admin December 16, 2024

What is SPF (Sun Protection Factor) Even for?

What is SPF even for?

SPF is a magical lotion or powder that helps protect the skin from harmful sun rays. It’s mostly used in the summertime but should actually be used all year around!

If there isn’t any sun in the winter, then why do I still need it?

Wherever there is natural light, there is skin damaging light. Overcast is a great example of this!

The sun has 3 types of UltraViolet Radiation, UVA, UVB, and UVC. Broad spectrum SPF can help protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. UVC is a sun ray that luckily does not reach the earth’s surface because the ozone layer blocks it from entering earth’s atmosphere. You can still be exposed to artificial UVC radiation by laser or lamp. This type of artificial source can cause severe acute damage to the eyes. Thats why its important to wear glasses during a laser treatment!

What is UVA Ray?

UVB stands for Ultraviolet A radiation or in simpler terms, UV Aging rays. This sun ray goes deeper into the skin where tanning takes place. UVA causes the skin to prematurely age and create wrinkles. Because this is a form of radiation, it actually damages the skin’s DNA making it more of a risk for skin cancer.

What is UVB Ray?

UVB stands for Ultraviolet B radiation or in simpler terms, UV Burning rays. This type of sun ray is the most dangerous. It is one of the biggest causes of skin cancer, including the deadly black mole. Because this is a form of radiation it actually damages the skin’s DNA making it more of a risk for skin cancer.

Below you will see where UVA and UVB target the skin! UVB hits the top layers of skin while UVA hits the deeper layer, the dermis.

I’m a little scared, what do I do?

Well the sun will always be here, so it’s just important to wear a Broad-Spectrum SPF and continually check your skin for any new moles, or overall changes. After every burn or tan, check to see if you acquired more moles or pigment and just keep an eye out on them.

What type of SPF do I use?

Broad-Spectrum is gonna be your best friend! It protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. You can take a peek at Dr.Bhogal’s blog post on types of SPF to know a little more in depth on what will suit your skin best!

Thanks for reading and stay cool this summer 😀

Master Esthetician ~Grace Braddock

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admin December 16, 2024

Understanding Hair Loss and Available Treatments

Most of us have suffered from hair loss at some point in our life. Hair loss can be temporary or

permanent. Keep reading to learn more…

Let’s talk about the statistics first-

– What is normal hair shedding? It is normal for us to lose 50-100 hair each day.

– Did you know that by the age of 50, 85% of men are experiencing balding?

– Approx. 50% of female experience balding.

What are the most common causes of balding?

– Androgenic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in men (accounts for about

95%!). This is also commonly known as male pattern baldness. This occurs from elevated

levels of hormone DHT( dihydrotestosterone). When DHT increases, it shrinks the hair

follicle. As a result, the hair follicle falls out earlier than normal. In both men and

women, this causes gradual hair loss. In men, they experience receding hair line and

thinning; in women, they notice widening hair part.

– Stress can be a contributor to hair loss because it can affect hormone levels. Any

number of stressful events such as physical or mental stress or severe weight loss can

lead to sudden loss of hair, although in those cases the hair typically grow back over

time.

– Other causes include medical conditions such as thyroid problem, iron deficiency, other

nutritional deficiency, or diet poor in protein.

– Less common causes include Traction alopecia (traction on the hair follicles from certain

hairstyles like tight ponytails); Tinea capitis (fungal infection of the scalp); Alopecia

areata (autoimmune disease where your own body attacks the hair follicles); Anagen

Effluvium (toxic effects of chemotherapy or radiation).

What can you do to maintain healthy scalp and hair?

– Maintain good hair care and hygiene habits:

o When you wash, avoid pulling back on your hair because they can put traction

on the follicles.

o When combing, it’s less stressful on the follicles to comb your hair in the

direction of growth out of the scalp. Also, long hair weighs more, so on it’s own it

can put more traction on the follicles.

o Brushing your hair regularly is good because it massages the scalp and improves

blood circulation to the follicles.

o Avoid overusing the hot iron or dryer and chemical products. This can make the

hair weak and brittle.

o Quit smoking. Smoking can cause or accelerate hair loss.

– Treat health issues: get evaluated by your doctor to make sure the cause of your hair

loss is not a medical condition.

– Minoxidil (brand name Rogaine): this is a topical medicine available over the counter

that both men and women can use. It can take 6 months for the hair to regrow.

-Finasteride (brand name Propecia): this is prescription medication that can treat hair

loss in men. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

– Platelet Rich Plasma: this powerful treatment uses injections of your plasma (derived

from your own blood) into the scalp. The plasma is rich in platelets- these cells are rich

in growth factors that stimulates the hair follicles hence causing hair regrowth. 3-4

monthly treatments are needed initially followed by maintenance treatments every 6

months. Talk to Dr. Bhogal to see if this treatment is right for you.

– Laser caps: this can treat both male and female pattern baldness. It uses low energy

pulses of light to stimulate hair follicles. Talk to Dr. Bhogal for more details.

– Certain nutritional supplements may benefit your hair health.

Come in for a free consultation today!

Author- Dr. Bhogal

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admin December 9, 2024

Non surgical fat reduction treatments

There are a vast array of technologies that target body fat. However, the endless amount of

information on internet can make it increasingly difficult to know which one is right for you!

Due to these unprecedented, Covid-19 affected times, we have been forced to live indoors

more than we want. As a result, we have accumulated fat in unwanted places. Let’s learn about

the available options to get rid of unwanted fat non-surgically!

Non surgical fat reduction options use a variety of modalities, including ultrasound,

radiofrequency, cryolipolysis( Coolsculpting), injection lipolysis( e.g. Kybella), laser lipolysis(

SculpSure).

Lets talk about Cryolipolysis- This uses fat freezing technology that permanently removes heat

from the fat cells, freezes and crystallizes them, which also damages their structural integrity.

Suction based applicators freeze and numb the treatment area. Post treatment massage is

required which can be uncomfortable. Treatments are 35-60min per area. Common side effects

are numbness, bruising and itching. Serious adverse effects can happen and include delayed

onset pain, hernias, paradoxical tissue hyperplasia( thickening and expanding of fat cells in the

treated area which require liposuction to fix). Due to the technology, unevenness in the

treatment area has been reported. The final results may take several months as your immune

system clears out the dead fat cells slowly over this time.

Next comes Laser lipolysis or Warm Sculpting- This technology uses laser for permanent fat

destruction. It is clinically proven to reduce the number of fat cells in the treatment area in just

25 minutes. Side effects are mild and temporary in nature, most common being tenderness

which goes away within a week in most cases. The feathering of heat provides a natural looking

result. Similar to fat- freezing, the destroyed fat cells are removed through your immune

system slowly over few months. The procedure can destroy up to 25% of the fat cells in one

treatment. This treatment works great for double chin as well!

Radiofrequency treatments are good alternatives to fat-freezing or laser lipolysis. It can help

with cellulite reduction and is great treatment for skin toning and tightening. The results on fat

reduction are temporary. That means you need treatments on a frequent basis to maintain

your results.

Ultrasound fat reduction or ultrasound cavitation- is a body contouring treatment that uses

highly focused sonic waves to break down fat cells used to remove fat deposits under your

skin. The treatment varies in effectiveness, and more clinical trials are needed to have a clear

understanding of how well it works.

Kybella- is a treatment for fat reduction under the chin (double chin). It requires several

injections that kills the fat cells. Though Kybella is nonsurgical, some common side effects

include pain, swelling, bruising, numbness, and numbness.

Muscle- Stimulating Technology- this is not so much for fat reduction but for muscle

stimulation. Multiple treatments are usually needed to build and maintain the results.

Sometimes a combination of different modalities are needed to get best results.

Come in for your Free Consultation today!!

Best,

Dr. Bhogal

@ Ethereal Rejuvenation Clinic

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admin December 9, 2024

How to Prevent and Treat Acne/Pimples

Pimples are one of the most common skin problems that affect people of all ages. There are many factors that can contribute to pimple formation, such as hormones, genetics, stress, diet, hygiene, and medications. Pimples can also be caused by excess oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and inflammation in the pores of the skin. Acne can appear anywhere on the face, neck, chest, back, or shoulders. They are annoying, painful, and sometimes leave scars. While some of these factors are beyond our control, there are some things we can do to prevent and treat pimples effectively.

Here are some tips to help you keep your skin clear and healthy:

– Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type.

– Avoid scrubbing or using harsh products on active pimples, this can irritate your skin, make pimples worse and spread the bacteria to unaffected areas.

– Exfoliate your skin with a exfoliating mask/cream/toner once or twice a week. Look for with a mild product that contains an AHA or BHA ingredients. This will help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

– Exfoliate your body 2-3 times a week with an exfoliation glove instead of a sugar scrub.

– Avoid using any forms of exfoliation that has beads or shell chunks.

– Apply a topical treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to the affected areas. These ingredients can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Follow the directions on the label and use sparingly to avoid drying out your skin.

– Use a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) after washing your face and body. This will help get rid of acne instead of adding to it.

– Avoid touching, picking, or popping your pimples. This can spread bacteria and cause more inflammation, possible infection and scarring.

– Keep your hair clean and away from your face. Oil and dirt from your hair can clog your pores and cause pimples.

– Change your pillowcase and bed sheets regularly. Dust and oil from your pillowcase can transfer to your face and cause pimples.

– Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, refined carbs, dairy, and saturated fats. These foods can trigger inflammation and hormone fluctuations that can lead to pimples.

– Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated.

– Manage your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or hobbies. Stress can increase cortisol levels in your body, which can stimulate oil production and cause pimples.

– Make sure your hormones are balanced if your still struggling to maintain acne. You can reach out to your provider to take a blood test.

Remember that pimples are not a sign of poor hygiene or bad character. They are a normal part of life that can be treated with proper care and patience. You are not alone in this struggle with acne! Pimples do not define your worth in beauty, you are beautiful no matter what!

Our clinic offers a personalized skincare routine and treatment plan to get your skin glowing!

Thank you so much for reading, with lots of love Dr.Bhogal @ Ethereal Rejuvenation Clinic.

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admin November 8, 2024

Eliminate Pesky Body Acne