Skin & Hair Solutions Are the Goal at Laser Plus!

Lasers are being used for so many skin and unwanted hair problems these days and there is a place in Northern Virginia that specializes in solutions. Not only does Laser Plus www.laserplus.bz in Vienna, VA offer laser hair removal and IPL photo-facials but they are also one of the premier centers in our area for electrolysis--a treatment we don't hear as much about these days but may be needed in combination with laser hair removal to treat certain areas.

Having opened their doors almost 26 years ago, Laser Plus has professionals on staff who are licensed and are always keeping up with the latest technologies.

One of those professionals, Naiema Riaz is sharing some her expertise with BeautyInDC.com so we can choose the best anti-aging skin and hair removal treatments to suit our needs.

Q: Naiema what is your background and training?

A: I am a licensed Skin Therapist and a Certified Electrologist with over 15 yrs of experience. I owned my own business in Toronto, Canada and moved with my family to the US 10 yrs ago. I have worked with various skin types and am continually taking education classes or seminars to increase my knowledge in skin care and permanent hair removal.


Q: What are some of the skin therapies offered at Laser Plus?

A: At Laser Plus we offer Laser Hair Removal, electrolysis, Permanent Make-Up, Small Vein Removal, Tooth Whitening, IPL (photo facials), and Microdermabrasion.

We are very excited to be introducing Skin Care. We have added an all organic skin care line and now offer various facials but specialize in problematic skin care.


Q: If someone is focused on an anti-aging skin care and wants to improve the look of their skin what type of laser treatment would you suggest?

A: I would suggest they go for an anti-aging photo facial or IPL skin rejuvenation. IPL (intense pulsed lighting) uses a laser light to target spots, freckles, broken capillaries, rosacea and it also stimulates collagen production which in turn helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Loss of collagen and elastin fibers in our skin leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Within a few more treatments (approx 3-5) treatments, a client can see smoother firmer skin and a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles.


Q: Is there any down time or recovery time needed for the IPL Photo Facial?

A: This is the best part of IPL photo facials- No down time! You can come in on your lunch hour, have the treatment done and return to work with little or no side effects to worry about. The most important thing to do is apply SPF.


Q: What types of improvements can someone expect from IPL—will it improve wrinkles and brown spots?

A: If a client has brown spots, sun damage, rosacea, fine lines, wrinkles, or acne skin, a series of 3-5 sessions can improve and/or eliminate these conditions. As skin ages, we start to loose collagen and elastin fibers which cause the age spots,broken capillaries and fine lines. The IPL coagulates or shrinks the brown spots by heating the area and targeting the melanin (color), gradually making them lighter and eventually disappear.


Q: Tell us a little bit more about electrolysis and what problems you can solve with this treatment?

A: Electrolosysis is my love. Electrolysis is the only safe, permanent, and medically approved method of hair removal. A very fine probe is inserted into the pre which is a natural opening in our skin that contains the hair follicle and then the hair is removed with forceps. A good electrolysis treatment is one in which you don’t feel any tugging, pulling, or tweezing. The treated hair should gently slide out. Electrolysis is safe for any body part from head to toe.
It does take a few more treatments before results are obtained depending on previous hair removal methods. Our electrologits can do a consultation for you and help you choose whether you are a good candidate for electrolysis.

Laser Plus 380 Maple Avenue, West Suite 301 Vienna, VA 22180 703-281-1877 www.laserplus.bz

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Love Is at The Spa This Valentine's Day

Whether you want to get some pampering with your Valentine or get beautiful for them there are some fun and unique services and specials and events leading up to February 14th and beyond!

BeautyInDC.com has rounded up some of the unusual as well as some of the incredibly reasonable beauty and relaxation treatments you should book today to avoid the rush...some spas are reporting that their couple's appointments are almost gone so don't hesitate if you and your guy want to play together.

Leading up to the big day are some events to help you pucker up and get sexy.

On February 9th Rockledge Medspa www.dermskin.com will offer a Love Your Lips event with a Jane Iredale lip makeover. The makeup artist will exfoliate your lips and show you ways to line and make them look full and luscious.

February 13th is a Body Elements Sexy Saturday Event www.body-elements.com. If you want to look great in that special lingerie you bought for a Valentine's getaway they'll have special $75 Lipomassage by Endermologie treatments with body masque to improve the look of cellulite and look slimmer plus aTica makup experts to help you find a fun look. There will also be specials, giveaways and gift bags.

Qi Spa in DC www.qispadc.com has a way to literally show your love for an entire year--it's a semi-permanent heart tatoo(see example at right). It's only $85 for the special heart pattern and only during February but the artist there Shohreh can do many other patterns. The process involves only the first layer of skin so it lasts about a year before it would need to be touched up. Apparently there's no side effects as far as bruising or bleeding with this process--just a very fun token of your affection wherever you choose to show it!

They have couples services if you want to get pampered together with their Couples Chocolate Body Delight and Chocolate Massage plus their Signature Hot Stone Massage for couples.

At Parma Spa in Vienna, VA www.parmaspa.com you can celebrate Valentine's day with your partner, friend, mother or sister. Their 2 for 1 special through 2/14 lets you get 2 services for the price of 1 when you bring someone with you. It includes Microdermabrasion, Massage and Facial and they'll let you mix and match. Check Hot Deals on BeautyInDC.com for special prices.

Atlantis Medical Wellness Center www.atlantismedispa.com will have a beauty services super sale on 2/14 and you can call or stop buy to buy some fabulous specials to use at a later time. $9 per unit Botox as well as some amazing deals on Juvederm, Artefill and Hydrelle plus SmartLipo and the hCG Weight Loss Protocol. It will be a way to show some love to yourself if you've wanted to make some improvements!

There are tons of special deals on haircuts, Brazillian wax, mani/pedis and every treatment you might want to look and feel special for the most romantic holiday of the year. Just check the list at http://beautyindc.com/hotdeals.viewall.php to find exactly what you're looking for.

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Brazilian Keratin Means No More Frizz!

Nobody likes the frizzies! Between the humidity of Washington summers and the wet snow we're getting plenty of this winter a bottle of smoothing or anti-frizz lotion may not be enough. The Brazilian Keratin Treatment which has only been around for about 3 years is highly endorsed by women who have been waging the frizz battle and I saw a real difference in a friend's hair who gets it done about every 3 months. It's very different from traditional relaxing and straightening treatments I discovered after checking in with local stylist Chanel Mizani of LifeSpa & Salon http://lifetimefitness.mylt.com/community/lifespa-and-salon/ in Rockville, MD.

Q: Can you tell us about your training as a hair stylist? A: I was one of the founding students at Paul Mitchell the School in Tysons Corner VA, where they focused on trendy cuts, vivid colors, and runway style. We were privileged enough to be trained by famous platform artists such as Brennan Claybaugh, Donald Scott, and George Morales. We were trained in all hair types, textures, and conditions and were taught specialty services like keratin fusion extensions and lock extensions. I've worked in 5 previous salons before joining LifeSpa's team and over the past 4 years have taken continuing education classes in Wella/Magma coloring formulations and application techniques, Redken color and application, Gahram Webb cutting, Bumble and Bumble product knowledge, Sebastian products, Kerastase products, Cibu products, Paul Mitchell branding, and have done numerous fashion shows and wedding parties. I was trained and certified in Brazilian Keratin Treatment through Marcia Teixeira, the original developers of this revolutionary technology. Q: We're hearing a lot about the Brazilian Keratin hair treatment what exactly is it? A: It was introduced to the United States in 2006 by Marcia Teixeira who developed the product as a solution to her hair challenges. Relaxers were always too damaging and harsh on her hair, and for years she was seeking a safe alternative. She was inspired by hair treatments she discovered while traveling in Brazil. The concept behind this procedure is that unlike chemical straighteners and relaxers, this process doesn’t involve breaking down the hair and restructuring it. Because the product shares the same pH as the hair itself, it does not compromise the hair's integrity, nor does it swell the hair shaft making it weaken its strength and elasticity. By choosing Brazilian Keratin over a relaxing/straightening procedure, you are are not at risk of breaking or damaging your hair (if applied by a properly trained and certified technician). Q: Who is a good candidate for it--do things like previous straightening treatments or color treated hair make a difference? A: Anyone can have this treatment done! It is a universal product and can be used safely on any hair type, including hair that is dry, over-processed, ethnic, color treated, or frizzy. No previous hair conditions will effect your eligibility to use this treatment for your hair needs, whether you're looking to loosening your curl, smooth frizz, or repair damaged hair texture. Q: How does someone care for their hair after receiving the treatment to get the optimal results? A: There are several Do's and Don'ts recommended by Marcia Teixeira to maintain long lasting results. I suppose for most people, the most difficult of these care instructions is that you cannot wash or bend the hair for 4 days after the application. This may seem unpleasant, but is an imperative step in the success of the treatment. With that being said, any other recommended procedures may seem quite easeful, such as using sulfate free shampoo and conditioner to prevent break down of the keratin. Q: How long do the results last? A: As with anything else, every one's hair takes the treatment differently. In most cases, if maintained properly, the treatment should last around 3 months. Once the treatment begins to wear off, the hair will revert back to it's natural wave pattern. I've had clients that have very unmanageable hair and use the treatment to make their hair easy to style on a daily basis. Initially they thought they wouldn't repeat the service after the product wears off, but soon after their texture returns, they realize they can't wait to get it done again! Q: Are your clients happy with the treatment? Do you think it's better or more effective than other straightening or relaxing treatments? A: It wouldn't be a fair assessment to compare the Brazilian Keratin Treatment to a relaxer or other straightening systems.. Unlike a relaxer, the Brazilian does not use any chemicals to change the hair's structure. It works like a deep conditioning treatment would, where you infuse proteins, keratin, and moisturizers into the hair which causes it to eliminate frizz and smooth the hair out. Because this process doesn't change the hair composition, the hair is only effected by the product remaining on the cuticle. Relaxers and straighteners, aside from damaging and breaking the hair, also leave and indication of new growth (so if you start getting relaxers, you must continue with touch-ups so your hair doesn't grow out with different textures). The keratin treatment eventually wears off and returns your hair back to its original state without any indication of regrowth. If you chose to use the keratin treatment to repair over processed or damaged hair (verses as a smoothing solution) the hair will continue to maintain a rejuvenated feel and texture even after the treatment has worn off. The results I have seen are unbelievable. I personally am very impressed with the success of each treatment. Our clients can't tell us enough how excited they are to not have to worry about styling their unruly hair as they did in the past. I can't wait to have it done myself! Q: What does it cost? A: This treatment must be done very thoroughly and can be a lengthy process. Because of all of the work and time, the cost respectively ranges between $350-$600 in the DC area. To have the service done at LifeSpa will cost our clients $400. The client may also spend up to $50 dollars purchasing products to maintain the effects of the treatment. Although, this may seem like a steep investment, it can be compared to the costs associated with getting relaxers on a regular basis to control regrowth. Life Spa & Salon 1151 Seven Locks Road Rockville, Maryland 20854 Ph. 240-599-2924 www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Local Trainers On The Fitness Trends

I recently asked two Washington area trainers for their thoughts on fitness trends we might be seeing more of in 2010.

I was really curious about those shape up shoes I'm seeing everywhere--you know the ones with the really thick sole that is supposed to mimic walking on the beach and says it promotes tightening and toning of our lower bodies if you wear them 30 minutes a day. Skechers seems to make the most popular ones although Reebox and some other companies make their own versions. I've heard a lot of women say they are thinking of buying them and they aren't cheap--usually upwards of $100.

I asked Phillip Bergman of Mindbody Fitness www.mindbodyfitness.us to take a look at them and assess whether he thought they would offer the benefits they tout based on his experience as a Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach.

Here's his review:

"The Shape Ups feature a “soft kinetic wedge insert and dynamic rolling bottom to stimulate walking barefoot on a yielding surface such as sand” It is designed for brisk walking (not running). The shoes put you slightly off balance and demand the muscles to activate in order to keep you balanced and centered.

What you get is greater muscle engagement and recruitment from the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, abdominals and obliques. In addition more stabilizer muscles activate such your adductors, hip flexors, and hip rotators.

Other benefits:

- Promotes weight loss ( but must be combined with a healthful nutrition plan). More muscle recruitment produces greater caloric expenditure. Naturally, if you are more comfortable and experience greater results you will be more motivated to walk further, with more passion and more often.

- Strengthens leg and core muscles.

- Improves cardiovascular health and fitness and thus helps lower risk of heart disease, obesity, stroke, hypertension and diabetes.

- Improves posture because the biomechanics change and require more core strength

- Reduces stress to the ankles, knees and hips.

One note: It is advisable to alternate with your regular walking shoes and to stretch well after walking. I would endorse these shoes for those who want to walk for fitness and weight loss."

I asked another local trainer, Vionna Jones of www.fitindc.com if there are any interesting new fitness classes or techniques she had on her radar for the new year and she told me about Partner Yoga. "The practice of doing yoga with another person is a wonderful demonstration of how to give and receive support, and how to surrender. Standing poses, twists, backbends and hip openers will be explored. All levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. This workshop is not only for couples! Bring a friend or family member. Partner Yoga emphasizes building trust in and sensitivity to relationships while exploring the balance, centeredness, and healing qualities of yoga practice. And you will have lots of fun, too!"

She'll have classes starting in February and you can find the dates and times on her website.

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Giving Lip Service to Cold Weather Remedies

We're having a tough winter in the Washington area and it's only January so there will be more sub-zero days to come. Our lips really get the brunt of it since they're usually exposed and it's hard to keep them dry.

For the longest time it seemed like Chapstick was our only option for moisturizing lips but in recent years many beauty companies seemed to add lip treatments to their line of products. So there are now many choices and price ranges--from that $3 (or less) Chapstick to a $200 eye and lip cream from Sisley.

Valentine's Day is coming up it's especially important to keep your lips in good condition so here are some of the products out there that will keep them soft and kissable!

We're always told it's important to use cleansing grains and scrubs on our face and body and the same principle works on lips too as long as the scrub isn't too harsh.


Victoia's Secret Smooth Pout Lip Scrub is sugar based and will get rid of any flaky skin. Follow that with the Nighttime Balm--the mango and butter formula will glide on and make your lips very supple! Cost is $18 and you can find it at www.victoriassecret.com.




Another company that makes a lip scrub is Philosphy whose Kiss Me exfoliating lip cream works by using natural butters and oils. You can follow it with their Kiss Me Tonight intense lip therapy--and wake up with perfect lips since the formula lessens fine lines, adds shape and definition and adds a healthy, rosy glow. The scrub is $15.00 and the cream is $20 and both are available at Nordstrom.




For daytime touch ups maybe you prefer a simple balm in stick formula to carry in your purse.

In recent years we've been hearing that lip cancer is on the rise so having an spf in our lipstick or balm is a plus. Estee Lauder's Lip Conditioner is an all around treat for your lips day and night and it features a 15 spf. Vitamins C and E. Shea butter and other naturally derived moisturizers help hydrate, smooth and soothe lips. Wear under lipstick as a moisturizing base coat. Or wear it overnight as an intensive moisture treatment. It's $16.50 and available at most department stores.



It's a plus if your lip balm can offer moisturizing, spf and color at the same time. Mary Kay has one that does all of that and feels like velvet going on. Their Tinted Lip Balm is the ultimate multi-tasker and is made with botannical ingredients that glides on without any stickiness. It comes in 5 colors and is $13.00.




www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Cleansing the Toxins and Holiday Pounds Away!

Cleansing programs seem to be really popular all of the sudden. After overindulging during the holidays we try to reverse the damage by eliminating the excess toxins and pounds we accumulated over the holidays.

Body Elements in Vienna,VA www.body-elements.com already known as the cellulite specialists, is offering an additional boost in their program for a lean and sculpted body.

It's a new, easy-to-use system that will help you cleanse, replenish and revitalize your body and they're offreing it at 30% off! This system, called Isagenix is a superior full-body nutritional and fat-burning system that will:

• Help you shed extra holiday pounds Increase energy
• Eliminate unhealthy cravings
• Boost your immune system
• Enjoy more vibrant health
• Slow the effects of aging

This program is not only simple to follow but the products are delicous and created with the best ingredients from around the world. You have the option of a 9 or 30 day cleanse.

Eva Swersey, President of Body Elements, has done the 9 day program and said she lost 7 pounds and had a huge increase in her energy level.

For the month of January Body Elements is offering the Isagenix system free with the purchase of their Lipomassage by Endermologie packages so you can experience even an even more dramatic result in reduction of cellulite and inches.

If you buy any 10 session package you get the 9 day cleanse free a value of $174.

If you buy the 20 session package you get the 30 day cleanse free a value of $374.

Body Elements
2104-B Gallows Road Vienna, VA 22182
703-356-6601
www.body-elements.com

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Skin Resurfacing Laser at a Special Price!

There's a new laser that sounds like the answer if you have a busy schedule and have been wondering about the best way to get a facial rejuvenation without much recovery time.

Atlantis Medical Wellness Center www.atlantismedispa.com is offering the The CynoSure Affirm CO2 Laser skin resurfacing treatment only for the month of January and at a special price of 70% off! This treatment is a skin resurfacing treatment that gives similar results as multiple Fraxel/IPL/Microdermabrasion and chemical peels and results are stunning!

There is some down time of about 2 to 3 days off work and an average of 7 days for redness to improve.

You'll see an improvement in a number of skin conditions with the Affirm CO2 laser:
• Wrinkles, folds and fine lines reduced or eliminated
• Discoloration caused by exposure to the sun's UV rays made even with the rest of the facial skin
• Actinic keratoses removed. These are dry, scaly patches on the skin's surface caused by overexposure to the sun.
• Skin texture refined
• Acne scars significantly diminished.
• Other scars reduced, such as from an accident or a surgery
• Enlarged blood vessels reduced

You can also have the long-term benefit of collagen stimulation. Collagen is a fibrous protein found throughout the body and beneath the skin surface. It provides support. In young skin there is a stronger matrix of collagen and elastin which provides smooth and resilient skin. But as we age, collagen production and strength drops off.

An Affirm CO2 laser treatment can stimulate the existing collagen to produce new collagen to replace collagen that has been lost with aging. This will plump and firm the skin and give you a fresher and more youthful appearance.

Normally this procedure is $2,200 per treatment but for the month of January Atlantis is offering treatments for $660 each. THIS TREATMENT WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY AND TREATMENT TIMES ARE LIMITED.

Atlantis Medical Wellness Center

12200 Tech Road, Suite 102

Silver Spring, MD 20904

240-292-7122

www.atlantismedispa.com

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.