FACIAL QUESTIONS
Should I take makeup off before having a treatment? This is entirely up to you. If you are having a treatment that involves facial massage, we will cleanse your skin of any impurities and makeup anyway, so please feel free to do what suits you best.
Why do I need facials? A regular facial routine is more about skin health and maintenance than it is about luxury or pampering, although many do find it to be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Facial services help increase circulation and stimulate the skin. They can also help slow down premature aging and drastically improve conditions such as acne, redness and Rosacea. Facials are a great preventative treatment to help you beat wrinkles before they occur, and can also help you achieve lighter, brighter, younger-looking skin. In addition to healthier skin, many men enjoy regular facials to help minimize irritation, redness, ingrown hairs, and razor burn associated with shaving.
How often should I get a facial? Generally, facials are recommended once a month. However, you can discuss your specific needs, desired outcomes and schedule with your esthetician. Also be sure to ask about our facial packages, and save when you purchase and book your regular facials in advance.
Will I break out after a facial? You shouldn't break out from the products but if you have a lot of congestion under the skin a facial will help loosen up any dirt and bacteria and cause black/whiteheads to come to the surface. You want this to happen, the skin is purging itself of its toxins. Purchasing after care at home products prescribed for your skin type will help heal the skin.
CHEMICAL PEEL QUESTIONS
Q. How much downtime is expected with a peel?
A. There is little to no downtime whatsoever with PCA chemical peels. You can actually receive a peel on your lunch hour and return to work.
Q.When will I start "peelings" for how long and how much?
A. Everyone’s experience will be different. However, on an average, you will see flaking by day two or three following the treatment. It is possible to see flaking for up to five or six days. With all PCA peels, only light to medium exfoliation will be experienced.
Q. How irritating is a peel?
A. PCA peels are only slightly irritating. You may experience mild burning or stinging, which is transient.
Q. What is the difference between the three formulas of the PCA Peel®?
A. The PCA Peel® HQ Free is for sensitive skin types, ethnic skin, those allergic to hydroquinone or not looking to lighten the skin. The PCA Peel® w/HQ has a stronger lightening ability; it will help even out the skin tone. The PCA Peel® w/ HQ and Resorcinol is for most resilient and oily skin types and will provide more exfolitation. This formula is great for someone who has reached a plateau with monthly treatments and needs a more aggressive treatment.
Q. Can a person who is in the sun a lot receive a peel?
A. Yes, only if they are compliant with using sunscreen protection and avoiding the sun 48 hours after a peel. If you are getting peels to lighten the skin, Profecting Protection (SPF 30+) is ideal to reduce any chance of further hyperpigmentation due to its enhanced lightening ingredients of Bearberry, Licorice Root Extract, Kojic Acid, Mulberry Root and Lactic Acid.
Q. What peels can be used on someone who frequently works out?
A. Someone who frequently works out can have any peel but must wait 48 hours after the treatment to exercise. If you don’t want to wait, any non-chemical or retinol peel is a great choice. The Esthetique or our Ultra Peel™ II which is an acid-free, time-released retinol cream are great choices. They have a delayed flaking action that creates no irritation or downtime and leaves the skin glowing and hydrated.
Q. My skin is very thin. Why would I want to peel? Wouldn’t that make my skin thinner?
A. If your skin is dry and thin, often there is a buildup of dead cells that actually keeps your home care products from penetrating. Having a retinol treatment will remove the surface buildup, hydrate the skin and give it a more plump, "thicker" appearance. The use of Vitamin C products in the treatment, as well as in your home care program, will help to build the collagen in your skin, thus making it stronger and more durable.
Q. Can pregnant or lactating women receive a peel?
A. No. We recommend only the Oxygenating Facial Trio for pregnant or lactating women. But alway ask your doctor to make sure.
Q. Are there any treatments that are good for rosacea?
A. We have a treatment designed specifically for rosacea that incorporates products from from our Pumpkin Peel, Oxgenating Trio and Sensi Peel™. It helps to unclog the pores, smooth the surface of the skin and promote healing. This treatment could be done as often as every four weeks.
Q. Can someone using Retin-A® or Accutane® have any PCA Peel treatments?
A. We generally recommend that Retin-A® use be stopped five days prior to a peel and five days post treatment because of potential irritation and uneven peel penetration. Accutane® users tend to have very dry and sensitive skin and need to be treated only with peels that are appropriate for their skin type. We have found that the PCA non-peel solutions are Accutane® friendly. However, your skin care specialist should always be made aware of any Retin-A® or Accutane® use and my recommend you postpone treatment if skin is too reactive.
BIKINI DO'S & DON'TS
Do let your hair grow out for a minimum of 2-3 weeks after shaving. If the hair is over 1/2 in. you may want to trim. Just don't trim any shorter than 1/4 in.If you are unsure about trimming too short - leave it be and we'll take care of everything!
Do schedule your appointments every 4-6 weeks. Hair grows in multiple cycles and staying in this time frame will give best results with less pain.
Do take an ibuprofen 30 minutes before your wax if you are sensitive or have a low pain tolerance. We also retail a numbing cream that you can purchase and apply 15-20 minutes before your appointment.
Don't shave or trim between appointments. Shaving will mess up appointment timing allowing the root to grow strong and makes waxing more painful
Don't cancel your appointment if you start your period. So if you are comfortable being waxed at this time, so are we.
Don't apply any creams, lotions, etc to the area being waxed the day of your appointment.
Don't sunbathe or tan for 24 hours before or after your appointment.
Don't pick at ingrown hairs. The best solution is prevention. Use a buffing cloth or exfoliating glove in small circular motions while in the shower daily. If ingrown hairs are a problem, we suggest purchasing PFB which is a roll on salicylic based gel..