Some people have questions on how laser hair removal works. Here are some of those questions answered.

The Light Sheer Duet Laser uses a process called Selective Photothermalysis or target destruction. This involves raising the temperature of the target high enough to damage the viable hair cells without damaging the epidermis and the surrounding tissues. Following follicular destruction, the debris of these cells will shed out and will fill with dermal fibers after approximately 1 month. Because each individual hair cell on the body can be found in a different stage of growth (anagen, catagen, or telogen), the process of permanent hair reduction can take between 4 to 8 treatments spread out over 4 to 6 weeks between each treatment.

Learn more and watch the video on how laser hair removal at Laser Smooth works. 

Sometimes washing and moisturizing isn’t enough for your skin. What you eat can effect what your skin looks like. Here is a list of foods that can help make your skin look amazing.

1. Cucumber:

It has an amazing cooling and refreshing effect on the body. Cucumber has a high content of water, which keeps you properly hydrated. It also contains silica, a mineral, which has anti-ageing properties.

2. Watermelon:

A fruit that is 90 per cent water, it helps bring your body temperature down. So just snacking on watermelon can work wonders for your skin. Watermelon also contains lycopene, which protects the skin against the sun.

3. Tomatoes:

Tomatoes contain lycopene and carotenoid, which protect the skin from sunburn and UV rays. Make sure you include tomatoes in your diet to keep your skin healthy and happy.

4. Turmeric:

With its anti-inflammatory properties turmeric is a magical spice to consume as it soothes inflammation and flare-ups. It also helps to heal skin breakouts and other injuries.

5. Coconut water:

It is full of electrolytes, which keep the body cool. Coconut water helps control sweat in the summer and drinking this magical, all natural potion is one of the best ways to keep the skin clear.

6. Cilantro:

Also known as coriander, it is a flavourful ingredient, which is often used for garnishing. Coriander has amazing detoxifying effects. Add a few sprigs of coriander to your bottle of water and watch your skin glow

7. Fennel:

Fennel is a cooling spice that brings down the body temperature. Do not forget to include a few fennel seeds in your food. You could even soak some fennel seeds in water and drink it after a few hours.

8. Lemon:

Lemon is a citrus fruit that is filled with Vitamin C. It also works as a terrific detoxifying agent. The easiest way to consume is to add lemon slices to your bottle of water which will contribute to your skin’s health.

Keep your skin healthy and soft after removing any unwanted hair. To learn about aftercare for your laser treatments go here!

SRC: www.idiva.com/news-health/the-best-summer-foods-for-that-no-make-up-glowing-skin/16062132

Some people are unsure what they should do before or after they get laser hair treatments. Here are some tips from Laser Smooth Company.

To obtain the highest level of efficacy, it’s important to take a moment to review these pre and post treatment considerations. By printing this list, you’ll have a comprehensive check-list for remembering these essential guidelines to make the most of your laser hair removal appointment. In addition, we’ll review these at the time of making your appointment and answer any questions you may have. By doing so, we’re able to provide the highest level of care while guaranteeing the best results.

Pre Treatment Care

• Please give a close shave to the areas receiving treatment the morning of your appointment. For harder to reach places, such as the backside, we can provide assistance just prior to application of our laser.
• The area to be treated should be freshly cleaned and left free from any make-up, perfumes, lotions, creams, and/or antiperspirants.
• Areas to be treated should be as light as possible, so avoid tanning 2 weeks leading up to treatments. Also, avoid sunless tanning products leading up to your appointments.
• Do not wax or otherwise remove the roots of the hair follicles 3 weeks prior to receiving laser hair removal. Studies suggest, however, that waxing 3 weeks prior to an appointment may increase overall efficacy – as every treated hair is now in its active state of growth.
• Do not bleach any hair to be treated, or lighten its color.
• You must advise us of any medications you’re currently taking or have taken in the past 6 months which increases sensitivity to light. Examples include several antibiotic and antifungal medications as well as isotretinoin.

Post Treatment Care

• We will apply a soothing aloe and vitamin E lotion to treated areas.
• There is no downtime with laser hair removal, so you can immediately engage in normal activities following your appointment.
• We advise the use of sunscreen for the next 48 hours.
• Immediate and continuous sun exposure, tanning, or working under halogen lights is to be avoided.
• Remember, immediate redness (erythema) is to be expected and generally goes away in a few minutes or hours. Important to note, it is generally considered a desirable side effect because it evidences effective damage to the follicles. However, as erythema presents itself as redness to the treated area, most people prefer to schedule appoints for treatment of the face or other visible areas on a Friday or over the weekend so that normal skin tone returns before the start of a new week.

Learn more about Pre and Post Treatment options from Laser Smooth Company.

Everyone knows some basic skincare tips; wash your face, avoid greasy food, wash your makeup off, ect. But some habits that have fallen under the radar can be very bad for your skin. Here are some potentially bad skin habits and how to break them.

1. Taking Long, Hot Showers

There’s nothing better than a long, hot shower. But for the sake of your skin, you may not want to luxuriate too long. “The longer the shower and hotter the water, the more drying it is for the skin,” says Dr. Lotika Singh ofSchweiger Dermatology Group in New York, in an email to Bustle. “This can cause itching or sometimes even flare eczema.”

How To Break The Habit

Like it or not, you’re going to have to take shorter showers. “I tell patients to set a timer on their phone and also find other ways to use the saved time to relax and de-stress,” Lotika says. It may not be as wonderful, but your skin will thank you.

2. Over-Washing Your Face

Like I said above, it really is possible to overdo it with the soaping and scrubbing. This is especially true if your skin feels tight or dry afterward. As Catherine Devine said on Allure, “If your skin is dry skin, lather up less often, since doing so strips away natural oils.”

How To Break The Habit

Skip washing your face in the morning, and simply splash on some water. Then save the actual cleansing for nighttime, when you want to get rid of your makeup, dirt, and oils. Try using a creamy or oil-based cleanser, according to Devine, since they’re gentler on skin.

3. Talking On Your Phone

I think we can all agree texting is way better than actually talking on the phone. And I think we can also agree how horrifying it is when someone calls you back after you text them. (No, just no!) But here’s another reason why texting is better than actually talking — phone germs and your face do not mix well. “The touch-screen trend has caused a rise in acne in the phone zone: temples, cheeks, and chin,” said Nicole Catanese on Cosmopolitan. Chat for too long, and you’re bound to get pimples.

How To Break The Habit

In a perfect world, we could all stick to texting. But when actually talking on the phone, use a headset, or your headphones, to keep that germ-y, oily screen well away from your face.

4. Eating Too Much Dairy

If I had my way, I’d have dairy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Give me pizza, and maybe a few fro-yos per day, and I’d be totally happy. But my skin wouldn’t be. “You’d be surprised how much impact dairy has on the skin,” said Aly Walansky on StyleCaster.com. “Inflammation-causing dairy can wreak havoc on cystic acne sufferers.” OK, maybe not worth it.

How To Break The Habit

Trade up your constant dairy habit for some non-dairy options, like almond milk. I’ve heard many people moan that it doesn’t taste as good in their coffee, or on cereal. But once your tastebuds change, you’ll be hooked. I promise.

5. Skipping The Sunscreen

If you’re like me, then you save sunscreen for days at the beach. But even small amounts of sun exposure, like when you’re walking to work, can cause all sorts of problems. Think wrinkles, sunburns, and maybe even skin cancer, according to WebMD. That’s why you have to cover up, and protect your skinevery single day.

How To Break The Habit

Get obsessive about sunscreen. “Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Slather it on, even on cloudy days. Errands, driving, walking your dog … anything outside requires sunscreen,” said Sonya Collins on WebMD. Look for the broad-spectrum kind that protects from both UVA and UVB rays, and keep it on your bathroom counter so you remember to reapply on each morning.

6. Never Getting Any Sleep

Everyone has the best of intentions when it comes to going to bed early, but then life gets in the way (in the form of Netflix, mostly). Besides feeling totally awful come morning, a lack of sleep can really start to take its toll on your skin, according to an article on EverydayHealth.com. Think along the lines of puffiness, wrinkles, and sunken eyes.

How To Break The Habit

Easy — go to bed earlier. And resist the urge to get sucked into a two-hour long documentary by turning off your laptop well before bedtime. Aim for about seven to nine hours of sleep per night, according to the National Sleep Foundation, and you should be feeling — and looking — much better.

7. Picking At Your Skin

When it comes to bad skin habits, this one is really at the top. “There aremany reasons for not picking pimples,” Walansky said. “It can lead to scarring of the face and if aggressive enough, you will end up with pock marks or hyper-pigmentation (dark spots) on your face … [And] all that pressure on a pimple that is not ready to be extracted can lead to a rupture below the skin surface, which in turn will lead to more breakouts.”

How To Break The Habit

First things first, stop inspecting your skin in the mirror. Squeezing one blackhead almost always leads to squeezing two, and before long your face is inflamed and far worse than it would have been. So save the picking for the professionals, who can extract pimples the right way.

8. Walking Around With A Scowl

Of course if you’re unhappy, you probably have bigger worries than the state of your face. But walking around with a permanent frown isn’t the best for you skin. “Being unhappy creates bad facial posture — a frown, pursed lips, and tense facial muscles,” said New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD, in an interview with Collins.

How To Break The Habit

Even if you’re feeling fine, some people’s faces rest naturally in a frown position. If that’s the case for you, try moving your ears back without touching them, Day suggested. It helps relax the face muscles. I just tried it, and could feel the tension release from my face. Pretty cool.

9. Never Getting A Mole Check

A lot of skin care is focused on the face, but of course the rest of your body needs to be taken care of, as well. One of the best things you can do for your entire epidermis is getting a mole check each year. A dermatologist will look in all your nooks and crannies, and decide if anything questionable needs to be removed, noted Devine.

How To Break The Habit

Be diligent about making a dermatologist appointment every year. “If you’re forgetful, schedule it near events you’ll remember, like your anniversary or birthday … Mole checks are nonnegotiable, no matter how good you think you are about self-exams,” Devine said.

10. Using Too Many Products

Again, when it comes to taking care of your skin, more isn’t always better. And that applies to skincare products, too. “Sometimes, active ingredients cancel one another out. Other times, they double up and cause irritation or skin damage,” noted Julie Giusti on Glamour.

How To Break The Habit

Check with your dermatologist, or do some research online, before slathering on your creams and causing irritation. “The biggest culprits: retinol, glycolic acid (a.k.a AHAs), vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide — avoid layering them, or at least try to use them at different times of day,” Giusti suggested.

11. Not Washing Up After The Gym

When you leave the gym, you’ll undoubtedly be glistening with that post-workout sweat. Revel in your glow for a moment or two, and then go wash your face. Letting that makeup, dirt, and bacteria linger can cause breakouts, dullness, and even wrinkles over time, according to Devine.

How To Break The Habit

Remember to wash your face after your workout, or at the very least remove sweat with a face wipe. “A single towelette removes a day’s worth of grime, and you won’t need to haul yourself to the sink,” noted Devine. It’s really as easy as that.

Keep your skin healthy and soft after removing any unwanted hair. To learn about aftercare for your laser treatments go here!

SRC: www.bustle.com/articles/167079-11-potentially-bad-skin-habits-how-to-break-them

Some people are slightly hesitant about laser hair remove and they have questions about how it works. Here is how we at Laser Smooth remove unwanted hair.

The Light Sheer Duet Laser uses a process called Selective Photothermalysis or target destruction. This involves raising the temperature of the target high enough to damage the viable hair cells without damaging the epidermis and the surrounding tissues. Following follicular destruction, the debris of these cells will shed out and will fill with dermal fibers after approximately 1 month. Because each individual hair cell on the body can be found in a different stage of growth (anagen, catagen, or telogen), the process of permanent hair reduction can take between 4 to 8 treatments spread out over 4 to 6 weeks between each treatment.

watch the video at Laser Smooth:How It Works.

With summer on it’s way, enjoying a dip in the ocean on a hot day is probably high on your list. How does salt water effect your skin though? Will it dry your skin out, or are there health benefits to it?

It’s that time of year again when you’re either planning your vacation, or days out for your staycation this summer. Beach babes and sea sirens alike will probably be wondering: Does ocean water dry you out, particularly your skin? It’s so much fun to play in the ocean, swim in the sea, or partake in water sports, but if you’re always on point at keeping your skin in tip-top condition, you may want to know whether ocean water dries your skin out. After all, it would be a shame to take care of your skin all year long, for it to take a turn for the worst after a dip in the ocean, right?

You’ve likely heard about the healing benefits of salt water. For those who need a refresher, according to The Huffington Post salt water helps, “…to detox the skin, reduce swelling and treat wounds, among many other benefits. But overexposure to salt water can wreak havoc on your hair.”

Women’s Health reported that sea salt can be good for our bods, “Our bodies contain the same concentration of minerals and nutrients as sea water, so it’s no wonder that sea salt is a natural ally to balance, protect, and restore the body and skin.”

According to One Green Planet, sea salt water can treat acne, “Sea salt is an incredibly powerful acne medication that works by cleansing the cells and killing bacteria while also promoting healthy pH levels in the skin.” This is fantastic news for folks who suffer from acne, but prefer using natural methods instead of harsh chemicals.

Livestrong reported on the many health benefits of swimming in warm sea water, including improving circulation and helping your general wellbeing. In regards to benefits to the skin, according to Livestrong, it’s all about the magnesium in the water, “The magnesium in seawater may also help hydrate and improve the appearance of your skin.” Aside from the fact that ocean water isn’t great for your hair, you’d think that it’s an across the board miracle worker, but it’s much deeper than that.

The International Dermal Institute confirmed the benefits of seawater and reported, “Rich in trace elements and minerals, and with a composition not dissimilar to human blood plasma, seawater, arguably, has many unique healing properties for the skin. Many skin health benefits are specifically attributed to the Dead Sea, such as treatment for eczema, psoriasis and other extreme, dry skin conditions.” However it is explained that these benefits don’t come from salt directly, but from the high levels of magnesium.

In fact, The International Dermal Institute explained that salty water can really dry out the skin, “Salts in high quantities can be the skin-drying scourge of the summer flesh baring masses. Diluted salt is almost impossible to remove from the skin with lye based soap or non-foaming wash, so even after showering, traces of salt deposits may remain on the skin, absorbing essential moisture.”

SheKnows also warned of the skin-drying properties of ocean water, “The salt in the ocean water dries your skin out fast, and it doesn’t all wash off in the shower. It lingers on your skin, meaning its drying effects are long-lasting.”

However, you shouldn’t let this stop you from having fun in the ocean.

Keep you skin hydrated this summer. Click the link to find out how to get hair free legs for the summer.

SRC: www.bustle.com/articles/166518-does-ocean-water-dry-out-your-skin-heres-what-all-you-beach-babes-need-to-know

Summer time means pool time, and beach time, and camping and adventures in the sun. But be sure to take care of your skin! Water and sunscreen can go a long way.

Whether it’s dark or light, freckled or clear, soft or slightly rough, the skin on the human body serves many purposes. Often underappreciated or unnoticed for all it does, the skin acts as the front man for scrapes, cuts and burns and the unquestioning recipient of lotions, sunscreens, ointments and creams applied to it for healing and protection purposes. Here are some quick facts to know about the skin.

The skin is the body’s largest organ

“On average, the skin can span about 18 square feet and account for around 20 pounds of a person’s weight,” said Nancy Jones, APRN Dermatology Nurse Practitioner at Saint Mary’s Medical Group.

Because of this, it also is the body’s largest organ, a fact often overlooked. But, just like all other organs in the body, such as the heart and the lungs, the skin serves a specific purpose, too. Specific ‘purposes’ may be more accurate, as the functions of the skin are vast. These include removing waste, regulating body temperature, manufacturing Vitamin D, and serving as a barometer for overall health. Many early warning signs of disease can be detected on the skin, according to Jones.

“The skin may be overlooked as an organ because not many people realize that it does far more than just cover our bones and muscles,” said Jones. “The skin is the first line of defense for illness and disease and is also the passageway to our bloodstream.”

Water is important to the skin, too

Just as it’s important to other organs, water is important to the skin, too.

“The skin, like other organs, is made up of cells, which are made up of water,” said Jones. “Without water, these organs won’t function properly.”

But, sometimes after being exposed to water for a long time, the skin can appear dry instead of replenished. This is due to the skin’s natural oils and secretions being stripped away. Some lotions and moisturizers can have a hydrating effect on the skin, but depending on the ingredients used, others may dry it out instead.

“Most lotions and moisturizers have a drying effect on the skin because they reconstitute cutaneous hydro-lipidic film, which holds waters to the skin,” Jones said. “I recommend starting with a mild, non-alcohol based moisturizer to help seal and keep moisture on the skin.”

That said, a person’s ability to absorb water and lotion depend on a variety of other factors, too, including diet, genetics, their current state of health and climate.

Skin is Key to Absorbing Vitamin D

It’s true the skin is essential to absorbing Vitamin D from the sun, but that melanin – or the natural pigment in the skin – can compete with UVB for Vitamin D production, according to Jones. In other words, people who have higher levels of melanin absorb less of the sun’s Vitamin D than people with lower levels.

“It’s important to note however, there are additional ways to ensure you are receiving adequate amounts of Vitamin D other than sun exposure,” Jones said.

Other factors that have an impact on Vitamin D absorption include geographic location, specific angle to the sun, the overall number of daylight hours and even the weather, according to Jones.

People who want to find out more about healthy levels of Vitamin D levels can talk to their physician. Vitamin D supplementation is a possible option, if needed. And, although those with lower melanin levels may be better able to absorb Vitamin D, they also can be at vulnerable risk to the cancer-causing rays of the sun, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

“However, it’s extremely important to note that all skin types and colors require sun protection as skin cancer is prevalent in each diversity of skin color,” Jones said.

Keep you skin safe this summer. Click the link to find out how to get hair free legs for the summer.

SRC: www.rgj.com/story/life/wellness/2016/06/09/sun-protection-and-water-essential-skin

Laser Smooth wants to help you look your best. If you are interested in laser hair removal, check out the services we offer.

Laser Hair Removal Services

For optimal results, appointments are scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart. Treatment areas require between 4 and 8 treatments. We do not treat sun damaged skin. Call to schedule your free consultation and spot check today!

Small Treatment Areas	Medium Treatment Areas	Large Treatment Areas
Underarms, hands, feet, areolas, bikini line, happy trail, chin, forehead, sideburns, upper lip, lower lip, jawline, nose, ears, anterior neck, posterior neck	Upper arms, lower arms, upper back, lower back, chest, shoulders, buttocks	Full face, Full Arms, Lower Legs, Upper Legs, Brazilian, Full back, Chest & Abs

At Laser Smooth, consultations are always free. Check out our pricing for laser hair removal by Laser Smooth Company

Working out can help you feel great, and keep you healthy, but are you taking care of your skin after out get all sweaty? Here are some tips to help you keep your skin healthy, even after a workout.

Body wash: A shower after a gym is as necessary as breathing. Not only do you want to get rid of the odour but also relax yourself after a tiring workout. Ditch the soap and switch to body wash. Body wash cleanses while retaining the moisture of the skin. Use orange or mint based body washes as they help you in de-stressing and relaxing.

If you have had a bad hectic day with a lot of tension and anxiety, a bath with Jasmine Blossom Body Wash helps you to calm down and feel at peace as it jasmine eases anxiety and brings in confidence.

Moisturiser: Constant exposure to pollution, tanning, and the ravages of weather more often make it important to take special care of the skin as well. Moisturising the skin is essential after a workout. The sweat shall dry and while you feel that it has left enough moisture on your skin, it’s not true. Depending on your skin type, use a moisturizer that hydrates the skin without leaving it sticky or oily.

Face pack and face wash: In the case of men, exfoliation is necessary once in a while. Using a good face wash daily is important and Blossom suggests a grapefruit or neem and tea tree face wash and activated bamboo charcoal face pack as it usually addresses the issue of maintaining a healthy skin for men pretty well. Women can use products suited for their skin type and exfoliate once a day as per their regime.

Keep your skin healthy and soft after removing any unwanted hair. To learn about aftercare for your laser treatments go here!

SRC: www.thehealthsite.com/beauty/expert-tips-for-post-workout-skincare-bs0616/

Break out the sunscreen summer is here! But what kind is the best? Apparently baby sunscreen is far better at protecting your skin than regular sunscreen.

According to Marie Claire, people with sensitive skins will thank heavens that baby sunscreen has been invented. Baby sunscreen, which contain zinc as an active ingredient may even be more beneficial than the regular sunscreen. 

“This is a physical sunscreen ingredient in that it sits on the surface of the skin and doesn’t get absorbed through the skin, which is why it’s safe for babies,” Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi of Capital Laser & Skin Care shared to Marie Claire. “The only difference between the baby formulations and the adult version is the cosmetic ‘elegance’ of the product.” 

As many people would naturally be unaware, adult sunscreens are only different from baby sunscreens because they contain contain chemicals that would prevent the white finish from showing. Baby sunscreens d not have this chemical, so the white finish that zinc caused can be visible. 

Even if it looks weird to have such a ghastly appearance after putting on baby sunscreen, this may be more effective and safe for people with sensitive skins. Compared to adult sunscreens, baby sunscreens also sometimes cost cheaper. 

Baby sunscreens therefore add to the growing list of baby products that adult can find useful too, such as baby oil, baby wipes, and diaper rash cream! Baby shampoos can sometimes work great for adults, who are specifically sensitive to the chemicals that adult shampoos eyes that can cause a whole lot of tears when the suds get to the eye.

Keep you skin safe this summer. Click the link to find out how to get hair free legs for the summer.

SRC: www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/41459/20160606/baby-sunscreen-safer-adults-regular.htm