Exfoliation Tips for Healthier Skin

We know exfoliation is good for your skin, but over exfoliating or aggressive exfoliation can lead to irritation, breakouts, and skin damage. Let’s explore the best options for how to exfoliate in a healthy way!

Exfoliation tips

Consider your skin type
When deciding how you’re going to exfoliate, it’s important to consider your skin type:

Sensitive: may sting or burn after product use
Normal: clear and not sensitive
Dry: itchy, flaky, or rough
Oily: shiny and greasy
Combination: dry in some areas and oily in others

Use a tool
Body scrubs can be great and fun to use from time to time, but you can’t go wrong with a trusty washcloth. A washcloth is good to use on your face and body for gentle scrubbing. Sensitive or acne-prone skin could benefit from the washcloth and a mild exfoliator. Another great tool to use on your body is a bath brush. We recommend this for skin that’s not irritated or overly sensitive. For the face, there are so many different cleansing brushes on the market. We recommend one that’s suitable for sensitive skin and is dermatologist recommended.

Don’t forget to moisturize
Moisturizing is always important, but it’s especially crucial right after you exfoliate! While your skin is still slightly wet from the shower, use your favorite moisturizer or lotion all over your face and body. Don’t forget this step or else you could be left with dry skin!

Find your perfect exfoliation schedule
How often you should exfoliate is really dependent on your skin type and exfoliation method. The more sensitive your skin is the less often you should exfoliate. Some can handle a few days a week, while others should only be doing one day a week. Notice how your skin responds after exfoliating to help gauge your perfect exfoliation schedule.

Try a chemical peel
To avoid damage to the skin, we recommend leaving chemical peels to the professionals. At ANU Medical Spa, we offer a variety of chemical peels that target different skin problems like acne, pigment imbalances, and more. Take a look at what we have to offer here.

Exfoliation can make you look and feel amazing! Just be sure not to overdo it. If you have any questions about exfoliation, feel free to reach out to us via email or social media @anumedspa.

How to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs

If you’ve noticed dark or little red spots on your legs, you probably have strawberry legs. Strawberry legs is far from a medical term, but it got its name because the spots on your legs tend to resemble the seeds on a strawberry. The spots are simply hair follicles or enlarged pores that contain trapped oil, bacteria, and dead skin. If you suffer from this strawberry skin, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s not dangerous to your health in any way. It just tends to make women self-conscious. Luckily, with a proper skin care routine, you can wave goodbye to strawberry legs.

What causes strawberry legs?

Shaving
Improper shaving techniques with old, dull razors or without shaving cream can cause your skin more harm than good. Razor burn can lead to strawberry legs and shaving in general can result in ingrown hairs, which can also cause the appearance of strawberry legs.

Clogged pores
Just like the pores on your face, the pores on your legs can become enlarged and clogged with oil, bacteria, and dead skin. Clogged pores can turn dark after being exposed to air because the oil and debris darkens as it dries.

Keratosis pilaris
This is a skin condition that creates the appearance of dry patches and tiny bumps. This is caused by the buildup of keratin that blocks the opening of the hair follicle, giving you the appearance of strawberry skin.

Folliculitis
When hair follicles become inflamed, it’s known as folliculitis. This can result in the appearance of strawberry legs and can be further inflamed by razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Getting rid of strawberry legs

Exfoliate
Don’t go overboard with exfoliating every single day (that’s not good for your skin), but do exfoliate at least once a week to keep pores from getting clogged. Gently scrubbing your legs with a washcloth or loofah can get the job done. If you’re looking for a good body scrub, we recommend something with a gentle formula that won’t irritate the pores.

Shave correctly every time
We get it. No one likes to shave in the direction your leg hair grows but it’s the best way to prevent razor bumps and burns. During or directly after a warm shower is the best time to shave because your pores will be open. When you shave, use a sharp razor that doesn’t require you to apply too much pressure and use shaving cream or gel to protect the skin.

Moisturize
When your skin is hydrated, the appearance of strawberry legs usually improves.

Waxing or epilating
If shaving is the culprit to your strawberry legs, try waxing or epilating to pull the hair right from the source. Waxing is good for getting rid of dead skin, and you won’t have to worry about razor bumps or your hair growing back in for a longer amount of time.

Laser hair removal
If you’re tired of shaving and never want to do it again, go for laser hair removal! It typically takes two to six treatments to work and it’s safe for the skin. Learn more about laser hair removal services at ANU Medical Spa. Winter is the best time to start so by summer, your legs are hair-free!

Try out some of these tips and be patient! The dark spots might not go away immediately, but with enough consistent exfoliation, moisturization, and use of proper shaving techniques, you’ll be on your way to gorgeous, clear legs!

Microblading Aftercare Guide

After your first microblading treatment, it’s important to take good care of your eyebrows as they heal. The more careful you are in the beginning, the better they will look and the longer they will last! If you’ve never gotten a tattoo or had cosmetic tattooing done before, there are some important changes you might have to make to your daily routine. In the end, we promise it will be worth it!

Things to avoid post-microblading:

Getting area wet for 10 days
Sweating, saunas, and hot showers
Direct exposure to sun and salon tanning
Wearing makeup for at least a week
Picking or itching your eyebrows
Facials, chemical peels, Botox, and microdermabrasion for at least four weeks

What you can expect after your session

The healing process for microblading typically takes around four to six weeks. Throughout these weeks, your eyebrows will go through several phases of healing. At first, the dark pigment on your eyebrows may look a little unnatural and will appear dark for a few days. As your skin naturally starts to regenerate, the color will begin to fade and start to look more normal. During this period, there will be peeling, causing your brows to appear lighter than the original consultation projection. This is typical of most people, even with proper care. That’s why your follow up appointment after six to eight weeks is so important! After 30 days, your eyebrows will be in their final phases of healing. At this point, they’ll look more natural, and you can enjoy your beautiful new eyebrows!

Skin care after microblading

Once your microblading is completely healed, there are simple methods to avoid fading.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, sunscreen is a must! Apply a thin layer of SPF 30 to 50 on your eyebrows before you go outside.
When using foundation, avoid putting it directly on your healed eyebrows because they’ll appear lighter.
Avoid products that contain retinol – they may speed up the process of fading!
Be sure to use moisturizer or ointment that is suggested by your permanent makeup artist. These products can be used to minimize scabbing and keep your eyebrows moisturized and protected from germs and bacteria.

You want to keep your eyebrows looking amazing for as long as possible, so it’s crucial to take the best care of them during the healing process! If you’re worried about messing up the healing process, talk with your microblading specialist and figure out what will work best for you.

Be sure to book your six to eight week touch up and your annual follow up to keep your brows looking fresh. Book today >>

Anti-aging Starts with Collagen

As we age, we start to notice more fine lines, sagging skin, and wrinkles. Why does this happen? When we get older our skin starts to thin and becomes less elastic. Repetitive facial expressions like smiling, frowning, and squinting forms a groove under the surface of the skin. Younger skin has the elasticity to bounce back from this, but as you get older, your skin loses its flexibility and has a harder time bouncing back, resulting in permanent lines and wrinkles. There is an important fiber in the skin called collagen that forms the skin’s connective tissue. Over time, it breaks down and makes the skin thinner and weaker. Luckily, there are ways to get more collagen through your diet, supplements, and even medical spa treatments.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It’s found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. Collagen is actually what holds the body together. Collagen production naturally declines with age and is affected by other factors like smoking and exposure to UV light. After menopause, women experience a rapid decline in collagen production, which means the skin is more vulnerable to imperfections.

If you’re experiencing wrinkles and fine lines or want to take precautions to prevent them, you’ve come to the right place. Follow the methods below to receive more collagen and save yourself from wrinkles!

Collagen in your diet

There are important nutrients found in different foods that can prevent collagen loss:

Proline: eggs, meat, cheese, soy, and cabbage
Anthocyanidins: blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries
Vitamin C: oranges, strawberries, peppers, broccoli
Copper: shellfish, nuts, red meat

Do collagen supplements work?

Many studies have been done on the effectiveness of collagen supplements. In a Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals study, researchers found that participants’ skin hydration and elasticity improved significantly and the depth of their wrinkles were reduced. Collagen supplements also boast other benefits, including improved joint health, increased muscle mass, bone loss prevention, and heart health. Researchers are still skeptical and are working to study all of these benefits.

Medical spa treatments that boost collagen

Microneedling is an excellent treatment for restoring the body’s natural collagen production. Microneedling uses sterile surgical steel microneedles to penetrate the upper and lower layers of the skin. This causes controlled microscopic wounds, which kick starts the body’s healing response and increases the amount of collagen producing cells.This month, take advantage of the introductory price on our newest treatment: Secret RF microneedling! It improves signs of aging, wrinkles, and fine lines by using radio frequency to penetrate deeper layers of the skin to boost collagen production. Learn more >>

Best Treatments to Pair at ANU

Spa treatments are for more than just relaxation. They can be healing while addressing many skin issues and cosmetic concerns. There are so many skin care treatments at our New Jersey spa that can give you younger looking skin, improve skin tone, and more. We find that pairing two different treatments yields the best results for our clients.

You can get the most out of your time at the spa by pairing treatments like these:

Dermaplaning and a peel

Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment typically thought of as an alternative to chemical peels or microdermabrasion. During this treatment, an experienced aesthetician uses a surgical blade to gently exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells and remove fine facial hair. A noticeable improvement is immediate with a smoother, brighter skin appearance. When paired with a chemical peel, you’re targeting hyperpigmentation in the skin for a more even skin tone.

This month at ANU, we’re offering dermaplaning with a SkinCeuticals glycolic peel for one low price. Learn more >>

Microdermabrasion and a facial

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin polishing that decreases age spots, sun damage, acne, hyper-pigmentation, fine lines, and scars. When paired with a facial, it helps with clogged pores, skin hydration, smoothness, and overall skin health.

This month at ANU, we’re offering microdermabrasion with a pore cleansing facial.
Learn more >>

Microneedling and a mask

Microneedling uses fine surgical steel microneedles to penetrate the upper and lower layers of the skin, which causes controlled microscopic wounds and pinpoint bleeding to kickstart the body’s own wound healing response. This results in more collagen producing cells for better skin with less fine lines, scars, and stretch marks. Paired with a mask, your skin is nourished and restored, giving you a healthy radiant complexion.

This month at ANU, we’re offering microneedling with a biocellulose restorative masque.
Learn more >>

If you’re planning on getting a treatment done at our New Jersey spa, we’ll help you to find the perfect pairing that will make your skin look amazing! During your complimentary skin analysis, our experienced aestheticians will address all of your questions and concerns and create a personalized treatment that’s unique to you. Book an appointment today!

The Difference Between Juvederm and Botox

No one is immune to the wrinkles and fine lines that come with aging. Luckily, with treatments like Botox and Juvederm, it’s possible to restore and maintain your youthful look. Known as lunchtime procedures, Juvederm and Botox provide some of the fastest results with little to no downtime. Both injectables may seem like they do the same thing, but there are important differences that may make one option better than the other for certain patients.

Juvederm vs Botox

Juvederm
Juvederm is a dermal filler that adds volume under the skin to fill in wrinkles and make the skin more plump. What’s injected is a sterile gel that’s made from hyaluronic acid – a natural sugar found in the skin.

There are many different types of Juvederm that serve different purposes:

Juvederm Voluma XC – creates contour and gives you back the apple of your cheeks.
Juvederm XC – the only hyaluronic filler proven to last up to one-year in moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles. Erase the appearance of parentheses lines, vertical lip lines, corner lines, and marionette lines brought on by age, genetics, and environment.
Juvederm Ultra XC – gives your lips a fuller, more natural pout with long-lasting results. It is the only lip filler proven to last up to one-year.
Juvederm Vollure XC – softens moderate to severe parentheses lines and wrinkles by adding volume to the lines and wrinkles around your nose and mouth to produce subtle and long-lasting results.

Botox
Botox cosmetic works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines. When injected, Botox blocks the neuron signals to the muscle, allowing for regular motion of the face without the wrinkles.

Botox is used to treat:

“11s” between your eyebrows
Crow’s feet
Wrinkles on the forehead
Laugh lines
Neck bands

Getting rid of wrinkles

When deciding whether to get Juvederm or Botox, it’s important to know that the biggest difference between the two is the type of wrinkles they work on. When your face is at rest, Juvederm is a wonderful option for filling in and smoothing out wrinkled areas. Those hallowed areas that lack tissue will benefit from the plumping effects of the filler. On the other hand, Botox is a great option for wrinkles that appear on movement.

Want to learn more about injectables at ANU Medical Spa?

Botox is widely used for cosmetic purposes in the upper face. Learn more about Botox here.

Juvederm is most often used to correct lines and wrinkles around the mouth, nose, and chin with slightly longer lasting results as compared to Botox. Learn more about the different types of Juvederm at ANU here.

Benefits of Revision Skincare at ANU

Revision Skincare is available at ANU! Lines and wrinkles can’t compete against the Intellishade Original, Intellishade Matte, and the Revox 7. We use these products ourselves and recommend them to our clients to see the amazing anti-aging benefits. Let’s dig in and see all the benefits of Revision Skincare.

The Intellishade Original, Intellishade Matte, and the Revox 7 are chock-full of ingredients that tighten the skin from when you first put it on and ensure maximum stability in the long-term. The Revision Skincare ingredients are based on five formulation principles:

Multiple pathways – there are many pathways that exist in the layers of the skin. Revision Skincare has formulated their products to target multiple pathways to address the visible signs of aging.
Peptides – peptides are fragments of proteins,which are fundamental building blocks of the skin. A lack of protein in the skin can result in the appearance of wrinkles and loss of firmness. When peptides are introduced into skincare, great things happen. Revision Skincare products feature eight different peptides, which allow for many different components of healthy skin to be addressed.
Skin neutral pH – Revision’s line of skincare products features a skin neutral pH. This means it will mimic your own skin’s pH levels to support healthier skin. Why is pH balance important in skincare? A healthy pH balance in your skin prevents infection, seals in moisture, and keeps your skin firm. With age, the pH of your skin is more vulnerable to the skincare products you put on it. Skin tends to become drier and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why these products are perfect for maintaining a healthy pH!
Microbiome technology – Revision Skincare products are formulated to harness the microbiome in the skin to balance and promote skin health. A healthy microbiome in the skin is important for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy for the long-term.
Synergistic usage – Revision Skincare products were designed to be compatible with your other skincare products to deliver amazing results. The Intellishade Original, Intellishade Matte, or the Revox 7 can be used everyday during your normal skincare and makeup routine.

Try out these amazing products today at ANU Medical Spa! Stop by our office to pick up a bottle and see the immediate and long-term difference Revision Skincare can make. Have any questions about the products? Give us a call 856-809-0909 or reach out to us info@anumedicalspa.com.

Harmful Ingredients to Watch Out for in Makeup and Skin Care

WARNING: You might be disappointed in your skin care and makeup products after reading this. Makeup and skin care products may make you look beautiful on the outside, but without carefully looking at the ingredients, you could be harming your insides! Of what we put onto our skin, 60 percent gets absorbed, so you want to make sure you’re giving your skin and body the best. You might be surprised to learn that the FDA does not regulate skin care, so almost any ingredient could be included in your products. Some of them can even be dangerous to your health. We’ll show you what to avoid, and ANU’s South Jersey spa experts will suggest some healthy ingredients that your products should have!

Ingredients to avoid

Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that are found in almost everything. Anything that contains water will usually have parabens in it to keep it from growing bacteria. Parabens have the power to mimic estrogen in the body and could cause hormone imbalances. Several studies have linked parabens to breast cancer, skin cancer, and decreased sperm count.

Sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate
These sulfate ingredients are foaming agents that are commonly found in shampoo, toothpastes, and cosmetics. These ingredients have been known to cause skin irritation, canker sores, natural oil imbalance and contribute to acne around the mouth and chin.

Artificial fragrances
It’s extremely difficult to find products without artificial fragrances (even the un-scented ones). Anything that says ‘artificial’ or ‘synthetic’ should raise a red flag. Companies are not required to list the ingredients of fragrances, so you never know what’s in there. You could be exposing yourself to carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and allergens.

Phthalates
These chemicals are used to increase the flexibility and strength of plastics. These are often not listed in the ingredients but have the same effect as parabens. They’re primarily found in fragrances but can also be found in hairspray and nail polish.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
PEG is used as a thickener in many cosmetic products like lotions, shampoos, and sunscreen. It can alter and reduce the skin’s natural moisture. If you’ve ever used a facial scrub with those little plastic beads, then you’ve experienced PEGs before. The U.S. government considers them a human carcinogen and that penetrates the skin.

Healthy ingredients you need

It’s important to make sure your skin care and makeup products include some of these ingredients:

Vitamin C and E, green tea, and licorice root
The skin needs antioxidants and skin protectants like these to interrupt environmental damage.

Retinol and niacinamide
Skin restorers like retinol and niacinamide encourage skin cells to make better, younger cells, which is awesome for people with fine lines and wrinkles. These ingredients will keep your skin looking younger.

Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid fortifies your skin to hydrate and keep it young, smooth, and healthy.

Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide can be found in many products that contain SPF,which you should be using every day anyway. Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide are your best line of defense for protecting your skin.

Remember, the next time you’re about to purchase your favorite product, turn the bottle over to read the ingredients and make sure you’re doing what’s best for your body. Happy skin is a happy you! Do even more for your skin with our South Jersey spa’s skin care specials: http://bit.ly/2MNCpAV

South Jersey Guide to Health and Wellness

After a long week, you’re probably ready for a little rejuvenation and relaxation. This health and wellness guide will show you some of the best options in the Voorhees, N.J. area for a relaxing day to yourself.

Relax

Yoga for Living Wellness Center

Yoga for Living offers mindfulness meditation series for all levels! We could all use a little more mindfulness in our lives. There are tons of options for different series throughout the year.

Marlton Acupuncture Center
marltonacupuncture.com

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine that’s over 3,000 years old. It stimulates the body’s energy system to promote its own natural healing.

Life Essential Massage
lifeessentialmassage.com

With 10 different types of massages to choose from, the hardest part of your day will be deciding. Enjoy complete relaxation with a 30-, 60-, or 90-minute massage.

Health

The Voorhees Hot Yoga Center
voorheeshotyogacenter.com

You can get more than just hot yoga here. They also offer Bikram, Barkan Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Yin for all levels!

Pilates Core Center
pilatescorecenter.com

Learn pilates in a tranquil environment. Strengthen your core and get on the path to total mind-body wellness.

Jabz Boxing
Jabzboxing.com

Try something new and start punching! Jabz boxing classes are designed for women at all fitness levels.

Beauty

Thrive Salon & Spa
Thrivesalon.com

Need a new ‘do or want to pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure? Thrive Salon & Spa offers dozens of services to make you feel gorgeous.

ANU Medical Spa
anumedicalspa.com

Come see us to relax with spa treatments or beautify with physicians treatments! We offer many services that get rid of wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, stretch marks and more. Check out all of our monthly specials to see how you can save!

Try out these places in South Jersey to align your mind, body, and spirit for ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation!

What’s New This Month

A new season calls for new monthly spa specials! Our New Jersey spa is offering lower prices on all of our favorite spa and medical treatments, and we threw in some fall-themed treatments we know you’ll love. If you’ve been dying for a little self-care time for yourself, you’ve come to the right place. Find your next favorite spa treatment – without any buyer’s remorse!

Spiced cider facial

During this facial treatment, a medley of fall classics will be used, including nutmeg, cinnamon, and apples. Each ingredient comes packed with benefits for your skin and overall wellness! Apples are high in vitamin C and contain potent antioxidants as well as naturally occurring malic acid, which assists in exfoliation. Nutmeg and cinnamon neutralize free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to cells and are often associated with aging. This facial will hydrate, firm, and improve your skin tone and suppleness.
Book now >>

Dermaplane with SkinCeuticals pigment balancing peel

The amazing quality of a SkinCeuticals chemical peel is now paired with a dermaplaning treatment – all in one visit! As the name suggests, this pigment balancing peels targets hyperpigmentation using a customizable medical grade peel treatment. This peel can dramatically improve uneven appearance of photodamaged skin. It’s followed by a dermaplaning treatment to exfoliate and safely remove vellus hair and surface debris.
Book now >>

IPL

Intense pulsed light (also known as IPL) is light therapy that is used to treat wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, rosacea, and more. It can be used anywhere on your body and, depending on how large the treatment area, may only take about 20 to 30 minutes. The best part is there’s no downtime! Your skin may just be a little more sensitive for a few days after the treatment. After three to six treatments, you’ll start seeing amazing results!
Book now >>

Are you ready to make October your month of self-care and beauty? Check out the rest of our specials for this month here.

For new updates on monthly specials and more, join our mailing list below:

Exfoliation Tips for Healthier Skin

Exfoliation Tips for Healthier Skin