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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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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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Get Up and Get Out! Summer Outdoor Workouts in Vancouver

Now that we’re halfway through summer, there are just a few weeks left to take advantage of these beautiful sunny days. While we all know the mood-boosting benefits of exercise, it only gets better when you move those endorphin-pumping activities to the great outdoors. In fact, a study shows that just 5 minutes of exercise in a green space can wake up your body and mind, making you feel happier and less stressed.

The Urban Body Laser team can attest that there’s nothing like heading outside for fresh air and fitness. Thankfully we live in such a beautiful city that there’s plenty of ways to stay active, whether it’s with a group of friends or that all-important ‘me time’. We polled the Urban Body Laser team to see how they love to get their heart rate up while also soaking up the sunshine (with plenty of sunscreen, of course!). The best part? No treadmill or stair climber required.

Beach Jogging
By taking your run to the beach, you’re getting a lot more than just better scenery. Landing on soft sand decreases the amount of stress that hard surfaces put on your feet, and the resistance naturally works your muscles better than the treadmill. The calming atmosphere of the beach sure doesn’t hurt either! Head to Jericho Beach to clock in those kilometres, and then after your run, the Hydrating Spritzer is a must, as it rejuvenates the skin after a sweaty workout.

Hiking
Not only does hiking offer a physical challenge, but as we mentioned, being in nature is a serious mood-booster. The beautiful scenery and changing terrain shifts your focus to your movements and surroundings, taking your mind off of exercising and providing a sense of calm. Grab a friend and hit the trails for an all-day trek through nature’s playground (just don’t forget to pack plenty of water and sun protection). For the more advanced hikers, the Grouse Grind, Chief, or Sea to Summit are very challenging trails with views that can’t be beat. If you’re looking for something more leisurely, Quarry Rock or Lynn Canyon are also two of our faves.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding
A great exercise for balance and strength, stand up paddle boarding is also fun! Ideal for strengthening your core, it’s a relaxing activity where you can go at your own pace and enjoy Vancouver’s beautiful backdrop. By tuning in to the gentle rhythms of the water, a calm sense of awareness can be achieved. Head to False Creek and get paddling!

Biking
It may have been years since you last pulled out your bike, but it’s never too late to hop on two wheels again. The physical and mental benefits of cycling outdoors greatly surpass riding a stationary bike because you have to balance, steer, and respond to changing terrain. Trouble sleeping? Try going for morning rides along the Seawall, as the daylight exposure will help get your circadian rhythm back in sync and rid your body of cortisol, leading to a longer and more regenerative sleep. Just don’t forget your helmet!
These are just a few ways to stay active while also exploring your backyard. So skip the gym, grab your gear, and head out!

What’s your favourite summer outdoor workouts in Vancouver? Tweet @urbanbodylaser and let us know, and you’ll be entered to win a FREE Sunforgettable Brush, valued at $88!

Laser Hair Removal Vs Waxing - After Image
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Popular Laser Hair Removal Treatments for Men and Women

After these past cold, dark months, we’re excited to say that Spring is just around the corner. The weather is warming up and the days are getting longer, which means we can shed the layers and start showing more skin! So if you’re still toying with the idea of laser hair removal, don’t wait any longer. In order to be smooth and hairless by summer, you better start your laser hair removal treatments now!

Laser hair removal is the best solution to rid of unwanted hair. Saying goodbye to shaving and waxing means you’ll no longer have to deal with razor burn, bumps, or ingrown hairs – forever.

While we can remove hair from virtually any part of your body, here are the most popular treatments for both the ladies and gents:
For Women:

  • Brazilian/ Bikini Ling
  • Bunny Tail
  • Underarms
  • Full Leg
  • Facial Hair

For Men:

While these are the most popular areas for men and women, practically any part of your body can be treated. Our medical estheticians customize the right treatments for you with our state-of-the-art technology, ensuring you have the best results. To learn more about our systems, we explain in this blog post.

So get ready to throw on your bikini or bare it all without a second thought of shaving! Contact us for a consultation.

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For the Boys: Balls-n-All™

Let’s face it; personal grooming is no longer an essential activity for just women. Men are also expected to be trim and smooth ‘down there’, but remembering to shave your private areas can easily slip many guys minds. Plus common side effects like itchiness, stubble, and ingrown hairs can cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. That’s why we created our signature treatment specially formulated for men: Balls-n-All™

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604-696-5506

This treatment removes all hair on a male’s private parts, including the shaft and base of the penis, the testicles, the area between the anus and the testicles, as well as the area between the bum cheeks. Clients love the feel and look of their smooth body parts, let alone the freedom of never having to pick up a razor again. Plus if you have piercings or tattoos, consistent laser hair removal treatments mean that you’ll no longer have to shave around them.

Essentially as soon as the process starts, you will no longer have to deal with hard, rough stubble. This is because the hair that does return in between sessions is softer and finer. If you’re unfamiliar with how laser hair removal works, we’re happy to talk you through it.

Balls-n-All™: How it Works


The laser targets the pigment melanin, which is what gives hair its colour. As the laser penetrates deep into the hair shaft, it heats the follicle long enough to stop it functioning and prevent re-growth. There are 3 stages of hair growth, so multiple treatments are needed to remove them all effectively. And incase it was on your mind, the answer is no, laser hair removal will not interfere with erections or appearance. In fact, it does quite the opposite.

Besides just a smooth finish, many clients tell us they feel better and bigger, and that becoming permanently hairless has actually enhanced their sexual experience. To learn about cost, duration of treatment, and number of treatments of Balls-n-All™, contact our medical estheticians for a free consultation.

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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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Suffering from the “Mummy Tummy”? Post Pregnancy Skin Tightening

Only moms understand how frustrating it can be to finally reach your pre-pregnancy weight, yet still have a hard time buttoning up your jeans because of the loose skin caused from pregnancy. Even after months of diet and exercise, it continues to sit around your abdomen. For many women, this can cause insecurity and embarrassment when having to wear a bikini or tight-fitting clothing.

There are hundreds of articles that recommend everything from exfoliation to miracle creams that claim to magically firm up your midsection. Unfortunately, the only result you’ll see from these is an emptier wallet and further frustration.

The fact is that even after strict dieting and exercise, the loose skin around the tummy may never firm up. This is the exact scenario our client was experiencing when she came and visited us last year. After two kids and hard work in the gym she just couldn’t get rid of stubborn skin surrounding her abdomen.

When we meet clients like this, we offer our post pregnancy Skin Tightening services to effectively tighten the problem area. We use Broad Band Light (BBL), which is a mix of both infrared and visible light that penetrates the epidermis. BBL stimulates changes at the molecular level to bring visible changes to the dermis (the visible layer of skin).

To increase elasticity and firmness, the gene expressions in damaged skin cells caused by pregnancy are changed to resemble the genes in younger skin cells. With regular treatments, cells are reinvigorated over time. Just check out our client’s results!

Loose skin is a common side effect of pregnancy, but thankfully there are treatments we offer at Urban Body Laser that can get you back to your
regular self after just a few treatments.

To see if this treatment is right for you, contact us!

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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.

Urban Body LaserUrban Body Laser
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Keep Calm: You’re Turning Thirty

It can be a scary transition departing your twenties and entering your thirties. As a 21 year old, no one expected you to think about saving for retirement, making your mortgage payments, or climbing up the corporate ladder. But now that you’ve reached a new decade in your life, it’s not just your responsibilities that may be plaguing your mind. There could be an unwelcomed change that’s also starting to take shape: wrinkles.

Wrinkles are faint lines that appear on the face and usually affect people who are 35 and under. We all know aging is inevitable, but many don’t expect to see crow’s feet and frown lines as they push thirty. The good news (yes, there’s good news!) is that you don’t need to have painful surgery in order to fix them. There are actually a number of effective ways our medical estheticians can help reduce and eliminate the appearance of wrinkles.

The Best Treatments for Wrinkles at Thirty

Collagen and elastin keep our skin plump and flexible. Unfortunately, we lose both as we age. To replace it, we offer Skin Tightening treatments that work specifically to increase collagen. Our systems use broad band light (BBL) which stimulate collagen production by putting heat into the tissue, causing it to contract and tighten.

After your Skin Tightening treatments, we recommend following-up with Photorejuvenation. Fast and convenient, Photorejuvenation treatments can be done over your lunch hour. This also uses non-invasive, innovative BBL technology that is extremely effective to reverse the signs of aging. In fact, a recent study from Stanford University revealed BBL treatments can actually change a person’s genetic DNA to help reverse the aging process.

While these treatments will produce effective results, in order to maintain them you need to be using products that will continue to hydrate and nourish your skin. Like we said in last week’s blog post, it is so important to use the right skin care because what you put directly on your epidermis can determine the look and texture on a day-to-day basis.

If you were trying to hide a baseball under a bed sheet versus a fluffy down comforter, which would you think would do the better job? It’s the same with your skin; fine lines can disappear when your epidermis is evenly hydrated. To ensure you’re receiving enough moisture, the Colorescience® Even Up® Clinical Pigment Perfector® Sunscreen works amazingly well.

Other must-haves are the R3 Enrich and R3 Enrich Plus. Enrich contains highly concentrated Hyaluronic Acid serum that attracts and maintains skin hydration with high and low molecular weight proteins which permeate the skin and address aging where it begins, while Enrich Plus stimulates elastin, smooths fine lines, tightens, firms and fortifies.

No matter what birthday you’re celebrating this year, embrace your age and feel comfortable in the skin you’re in—with a little help from us 😉
To find out more about our skin care services and products, contact us.

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Frustrated Over Your Skin Care? You’re Not Alone

You’ve spent hundreds of dollars on the latest skin care products. You religiously exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize. You visit us for Microdermabrasion and Photorejuvenation treatments, and while you experience results, after a few weeks it’s back to breakouts and inflammation. What’s the deal?

We see this type of scenario all the time. So many of our clients are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a ‘quick fix’ to their skin issues, yet they don’t realize it’s stemming from the same source: the products. Unfortunately, not all skin care lines are created equal. Despite their claims and glossy advertisements, many well-known and seemingly effective brands are full of toxins and chemicals that actually congest the skin, rather than clean it.

Janiece, Manager of Urban Body Laser, experienced first-hand the effects of using clean, high-quality, and natural products. She constantly has people complimenting her on her skin, assuming that it must be due to regular Microdermabrasion and Photorejuvenation treatments.

“I haven’t done anything different except for one major thing, which is clean-up what I put on my face. Once I started using the right products, my skin completely changed. It’s so much softer, smoother, and hydrated.”

What’s Really in Your Skin Care?

They may state that they’re professional, natural, and organic, however many skin care products actually work against your skin. For example, if you experience frequent breakouts and have turned to acne-fighting products, you could be causing further damage and making the problem worse. These products are designed to be extremely drying, and thus strip your epidermis of any moisture, leading to dead skin cell build-up. The cell build-up will then act as a barrier, traps the oil under the skin, and then causes more clogged pores and breakouts. It’s a vicious cycle!

First and foremost, never put anything on your skin without checking the ingredients first, even if it claims “won’t clog pores” or “noncomedogenic” on the bottle. Unfortunately there is no government agency that regulates these companies, so it’s our own duty to ensure we learn about what we’re using before we make that purchase.

Experience first-hand the effects of using clean, high-quality, and natural luxury skincare products.from Urban Body Laser.

With thousands of products out there, we know it can get confusing. That’s why our medical estheticians are happy to help prescribe the best products for your skin. We only offer skin care and make-up lines that we use ourselves, so we can tell you firsthand that they are highly efficacious and anti-inflammatory. Our top luxury lines include Colorescience Pro and R3 Derma, which are available at our office and in our online store.

To decide which products are perfect for you, contact us at any time.

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Urban Body Staff Pick: The Dermal Roller

We’re so excited to talk about one of our favourite products, the Dermal Roller! For a limited time, if you purchase a Dermal Roller you’ll receive a free treatment, valued at $200! So what exactly is it? We’ll explain.

The thought of needles makes many of us start to cringe. From the day we’re born, needles have always been affiliated with pain and illness; something that is forced upon us in order to protect or heal. Even as adults, this fear continues to linger. But what if we told you that there are actually needles that can make you look years younger?
The Dermal Roller is a tool covered with tiny needles which creates very minor (almost microscopic) trauma that last for a short period of time. This process has two major benefits:
1. It effectively stimulates collagen formation, which is the protein responsible for skin elasticity. Therefore, it will lead to smoother skin as it breaks down wrinkles and scarring.
2. Once your skin has been treated, it will easily absorb whatever products you apply afterwards. The light pressure literally creates microscopic holes where ingredients can penetrate, improving the look and feel of skin over time. That’s why it’s important to ensure you’re using the best products possible without harmful toxins or ingredients. Our estheticians can help distinguish which of our skincare products will best suit your skin type.

Dermal Roller and Skin Needling: How Does it Work?

Skin has a natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical damage such as cuts, burns and other abrasions. Immediately after an injury to the skin, our body reuses the damaged collagen and elastin fibres as well as other damaged skin components to produce new ones. Skin Needling allows for controlled induction of the skin’s self repair by creating micro-“injuries” in the skin, triggering new collagen synthesis. The result is smoother, firmer and younger looking skin.

We offer the Dermal Roller in two different varieties: 0.3mm and 0.5mm – both have 560 titanium needles.

Take advantage of this awesome deal while it lasts! Contact our medical estheticians to find out which one is right for you.

Ultimate Guide to Skincare
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Keeping New Year’s Resolutions

The start of a New Year always brings so much hope, excitement, and anticipation. January 1st marks a clean slate when many people resolve to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and accomplish all of those things they’ve always wanted to do.

So now that January is almost over, we have to ask: how are those resolutions coming along?

If you’re having a hard time staying on track, you’re not alone: only 19% of people who make resolutions actually stick to them two years later. Often it’s because their resolutions are too extreme. For example, cutting out all sugar, alcohol, and carbs may seem doable for the first week, even two, but a whole year? You’re bound to only set yourself up for failure. That’s why creating goals that are realistic and less extreme will help you stay on track.
Another reason people lose sight of their resolutions is because they tend to always put themselves last. When we first meet with a client, more often than not they tell us that microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, or any other treatments we offer are always something that they’ve wanted to do for themselves, but never made it a priority. Investing in your own health, beauty, and happiness is key to keeping motivated and accomplishing your goals. To ensure that you don’t fall into the 81%, here are a few tips to staying committed.

5 Ways to Keep New Year’s Resolutions

1. Know that you’re worth it. First and foremost, put your needs as equal or greater importance than anyone else. Make yourself a priority.

2. Make a list. Write down why these goals are important for you and how you’re going to feel once they’re accomplished. With everything going on in your life, it’s easy to get distracted, so keep these visible throughout the day so you’re constantly reminded of your resolutions.

3. Make a plan. Most people jot down their goals on a piece of paper and then quickly forget about them. To be apart of the 19%, figure out a plan of action and take the first step. For example, if you’ve always wanted to try microdermabrasion, contact us and set up a free consultation, then go from there. The same method can be applied to anything else you want to do, like take a night course or learn an instrument. The first step is making the call to those who can give you more information about your goal.

4. Reward yourself. Every time you finish something on your plan of action, treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be expensive or laden with calories. It can be as simple as buying a new magazine or sleeping in an extra 5 minutes.

5. Be accountable. Tell your friends, family, and partner what your goals are and ask them to keep you accountable. When you know other people are expecting you to accomplish something, you’ll be more likely to get it done.

If you’ve always wanted to improve your skin, try laser hair removal, or simply just learn what treatments we offer and how they can help, contact us (and then you can tick that off your list!).

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Unwrap Urban Body Laser Gift Card

Finding that perfect present is a daunting task, especially if you’re shopping for someone that literally has everything. Clothes and jewelry may seem like an easy way out, but knowing the right size, fit, brand, and colour can be full of second guessing and stress.

That’s why a gift card to Urban Body Laser are a no-brainer. No matter what age or sex you are, we really do have something for everyone. Though we are best known for our laser hair removal, we offer a variety of services and products that suits everyone’s needs.

So what Will an Urban Body Laser Gift Card Get You?

Are they always complaining about discoloured skin, freckles, or sunspots? Have they ever mentioned that they want to improve their complexion and even their skin’s texture? We have a number of services they can choose from, like our Photojuvenation and Microdermabrasion systems. These are fast, effective, and painless.

January is also a great time for them to start laser hair removal treatments. Since it takes a few appointments to remove stages of hair growth, they’ll be smooth and silky by the time summer comes along.

Does she love make-up? Spend hours in the bathroom ensuring she’s moisturized every last surface of her face? A gift card will get her far at Urban Body Laser! Not only do we have medical estheticians that can recommend the best products for her, we also have an online store where she can peruse the items herself, no matter where she is in the world!

Our top brands include Colorescience Pro and R3 Derma. From anti-aging to sun protection, these lines offer gentle yet effective products for everyone, no matter what their skin condition or age may be. They make an ideal gift for your sister, boyfriend, mom, aunt — even your grandma!

To find out more about our products and services or to order an Urban Body Laser gift certificate, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

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Celebrity Skincare Treatments At Urban Body Laser

Although good genetics have some part in it, it definitely takes celebrities work to stay flawless. To help keep them looking their best on the red carpet, it’s a combination of a healthy diet, preventative work, high-quality products, and professional skincare treatments. From microdermabrasion to Colorescience, here is how some of the most famous faces stay picture perfect.

The Top Celebrity Skincare Treatments

Microdermabrasion: Gwenyth Paltrow

Gwenyth Paltrow has called Microdermabrasion “a miracle”and for good reason. Often compared to the texture of your cat’s tongue, microdermabrasion gently rejuvenates the skin by a non-invasive exfoliation. By gently removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells microdermabrasion leaves the skin feeling smoother and dare we say, younger.
Microdermabrasion is a favourite among celebrity skincare treatments because it effectively treats and minimizes a wide range of skin conditions including fine lines and wrinkles, discolored and congested skin, and ingrown hairs.
Laser Hair Removal: Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian has publicly said she wants a “hairless body” and uses laser hair removal to achieve it. The old fashioned methods of removing hair like shaving, tweezing, creams, waxing, are not only time consuming but also don’t last long. Continuous laser hair removal treatments will get rid of the hair for good, and now is the best time to start in order to be hairless by summer.
Colorescience: Kerry Washington

It’s no wonder that Colorescience Pro is a favourite of celebrities like Kerry Washington and Kate Hudson, as it’s not only easy to use, but also doubles as a skincare product. It works to clear your complexion while simultaneiously protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun and the environment.
If you want to learn more about these celebrity skincare treatments, just stop by our office or contact us for more information. Our medical estheticians can give you a free consultation on how to achieve flawless, youthful skin.

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Take Care of Your Skin at Every Age

As you get older, your needs start changing. Remember those days when you lived in a dorm and scraped by on minimum wage? Now you’re looking for three bedroom homes and driving a minivan. Our lives change, develop, and require more attention. The same goes for your skin.
No matter how old you are, we’re going to share how you can take care of your skin at every age. No surgery or scalpel required.

Tools, Tips, and Products to Take Care of Your Skin at Every Age

20’s

You may think that you only need to worry about your skin as you get older, but taking preventative measures now is the best way to ensure your complexion stays as youthful and smooth as possible.

Skin tends to become a little drier in your twenties, which causes your skin to over produce oils. This could lead to breakouts (thought those days were left in high school??). Also staying hydrated as well as ALWAYS wearing SPF will help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
We recommend:

  • Microdermabrasion to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and leave a smooth texture

30s

Unfortunately you really start developing fine lines and wrinkles in your thirties. This is because collagen and elastin start to break down, and towards the end of the decade, age spots and brown pigmentation may start to appear.

We recommend:

40s

Since your skin also doesn’t rebound as quickly as it did when you were in your 20s and 30s, you might notice skin sagging. Those under eye circles may also turn into pouches.

We recommend:

  • Pep Up Pen from Colorscience, an eye and lip tri-peptide formula that will help increase the appearance of firmness and reduce fine lines and wrinkles while plumping up delicate tissue.
  • Glycolic Cherry Peel, a mild exfoliating mask that gives skin a smooth, healthy appearance after each application.
  • Skin Tightening to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

50s

Because of menopause, there is less estrogen in the skin which means the lines you developed in your 40s transform into skin folds. Your skin is also more much delicate and fragile from age 50 and above.

We recommend:

  • Flawless Face Photo Rejuvenation Package, a combination of Microdermabrasion, photo rejuvenation, and skin tightening. This trifecta all work together to reverse the aging process and the results are amazing!
  • Enrich Plus is a lightweight moisturizer with maximum hydration designed for mature, dry, and irritated skin

We truly believe that age is only a number; how you feel on the inside is all that matters. However, we also know how important it is to take pride in your appearance. Growing older isn’t something to dread, but rather to look forward to, especially if you have your skincare down pat.
For more advice on how to take care of your aging skin, visit our online store and contact us for a one-on-one consultation with our medical estheticians.

Back After Laser Hair Removal
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Article from Elle Canada – Laser Hair Removal Tips

Laser hair removal: What you need to know

Laser hair removal tips from a dermatologist to help you get smooth and sexy skin this summer.

With bikini season right around the corner (we already have our sexy little number purchased) women go into full-blown hair removal mode and will do anything to get smooth skin for summer dresses, short-shorts and of course, the beach. All those tired of the nicks and time it takes with shaving raise your hand. And while waxing gives you a bit of a break from the shave routine, let’s be honest — the pain factor is not something any of us look forward to. But don’t fret — there are other options for hair removal (that don’t involve nearly as much pain and are more permanent), such as laser hair removal. To get the skinny on how laser hair removal works and tips for getting it done, ELLE Canada asked dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett of DKL on Avenue for her advice.
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