Mesotherapy vs. Microneedling

Mesotherapy vs. Microneedling

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling or collagen induction is a cosmetic procedure that helps improve superficial scars and minor skin imperfections.

How does Microneedling work?

This technique involves the use of a pen shaped tool that has multiple needles with different depths from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm to puncture the skin and cause physical trauma. By doing so, we promote body’s natural healing process to create Collagen.

As Dr. Macrene Alexiades mentions in Elle magazine: “From microneedling alone, you will look plump, pink, and luminous for a couple of weeks. On a short term basis, it plumps the skin and makes the skin look more radiant”.[1]

Here at Q Esthetics, we combine Microneedling with other laser therapies for more severe skin problems to achieve greater outcomes.

What is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy comes from the Greek word mesos meaning “middle”, and therapy from the Greek word therapeia which means” to treat medically”.[2] French doctor, Michel Pistor, is considered the father of modern mesotherapy, which initially was used for the treatment of medical conditions, starting in the 1950’s.[3]

Later on, practitioners discovered that this technique could be used for cosmetic purposes. At Q Esthetics, we have perfected this treatment to improve skin conditions such as: wrinkles, stretch marks, hair loss, fat loss plus acne scarring.

How does Mesotherapy work?

Firstly, by physical act of injection and skin breakage, we disturb the cells triggering a healing process which includes cell renewal, collagen production and skin tightening.

Secondly, we deliver the right agent into the skin in different depths by utilizing minute amounts of vitamins and minerals to treat the condition.[4]

For best results: multiple treatments are required. There is a possibility of redness, swelling, bruising that could last a few days.

Nazila Nateghi

Myths or misconceptions about laser treatments

Myths or misconceptions about laser treatments

Myth#1

Laser could damage or thin the skin. With technological advancements and procedures, the possibility of permanent damage has been reduced substantially. However, it is really important to be treated by an experienced laser technician for the best outcome.

Myth#2

One or two treatments is all you need to remove body hair. Hair grows in different stages. To remove body hair permanently, we need multiple treatments to catch the hair in the right growing stage, that is why by every treatment we destroy a certain percentage of hair roots.

Myth#3

Dark skin can not be treated by laser. This was true many years ago when laser technology was different. Nowadays, we can treat all skin types for all different reasons with great results. At Q Esthetics laser clinic we have done a great job treating all skin types with superb outcomes.

Myth#4

Laser resurfacing is all the same. Laser resurfacing technology and techniques vary. We could either do an ablative resurfacing like CO2 laser or target skin from inside and do a non-ablative resurfacing which works great without much reaction. We could do a non-ablative resurfacing on scars from acne, surgery, cut, etc

Nazila Nateghi

Skincare Survival – At Home Tips To Get You Through the Quarantine

Skincare Survival – At Home Tips To Get You Through the Quarantine

As we all navigate through these uncertain times, we want to let you know that we are still (virtually) here for you. Now, more than ever is a time for all of us to take extra care of ourselves. We have put together some tips on how you can keep your skin healthy and glowing while you’re stuck at home:

1. Choose the right cleanser for your skin type

For an oily or acne prone skin – or to help minimize the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation, look for a foaming gel cleaner with a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) like Salicylic. This works best to penetrate the pores, exfoliate and brighten the skin and clear away surface oils. See: Zo Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser.

A dry or mature skin type will benefit more from moisture-boosting ingredients like hydrating oils or aloe vera. We like: Alumier MD Hydraboost

2. Stay hydrated

Water helps to remove toxins from the body, so drinking more of it could help prevent toxins from building up and having a negative impact on your immune system. A lack of water also causes your skin to lose it’s radiance and elasticity – leading to dryness, fine lines, and sag. It can also reduce acne and other skin conditions by flushing harmful toxins from the body.

Choose skin care products – cleansers, moisturizers and anti-aging serums with hydrating formulas and ingredients and drink about 8 – 8 ounce glasses of water a day.

Sipping water in the form of hot tea is also a great option – you can also add lemon, turmeric, ginger or apple cider vinegar for an extra immune boost.

3. Don’t just eat your vitamins

We know that a balanced diet with foods rich, vibrant colors often contain the most antioxidants, but there’s more than one way to give your skin those important vitamins and minerals.
Topical antioxidants also protect the skin by limiting free radicals, reducing sun damage, calming inflammation and increasing hydration and moisture retention.

TIP: The best time to apply them is right after cleansing, layered under your sunscreen for added protection.

We like: EverActive C&E™ + Peptide. It stays active longer because you only mix the vitamin C into the serum when you’re ready to use it.

Here’s how it works:
Watch Video

4. Exfoliate a couple times a week

Now that we have it, spend a little extra time on your skin care routine. We lose millions of skin cells day to day, but without proper exfoliation, dead skin cells can hang on making your complexion lacklustre. Exfoliate 2 – 3 times a week to unclog pores and reveal a fresh complexion. If you’re prone to redness or irritation, you should only exfoliate once or twice a week.

After exfoliating, it’s essential to hydrate your skin properly. You should apply a moisturizer or, even better, use a mask. Along with hydrating your skin, this will protect it from external aggressors by tightening the pores. A weekly mask is a great routine to shoot for!

Our faves: Zo Dual Action Facial Scrub and Zo Skin Health Sulfur Masque

5. Meditate

Take some time for yourself to relax and refresh your mind. Commit to a few minutes each day to eliminate distractions and thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. Focus your mind, breathe deeply and slowly, and practise being aware of the present moment. Meditation can help increase happiness, sleep, reduce aging, boost your immune system and add incredible value to your overall well-being.

You can still order your favourite products online – contact us for your exclusive order code!

What’s in a retinol?

What’s in a retinol?

You’ve probably already heard about retinol. It’s one of the most recommended skin care products on the market and for good reason. It works! Countless studies demonstrate the super ingredients ability to slow the signs of aging, reverse sun damage, even out skin tone and prevent breakouts.

Here are 5 fast facts about retinol and why it’s the ultimate add in to your daily regimen:

FACT ONE – Retinol is highly recommended by dermatologists for its ability to clear acne.

Retinol helps to reduce acne breakouts by speeding up cell turnover to help unblock pores. By keeping skin clear and reducing active blemishes, it can also help to reduce the formation of acne scars. “Retinol and vitamin A derivatives are dermatologys’ best-kept secrets,” says Dr. Samir Gupta, board-certified Cosmetic Dermatologist. “The effects on the skin can be profound not only for acne but also for aging and photodamage, including fine lines, creases, and uneven skin colour.”

FACT TWO – All retinol are not created equal.

Firstly, there is a big difference between the retinol products found over the counter and their prescription counterparts. While prescriptions have a much higher concentration of the active ingredient, retinol products have the added benefit of being combined with other ingredients which usually makes it easier to tolerate.

When choosing a retinol, you also want to find out if it is medical grade or from a mainstream skin care brand. Medical grade products will generally use higher quality or more stabilized ingredients. Medical Grade Retinol also has a better delivery system, meaning they can penetrate deeper into the skin so that you actually benefit from the powerful active ingredients.

FACT THREE – Retinol and Vitamin A are one in the same.

True. Retinol is a natural form of Vitamin A. This powerhouse ingredient is used in many skin care and beauty products because it can address such a wide-range of concerns including skin renewal and collagen production. Dermatologists have been using it for decades and it continues to grow in popularity because of it’s amazing multitasking properties.

FACT FOUR – Retinol should be used at night as part of your evening skin care regime.

Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol will break down when exposed to UV light. This can affect their efficacy and make the products less active. It’s why they’re also usually in opaque packaging and dispensed in pumps or tubes with tight-fitting caps.

FACT FIVE – If you’re using retinol it’s important to also incorporate SPF into your skin care regimen.

While sun protection should be a part of your daily regimen regardless to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. It’s also recommended when using retinol, in order to protect your investment. Retinol accelerates the formation of new healthy skin cells to replace the old, damaged ones. Obviously we want to protect those healthy skin cells from the elements that cause that damage in the first place.

Combined with a high SPF and vitamin C in the morning, you are setting yourself up for great skin for life. “When we combine retinol with vitamin C,” explains Dr. Gupta, “we are essentially delivering ‘laser in a bottle.’ Here at Q Esthetics, we only use the purest, safest, and most effective forms of these ingredients to achieve radiant skin.”

Beauty Benefits of Microneedling

Beauty Benefits of Microneedling

Microneedling or (collagen induction therapy) is a minimally-invasive procedure with two major beauty benefits: 1) it stimulates epidermal growth factors to boost collagen and elastin production which means it helps minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scarring and firms the skin. 2) It boosts product absorption a whopping 90 % so you can get the most out of all the active ingredients in your skin care regimen.

Professional microneedling treatments have become quite popular with clinicians and patients because they are a safe and effective way to stimulate the production of collagen and other healing factors by causing trauma to the skin. It can also be used to deposit corrective serums such as Vitamin C, deeper into the skin. You can read more about mesotherapy here.

While professional treatments penetrate deeper to stimulate repair, there are also many benefits of using an at home CIT roller:

  • Very affordable
  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Use in the comfort of your own home
  • See results within 10 sessions

Consulting a dermatologist or medical skin care professional who is experienced in these types of procedures can help you determine whether this treatment is right for you.

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

We’ve got gifts for just about everyone on your list. Whether you’re looking for a loved one (or for yourself) we’ve got just the thing to keep you looking and feeling your best this holiday season.

BOTOX

20 units only $99

If you’re between the ages of 18 and 70, chances are you can benefit from Botox! Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for the quickest results with the least amount of downtime and works to smooth crow’s feet around the eyes, frown lines and wrinkles. The treatment is known as a lunchtime procedure taking only 10 to 15 minutes for the actual procedure. Your skin will look noticeably smoother in as little as a week, with optimal results after a month.

DEEP EXFOLIATING PHOTO FACIAL

Now just $360, reg. $460

Our Deep Exfoliating Photo Facial pairs all the glory of microdermabrasion with the big-time benefits of the intense pulsed light (or IPL) photo facial. It covers most categories of cosmetic dermatology making it one of our most requested treatments. Patients can expect to see and feel smoother skin after just one treatment. The treatment unblocks pores, removes impurities and polishes the skin to improve the absorption of products while also addressing sun damage, wrinkles, redness, and broken capillaries for a more even tone and camera-ready complexion.

ALUMIER MD BRIGHT EYES HOLIDAY SET

Get the set $160, reg $188

Eye cream should be a crucial part of your skin care regimen. This must-have product duo from Alumier MD checks all the boxes! Use AluminEye® during the day to brighten and moisturize. The hydrating formula sits well under makeup making it the perfect canvas for your morning routine. The hard-working Retinol Eye Gel can be used at night to firm, rejuvenate and refine the delicate eye area. To use gently pat under the eyes, along the brow bone and over crow’s feet. Paired together this set is the perfect stocking stuffer!

ULTHERAPY FACIAL TREATMENT

BEST VALUE – now only $2800, reg. $3500

Ultherapy is the skin tightening treatment that celebrities swear by. It’s the treatment of choice for Hollywood names like Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, & Christie Brinkley and for good reason. Ultherapy uses ultrasound to tighten and lift, with very little to no downtime. Plus results are gradual, making those improvements look so natural. If you’ve noticed a loss of elasticity or just want to prevent it you are likely a candidate for this treatment.

GIFT CARD

Gift Cards are always a solid choice letting those you love get exactly what they need! This year we’ve sweetened the deal to include a free luxury skin care product with the purchase of a $100 Gift Card. They get a gift card, and a little something extra for under the Christmas tree, or better yet you get to keep a little gift for yourself. The choice is yours.