How to get that Sexy Decollete at the Spa

When treating the delicate skin of the decollete at the spa our focus is on exfoliating, or removing, the surface damaged cells to reveal your healthier, younger and fresher cells that are hiding below the surface.

The exfoliating treatments have the added benefits of triggering the "Inflammatory Cascade" which is how your skin regrows stronger and healthier tissues. An example of this process is working out your muscles, which creates minor trauma, only to grow stronger better muscles.

In part one we gave you several home care regimens to treat your decollete. Your skin will have improved already but you may want stronger treatments to speed up the benefits . Here are 5 Spa/Salon treatments you have at your disposal.

• LED Phototherapy

This will improve the overall appearance of you skin by increasing hydration, reducing the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and leaving a smoother texture. Combined with a mild peel, listed below, you get better results.

PRO: There is no-down time so no worries that skin looks worse, it has immediate improvement and you go right from the spa to your event. You don't have to completely avoid the sun, just use your sunscreen before you go out. THIS IS GREAT BEFORE SPECIAL EVENTS.

CON: This is a milder treatment, while there is improvement it is not as dramatic. The skin does continue to improve over time with regular use and the benefits will last even longer. Cannot be used on skin with light sensitivity issues due to medication or health issues, eg: Not for clients with Lupus.

• Peels, Mild  

A great start towards stronger exfoliation treatments used to brighten overall skin tone, reduce appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, unsightly dark spots and signs of pre-mature aging. A mild peel is what I call a "Rapid Exfoliation" treatment which quickly removes the damaged surface skin cells. This makes a great "Peel n' Go" treatment for quick improvement and no down time. 

NOTE: I prefer combining it with either an LED or Microdermabrasion treatment to enhance and improve the benefits of either treatment. 

PRO: Quick treatment, quick results, no down-time, no flaking or peeling, go back to work right after the treatment with the appearance of a nice healthy glow. Great way to take your home-care treatments up to the next level.

CON: Not as dramatic as other treatments, may take a series for more dramatic improvement. It will itch for just a minute and be only mildly uncomfortable. You will want to do a patch test before any peel to make sure you are not sensitive to the ingredients.

• Microdermabrasion

If you have rough or bumpy skin texture then this is your go to treatment. It will sand down the surface while stimulating collagen formation. So skin will appear smoother, brighter and more refined. We combine it with a mild peel, listed above, to get deeper results and compound the benefits. 

PRO: You can go about your day after just a few hours, has both immediate improvement and long term benefit even after one treatment. It is a great re-texturizer and can help smooth down scars.

CON: It can be uncomfortable and feel like a giant cat is vigorously licking you (as a cat owner I can attest to that) but it can be turned down and to get the same result an extra application can be performed for the same results; note: if it is done TOO lightly it is not effective. For best results I have found it must be combined with a mild peel.

• Peels, Moderate

This is a deeper "Rapid Exfoliation" treatment that can offer more dramatic improvement without down-time and without the skin peeling or flaking. Generally these are left on for a shorter time and must be neutralized at the Spa or Salon. They can be combined with other treatments for intensive results. (My next post is on how YOU can calm your skin at home if you have any remaining tingling/burning senstations after a spa, salon or in-office peel.)

There are a wide range of Moderate peel options and combinations that can work for any skin type from sensitive to severely damaged from pale to dark skin. Always have your Spa or Salon PATCH TEST BEFORE the peel is applied. 

PRO: Immediate benefit, can go right back to work. Helps to even skin tone, leave a bright and healthy glow, improve appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to leave your skin looking younger and fresh. Can be used with LED or Microdermabrasion for stronger treatment but must have used the mild peel combo in previous visit before you take it up to this level.

CON: There is discomfort when it is applied that fades as soon as it is neutralized within a couple minutes. Must avoid sun exposure, exfoliation or irritating products on the area for at least 3-5 days after your peel. Use only mild and gentle cleanser and moisturizer, apply thicker layer of SPF 30 or higher daily and reapply if out.  

(NOTE: The SPF in your make-up is NOT ENOUGH.) 

• Peels, Mega aka CHEMICAL PEELS

When I say PEEL this is probably what you think. A chemical peel is a controlled burn that removes the epidermal cells and then the skin peels-off skin in 3 to 7 days. At the medical level you leave the docs office raw (ouch). But at the Spa level you level feeling warm as if you got a sunburn.
(Note some people may take up to a week to start peeling.)

When the fresh cells are finally revealed the result is incredible. Your skin will look dramatically brighter, scars will appear smoother, dark spots will look like they blend in better or nearly disappear, the fine lines and wrinkles will look smoother. It is the strongest treatment available at the Spa and Salon level.

It CANNOT BE COMBINED with any other treatment eg: microdermabrasion or LED, nor can you perform extractions (pore cleansing) directly before, after or during this peel. It is a STAND-ALONE TREATMENT that is totally worth the effort.

PRO: Impressive results in just a week. Can be done as a series of 3 every 3 to 4 weeks for intense and even more dramatic results. Great for: acne scars, under-the-skin acne bumps, pre-mature aging, uneven skin tone and dark spots, dullness, thick dry skin layer and more.

CON: You will feel this one, it will feel as if you got a sunburn. The sensation fades after a few hours and your skin will continue to feel better. A special home-care trio is required  to ensure optimal results and to prevent irritation that comes from using the wrong home-care. The post peel proper home care is vital for skin improvement just like proper post-workout care is vital for muscle formation.

KEY POINTS

When pursuing any exfoliation, through home-care, spa treatments or medical services, it is important that you are diligent about protecting that area of the skin. This means daily sunscreen application of at least a teaspoon for the decollete, neck and face, regular re-application every 2 hours if you are out of doors and wearing protective clothing with an SPF/UVF rating or at least opaque or darker fabrics (white t-shirts are NOT your best friend). 

If you wish to contine your fun-loving outdoor lifestyle: outdoor sports, time at the beach, sun soaked playgrounds with the kids, or the use of tanning beds there is 1 important point I want to stress:

1. YOU ARE WASTING YOUR MONEY ON ANTI-AGING TREATMENTS

• BECAUSE THE SUN DAMAGED TRAUMA WILL RE-OCCUR AND
• IT MAY COME BACK WITH A VENGENEANCE SO ITS WORSE THAN BEFORE!

In addition to that, when you immediately expose your fresh, undamaged cells to sun and environment you are at a higher risk of environmental skin sensitivity.

If you are willing to take the time to continually protect and nourish your skin from this point forward then we can proceed with your spa treatments. Give me a call at 818-248-5500 for your consultation and appointment or book a Diagnostic Facial (we can focus on your decollete) online at www.tuscanyskinspa.com.

Would you like to try out an LED Facial or Microdermabrasion Facial with a mild peel? Then check out our website for the September Facial Promotion.

What treatments have you tried to re-invigorate your damaged skin? What has worked and what hasn't? Are there any treatments that I did not cover that you are interested or are pursuing?

The next blog will go over how to neutralize a peel that still feels like it is itching and burning AFTER you've left the spa/salon. 

Michelle