Happy 5th Birthday to Vitalia Medspa!

 It's always an inspiration to hear about someone who followed their dreams and are doing something their passionate about...especially when it has led to a successful and thriving business after 5 years!

That's the story of Cathy Hill and Vitalia Medspa www.vitaliamedspava.com in Falls Church.  Cathy's earlier career was in senior management with the U.S Geological Survey where she gained experience in organization and leadership.  But she really had a desire to help women look and feel their best through non-invasive treatments.  So she combined her skills and passion to launch Vitalia in 2007.

Vitalia offers a full menu of services for the face and body including facials, laser treatments, injectibles and permanent makeup. Clients enjoy taking advantage of  special pricing on their Botox/Dysport Appreciation Days which they offer two days of every month.

When asked what she's most proud of as the medispa plans their 5th anniversary party on 4/26, here was Cathy's response:  "What I am most proud about is helping women feel more confident about themselves, through the use of our services.  We have had so many women tell us they get positive comments from their friends about their skin, and how they look younger!  I even had one woman tell me she was being excluded from office meetings by her younger colleagues.  Then, as her skin and appearance began to improve they were including her more.  I'm sure it was not intentional on the part of the younger colleagues, and I also suspect as our client's skin began to improve her self-confidence improved. But that's what we are all about, and it humbles me to hear this from clients.  Everyone deserves to feel proud about their looks!!

You can join in the celebration at the Vitalia Medspa Anniversary party on Thursday, April 26th from 4 to 8pm.  Every room of Vitalia will be full of specials and experts answering questions about popular treatments.  The spa's Medical Director, Dr. Eric Khairalla  will be on hand  as well as reps from Allergen (Botox, Juvederm & Latisse), iS Clinical, GloMinerals and Obagi.   Have a mini-makeover while you're there and join in the drawings for door prizes and giveaways.

In addition to the party specials Vitalia will be offering many other anniversary specials on treatments  (you can find them all in BeautyInDC.com's Hot Deals section http://www.beautyindc.com/hotdeals.php) as a thank you to their clients.

Happy 5th birthday to Vitalia and here's to many more!

Vitalia Medspa
7506 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA   22043
703-356-SKIN (7546)
www.vitaliamedspava.com

A Clear + Brilliant Approach to Skin Care

You may have seen Clear + Brilliant featured on the Dr. Oz show or read about it in W or Harper's Bazaar magazine. Laser technology is changing quickly and it seems like there is a new, improved treatment as fast as you can say wrinkle free.

The good news is this latest way of improving various skin conditions is available in the DC area at the Rockledge Medspa in The Dermatology Center. Dr. Roberta Palestine founded the The Dermatology Center in 1982 and they offer a full menu of clinical and aesthetic treatments in their three area locations: Bethesda, Germantown and Sibley/DC.

Emily Dunn is a Master Medical Esthetician in the Washington, DC office who specializes in advanced skin care treatments and services.

Emily is passionate about educating patients on the best way to take care of their skin to achieve their goals. She is an expert in skin analysis and determining appropriate treatments tailored to an individual’s needs and goals. She is also a makeup artist specializing in mineral makeup application. She is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals and the Society of Dermatology Skin Care Specialists.

She has worked with the Clear + Brilliant laser system and agreed to be interviewed by BeautyInDC.com:

Q: Emily what is Clear + Brilliant?

A: Clear + Brilliant is a gentle non-ablative laser used in dermatological procedures for skin resurfacing. It was launched in October 2011.

It uses safe fractional laser technology to address early signs of aging skin and help prevent them. It consists of an infrared diode laser with a wavelength of 1440 +20 nm that refreshes your skin from the inside out. The laser energy creates millions of microscopic treatment zones in your skin, replacing damaged skin with healthy, younger looking tissue.

The laser smooths fine lines and wrinkles on the face, including around the eyes. It reduces sun damage, improves texture and tone on the face, neck, chest, back, forearms and hands, and reduces pore size. Clear + Brilliant treatments slow the appearance of aging and result in smooth, fresh, healthy skin and a renewed sense of confidence.

The treatment takes about 20 minutes. Your technician will apply a topic numbing cream for 15-20 minutes prior to the treatment. Please allow 1 hour for your session.

Q: What makes it different from other lasers?

A: Because the Clear + Brilliant is a gentle laser there is no down time. Your skin will feel softer and have improved tone, smoother texture and radiance. Your skin may appear red and feel warm immediately after your treatment. Symptoms generally resolve within a few hours, but may last until the following day. Patients may apply makeup and go about their normal activities.

There are no post-treatment regimens associated with Clear + Brilliant™ therapy. Once your treatment is complete, you are free to resume your normal activities. This treatment will create some sensitivity to the sun and it is recommended that you avoid direct sunlight for two days following the procedure and wear medical grade SPF 30 sun block.

Results are immediate and progressive. Results can last for months depending on age, skin condition and how one protects their skin. It may complement other cosmetic procedures , like fillers, Thermage or Botox/Dysport.

Q: What skin conditions does it treat and who is a good candidate?

A: The big advancement with this laser is that it's safe on all skin types. It is beneficial for women and men of all ages and skin types who are looking to prevent the signs of aging, help address early signs of aging or maintain the look of their skin. It is best as a preventative anti-aging treatment, stronger that OTC topicals, microdermabrasion or chemical peels, but gentler than intense lasers. It is also a good treatment to maintain the results of ablative or non-ablative lasers or other treatments.

It targets and improves fine lines and wrinkles, blotchiness, uneven tone and texture, and sun damage. It is not recommended for patients with deep wrinkles , sagging skin or severe acne scarring.

As with most advanced treatments, some patients are not indicated for this treatment. A consultation and prescreening is required.

Q: Is there any downtime or risks?

A: There is no down time with this laser. Although very rare, the potential side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, scarring, pigment changes, reactivation of cold sores (herpes simplex), and a flare in acne. Clients who are predisposed to the herpes simplex virus are recommended to take an anti-viral medication prior to their treatment to prevent an outbreak of the virus. Our physicians can prescribe this medication to them.

Q: What feedback have you received from clients who have had the treatment?

A: We purchased our Clear & Brilliant Laser in December 2011. So far, our patients reportedly have been very pleased with their results. Most patients buy a series of 4-6 treatments. Patients report that their skin is lighter, tighter and brighter, and smoother. Patients who normally have other advanced treatments love the fact that there is no down time and most people don’t know what they’ve done. They state their skin looks better but no one can immediately tell that they’ve had a laser treatment. The cost for the treatments is also comparable to many other advanced treatments.

Q: How many treatments are needed?

A: Depending on the client’s skin type, condition and goals, a series of 4 to 6 treatments are recommended. These treatments may be done 10 to 14 days a part. We recommend one or two maintenance treatments 3 or 4 months after the initial series.

Q: What is the price range for treatments?

A: Individual cost varies depending on your age, the condition of your skin, your desired results and the area you'd like treated. The cost also depends on the number of treatments you need you’re your desired results. We encourage patients to come in for a consultation at which point we can give you a more precise idea of the cost. Costs can range from $300 to $500 depending on area treated.

The Dermatology Center
www.dermskin.com

Bethesda Office
6410 Rockledge Dr
Suite 210

Bethesda, MD 20817 Phone: (301) 530-8300

Germantown Maryland Office:

19735 Germantown Road
Suite 210
Germantown, MD 20874
301-444-0153

Washington, DC - Sibley Office

5215 Loughboro Road NW
Suite 140
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 244-4550

http://www.beautyindc.com/is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Stealing Red Carpet Secrets of the Stars

With their teams of hairdressers, makeup artists, stylists, eyebrow gurus etc, who has more access to beauty secrets than the stars. As they get ready to walk the red carpet at the Oscars their secrets are coming out so we mere mortals can benefit! These are the things that work in the short term to amp up your glam potient. Peels, lasers and things that need some downtime will need to be done weeks or a month in advance. But there are the quick tricks you can "borrow" the next time you have a black tie or major event that requires you to look your best:

Custom Spray Tan
Nothing takes off the pounds and gives you a special glow quicker than a spray tan. If your dress or outfit will be exposing a lot of skin you can take it a step further by having a custom sculpting session. It will add the definition to your stomach, arms and legs that would have taken months at the gym to accomplish. Area tanning salons that offer spray tanning include Fit To Be Tan in Arlington, Glow Tanning Salon in Georgetown and Solar Planet with a number of area locations.


Body Wraps and Saunas

If you need to be particularly svelte for a clingy or form fitting dress you can lose up to 20 inches from body wrap or far infrared sauna treatment. In Hollywood the stars indulge in a $135 Slimwrap which consists of being wrapped "mummy" style in bandages soaked in minerals to detoxify and contour the body. They then bounce on a trampoline for almost an hour in a blue poncho with feet wrapped in baggies--sweating out the toxins and water weight. You can probably get a similar result with one of the wraps offered by Body Shape 7 in Sterling, VA or the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine in DC.

At Pureskin, LLC in Bethesda their Slimdone Far Infrared Sauna promotes an oil-based sweat that releases impurities and burns up to 600 calories on one 40 minute session--which will have you not only looking good but feeling relaxed and glowing.




Spanx
Octavia Spencer who is nominated for an Oscar for her role as Minnie in The Help admitted she wears not one but 3 pairs of Spanx under her gowns. I think they've found their new spokesmodel! If you watch a lot of the red carpet countdown shows you will hear many actresses admitting to getting a little extra help from the body shaping undergarments. Even someone in the best shape may want to make sure no bumps or lumps are showing under a slim fitting dress. And although I don't think you'll hear a lot of them admit to wearing them there is now a line for men so they can minimize their belly and boost muscles. Spanx are available at most department stores like Macys, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.


Unexpected Beauty Products
As mentioned earlier there are tons of pros working overtime to make sure the stars don't commit any beauty faux pas on the red carpet. Slack skin, a sweaty brow or faded lipstick won't do so they employ some unexpected products to avoid any problems. Cellulite cream along the jaw line is one way to tighten up your profile. Using an anti-perspirant under makeup on the brow line and upper lip will prevent those areas from getting moist under the hot lights and cherry jello rubbed on the lips will give them a nice red stain that will last a lot longer than most lipsticks.

http://www.beautyindc.com/is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

VENeffect Challenges Hormonal Skin Changes

A collaboration between sisters has resulted in the newest anti-aging line of products to debut at Neiman Marcus. Combining their knowledge of hormonal effects on the skin and body with an expertise in the beauty industry, the Booth sisters created VENeffect www.veneffect.com.

Rebecca Booth, M.D, is a well respected gynecologist and hormonal wellness expert. Cecil Booth has twenty years of beauty and skin care experience. They felt the effect of hormonal changes on a woman's skin hadn't really been addressed and decided to create a line of moisturizers as a solution.

VENeffect is unique in it's focus on the relationship between estrogen and collagen. The moisturizers are formulated with a unique, advanced phytoestrogen technology in combination with peptides, proteins and other nourishing ingredients to actually reverse some of the signs of hormonal aging. These include diminished elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, collagen depletion and uneven skin tone. As Dr. Booth explains, "“The small molecular size of phytoestrogens allows them to easily penetrate facial skin and bind with estrogen receptors in the dermis and epidermis.” As a result, VENeffect restores the vital effect of collagen to dramatically improve the glow of healthy skin.

There are four products in the line including an Anti-Aging Intensive Moisturizer, Anti-Aging Moisturzier with SPF 15, Anti-Aging Eye Treatment and Anti-Aging Lip Treatment. The products range in price from $85 to $185.

Neiman Marcus' annual beauty event is going on now through March 4th in stores and online http://www.neimanmarcus.com/ With your cosmetics or fragrance purchase of $100 or more you'll receive your choice of one of 3 NM totes filled with beauty samples.


http://www.beautyindc.com/is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Cupid's Best Picks For Valentine's Day!

In case you hadn't noticed, Valentine's Day has become quite the event. It's gone way beyond just sending a romantic card to someone or ordering a dozen roses. It's become a day where we make an effort to look our best for our Valentine and/or find a unique and perfect gift to give them.


With that in mind, BeautyInDC.com http://www.beautyindc.com/ has gone on a mission to round up some of the best the DC area has to offer. There are beauty treatments to make you feel red hot for that special someone, spa treatments you can enjoy as a couple or ideas for gifts that will make you unforgettable!


Events:

2/12 It's A Lovely Party at Body Elements http://www.body-elements.com/
This Valentine's Day celebration has something for everyone-from Flamenco dance to fashion, from jewelry shopping to wine tasting...No fees, just fun! All are invited (first-come, first-served), so grab your best girlfriends (or come meet new ones!) and share your love for all things lovely.


2/13 Fire and Ice Event at Rockledge Medspa in Bethesda
The Dermatology Center http://www.dermskin.com/ is helping you get ready for Valentine's Day like celebrities get ready for the red carpet--with an iS Clinical Fire and Ice Facial. This day only you'll get a special price of $99 (regularly $125) and 20% off the iS Clinical products you purchase.



Treatment:


Bikini Wax/Airbrush Tan
If you're being whisked away for a romantic getaway this is a great way to prepare, especially if it's somewhere tropical! Skin Beauty Lounge http://www.skinbeautylounge.com/ is offering a special on this combination package for just $90.



Product:

Neocutis Bio-restorative Serum
Let him think it's the glow of love when you're secret is really this new product from Neocutis http://www.neocutis.com/ that employs Processed Skin Cell Proteins or PSP's. In as little as 7 days you can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines as well as tighten the skin's firmness and facial contours.



Couples Spa Specials:

Qi Spa Couples Massage
This spa in Georgetown www.qispadc.com probably has one of the largest menus of massages for couples to enjoy together on or near Valentine's Day. They're performed by two massage therapists in the same room on side by side tables. The most popular is the Karma Sutra Couples Massage which involves candlelight, melted candle massage oil, beautiful sensual music and lover's tea.




Parma's Complete Body Renewal Package for Two
This is a combination of treatments to enjoy with someone special in your life which can even be a mother, sister or friend. Included are a Rose Petal Foot Bath, Full Body Massage, Body Polish, and Rose & Champagne Treat for Two!! And best of all the package at Parma www.parmaspa.com normally costs $590 but for the month of February in honor of Valentine's day it's being offered for both people for a total of $199.



Unique Gifts:

UniqueValentineGift.com
A website www.uniquevalentinegift.com that absolutely lives up to it's name and has been endorsed by Cupid himself! It's a boutique dedicated to providing the finest gifts to men and women for all occasions of the heart. They've built relationships directly with the world's finest manufacturers so the gifts you receive and send to your friends, family, and loved ones are the highest quality products available. One that stands out is the Sweetest Day Message In A Bottle. It's a gift bottle filled with rose petals, Swarovski crystals and your very own message. Enter the site's Annual Valentine Love Letter contest and you might even win this gift or your choice among four options.

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

More Qi in the New Year

As the Chinese New Year begins the time seems perfect for an introduction to the added menu of services at Qi Spa www.qispadc.com.

Qi (pronounced chee) is an ancient Chinese word for life force or energy in our body. We are at are best when our "qi" is in balance.

The spa, above M Street in Georgetown, has been keeping it's client's faces and bodies relaxed and glowing with a team of estheticians, masseuses and nail technicians all led by owner Ophelia Zhao.

But with the new year comes a new level of services in the medical aesthetics realm. Now Qi can provide an even wider range of treatments for face and body that have been knocked out of "qi" by age, stress or life events.

Performing these advanced technologies, is Monica Vaheer, a Master Medical Esthetician with ten years of experience in assisting plastic surgeons and training in non-invasive techniques.

Her passion for achieving dramatic results is evident as she shares some before and after photos of clients. One who wanted a post-natal tummy makeover was able to lose 3 inches in one session with Monica's combination of Vela-Shape and radio frequency therapies. Another client displays a more lifted facial profile in her after photo.

Monica's approach to aesthetics is a thorough one, beginning with a detailed profile of the client so she can develop a comprehensive program of treatments, products and at home regimens to help the client achieve his or her goals.

For someone looking for that non-invasive face-lift it can include a series of Obagi peels and collagen stimulating technologies as well as a take home kit of peels by Exuviance. Monica feels a client receiving these treatments will be able to see results similar to fillers, Botox or even surgery.

She has also developed a comprehensive program for someone wanting to lose weight and tone up stubborn areas without liposuction. This can include a combination of appetite suppressant vitamins and teas, VelaShape, Mesotherapy and radio frequency technologies.

Qi is introducing their medical grade services with some special pricing. These are some deals that are in effect this month:

3 sessions of Anti-aging facial treatments for $450.

Lipo-dissolve 3 sessions for $450.

Facelift for $200.

Wrinkles/scars treatment for $110.

Qi Spa
3106 M Street, NW
Second Floor
Washington, DC 20007
202-333-6344
www.qispadc.com

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Holiday Beauty Gift Sets For the Giving

Tis the season for a multitude of beauty products packaged especially for giving. You'll find mini versions of products that are perfect for stocking stuffers or to give as hostess gifts. This is also a great time of year to try these products yourself since you get a chance to sample a variety of colors or formulations in one package at a special price!

BeautyInDC.com www.beautyindc.com found 5 of the best holiday beauty gifts to give or keep:


butter London Holiday Glitter Trio
A trio of nail polishes that offer a sophisticated way to add sparkle and shine to your holiday outfit. Full size bottles of Chancer, Rosie Lee and West End Wonderful in adorable packaging.
This product is so popular it has sold out on some sites so don't hesitate if you want it.
www.dermstore.com
$36.00



Kiehls Lip Balm Sampler
Their lip balm is legendary and just in time for colder temps you can find four 0.5 oz versions in one package. Original, Mango, Vanilla and Coconut.
www.neimanmarcus.com
$30.00



Tan Towel Holiday Glow Set
10 Full Body Towelettes in Classic and Plus formulas. The perfect way to add a glow if you'll be showing some skin in your party dresses and don't have time to visit the tanning salon!
Exclusively at Nordstroms.
$27.00 ($51 value)



Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme Sampler
The ultimate luxury for your body in 4 amazing and delicious fragrances: Fresh Fig, Creme Brulee, Almond Coconut Milk and Creme de Pistache.
www.lauramercier.com
$50.00



Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Golden Touch Mini Brush Collection
A limited edition set of travel brushes in a travel ready pouch at a great price. Liner, eye defining, blush and buki brushes with golden handles are included in the collection.
www.sephora.com
$18.00




http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.