Not all sunscreens are created equal. This is a fact indeed! Beware of the following when choosing your sunscreen:

* Is your sunscreen a broad spectrum? This means you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. The difference between these rays is great but remember both cause skin cancer. Just remember A for aging, UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause damage on a cellular level, these are the rays that cause aging. B is for burning, UVB rays are responsible for burning and tanning.

Read your labels carefully to make sure you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. The FDA only approves of four ingredients for broad spectrum protection: Zinc, titanium dioxide, ecamsule ( mexoryl SX and anthelios SX) and avobenzone (parasol 1789). Of these four only zinc and titanium dioxide are physical blocks which reflect rays away from the skin. And of these two only zinc oxide blocks UVA 1, UVA2, and UVB rays. Most zinc is micronized now so you won’t have a ghostly look. The bottom line is zinc is the most thorough ingredient for total blockage.

*Make sure your sunscreen is correct for your skin type or you may find yourself with unwanted break outs. For example if you are oily your aesthetician may choose a sunscreen with niacinamide and azelaic acid to control blemishes and oil. If your skin is dry or rosecea prone a sunscreen with niacinamide and hyaloronic acid may be more suitable.

*Fight the aging effects of the sun with antioxidants. Antioxidants can help protect against free radicals that can age and damage skin. Furthermore, research has shown that when combined with sunscreen, antioxidants may also boost the effectiveness of active sunscreen ingredients.

This months recommendations: Elta MD clear for oily/acne prone skin Elta MD daily for normal/dry skin. Both contain micronized zinc and niacinamide. SkinCeuticals topical vitamin C serums for antioxidant protection.

Stop by or cal The Museum Spa & Laser Center and start protecting your skin today!

Mention this article and receive 10% off!

Collette=)

Excellence Deserves Recognition!

Cast your vote today  for The Museum Spa & Laser Center and don’t forget your favorite spa employees too! 

Vote for The Museum Spa & Laser Center in these categories:

Healthcare/Wellness – Facial

Healthcare/Wellness – Skincare

Healthcare/Wellness – Day Spa

Fashion/Where to Shop – Makeup Selection

Healthcare/Wellness–Plastic Surgery Center: Specialists in Plastic Surgery

Submit your ballot today!

http://bravo.metronc.com/vote/

Rules:

Ballots must be in by May 15, 2012

Only one ballot per reader or email address

You must complete at least 20 categories for your ballot to count

Entries from invalid email addresses will be excluded from the results. Please enter your complete email address carefully.

Results:

Results will appear in two blockbuster issues, divided by categories.

Part one in Metro Magazine’s July issue and part two in Metro Magazine’s August issue.

Thank you for your continues support!

 Breast Cancer Therapy Tattoo Removal Program

Alma Lasers Community Network is a world wide effort to connect our aesthetic providers dedicated to creating a positive impact on the health and well being of their community with individuals who will benefit from these services.

In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Alma Lasers is sponsoring FREE laser removal services for radiation therapy tattoos. The Declare Your Freedom program is open to qualifying breast cancer survivors during the month of October 2011 (The Museum Spa & Laser Center will extend this offer until the end of December).

Radiation therapists routinely mark patients with tattoos in order to accurately target the treatment area. If you are a breast cancer survivor whose course of treatment has been successfully completed, and your oncologist approves of your decision to have your therapy tattoos removed, Alma Lasers will help you find a local qualified provider offering laser tattoo removal, free of charge, for a limited time.

Participating Declare Your Freedom providers use the Alma Lasers Harmony laser system with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, the most reliable and frequently used laser for effective tattoo removal. Alma Lasers is proud to extend this offer to the strong and brave women who have beaten breast cancer.

Laser Tattoo Removal Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is laser tattoo removal?

A: Laser tattoo removal is a procedure that uses a powerful laser that reacts with the ink of a tattoo to break it down into tiny particles. The laser directly targets the tattoo pigment and leaves the surrounding skin virtually untouched. Tattoo ink and natural pigmentation like melanin absorb short pulse duration/high peak energy so quickly that they create a photo-acoustic effect within the pigment clusters. This effect breaks down the ink into much smaller particles that can be more easily removed by the body’s natural filtering system.

Q: Are there any risks of laser tattoo removal?

A: The risks of laser tattoo removal are very minimal. The largest risk is infection, but when post-treatment instructions are followed, infection can usually be prevented.

Q: How can I prepare for laser tattoo removal?

A: Your provider may recommend taking a non-aspirin pain medication or applying a topical anesthetic cream prior to the procedure, to help reduce any discomfort. Other than that, there really isn’t any other preparation needed.

Q: Does it hurt? What can I expect during a laser tattoo removal treatment?

A: A laser tattoo removal treatment can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or two depending on the size of the tattoo and the colors involved. A lot of patients describe the pain from the laser as feeling like a hundred rubber bands striking the skin at the same time. To help alleviate some of this pain, you may have a cold compress, ice or cold air applied to the treatment area prior to the procedure.

Q: What is the recovery time for a laser tattoo removal treatment?

A: Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately following a laser tattoo removal treatment. You will need to avoid exposing the treated area to the sun and strenuous physical activities that may affect the treated area.

Q: What can I expect after a laser tattoo removal treatment?

A: Immediately after each treatment, the treated area may feel sunburned, and it is extremely important to keep it covered until it heals. If you fail to do this, both your recovery and the results of the treatments may be negatively affected.

Declare your Freedom – Bay Area News

Call The Museum Spa & Laser Center at 919. 785. 9696 today to schedule your appointment.

A DOC DISHES ON WOMEN AND NIP/TUCKS

More women than ever are having plastic surgery now, but is it because they feel pressure to “keep” their husbands? One plastic surgeon says no. Instead, according to Dr. Richard E. Carlino, MD, women say they’re tweaking their appearances to feel better about themselves. Here’s the dish on who’s getting what done — and how their partners are responding.

POPULAR PROCEDURES

Dr. Carlino, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, says more women than ever are having plastic surgery. Specifically, he says, women are fighting the aging process, including sunspots and wrinkles around the eyes “to look on the outside how they feel on the inside.” Popular procedures? Skin texture–refining laser treatments like Pixel Perfect and other aesthetic laser treatments like Accent XL for cellulite and skin tightening are on the top of the list, but the doc maintains that keeping up appearances for their husbands isn’t usually the reason women want surgery.

PLASTIC SURGERY AND MARRIAGE

One of Dr. Carlino’s patients, a married woman named Jane*, echoed his sentiments. She got Botox, filler, CO2 laser skin resurfacing and an eyelid lift because she wanted to look younger — but her husband was initially against her getting the surgery. In fact, she says, it caused problems in their relationship. “It became a huge battle between us,” Jane said. “He didn’t feel I needed anything [done].” Jane says, post-surgery, she feels she looks a whopping 17 years younger. So did Jane’s hubby eventually come around? “He thought I looked prettier but he couldn’t figure out why,” she said. “I do feel more attractive. It didn’t really do much for the relationship, however.”

Dr. Carlino answered a few of our questions about plastic surgery trends for married women — and what questions every woman should ask herself before she goes under the knife:

Do married women’s reasons for undergoing surgery include keeping their husband’s interest?

“Very rarely is it for their spouse. At least that is not verbalized. The majority of the time, the husband is not in favor of the surgery or procedure due to the costs. They later say they would have urged them on years earlier…. We try to ensure [the patients'] motives are appropriate. They have the surgery or laser procedure to fight the effects of pregnancy, age and gravity. Basically, it is to feel better about themselves, because [they] don’t recognize the woman in the mirror. It is not primarily for their husbands — it’s about getting back some of that sparkle.

Have you seen an increase lately in married women who want surgery or cosmetic improvements?

“The economy clearly affects the frequency of cosmetic procedures. Increase in surgery may be due to wider acceptance in cosmetic surgery. Women in general are looking more for non-invasive procedures such as Botox, fillers and laser procedures. We’re seeing people opt for more tweaks, definitely, but it has nothing to with marital status.”

What precautions would you urge a married woman to take before she chooses to have a cosmetic procedure? ”

Everyone contemplating elective cosmetic surgery needs to do their homework. They should have all of their ducks in a row and not be borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, should be at the right place in life — emotionally, financially, physically — and should not adhere to the philosophy that it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission. Have your spouse involved in the process.” “Women should be sure they are doing any [procedure] for themselves…. There is, however, a healthy side to [having a spouse as a motive for cosmetic surgery]. A woman may have all of the right motives including doing it for herself and her husband. In a healthy relationship, both individuals should have a stake in the process.”

*Name has been changed

 A BIG BRAVO & THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR FABULOUS AND LOYAL CLIENTS!

“Best of from the Triangle to the Coast” 

They say fortune favors the brave and it was a tough competition indeed. The level of entrants was absolutely top notch. The Museum Spa & Laser Center and everyone we work with everyday make our operation successful. We are very pleased and grateful to have received this recognition from those who count the most, our clients. Thank for your choice and for your trust in us. We will do our best to justify your trust and contribute to the community in which we live and serve by providing the services and products of our company.

You make us proud and we appreciate every single vote and recommendation !  

Mark Your Calendar…

Open House is September 20th

Specialists in Plastic Surgery and The Museum Spa & Laser Center cordially invite you to join us for our Open House Event on Tuesday, September 20th.  The evening kicks off at 5:00p.m.

Space is limited, so save your spot early. Please call 919.785.0505 to RSVP

Dr. Russell, Dr. Oschwald & Dr. Carlino will be offering short presentations on popular plastic surgery procedures.   Medical Aestheticians & Registered Nurses will be on hand to answer questions and provide valuable information. There will also be tours of both facilities and demonstrations of aesthetic procedures will take place throughout the evening.

Have you ever wanted to ask an aesthetic medical question, but are not sure who to ask or if anything could be done to correct or treat the concern? Open house is your golden opportunity!

3633 Harden Road

Raleigh, NC 27609

Wine & Hors d’oeuvres

Attire is Casual

Drawings for Gift Baskets and Gift Certificates

One Night Only Special Pricing for many popular procedures.