The warm weather is right around the corner and with it, the sun’s harmful UV rays which can cause damage and premature aging. Don’t be afraid to show a bit of skin, but make sure to protect it. That doesn’t mean you have to stay inside or lather on the heavy foundation but it may be time to change up your summer skin care routine. If you prepare your skin now, you can show off your bare-faced, beautiful complexion all season long. Read on for our top 5 ways to prep skin for summer.

Medical Cosmetics and Sunscreen

Our skin is the most exposed organ to harmful stressors during the summer. You should proactively defend it with high-grade medical cosmetics including moisturizers, serums, and eye creams, for your daily morning and evening routines. And don’t forget the sunscreen – the single, most important product to use during the sunny summer months. Belladerm carries a variety of top product lines to keep you protected and looking your best year-round:

• The SkinMedica® aesthetic product line includes repairing creams and sunscreen formulated to restore the skin and promote self-healing.
• iS Clinical® serums improve complexion and provide antioxidant protection.
• Colorescience®  offers non-chemical sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays throughout the day.
• Epionce® toners, cleansers, and sunscreen keep your skin clean, refreshed, and protected.

Facials

Facials are an effective way to detoxify the skin, promote blood circulation, lower stress, treat acne, and help repair sun damage. They can even encourage collagen production and give you a smoother, more even skin tone. Belladerm offers a wide range of facial services to keep your skin healthy and glowing throughout the season. Here’s a few of our favorites:

• The Bella Classic Corrective and Gentlemen’s Executive™ defend against environmental aggressors, reduce imperfections, and feel amazing at the same time.
• Our specialized HydraFacial™ exfoliates to clear away imperfections like sun damage, blackheads, whiteheads, enlarged pores, acne, brown spots, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. This four-in-one treatment uses a variety of revolutionary serums and is great for oily or acne-prone skin.

BOTOX®

If you’ve been squinting in the sun and are struggling with frown lines, crow’s feet, or deep forehead wrinkles, consider BOTOX®. This treatment only takes a few minutes and is performed by our highly skilled injection specialists. With BOTOX®, you won’t have to worry about those lines getting deeper.

Fillers

In the summer, your levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) may decrease the more you are in the sun. HA is a naturally occurring substance in your body that retains water, giving you plumper, softer, and smoother skin. Skip the highlighting and opt for a non-surgical face lift with our dermal fillers, which replace the HA you have lost over the years.

Microneedling

Microneedling is the perfect treatment for busy summer schedules. It’s quick and versatile, treating a variety of skin issues from hyperpigmentation and scars to sun damage and stretch marks. The more skin is exposed to the sun, the less collagen it produces. Microneedling increases the production of collagen, making your skin look and act younger. Best of all? It’s not just for the face; treatments can be applied to the neck, arms, hands, legs, abdomen, and back.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Make sure it’s protected this summer with proven, effective skin care products and treatments from Belladerm MedSpa. Our expert aestheticians can recommend the best brands and services that align with your desired goals and outcomes. Request an appointment or contact us to learn more.

The next generation of body contouring is here. Introducing CoolSculpting® Elite by Allergan, the newest iteration of noninvasive fat reduction technology that targets, freezes, and eliminates stubborn fat in nine areas of the body safely, effectively, and in less time than traditional CoolSculpting treatments. Belladerm MedSpa is proud to be the first provider in Minnesota and tri-state area to offer this groundbreaking service. Read our blog as we discuss CoolSculpting Elite and how every “body” can benefit.

What is CoolSculpting Elite?

Building on the revolutionary technology of the original CoolSculpting, Elite’s innovative C-shaped dual applicators include seven different shapes and sizes that complement the body’s natural curves, improving fit and comfort. It’s the only FDA-cleared treatment to elimate stubborn fat in nine different areas of the body including:

• Chin and jawline area
• Inner thighs
• Outer thighs
• Abdomen
• Love handles or flanks
• Bra rolls (front and back)
• Banana roll (underneath the buttocks)
• Arms

Patients can experience up to 20-25 percent fat reduction in treated areas with visible results as early as one to three months after treatment. CoolSculpting Elite offers the ability to treat twice the amount of fat in the same amount of time compared to using the original applicator. And there’s no downtime or recovery period.

Is CoolSculpting Elite better than the original CoolSculpting?

The design of the new C cup applicators allows for more tissue contact, as well as more suction and cooling result. This means faster treatment times as two areas can be treated at once. For example, you can treat the abdomen and flanks or under the arms. Or treat the chin and any other body part at once.

Who is a good candidate for treatment?

CoolSculpting Elite is for men and women of all body types, who are at or near their ideal body weight but struggle with stubborn fat areas despite diet and exercise. While it’s an effective and safe way to elimate fat cells, the treatment is not for weight loss. If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate, contact a Belladerm CoolSculpting professional for a free consultation.

How long does each session take?

That depends on the treatment area(s), as well as the number, type, and size of applicator used. Plan anywhere between 45 minutes to two hours per session. The optimal number of sessions varies from patient to patient and can only be determined during an in-person consultation with a trained Belladerm professional.

Let Belladerm MedSpa help you look and feel your best. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation with one of our certified CoolSculpting professionals and find out how you can get up to 50% off CoolSculpting Elite services!

It’s a fact – Minnesota winters are not kind to our skin. The sub-zero temperatures, dry air, and lack of natural moisture can make skin feel dry, tight, cracked, or flaky. Luckily, many causes of “winter skin” are well within our control. With some added attention and effort, you can alleviate these symptoms and help your skin feel soft, smooth, and beautiful. Read on as we discuss our solutions for five common winter skin issues.

#1 Dryness

The cold, dry Minnesota air can deplete skin of natural moisture, leaving it red, itchy, and irritated. When the air is consistently cold and lacks humidity, the water in our skin evaporates quickly, giving you that dry, tight, leather-handbag feeling. Unfortunately, doubling up on moisturizer isn’t enough.

Our solution: Stay hydrated. It may sound like a no-brainer but moisturizing from the inside out is the best way to combat dry skin. Nourish your body with healthy foods and beverages, including our best friend, H2O. A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed oil, can replenish your body’s moisture and leave skin looking smooth and supple. Of course, don’t forget to follow a good skincare routine including cleansing, exfoliation at least twice per week, and an ultra-rich, winter-friendly moisturizer.

#2 Flaky Skin

Excessive dryness can often lead to flaky or even cracked skin. Ouch! Again, moisturizers are helpful but when used alone won’t completely alleviate the problem.

Our solution: Exfoliate. Using a good quality exfoliator can remove the damaged top layer of the skin and help facilitate new skin cell growth. Try to avoid using soaps as these contain a high PH, which can lead to more dryness and oftentimes inflammation. Also, if possible, avoid rubbing your skin with a towel as this can exacerbate the problem. Gently blot your skin to dry off.

#3 Irritation and Redness

As with extreme heat in the summer, the harsh winter conditions can cause skin changes resulting in irritation and redness. If you’re not careful, these can last throughout the entire winter. Ugh!

Our solution: Be faithful to your skincare routine. As we spend more time indoors during the colder months, it’s easy to become complacent or even lazy when it comes to taking care of your skin. Don’t be that person. Stay on top of your daily regimen. Use a gentle cleanser to help remove irritants followed by your favorite serum and a heavy moisturizer. If you’re unsure which routine is right for you, contact your Belladerm MedSpa skin care professional for guidance.

#4 Chapped Lips

Lips need just as much moisture as the rest of the body. During the colder months, we tend to lick our lips frequently. It may feel like a good temporary solution, but saliva evaporates and dries out lips. Also, wearing thick matte or long-lasting lipstick can leave your lips dry or cracked.

Our solution: Don’t pout. Apply a lip ointment or lip butter rich in vitamin A or E throughout the day and at night. Lip treatments can also be used under lipstick. However, we recommend switching to a moisturizing lip gloss to combat the drier air. Avoid plumping lip glosses, as they contain irritants that can further dry them out.

#5 UV Damage

Yep, you read that right. The sun’s rays can damage your skin even when it’s -20°. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays, so regular sunscreen use is crucial to decrease your risk of exposure.

Our solution: You know what we’re going to say – Sunscreen!Whether you’re hitting the slopes in Afton or snowshoeing through Theodore Wirth, applying sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin in the winter, even when it’s cloudy. And, speaking of those dark, dreary I-just-want-to-binge-Netflix days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed areas of the body. Psst… don’t forget your lips!

Spring will be here before you know it but why not take care of your skin now? The experts at Belladerm MedSpa are ready to assist with all your winter skincare needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call or visit us online at www.belladermmedspa.com.