning, please read Clarisonic’s post “How do I clean my brush head.”
I have seen advertisements for similar skin cleansing systems. What makes the Clarisonic Skin Care System better?
Unlike most other skin care system imitators, the Clarisonic Skin Care System does not “spin”. The brush head oscillates (back and forth) to provide a more gentle cleansing. Face wash can be applied directly to the brush head without spinning off and making a mess. The oscillation movement works with the skin’s elasticity to provide the best clean while careful not to damage the skin. Some other skin care systems warn against getting the system close to your hair – yikes! The Clarisonic Skin Care System is safe to use around your hair because it oscillates instead of spins. You won’t have to worry about it leaving you with any bald spots!
Added bonus: unlike most skin care systems, Clarisonic offers you a warranty on their devices.
Tell me more about the warranty!
Yes, Clarisonic does provide a warranty for the PRO and Mia. The PRO has a 3-year warranty and the Mia has a 1-year warranty. If you have any problem whatsoever with your PRO or Mia, bring it to Seasons and we will exchange it for you that day. The serial number on handle of brush tells us when it was made and needs to be clearly visible. In the user manual, Clarisonic encourages customers to register the device on their website.
A Beginner’s Guide to Botox: Saying Goodbye to Wrinkles!
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.
- 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!




















