Ultrasound new path to great facials

Electric toothbrushes use motors to move the bristles rapidly usually between a few thousand times a minute to approximately 10,000 to 12,000 times per minute ( 1 Hertz (Hz) is 1 movement or cycle per second). This high frequency works well for dentists as it is anti-bacterial and helps remove plaque. For cleaning your face, however, that’s too high. You’re looking for a gentle pressure cleaning that still has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Machines, like Aesthetic Science’s Epiwave® UltraSonic Machine, that use lower ultrasonic frequencies (20kHz and up) attain the cleansing and exfoliation that also prepares the skin for the facial treatment ahead.

Our skin is our largest organ. It has three general layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous fat (or lipid) layer. Each of these layers breaks down into sublayers. Skincare is mostly focused on the epidermis which breaks down into five different sublayers. The top layer, the stratum corneum, is where the dead skin cells collect and need to be cleaned and exfoliated (removed).

Unfortunately for us in the Sunshine State, the sun is the biggest cause of skin damage. Premature aging, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (dark spots and uneven skin tone), and skin cancer are all aggravated by prolonged sun exposure. What’s worse is that many skin treatments, when done too frequently to the skin, especially sensitive or sun-damaged skin, can add to the damage instead of merely leaving a clean slate. Microdermabrasion, peels, dermaplaning, and others all remove layers of the epidermis, which can be good when done in moderation.

Many facials are done by hand, however, some steps can be performed by machines. In the case of the Epiwave®, it is a three-step process that starts by gently deep pore cleaning and exfoliating without irritation using low-frequency ultrasound. The modality, or function, of the machine can then be switched to the infusion (or sonophoresis) step using the treatment and/ or serum so that any molecules that are too large and require a pathway through the lipid portions of the stratum corneum, can be transferred using ultrasonic frequencies. It is this low- frequency ultrasound (again just above 20 kHz) that enables dissolved gases in the lipid regions between skin cells to bubble up and start to move, creating pathways. This is how to get the antioxidants, nutrients, and hydrating products that do the most help to the cells where they are needed while doing the least, or no damage, to the upper layers. I call that a win- win. The third step heals the cells by using a low-level current in the Hz range to restore the natural electrical potential of the cell membrane. You finish off the facial the same as before, “sealing the deal” with moisturizer and sunscreen.

Everyone ages, and without proper protection, the more sun your face is exposed to, the more your skin ages. There are many machines and products available in salons and spas, and for home use, that can help protect against and slow down the aging process. Ultrasonic machines are just one, but they are effective and do not cause any additional damage. Ask your esthetician/skincare specialist about this technology and see how it works for yourself!

Spas and more offer COVID-safe pampering

During stressful times, we are always told to make time for ourselves, to give ourselves a break, to get some “me” time, so we don’t burn out. During COVID-19, if you’re homebound but live alone, that’s one thing, but if you live with your family? Alone time is a tall order.

Luckily there are many options for those who are looking for some pampering in a safe environment within Parkland, Coral Springs, and the surrounding cities. Salons, spas and medical spas have reopened in Broward and Palm Beach counties, and following Florida State Executive Order 20-120 “must manage the capacity of the premises based on an appointment-only schedule” up to 50 percent capacity.

Places “must allow at least 15 minutes between the conclusion of an appointment and the beginning of the next appointment for proper disinfecting practices,” the order mandates.

“Barbershops and salons should take necessary action to limit gatherings in waiting areas prior to and following appointments to the extent necessary to promote appropriate social distancing,” the order continues.

Establishments “are encouraged to adopt means of limiting patrons waiting for appointments, such as calling patrons from a waiting vehicle or outdoor waiting area once an available service station is cleaned, prepared, and ready for service of the next patron.”

Nina Presman is the owner and founder of Anti-Aging Center of Boca, which specializes in non-surgical body sculpting and anti- aging services. She only schedules one appointment between her two treatment rooms to meet the capacity guidelines.

“We want people to feel safe, that’s the most important thing.” Plus, she mentions, clients will receive more individualized attention this way.

Lisa Morrison and her sister, Susan Levine, are the owners of Salon Mia Bella, a full-service beauty salon and blow-dry bar in Coral Springs. The salon opened March 4 and closed March 20 because of COVID-19. They reopened May 18.

Lisa’s main focus has been on keeping customers and her staff safe and healthy. Your temperature is taken upon your arrival, and everyone is expected to wear a mask. They’ve removed their refreshments from the waiting area, as waiting areas aren’t recommended, and they aren’t allowing visitors in, only the client for their scheduled appointment.

They have an esthetician on call, but she has her own separate room for waxing and facials, which is also thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every appointment. For manicures and pedicures, the nail technician is behind a plexiglass shield and the service is performed separately from the hair stations.

Whatever needs fixing after months of isolation, or do-it-yourself attempts (Cutting your own bangs?), don’t be afraid to make an appointment. You’ll be well taken care of.

Valentina Shtefan, owner of Hello Gorgeous Medical Spa in Coconut Creek has also taken additional steps on top of the guidelines. The furniture is covered with plastic, which can be easily sanitized after every appointment.

As the medspa offers wrinkle relaxers, facial fillers, and micro needling, along with regular skincare treatments, they have added precautions surrounding their injectors. Before the appointment, patients are asked if they are experiencing any symptoms or if they’ve been in contact with anyone who has been sick.

Shtefan recommends patients come in early to fill out the COVID- 19 questionnaire. They even supply a disposable pen, so no two patients use the same one, and sanitize the clipboards. They have a plastic shield protecting the front desk, and the gowns they wear can be disinfected. Everyone, of course, wears masks. Shtefan has even added COVID-19 antibody testing to their offerings. The quick finger prick test is 95% accurate and takes approximately 10 minutes.

It seems like a contradiction that we need to force ourselves to relax and take time to look after ourselves, but this is what is recommended for our short and long term mental and physical health, especially now. Be good to yourselves and stay safe while doing it.

By Sheryl Dunn