Teen Acne
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9 Skincare Lessons from Urban Body Laser

After years of helping people with their skin, we can safely say we’ve seen just about everything. From dry to oily, young to mature, our medical estheticians have worked with hundreds of people from all corners of Greater Vancouver to help them achieve healthy, glowing, and flawless complexions.
Throughout the years, we’ve learned a thing (or nine) about how to the body’s largest organ. And lucky for you, we’re giving you the inside scoop by sharing our top 9 skincare lessons that will help your skin from the inside, out.
1. Cleanse. We’ve all had those mornings where we’ve woken up with raccoon eyes from last night’s mascara and our foundation strewn across the pillow (yuck!). We know life gets busy, but if there’s one thing you absolutely must do, it’s cleanse before you hit the sack. Here are a few of our faves:

2. Sunscreen. Don’t let Raincouver fool you; those grey clouds aren’t enough to fight off the sun’s harmful rays, causing premature aging and upping your chance of developing skin cancer. Applying sunscreen should be part of your all-day routine, no matter what time of year it is.

And not all sunscreens are created equal; as we’ve mentioned, you need to opt for Physical sunscreen, which protects your skin from the sun by deflecting or blocking the sun’s rays. It uses non-toxic, mineral-based ingredients like titanium dioxide (a naturally occurring mineral) and zinc to block the sun’s entire spectrum of UVA and UVB rays. This differs from the typical chemical forms you find at the drugstore, and are made up of more than 12 different chemicals, many of which have not been FDA approved. These are then absorbed into the skin and can interfere with the normal function of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid.Our go-to physical sunscreen is anything in the Sunforgettable Collection by Colorescience. Pack in your purse and reapply any time of day for easy-peasy application.

3. Ditch the Drugstore. Here’s why: they’re filled with chemicals that will only harm your skin. Better to make life simple and go for the natural, holistic, and scientifically proven good stuff:  Colorescience and R3Derma.

4. Moisturize. Yes, that includes people with oily skin. No matter what skin type you have, moisturizer should always be in your arsenal. Here are our faves.

5. Wash Up. And not just your face. We’re talking about your brushes, pillowcases, and face cloths; anything that touches your face on the reg, as these materials can easily absorb and pass on bacteria that can clog pores.

6. Don’t Pick! Whether it’s pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads, keep your hands off and away from your face, as you’ll likely only do more damage. Suffering from scars? Our Foto-Facials will do wonders to remove discoloration.

7. Easy on the Exfoliation. Rule of thumb: you should be exfoliating gently and no more than twice a week. Your skin is sensitive, and while exfoliation is vital for removing dead skin cells and other pollutants, there’s no need to sand it down completely. These exfoliators and masks from Osmosis and Pro-Derm are gentle yet incredibly effective.

8. Ban the Tan. Baking in ultraviolet rays, whether it’s the tanning bed or on the beach, needs to stop immediately. Premature aging, wrinkles, fine-lines, pigmentation, cancer – you name it; it’s all caused by tanning.

9. Bar the Bar. Using a bar of drugstore soap to cleanse is one of the worst things you can do, as it strips our skin of natural oils and causes a PH imbalance, resulting in dry, oily or acneic skin. Do yourself a favour and try R3Derma Cleansers that deeply clean the skin and thoroughly remove dirt, make-up, and environmental toxins.

Now that you have our skincare secrets, feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our tips, recommendations, and products. We’re happy to help!

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I Let Urban Body Laser have their way with me….

I Let Urban Body Laser have their way with me….

and I think I like it…..

I have always been content with the way I appear on the outside.  I’m no beauty queen, but I’m happy about how I look.

Also, I have never been caught up with getting older.  Some of the most beautiful humans I have ever laid eyes on are in their 80’s.

So, I had never really thought of facial rejuvenation as something I’d be into.  I heard the ads that my friends from Urban Body Laser ran on the PEAK pretty much ever since we went on air.  But, I always thought they were talking to someone else.

Then, recently, I started noticing the effects my love for the sun has had on my skin.  I had so many crazy sunburns on my face, one so bad I had to be hospitalized.  And it realized that my careless ways with the sun were catching up with me.

When I heard the Urban Body Laser ads about Photorejuvenation I started to pay attention.  The idea that maybe some of the spotting and redness on my face can be removed with light therapy began to appeal to me.

So I talked to my friend Janiece at Urban Body Laser.   I had my first photorejuvenation and skin tightening treatment just before the holidays.  I was a little freaked out. I was afraid it would hurt like crazy ( it hurt a tiny bit ).   I was afraid there might be scarring ( there was none – in fact, Janiece made me look better when I left than I did when I walked in thanks to the Colorscience  mineral makeup she hooked me up with ). Mostly, I felt refreshed and relaxed and like I’d been pampered.

The treatment comes with a excellent skin care line for use after to help nourish and protect the skin.  I love it.

I didn’t really notice a difference, but my friends did.  I have already started getting compliments on how great my skin looks.  After one treatment.  Crazy.

Next step, microdermabrasion.  It’s happening soon.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

We’ll be posting the before and after pics of me after I’ve had all the treatments.  But from what I’ve experienced so far, it’s working.

Pretty Eye
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Post-Summer Skincare Treatments

Summertime means sun, shorts, and sandals. But with that beach hair and bronzed skin also comes sun damage. While prevention is the first line of defense, no one (and no sunscreen) is perfect. We’ve listed our top treatments for after-sun care to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Microdermabrasion:
Exposure to sun, chlorine and salt water can dry out your skin, causing it to peel and flake. The buildup of dead skin can make skin appear dull, blotchy and uneven. Exfoliation is crucial to help remove sun damage and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it softer and brighter.
Our microdermabrasion treatments gently rejuvenate the skin with non-invasive exfoliation. By removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells, microdermabrasion leaves the skin feeling smoother and dare we say, younger. We use the Pristine Precision Diamond Peel System because we love how the densely packed diamonds gently remove top layers of the epidermis, stimulating collagen and elastin production and improving blood flow. Microdermabrasion treatments are recommended for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Photorejuvenation:
The main cause of sunspots is prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun. While increased sun exposure can cause fair-skinned faces to freckle, darker complexions are also vulnerable to uneven pigmentation. In fact, many of us may have a veil of pigment on our skin that we don’t even know is there.

To counteract this, we highly recommend Photorejuventation. Whether on your face, hands, neck, chest or back, Photorejuvenation can make you look like you’ve turned back time. This treatment pulses light into the skin, heating it to target and remove the unwanted brown and red marks from the sun to deliver a more even skin tone and overall glow. It uses light (in a good way!) to repair and revive your skin in an effective and non-invasive system. These treatments are done in a timely matter and can even be done over your lunch hour.

Summer isn’t the only time to be worried about harmful UV rays, as we are exposed to the sun all year round. Therefore, sun protection is essential no matter what season you are in. Keep an eye out for our next blog, where we’ll be sharing our favourite after-sun skincare products that are perfect for recovering from the sunny season.
If you have any questions about summer skincare or any other services we offer, our medical estheticians are a helpful guide for finding the best products for your skin type, so contact us any time. We’re happy to help!

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Sunscreen 101: Physical vs. Chemical

With summer looming, all we seem to think about are beach days and sunset nights. But before we can catch a glimpse of those beautiful rays, there’s one important tool we need before we can step out into the sun: sunscreen.

Even on cloudy days, the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays can penetrate the epidermis, causing premature aging and sunspots. That’s why choosing the right sunscreen for your body is so important. But with seemingly endless choices like waterproof or water-resistant, face or body, lotion or mist, not to mention a multitude of different SPF levels, it’s hard to figure out which one to go with. So here’s a tip when you’re in that drugstore wavering between SPF 4 and SPF 60: there’s only one type of sunscreen you should be using. And chances are, it’s not available in the aisle.

Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreen, or physical blockers, is a non-toxic substance that uses ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are natural minerals that have been grounded into fine powders. Physical sunscreen works by deflecting the sun and blocking those harsh UV rays from damaging the body. Try adding some into your moisturizer or foundation to easily incorporate it into your morning ritual and ensure your skin is protected. Being that physical sunscreen is so pure, only a little amount is needed for you to get the right amount of protection.

Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens are what you would typically find at the drug store. This type of formula is combined with 12 different chemicals, some of which have not been FDA approved. Chemical sunscreens can produce free radicals that can cause irritation and damage to the skin. They’ve been proven to interfere with hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid, which have been linked to breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

That’s why our medical estheticians always choose physical sunscreen since it’s a non-toxic, specially formulated product that offers safe protection. We swear by the Sunforgettable line by Colorescience, a skin care collection that’s infused with physical blockers designed to make using sun protection like the Sunforgettable Brush part of your daily routine. Use the Hydrating Spritzer throughout the day to replenish the skin with ingredients with Vitamin E and SPF, particularly before and after spending time in the sun.

We are exposed to the sun all year round; therefore, sun protection is an essential no matter what season you are in. Our medical estheticians are a helpful guide for finding the best products for your skin type, so contact us any time. We’re happy to help!

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Lights, Camera, Photorejuvenation!

January is a great month to get started on this non-invasive treatment because you need to spend limited time in the sun between appointments (which is easy to do on the west coast!). Photofacials, or photorejuvenation, uses light technology that minimizes brown spots, sun damage, fine wrinkles, and enlarged pores. It significantly improves redness caused by rosacea and acne scarring while simultaneously smoothing skin’s texture. Plus photorejuvenation significantly reduces signs of aging. In fact, a study conducted at Stanford University proved that BBL light therapy can change the structure of DNA and actually reverse the signs of aging!

That’s what makes this treatment so unique; it not only erases skin damage, but it also improves your skin tone and overall feel.

An individual treatment takes about 15 minutes and usually requires four to six treatments in three-week increments. When you arrive, our medical estheticians will apply a cool gel to the surface of your skin and then move the light therapy device across the treatment area. Most people compare it to a warming sensation, like a light snap of a rubber band. The best part is that you can pop in on your lunch break and then get back to your busy day immediately after the treatment.

Many patients who suffer from acne have turned to photofacials and experienced incredible results. From mild to severe, BBL phototherapy can significantly reduce the redness associated with moderate and cystic conditions.

Whether it’s age spots, sun damage, or rosacea, the Urban Body Laser team can assess and customize a program based on your needs. Contact our medical estheticians for a free consultation!

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Winter Skin Care Tips

Winter Skin Care Tips

Have you noticed that your skin has become incredibly dry in the past few weeks? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Cooler temperatures always affect the moisture of your skin, especially on your face, hands, and feet. As a result, cracking, flaking, and redness are all side effects as winter weather sweeps in.

It also doesn’t help that as the temperature drops outside, we’re turning up the heat inside, which also causes the skin to dry out. Thankfully, the Urban Body Laser team has assembled their Winter Survival Kit so ensure your skin receives the tender loving care it deserves. Check out our top picks:

R3 Derma Organic Aloe Gel
We recommend using this in the morning and evening to regenerate the skin’s protective film, or any time after bathing, showering or shaving.

R3 Derma Revive Serum
This helps calm and soothe very dry skin with Konjac Root Extract. Our owner, Janiece, swears by it! In fact, she loves applying this to her hands and lips before bed.

R3 Derma Health Pro Products

R3 Derma Enrich Plus

This anti-aging hydrator is perfect for under your mineral makeup to leave you with not only a photo finish but also a silky feel. Can be used upon waking and/or before bed.

Colorescience Pep Up Gel
Give your skin a jumpstart every morning with this amplified Anti-Aging Serum. This collagen renewal treatment for face and neck is formulated with a 10-peptide blend to specifically target aging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. This radiance-boosting formula with deep hydration and advanced antioxidant support makes your skin look and feel younger. Light-reflecting pigments diminish imperfections, improve the appearance of redness, and brighten sallow tones.

Colorescience Pep Up Gel

R3 Derma Refresh Hydrating Mask
Maximize topical hydration and enhance your skin’s natural moisture barrier with this thirst quenching Mask which contains water based humectants that attract and bind moisture to the skin. Infused with powerful resilience-enhancing actives, this mask will provide immediate and long lasting hydration, skin will feel supremely nourished, refreshed, hydrated and balanced.

With this dream team in your corner, you won’t have to suffer from another season of chapped lips and cracked hands. Best of all, these are available at our clinic or on our online store! Though all of these products can be used on any age or skin type, there may be some that are better suited for you than others. If you need help deciphering which ones are best for you, contact our team any time, we are more than happy to help.

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Serums 101

You may have noticed more advertisements and buzz around serums. A relatively new product in the skincare market, serums are gaining a loyal following for many reasons. However, we find many clients are confused over why, when, and how to use them.

A common misconception is that serums can replace moisturizers. This is completely false as they both have very different purposes. Facial creams have been around for a long time and are still the most popular form of skin care. They’re a vital component to any skin care regime and should never be replaced with serums or any other products. They’re typically made by mixing oil with water and are primarily meant to hydrate the skin.

Serums, on the other hand, are a concentrated way to get key ingredients into the skin. The main reason you’d want to use a facial serum is to get added nutrients into deeper layers of your skin that a regular moisturizer is not able to reach. The junction between the two main layers of our skin (epidermis and dermis) is extremely hard to penetrate. While this is a good thing because it protects our skin, it also means it’s difficult to get the active ingredients into the depths of your skin where it is needed.

This is why you need a serum with an effective delivery system. So before you purchase one, make sure that it has a delivery system for those active ingredients to properly penetrate into the deep layer of your skin. Otherwise you’ll be wasting your money.

All of the serums we offer at our office and online store have this essential liposomal delivery system, which means you can treat and correct any skin ailments that you may be experiencing. For example, the R3 Derma Soothe Serum is an all-natural product; R3 Derma’s Remedy for rosacea reduces and reduces redness while restoring the protective barrier. It also reduces scarring, minimizes the visibility of capillaries, and rebuilds the thinned epidermis.

Other common skin conditions that serums can help treat are acne and pigmentation. To apply, you can either add 1-2 drops/pumps to in the morning and night to your entire face or you can use as a spot treatment. You can find both serums from the R3 Derma line in our online store.

Serums are excellent for anti-aging. This Anti-Aging Serum in particular has a 10-peptide blend that specifically targets aging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Our staff love this product because it gives your skin an instant boost, diminishing imperfections and improving the appearance of any redness almost immediately.

As you can tell, serums can be extremely beneficial for the skin and a vital component to a youthful, radiant, and flawless complexion. But before you invest in a serum, it’s best to contact our medical estheticians to find which one is right for you.

Urban Body Laser reviews and testimonials - Teen and Mom
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Treat Your Mom for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is just a couple of days away! Have you found a gift for her yet? You could do the usual flowers, jewelry, or scarf, but why not do something for her that she would probably never do for herself? This Mother’s Day, give her something that will make her feel beautiful from the inside out.

At Urban Body Laser, we offer a variety of services and products that will guarantee to impress your Mom. Here are a few of our most popular gifts for Mother’s Day.

Photofacial
Your Mom will instantly look and feel younger after she receives a photofacial. BBL Photorejuvenation reduces and eliminates the appearance of freckles, fine lines, wrinkles, or liver spots. Whether on the face, hands, neck, chest or back, this treatment can make her look like she’s turned back time. Book her a series of treatments for maximum results.
Microdermabrasion
This is another effective treatment that will rejuvenate the skin in a painless and non-invasive way. Often compared to the texture of a cat’s tongue, microdermabrasion gently removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells, cleaning your pores and leaving skin smooth and decongested. It’s a great one for Mom because it helps treat and minimize fine lines and wrinkles, discolored skin, and ingrown hairs. Celebrities like Gwenyth Paltrow swear by it!
Beauty Consultation
As women age, their skin’s needs change dramatically. It can be daunting trying to navigate through eye creams, serums, and anti-aging moisturizers. Treat mom with an Urban Body Laser gift certificate and we’ll give her a free skin and beauty consultation! Our medical estheticians can recommend the best products for her skin and from there she can use her gift certificate to purchase whatever products she wants. If she’s also looking to spruce up her make-up collection, we can show her the best shades and tones for her skin that will bring out her natural beauty.
If you’re wondering about more of our services and which ones will be best for your Mom, feel free to contact us any time!

How are you planning to celebrate Mother’s Day? Tweet us or post on our Facebook page, we would love to hear about it!

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Sun Protection Revealed: Physical Vs Chemical Sunscreen

If you’ve ever perused the sunscreen aisle in the drug store, then you understand just how confusing it can be. With row upon row of countless brands, the options seem endless: waterproof, water-resistant, sweat-proof, sport, mist, lotion, face, and body are just some of the variations you have to navigate. Then you have to decide which SPF level, which can go from 4 all the way up to 90. Who knew trying to protect your skin could be so daunting?

The truth is there are really only two types of sun protection that you need to know about: physical and chemical.

Physical Vs. Chemical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreen protects your skin from the sun by deflecting or blocking the sun’s rays. It uses non-toxic, mineral-based ingredients like titanium dioxide (a naturally occurring mineral) and zinc to block the sun’s entire spectrum of UVA and UVB rays. Once applied, it sits on top of the skin and works to reflect the sun immediately upon application. Though you may think sunscreen should be white, in reality the pure forms are not. Physical sunscreens like the ones we carry can be mixed into a moisturizer or in mineral products like Colorescience and are completely unnoticeable.

Chemical sunscreens are typically what you’ll see at the drug store and are made up of more than 12 different chemicals, many of which have not been FDA approved. These are then absorbed into the skin and can interfere with the normal function of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid. Dr. Oz published this article explaining the dangers of chemical sunscreens and how they are linked to abnormal development in fetuses and growing children, as well as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

While chemical-laden sunscreens require you to slap on layer upon layer, clogging your pores and eventually causing breakouts, physical versions are so pure that a little goes a long way. A small dab is plenty to guard from the sun’s rays without congesting your skin, allowing you to reap the benefits of a clear, smooth, and protected appearance.

Given the negative effects and dangers to your health, it’s clear why we prefer physical sunscreen. Our favourite products include anything from the Colorescience Sunforgettables. Not only do we carry these at Urban Body Laser and our online store, we also wear them every day (yes, even when it’s raining!).

Must-haves are the Sunforgettable products from Colorescience. These act to both protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays as well as a make-up line. We love the Retractable Brush Mineral Powders that are available in a variety of shades to best match your skin tone. You can also choose from the Colorescience Skin Brightening Face Perfector and Hydrating Spritzer all made with SPF 30 or higher.

Sun protection isn’t just something to concern yourself with during Spring and Summer; it should become a part of your daily skin regime 365 days a year. To find the right products for you, contact our medical estheticians for more information.