Wrinkles Springfield MO

Reflections On 18 Years Of Laser Hair Removal in Springfield Missouri

Reflections On 18 Years Of Laser Hair Removal in Springfield Missouri

Reflections On 18 Years Of Laser Hair Removal

Advanced Laser Clinic first opened our doors in March of 2003 as the first medical spa that offered laser hair removal in Springfield Missouri. Since then we have expanded our services to offer many new and exciting skin care and cosmetic procedures, but the one constant that Advanced Laser Clinic is known for is being the original experts in laser hair removal.

When she first opened the business in 2003, owner Shelly Baker enlisted Roberta “Bert” Riley to help her introduce a whole new concept in the world of permanent hair removal to Springfield Missouri. Bert had a previous background in electrolysis, so she knew what an upgrade laser technology would be for the process of permanent hair removal.

Bert was excited to be able to share and educate our clients about this procedure and she continues to have a passion for helping our clients look and feel their best. For our 18th anniversary, we sat down with Bert to discuss the changes that she’s seen from those early days and why she’s still so passionate about providing this service.

How Has Laser Hair Removal Evolved Since 2003?

When we first started in 2003, Shelly and I spent the majority of our time explaining and educating everyone on the concept of how laser hair removal works, because no one had really heard of this procedure before. We originally had to convince people to try it by giving away a few laser hair removal treatments just to show our clients how wonderful it was.

Now in 2021 almost everyone has heard of laser hair removal and are more familiar with its proven results, which makes our job a little easier.

The process of permanent hair removal has not really changed since the beginning, but our lasers have. I am proud to be part of a clinic that wants to have the most up to date and cutting-edge technology when it comes to facial hair removal.

Our FDA approved lasers get the very best results for our clients and we are proud of that.

What Has Stayed The Same Over The Years?

I am proud to say that the one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is our pricing. Permanent hair removal is an investment and we do not take that lightly. We want our clients to have the best result from their investment. I have always said “Paying too much for laser hair removal won’t leave you with less hair. It will only leave you with less money”.

In 2003, we were the only ones in town offering this service. Now there are several of us out there. We still feel we are the best, of course, but with so many options to choose from now, it is up to potential client to do their homework and understand why there is such a price difference.

Another thing that remains the same is that we always give you the exact pricing up front over the phone or in person. We have no hidden costs and encourage everyone to take advantage of our free consultations so they can make the best decision for their investment in permanent hair removal.

What Sets Advanced Laser Clinic Apart In The Laser Hair Removal Field?

Our experience. Shelly and I having been doing this for 18 years. We have excellent laser technicians who are certified and trained by us.

We also have a one-year written guarantee which sets us apart. Our laser hair removal program is a six treatment program, but not all people are done in six treatments.

With our guarantee, we can do free touch up treatments for one year to achieve better results. We also have a maintenance program if you need any further treatment beyond that year at a minimal cost.

Another thing that sets us apart is the way we do business. We strive to be honest and hold ourselves to a high standard of integrity and this makes me proud. We never promise more than we can deliver. If we can’t help someone meet their goals, we will refer them to someone who can.

We are so glad that Bert is part of our Advanced Laser Clinic team. If you would like more information about our laser hair removal program, please call us at 417-883-5400. Bert would love to have the opportunity to do a free consultation, so you can decide if permanent hair removal at Advanced Laser Clinic is the right choice for you.

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Common Retinol Vitamin A Myths For Skin Care in Springfield Missouri

Common Retinol Vitamin A Myths For Skin Care in Springfield Missouri

Common Retinol Vitamin A Myths For Skin Care

Retinol and Vitamin A are often talked about as being key ingredients in advanced skin care. This information can often be confusing and it’s hard to know where to start. The following are the top four Retinol Vitamin A myths that need to be busted.

Vitamin A Thins The Skin

Regular use of Vitamin A actually compacts the stratum corneum and thickens the epidermis. This means that Vitamin A thickens the skin to produce more healthy, younger looking skin. It also influences epidermal stem cells to mature into healthy layers of the epidermis and improve your skin care.

Vitamin A Is Used To Peel The Skin

The key role of Retinol is not to peel the skin. Vitamin A is used to anti-age and normalize the skin. The peeling effect will vary greatly on the type used.

The two main types are retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate. Retinoic acid or Retin-A is the acid form of vitamin A. Retinyl Palmitate is a fat soluble form of vitamin A. As you might imagine, the acid form can be much harsher and can cause the skin to peel out of irritation.

Few products use the fat form and opt for the traditional acid form. Retinyl Palmitate makes using vitamin A much easier and gives less peeling and irritation of the skin.

Vitamin A Causes Skin Inflammation

Along with the type of Retinol being used, you also need to consider the strength. If the skin is exposed to high levels of Vitamin A too quickly, a retinoid reaction can occur. This can look like small bumps, redness, itching, and redness.

This is the due to the strength and type of retinol used. This can be avoided by introducing Vitamin A gradually into your skin care routine with Environ's Vitamin A Step-Up System.

Vitamin A Can Only Be Used In The Evening

Retinols themselves are sensitive to light. This is why they should be packaged to not be exposed to light, or air. But using Vitamin A on the skin during the day is just fine. It will not make the skin more prone to sunburn.

Clinical studies have shown that retinoids do not lower the Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) of skin, which is the amount of UV light you can take before the skin burns.

If you are wanting information about effective, easy to use form of Vitamin A, we have it. Environ’s formulations containing Vitamin A really dispels all of these common myths.

If you are struggling with your brand of Retinol and are ready to find one that is effective and that your skin likes, come and talk to us about Environ. This amazing product line makes getting one of the most important skin care essentials much easier. Call Advanced Laser Clinic 417-883-5400 to get more information.

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Our Medical Grade Products For Skin Care in Springfield Missouri

Our Medical Grade Products For Skin Care in Springfield Missouri

Our Medical Grade Products For Skin Care

Advanced Laser Clinic has an array of great and effective medical grade skin care products for the face and body. It can be hard to navigate through the vast amount of skin care products out there. Even as skincare professionals, there are still skin care products and brands out there that we have never heard of.

There are many claims made by these companies. Do we just believe their marketing? Do we try each and every one to see the results for ourselves? Or do we turn to our trusted skincare gurus to do all that work for us?

All the skincare products that we offer at Advanced Laser, we personally use and love. Our staff has spent years researching and hours of training finding what we think are the best, most effective skin care products out there. A few of the lines we use and carry are SkinCeuticals, Environ, Glo Skin Beauty, and Baby Foot.

SkinCeuticals is a medical skincare line that was founded in 1997 by Sheldon Pinnell, MD, and Russell Moon. These products are based on combinations of topical antioxidants serums.

Their philosophy centers on three main pillars: Prevent, Protect and Correct. These principals work together to provide the healthiest skin possible, and optimal anti-aging results. A few of the most popular are CE Ferulic and Physical Fusion.

Environ is another medical skincare line that was developed in South Africa by Dr. Des Fernandes. After seeing too many skin cancer deaths, Dr. Fernandes was on a quest to make the skin healthier and more UV resistant.

Environ believes that skin has life and Vitamin A is the “oxygen” it needs to look beautiful and healthy for life. Vitamin A is the cornerstone ingredient in the Environ skincare philosophy. Environ introduced the Step-Up System to gradually introduce Vitamin A to the skin and sequentially add more in each level as the skin gets acclimated to using it. This makes it easy and comfortable to get high levels of effective Vitamin A into the skin on a daily basis.

Glo Skin Beauty is a very clean line of mineral makeup. Their formulas use only the best ingredients and ultra-fine minerals in a triple-millled process. This ensures that each application provides even, continuous coverage that lasts. Glo formulations deliver unsurpassed coverage with UV protection. Our favorite Glo product is their tinted primer. With a 30 SPF, it gives great coverage in a silky mattifying preparation.

Baby Foot is a peel specifically designed for the feet. Baby Foot combines 16 natural extracts. Together, these manage to hydrate your skin and exfoliate at the same time. This helps to remove all the extra dead skin and minimize calluses that build up on your feet. Caution: This product really works. Be ready to peel!

As you can see, we have done our research. We offer all of these great skin care products and more. Our staff uses and believes in all the skin care products that we offer to you. If you would like more information, please give us a call at 417-883-5400. Consultations are always free.

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The Many Benefits of Microdermabrasion in Springfield Missouri

The Many Benefits of Microdermabrasion in Springfield Missouri

The Many Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion has been around for many years. While many swear by it, others still may not completely understand what it really does for your skin and why it's such an effective skin treatment option to consider.

Microdermabrasion systems have seen many new innovations and upgrades over the years, but overall the main idea of the machines has stayed the same. Microderm uses a stream of aluminum oxide crystals paired with vacuum suction for both a deep exfoliation and pore clearing.

Exfoliation is essential to the health of the skin. Your skin has a natural cell turnover process in which it sheds its outermost layer. But as we age, this process slows down and dead skin is left to clog pores, make the skin appear dull, and can worsen the look of texture. Removing these dead skin cells is key in anti-aging, acne management, and skin brightening.

For more mature skin, assisting the skin with its shedding process is crucial. Long term exfoliation can assist in collagen production as well as helping minimize wrinkles and fine lines. Whether the goal is to focus on anti-aging or just deeper exfoliation, microderm is a great way to get there.

Microdermabrasion is also a great stimulant for blood and lymphatic flow. The vacuum of the microderm system not only removes wastes from the skin such as blackheads and clogged pores, it also gets the blood flowing to the tissue.

Extra blood flow is always a good thing. The vacuum gently sucks the skin, stimulating the motion of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins from the body, aiding in the detoxification process and overall improving skin conditions.

Clients suffering from acne-prone skin will also benefit from this treatment. Dead skin cells can mix with dirt and sebum to clog pores, producing breakouts. Dealing with acne is always a little tricky. People with breakouts often tend to over strip the skin thinking this will help clear. The opposite is true. When the skin is over stripped, the oil glands compensate by producing more oil.

Microderm is a great way to exfoliate without stripping the skin. Keeping acne-prone skin exfoliated is very important. Using effective exfoliation techniques is proven to help not only with the cell turnover but also oil control.

Exfoliation is also a beneficial way to help our medical grade products penetrate and do their job. Skin can sometimes be a tough barrier to penetrate. Typically only a certain amount of product can pass through without the help of exfoliation removing the dead skin that would hinder the penetration process. This allows the skin to get the most it can possibly get out of each treatment.

When microdermabrasion is performed on a regular basis, people see the most improvements in their skin. Monthly to bi-monthly treatments are recommended. Microderm can be paired with other services to make it more powerful. At Advanced Laser Clinic, we most commonly pair it with light chemical peels, LED light therapy, infusion systems, and ultrasound.

Because it is such a safe and effective skin treatment, it is safe to say that microdermabrasion is here to stay. It can work wonders for all skin types. Microderm's exfoliation treatment provides customizable balanced exfoliation. This is essential maintenance for the health of the skin, aiding in all skincare routines. This staple in the esthetic industry will continue to give consistent and visible results for years to come.

Advanced Laser Clinic has a lot of success stories from clients who have achieved great results with microdermabrasion. Call 417-883-5400 today and schedule with Meagan before December 3rd to receive $15 off your next treatment.

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Combat Melasma With Skin Rejuvenation in Springfield Missouri

Combat Melasma With Skin Rejuvenation in Springfield Missouri

Combat Melasma With Skin Rejuvenation

Melasma is a skin condition that effects many people. This frustrating darkening of the skin can affect women as well as men. You'll know it’s melasma when you see dark shadowing in patches on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. These patches will be a mirror image on each side of the face and flair up more in heat and with sun exposure.

Melasma occurs when the pigment producing cells of the skin, called melanocytes, begin to produce too much pigment. This leads to the development of large tan to brown patches on the skin.

This condition is sometimes called the “pregnancy mask” as it can occur due to increased amounts of female hormones due to pregnancy, or birth control. Sun exposure, heat, severe skin dryness, some cosmetics, and inflammation are other participating factors.

Melasma can occur in all skin tones, but is more common in patients with darker skin tones and it will sometimes be a more common occurrence within families.

Melasma lasts decades, so you will need a treatment plan that is lifelong. Treatment often begins with a skincare regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skincare brighteners.

Some of the more common skin brighteners include hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and vitamin A. Skin care regimens alone however, may not be the cure-all for the stubborn melasma.

It is found that chemical peels such as the Perfect Derma Peel for melasma works very well. The active ingredients are, TCA, Retinoic acid, Salicylic acid, Kojic acid, Phenol, Glutathione, and Vitamin C.

Another great option is micro needling treatments. This treatment uses needles to puncture the skin causing a controlled wound. This in turn will help shed the pigment that is surfaced and stuck in the upper dermal layers of the skin.

This causes increased blood supply to the area where new collagen and healthy cells form, allowing your skin’s texture to improve and reducing the appearance of melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation.

It might not be intuitive, but IPL or other laser treatments are not recommended and can sometimes worsen melasma, as it is exposed to both heat and light. Both elements risk having a high chance of causing a flare up within the skin, affecting the pigment which can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and potentially worsen the condition.

Our October special is a very effective way to treat melasma with skin rejuvenation in Springfield Missouri. We are combining micro needling with specific targeted treatments and products to address this frustrating condition. This package includes micro needling, a brightening Oxygeneo 3-in-1 super facial, and the Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-peptide serum for $500.

With cell turnover, you also have antioxidants that inhibit melanin production and brighten the skin. Oxygeneo brightening facials, microdermabrasion alongside a chemical peel will also assist in that added and necessary cell turnover and exfoliation.

Melasma is known to reoccur despite using chemical peels, micro needling, microdermabrasion, and other known treatments. Long term maintenance after treatment is very important. Using medical grade products and physical sunscreens must be done daily rain or shine.

If you are dealing with melasma, Advanced Laser Clinic is here to help. Call 417-883-5400 today and we can help determine what options are best for you.

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Managing PCOS With Laser Hair Removal in Springfield Missouri

Managing PCOS With Laser Hair Removal in Springfield Missouri

Managing PCOS With Laser Hair Removal

September is PCOS Awareness Month and Advanced Laser Clinic would like to show our support with our September Laser Hair Removal special of Buy One Area Package and Get The Next Area Package 1/2 Off.

At Advanced Laser Clinic, we specialize in laser hair removal treatments for women that have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). With our 17 years of experience, we know that while PCOS is not curable, laser hair removal in Springfield Missouri can be an important part of managing one of the most frustrating symptoms: increased hair growth to the face and body.

It is important to have a clear understanding of the treatment and possible results before getting started. Here are a few things you need to know.

What Type Of Results Will I See If I Have PCOS?

In most cases, those that suffer with PCOS can achieve excellent results from laser hair removal. Since PCOS is caused by hormonal fluctuations that then cause the abnormal hair growth, a specialized laser hair removal treatment plan will achieve the best results. Typically, we see that women with PCOS will need more than the normal number of treatments, usually 6-9 over the course of their first year with 1-2 maintenance treatments each year after that.

Why Do PCOS Patients Need So Many Treatments?

Laser hair removal treatments can only treat or destroy hair follicles that are actively growing during each treatment cycle. The laser cannot change the internal hormone irregularities within the body, so new hair follicles can become active and cause new growth. Therefore, achieving permanent hair removal is not a reality, but with a treatment plan you will see results lasting weeks, months, to a year where you will not have to shave, tweeze, or wax. It is life changing for our PCOS patients.

Why Choose Advanced Laser Clinic?

At Advanced Laser Clinic, we will work with you to come up with a customized plan for all your laser hair removal needs. We will guide you through the process starting with a FREE consultation. During that consultation, our experienced technicians will walk you through how laser hair removal will work for you specifically. Advanced Laser clinic recognizes that each PCOS patient is different and we treat you accordingly.

Call us today at (417) 883-5400 to begin your journey to managing this symptom of PCOS. It will be life changing.

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Environ Body Kit Delivers Skin Rejuvenation in Springfield Missouri

Environ Body Kit Delivers Skin Rejuvenation in Springfield Missouri

Environ Body Kit Delivers Skin Rejuvenation

If you've been to Advanced Laser Clinic, then you have probably heard our skin care experts raving about Environ. Environ is a medical grade skin care line that is focused on getting the most advanced ingredients into your skin. Including your body's skin. Some people think skincare starts and ends with the face.

But we have a whole body of skin that can have its own issues that need to be addressed with skin rejuvenation. The skin of your body could have sun damage, laxity, dryness, and bumpy texture. That's where the amazing body kit by Environ can help.

Environ’s preferred form of Vitamin A (plus Vitamins C and E along with Antioxidants and Peptides) can be used during the day to protect your skin from sun and environmental damage. These products boost your skin's own protection from UV rays.

The Environ body kit is made up of two highly active products:
Alpha Hydroxy Derm-Lac lotion - a “lotion” made up of Lactic Acid, Urea, and Ammonium Lactate
Vitamin A, C & E body oil - an oil that contains vitamins A, C and E and potent antioxidants

The Environ body kit was created to revitalize and nourish your skin from head to toe. Lactic acid that is contained in Derma-Lac, is known for its exfoliating and hydrating properties. Think about the bumps on the back of your arms. Using light Alpha Hydroxy, this product assists in the natural exfoliation on the skin. Leaving the skin smoother and will vastly improve texture. It’s better than scrubbing and causing irritation to the skin that has built up in these areas.

Vitamin A, C & E body oil contains vitamin A for the body. This is revolutionary. Vitamin A helps to normalize the skin. In essence, the cure all. Very few brands actually have vitamin A for the body. This oil has that and more.

It also features a free radical scavenging system consisting of essential antioxidants, beta carotene and vitamins C and E and hydrating B5. These ingredients work together to nourish and relieve the appearance of dry and sun damaged skin to deliver skin rejuvenation in Springfield Missouri.

Using this body kit is easy. Simply mix, or cocktail the two products together in your palm, and apply to the body, neck, and decollete. You may use more sparingly or just to areas of concern. To really boost the uptake of these products, use our home body cosmetic roller before application. This opens the skin slightly so more product can be absorbed. It’s truly amazing.

For a limited time, this body kit has been paired with the body roller, so you can the most out of these amazing products.

Whether you are dry, dehydrated from sunscreen use or have texture or pigment issues, this potent body kit can help. Call Advanced Laser Clinic today at (417) 883-5400 to reserve your body kit.

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Improve Your Teen’s Complexion With Acne Treatments in Springfield Missouri

Improve Your Teen's Complexion With Acne Treatments in Springfield Missouri

Improve Your Teen's Complexion With Acne Treatments

Acne is a skin condition that causes blemishes on the face, back, neck, chest, buttocks or upper arms. Having acne can be very upsetting. Teenagers may feel less attractive, and it may feel as though their skin will never clear up. In time, their acne may actually go away by itself.

But acne treatments in Springfield Missouri can help to control your teenager's acne and the right products, like our Enivron Focus Care Clarity line, will get them well on their way to blemish free skin.

How Teens Get Acne

Acne starts inside the hair follicles under the surface of your skin. Oil glands that open into the hair follicles release too much oil (sebum). This is often due to hormonal changes. Sebum and skin cells then clog the tiny openings on your skin (pores). Bacteria can then get trapped in the follicles, leading to swelling and acne blemishes. Acne is not caused by the food you eat or drink-for example, chocolate or soda.

Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit which is the hair shaft, follicle and associated sebaceous gland and muscle. Under the influence of adolescent hormones, these glands increase their production of an oily substance called sebum that normally lubricates the skin.

Sebum is a food source for bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (also called Propionibacterium acnes) that reside in the skin. As these bacteria proliferate, they attract white blood cells that can damage the follicle walls, forming debris and dead cells that result in pimples and sometimes pustules. Or the follicles may become plugged, forming blackheads or whiteheads.

Contrary to common belief, acne does not result from surface dirt or infrequent skin cleansing. In fact, irritation of the skin from too frequent washing or, for example, by rubbing with hands or by a hat covering the forehead, can promote acne.

Types Of Acne

The 4 main types of acne blemishes are:

  • Whiteheads (closed comedones) are round, white, pus-filled blemishes that form when hair follicles become clogged and sealed over.
  • Blackheads (open comedones) are round, dark pits that form when a hair follicle is clogged but has an opening to the air
  • Pimples are red, swollen bumps that form when plugged follicle walls break near the skin's surface.
  • Deep cysts are pus-filled pimples. They form when plugged follicle walls break deep within the skin. Acne cysts are often large and painful. In some cases, they also cause scars.

Managing Teenage Acne

If the face a teenager presents to the world is marred by prominent lesions of acne, the ordinary stresses of adolescence can be that much more difficult to weather.

Acne affects how teenagers feel about themselves and can increase their risk of depression, anxiety and social isolation. Acne is very visible. The face is the first thing people see. It’s not something a teenager can easily hide. Yet, kids don’t always tell their parents how much their acne is impacting them.

According to Dr. Robert P. Dellavalle, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Colorado in Denver, “Acne is one of the most debilitating diseases in dermatology. It’s not a killer, but it can scar people both physically and psychologically.”

Complicating matters are many myths and misunderstandings about what causes acne, and a general lack of knowledge about how well modern medical acne treatments can control it.

As many as 85 percent of teenagers are affected to some degree. Although most cases are mild and respond to simple over-the-counter remedies, others are more severe, long-lasting and in need of professional care, the sooner the better.

Too often acne treatments are delayed, resulting in persistent emotional and social distress and permanent scarring that may warrant cosmetic surgery, which is not covered by insurance.

Proper care is often delayed when people assume that things will eventually get better. Acne can take many years to run its course. And women can be plagued by it well into adulthood.

For still unknown reasons, dermatologists are now seeing an increase in persistent acne in adult women.

Be Proactive

Along with regular visits to the dermatology office, home care is what can make or break the health of your skin.

Advanced Laser Clinic offers a variety of acne treatments and the right products that are essential for the health of your body’s largest organ.

Cleanse the Skin

Environ Botanical Infused Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser is a mattifying foaming face wash formulated with a combination of ingredients that assist in washing away dirt and excess surface oil that may aggravate the appearance of blemishes, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and clean. This sebum-control cleanser is a mild, low-foaming cleanser that is gentle on the skin.

Use A Toner

Environ Botanical Infused Sebu-Tone Clarifier is formulated with clarifying exfoliators and sebum regulating ingredients. This toner helps to remove the build-up of dead surface skin and assists in minimizing the appearance of an oily shine, leaving the skin looking smoother and more refined.

A toner also helps to brighten the appearance of uneven skin tone for smoother and more refined skin. The antiseptic ingredients help control inflammation and redness. This helps remove buildup of surface dead skin and minimize appearance of oily shine on the skin.

Use A Masque

Environ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Clear Masque is an acid cream mask that contains a combination of exfoliating acids to help clear the appearance of existing breakouts, leaving the skin looking visibly clearer.

This low pH exfoliating cream masque assists with clearing the appearance of breakouts. A clay-based mask removes excess surface oils & rehydrates the feeling of the skin, ultra mild exfoliation helps alleviate the look of congestion and leaves skin looking visibly healthier and smoother.

Restore Moisture

Environ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Lac Lotion is a non-oily lotion designed to help combat the visible signs of breakouts and to assist in improving the appearance of texture and tone of breakout-prone skin. Containing a special combination of Lactic Acid exfoliators and moisturizers, it leaves the skin feeling softer, smoother and more balanced.

This lotion helps improve the appearance of dry, scaly, itchy skin. Exfoliates and brightens uneven skin tone to. improve the appearance of texture, leaving skin feeling softer, smoother, more balanced.

Environ Vita-Botanical Sebu-ACE Oil is a light-textured botanical and vitamin-enriched oil that helps to control the appearance of blemishes. It is scientifically formulated to provide a daily dose of skin essential vitamins and leaves the skin looking and feeling healthier and smoother.

Lightly-textured botanical and vitamin-enriched oil scientifically formulated with essential vitamins leaving skin looking and feeling healthier and smoother. Leaves skin looking hydrated, refreshed, balanced and assists in preventing effects of free radical damage to the skin.

These two products, both the lotion and the oil, can be cocktailed together to create a well rounded, nourishing moisturizer.

Spot Treat When Needed

Environ Botanical Infused Sebu-Spot Blemish Gel is a targeted spot treatment that is specifically formulated to assist in improving the appearance of visible spots and blemishes. Sebum regulators help reduce the look of redness & blemishes and help inhibit the effects of excessive sebum. Improves the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, dullness. Promotes antioxidant and antimicrobial activity for cleaner, healthier clearer skin.

As with anything worth doing, consistency is the key.

Advanced Laser Clinic carries a variety of skin care products, by Environ, for you to choose the regimen that fits your budget and skin condition.

We would love to schedule a free consultation to get your teenager on the right track to healthy skin, so they will be confident putting their best face forward.

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The Power of Medical Grade Products For Skin Rejuvenation in Springfield Missouri

The Power of Medical Grade Products For Skin Rejuvenation in Springfield Missouri

The Power of Medical Grade Products For Skin Rejuvenation

Let’s face it. Everyone wants to have clear, beautiful, younger looking skin, but we don’t want to break the bank to achieve it. So how can you make the best choice for your skin and your wallet? Should you care about where you get your skincare products? Does it really make a difference?

At Advanced Laser Clinic, we offer three of our favorite game changing, medical grade skin care lines: Environ, SkinCeuticals and Obagi. And there is good reason why we have chosen these skin care products for the home care of our clients: Science!

While department stores and your friends who are independent beauty consultants have skin rejuvenation products that sound appealing and might be wallet-friendly, you may wonder “Do they actually work?”

Let’s discuss the differences between medical-grade skincare products and over-the-counter (OTC) products and why you should care which type you are purchasing for skin rejuvenation in Springfield Missouri.

When it comes to our skin, we try our best to protect it and keep it looking young and fresh. That's why there's an overwhelming amount of skin rejuvenation products on the market.

But because there are so many skincare products out there, it's hard to be sure what works and what doesn't. Is that celebrity-endorsed skin care product really the right product for your skin? Do you have mountains of skin rejuvenation products that have only really given you so-so results?

It's a common experience to be confused about what really works and it's difficult to find reliable information you can trust. The key to finding a skin rejuvenation product that works for you is knowledge. You need to learn about your products. Where they come from. What's in them? And what quality they are.

You Get What You Pay For

When discussing skincare efficacy there are three relevant levels of skincare to consider: over the counter, medical grade, and prescription skincare.

Have you ever used a skin care product from the drugstore and felt like you had to use a lot of it, which causes you to run out more frequently?

The reason you have to use so much and the reason these skin care products are less expensive is because most OTC products only actually contain microscopic amounts of active ingredients and they typically only work on the top layer of the skin.

Medical Grade Skin Rejuvenation Products Are More Powerful

Medical-grade skin care products have a higher concentration of active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, growth factors, peptides, acids, retinol, antioxidants, etc.) and are developed to penetrate deeper levels of the skin as well as help with cell turnover.

When you purchase a medical-grade face moisturizer from Advanced Laser Clinic like our Environ AVST, you are not only getting a quality skin rejuvenation product, but a little also goes a long way. The ingredients are prescription grade and very concentrated.

Medical grade skin care products are made to be a lot more potent. They have been developed and researched to have a sufficient amount of the active ingredient to actually make changes in your skin. A higher amount of the active ingredient usually equates to better-looking skin.

Over-the-counter skin rejuvenation products are designed to sit on the surface of the skin. Medical grade skin care products are designed to penetrate the epidermis and affect deeper layers of the skin.

Medical Grade Skin Rejuvenation Products Are Tightly Regulated

The primary difference between OTC and medical or pharmaceutical-grade skincare products is that one can only be prescribed by a medical professional.

The cosmetic product industry does not have oversight by the FDA which means thorough product or ingredient testing is not required. Even though medical-grade products fall into the cosmetic product category, many companies that manufacture them using extensive research and only use pure ingredients. 99% pure to be exact.

On the other hand, OTC or seemingly medical grade products that you find online or at your local department store, drug store or highly marketed beauty stores do not hold the same standards.

Some cosmetic manufacturers choose to submit their products for FDA approval and create their products according to FDA regulations, but they are not required to do so. They also leave you trying to diagnose yourself and hoping you get the results you want. Not only do these products not have to be tested in a clinical study, they often contain random fillers.

OTC products are generally formulated to work on anyone and everyone, no matter their skin type. Purchasing and using medical grade skin care products allows you to use skin rejuvenation products that are more tailored to your needs and skin type.

Over-the-counter skin care products force you as the customer to self-diagnose your skin and select the skin care product that you think is best. However, when you use a medical-grade skin care product, it is a trained medical professional who examines your skin and prescribes medicine that will adequately address the issue you have.

The difference between an over-the-counter skin care product and a medical-grade skin care product is the same as the difference that exists between a tooth whitening procedure that is sold at the local pharmacy and a teeth whitening procedure that is performed by your dentist. Since your dentist has access to stronger whitening products, the results are going to be better.

The FDA closely regulates medical-grade skin care products. Most of these are marked as pharmaceuticals. By law, they must have 99.9 percent pure active ingredients. Before they can be used by the public, there must be scientific evidence showing that the skin care product is beneficial and that it does what it advertises.

Before a medical-grade wrinkle reduction cream can make it to the market, there are multiple studies done showing that it really reduces wrinkles. This is not the case with over-the-counter cosmetics.

Many cosmetic products claiming they are effective for treating skin disease are mislabeled, basically not complying with FDA regulations. Moreover, many have no safety or efficacy studies.

Rob Trow, CEO of DermaConcepts, the exclusive US distributor of Environ Skin Care explains, “If you say you're going to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, that is a medical claim and that product is considered a drug by the FDA. It has to be approved and regulated, and there's a long process to get through.”

“But if you only say that the skincare product will improve the appearance or look of fine lines and wrinkles, then that's not a medical claim, and therefore it's not a prescription product and can be sold without it.”

All drugs must be approved by the FDA, while cosmetics do not need approval, so a few words in a product's description can make an enormous difference for the manufacturer.

“If a product says it will produce collagen and elastin, that's a product that affects the form and function of the body and is a medical claim, and the product should be classified as a drug and go through a very complex and costly approval process,” Mr. Trow says.

“If you look at the ads for skincare, you'll see many ads making those claims, even though they're not allowed to. But most skincare companies qualify the claims with adjectives that talk about ‘the look of, the feel, the appearance of, rather than actually affecting the change.”

The concentrations of certain chemicals and compounds in a product also can determine whether it is a cosmetic or a drug. For example, a product with a 2% concentration of hydroquinone is considered cosmetic, while one with a 4% concentration is considered a prescription drug.

Some medical skincare products with technologies that proved themselves in performance and safety may later move toward implementation in OTC products. These would likely be less concentrated versions, but utilize proven clinical technology. The most famous example of this is retinol.

Some cosmetic companies use airless pumps, because if you let air and light into a product, you destroy its efficacy. Every Environ product we carry is designed with an airless pump, which means the last drop is as effective as the first drop.

At Advanced Laser Clinic, we believe that the biggest difference between OTC and medical grade skin care is not only the amount of active ingredients, but also their level of penetration into the skin.

It is scientifically proven that medical grade skincare products can work their way past the five layers of the surface level of the skin and into the dermis, where collagen, elastin, and new skin cells reside.

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is scientifically proven to increase cell turnover and chemically exfoliate dead skin to reveal plump, new skin faster. All in all, Medical grade skin products are truly more effective.

Which Level of Skin Care is Right For Me?

With all of the different types and categories of skincare, it can be overwhelming or difficult to decide what exactly you should choose for your skin conditions. The easy fix to that is to consult with a trusted professional.

Let Us Simplify Your Skin Care Regimen

Book an appointment with us today and let Shelly, Jill, and Cynthia walk you through flawless skin at a fraction of the time and cost you would have spent purchasing products on your own that aren’t game changers and waste your time. We’ve got you covered.

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Choosing The Best Cleansers For Skin Care in Springfield Missouri

Choosing The Best Cleansers For Skin Care in Springfield Missouri

Choosing The Best Cleansers For Skin Care

Spring is in full swing and with summer quickly approaching, our schedules will become more hectic as we become more active. At the end of a long day, nothing feels quite as good as cleansing your face. Removing every trace of dirt, sweat, sunscreen, and makeup allows your skin to breathe, repair and renew itself.

Having a spotless surface also helps your other skin care products to penetrate your skin more deeply and perform their tasks more efficiently. As the first step in your skin care ritual, it’s important to nail this part before even thinking about your serums and anti-aging creams. So let's take a moment and consider how choosing the right cleanser for skin care in Springfield Missouri plays an important role in achieving your healthy glow.

With so many cleansing options available, and with each one touting different benefits, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and get swayed by false marketing claims. Knowing the difference between each type allows you to filter your options and makes the hunt for the perfect cleanser a whole lot easier.

At Advanced Laser Clinic we have several fantastic cleanser options for you to choose from.

We recommend potent (yet non-drying) cleansers with a range of bonus perks: anti-aging, toning, and hydrating ingredients are all a major plus.

Gel Cleansers

Gel cleansers are clear and, as their name suggests, have a gel-like consistency. Generally designed for deep cleansing, they are effective at decongesting clogged pores, removing excess oil and killing acne-causing bacteria, thanks to their antiseptic and exfoliating properties.

Our treatment rooms use both our Environ Skin EssentiA Low Foam Cleansing Gel and our SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel. Both are refining cleansers with a light acid to stimulate enzymatic exfoliation.

An oil-control face wash, like our Environ Sebu-Wash, that digs deep to purify pores (ones with tea tree oil are highly effective), and helps regulate oil production without leaving your face feeling dry. A formula that balances pH will also slow the growth of bacteria and help prevent breakouts.

We also carry SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel which decongests the pores with Lipo Hydroxy Acid. Perfect for exfoliation and clarity.

Foam Cleansers

Foam cleansers are lightweight cleansers that start out as cream or gel and burst into a rich, foamy lather. This type of cleanser removes excess oil as effectively as gel cleansers.

Our SkinCeuticals Soothing Foam Cleanser is comforting and full of botanicals for calming the skin.

Cream Cleansers

Cream cleansers are usually thick, creamy and contain moisturizing ingredients like botanical oils. They gently cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Cream cleansers can also come in the form of “milk” or “lotion.”

Cleansers with dense, creamy foams and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, willow bark, and witch hazel. Balancing pH is also important, as skin can get dry or irritated when its pH is out of whack.

We carry both Environ Skin EssentiA Mild Cleansing Lotion and Environ Youth EssentiA Hydra-Intense Cleansing Lotion to keep more fragile, sensitive, or dryer skin in check while wiping the slate clean.

Oil Cleansers

Washing your skin with oil may sound like a recipe for breakouts, especially if you have oily skin, but most experts disagree. An oil cleanser is a gentle way of removing pore-clogging debris—including waterproof makeup—without drying your skin because oil attracts oil.

Our Environ Pre-Cleansing Oil is the perfect way, for any skin type to start the cleansing process, in that it starts dissolving all dirt, debris, make-up, and oil so that you can easily sweep away the day.

Clay Cleansers

Clay cleansers, like our Environ Hydrating Clay Masque/Cleanser with Micro-Exfoliaters, are known for their absorbing power and they purify your skin by drawing out excess oil, dirt, and toxins from your pores.

Environ Hydrating Clay Masque also pulls double duty because you can use it to both cleanse and wear it as a mask! Both ways are fantastic at refining the pores and managing excess oil and dead skin cells.

Having trouble determining your skin type? One reason the old skin-care categories don't cut it is that people misdiagnose themselves all the time.

Visit us at Advanced Laser Clinic for expert skin care advice and a personalized treatment plan for every type of skin.

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