Pigmentation Removal Options
This time of the year is the perfect for several face and body treatments such as: 1. pigment removal (IPL treatment or Photo Facial) 2. laser hair removal Let’s focus on pigment removal today! Melanin is a substance in your body that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation. The more melanin you produce, the darker your eyes, hair and skin will be. Levels of melanin depend on race and amount of sunlight exposure. Sun exposure increases melanin production to protect the skin against harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. In addition, hormonal changes can affect melanin production. Furthermore, areas of skin can darken after people have had inflammation of the skin. This can include acne, eczema, lupus, or an injury to the skin. People with darker skin are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency can also occure and is more common in darker-skinned people. From the above written it is clear that there are many reasons why a person develops pigment issues on the skin. It is important to find out the cause of it before starting any treatment. Is Vitamin C Wonder Ingredient Against Pigment? The answer is clearly NO. This ingredient is not good for every skin type and please, do not just buy it, always consult the beauty therapist to advise you the best solution for you skin type. Which Ingredients Are The Best Against Pigment? Here are the best ingredients in skincare products if you want to brighten an uneven complexion. The most important is to use the product that contains the good formulation of those ingredients. Please, consult us before going on the buying spree. Retinol Licorice Extract Niacinamide Azelaic Acid Mandelic Acid Arbutin Kojic Acid ASPA Client Story Here is an example of the client who came at the start of the year. She wanted to improve her pigment issues. We firstly started with the correct skincare at home and SPF50+ sun protection. After several months of only using the skincare, we embarked on our first pigment removal treatment which is called IPL treatment (Intense Pulsating Light treatment). She will do the second IPL treatment this month and will probably need at least another IPL treatment and then regular top up every year to keep the pigment under control. Photo 1- The skin before we started with the IPL treatment Photo 2- The result after 1 IPL treatment- 4 days after the treatment Photo 3- the result after 1 IPL treatment- 1 week We highly recommend IPL treatments or as some people call it Photo Facials for the whole face and not only for pigment issues. Why? Photo Facial or IPL treatment is a professional treatment to reduce or eliminate the signs of sun damage, minimize rosacea or hyperpigmentation, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to boosting collagen production, Photo Facial or IPL treatment can help tighten skin as well. Reduction of large pores, removal of brown spots, reduction in the appearance of capillaries, and correction of uneven skin tone are some of the major benefits of this popular skin treatment. It is important to remember that every skin is different and personalized approach is the key to the success. The other important factor in skincare is consistency and patience, then results will come! Please, do not forget lifestyle such as using sun protection every day and nutrition. What foods help with skin pigmentation? Eating vitamin C–rich foods like citrus, berries, and leafy green vegetables as well as tomato, salmon, almonds and yogurt may optimize melanin production. Taking a vitamin C supplement such as Altrient vitamin C may help as well. Which food should avoid in pigmentation? Avoid fatty items like foods fried deep in oil as they can cause damage to your skin by causing dark patches, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. If you have any questions, please contact us via info@aspadirect.com We are looking forward to see you at ASPA soon. Kind Regards, Azra
T-SHAPE 2 TREATMENT FOR BODY AND FACE
It is the time for something new at ASPA! T SHAPE 2 TREATMENT FOR BODY AND FACE The evolution in the remodeling of the body and rejuvenation of the face WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE T-SHAPE 2? This treatment is suitable for body and face and for both women and men. The T-Shape 2 treatment is currently the most effective solution for immediately improving your shape, tightening, slimming and immediate centimeter loss. In addition, it is also perfect for revitalizing the skin of your body and face. It contains the combination of four technologies in one device, the T-SHAPE 2: Bipolar radio frequency, LLLT laser, vacuum suction with different dynamic pulses and mesoporation. This combination creates intense thermal heat in the connective tissue, promoting greater collagen production. The result is a significant reduction of localized fat volumes and firming of the skin. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF A T-SHAPE 2 TREATMENT? • Tightening of the skin • Improve cellulite • Reduction of the adipose tissue • Reduction in circumference • Treatment after liposuction • Face lifting • Firming of the skin What does it do for your skin? The T Shape 2 works intensively on every millimeter of the skin. It reactivates the blood circulation and lymphatic system, stimulates fibroblasts, eliminates fat deposits, activates lipolysis and offers a more efficient, faster and safer treatment compared to traditional mechanical connective tissue massage systems. We can treat even the most sensitive areas such as inner legs, arms, neck and décolleté. HOW DO WE DO THAT? Using a very innovative camera, we look into the depth of your skin, where we can see, for example, what grade the cellulite is in. This allows us to be sure that we will use the right treatment to achieve the greatest possible result. Thanks to the highly advanced technology, the device can tell us which program should be used. This allows us to always carry out the most appropriate treatment with the highest possible result. Every treatment is therefore completely tailor-made. The treatments are complete: • Safe and painless • For every skin type • 100% natural • Just like a manual massage, no recovery time. If you would like more information about this treatment and if it suitable for you, please contact us via info@aspadirect.com. We can book a trial treatment for you and give you more information. Hope to see you at ASPA soon.
Do you suffer from pigmentation or redness on your skin?
Do you suffer from pigmentation or redness (couperose) on your skin? If yes, let us inform you what it possible to be done! At ASPA we treat various skin complaints by means of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). IPL treatment is an effective technique in which light is absorbed by the target (especially pigment or vessels). The heat destroys pigment or vessels. IPL treatment against pigmentation spots Our skin contains the so-called melanin. When your skin comes into contact with the sun, this melanin colors and eventually gives your skin a color. As one gets older, the skin may color irregularly and this can lead to pigmentation. The pigment spots are often on the hands, décolleté and face. These are the most common areas exposed to sunlight. This can make your skin look much less even. We completely understand that you want to get rid of your pigmentation spots so that your skin looks more even, smoother and younger. Our skin specialists can treat pigmentation spots easily and safely with a customized IPL treatment. IPL treatment against couperose Many of us suffer from redness (couperosis) in the face. This can be genetically determined or due to your lifestyle (being outside a lot, alcohol use, work environment, etc..). When the vessels of the skin are weak and break due to the constant narrowing and widening, we see a red/purple vessel arise just under the skin. An IPL treatment is the solution against couperose and redness in the face. IPL treatment for tighter and firmer skin A ‘photofacial’ or Skin Rejuvination Facial are terms usually used, but it means a skin-improving treatment done with light in this case, IPL. Here, the IPL is used to heat the fibroblasts in the skin – the cells that make collagen – and this stimulation encourages the fibroblasts to produce new collagen, to improve and firm the look of the skin. This treatment will help the whole face to look fresher and clearer, too. How does an IPL treatment work? The name Intense Pulse Light actually says it all. By giving a pulse of light on the pigment spot or couperose, heat is created that removes the pigment or redness. It is a short treatment and the result can be seen immediately. You can also opt for specific part of the face or a full IPL facial treatment. If you suffer from blemishes, redness and pigment in multiple places in the face, we recommend a full face IPL treatment. Are there any side effects to IPL? IPL is considered a safe treatment, but it can still have side effects. These are the four side effects you’re most likely to experience: You may feel discomfort or pain during the treatment. Your skin may turn pink and may become somewhat sore after the treatment. For a few days after IPL, your skin may be red, or may swell or peel, as if you had suffered a mild sunburn – though be aware this is unusual, and it may be an indication that the treatment you were given was at too high a level. If you have had freckles or age spots treated, they will look darker for up to a week before gradually disappearing. About one in ten IPL patients also experiences bruising after treatment. Two other side effects that occur occasionally after IPL treatment are hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation: means ‘too much pigmentation’. In hyperpigmentation, a treated area of skin becomes darker – much like when you get a suntan – because the treatment has stimulated melanin from epidermal melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin. Hyperpigmentation is more likely to occur on darker skin, and it can usually be reversed by treatment. But it is a compelling reason for not treating darker skin with IPL. means ‘too little pigmentation’. Hypopigmentation occurs if the IPL treatment heats up the melanocytes to the point at which it destroys them, leaving pale patches. Hypopigmentation is not reversible. Would you like personal advice from one of our skin specialists? Please, call us on 0651137656 or send us an email: info@aspadirect.com.
NEW PRODUCT- DAY & NIGHT CREAM
We are very happy to share with you that our DAY & NIGHT CREAM has finally arrived! It took us 2 years to develop this product and we are very happy to share the news with you. AZRA Botanical Simplicity CREAM is your perfect every day moisturizer. It was created to hydrate and calm the skin whilst protecting the skin barrier and plumping the skin. Active ingredients: Squalane, Ceramide NG, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18. Squalane has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling. Ceramide NG has also been shown to reinforce skin’s barrier strength to better resist external stressors. Overall, it contributes to supple, resilient, hydrated skin. Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that can enter the deep layers of your skin. Here, it attracts moisture and reduces inflammation. When applied topically, sodium hyaluronate is excellent for reducing dryness and wrinkles. Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract- The benefits of Cica read like a who’s-who of skincare needs—it improves scratches, burns, helps heal hypertrophic wounds, enhances collagen, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for conditions like eczema, and more! Liquorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome) acts as an anti inflammatory to help reduce itchy and inflamed skin. It also offers anti bacterial benefits for the skin and can also reduce skin pigmentation. Acetyl Hexapeptide 8, which is also known as Argireline, is a peptide used in skincare products to reduce the appearance of wrinkles brought on by repeated facial expressions. When it comes to fine lines and wrinkles on the face, especially around the eyes and mouth; they usually form because of repeated facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, or furrowing the brow in deep concentration or frustration. When people make these expressions, the face contorts based on the contraction of the muscles beneath the skin. Acetyl hexapeptide 8 is designed to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles by intercepting messages from the brain, thereby preventing muscle contractions, similar to Botox. Pentapeptide-18 works by stimulating the deeper, matrix layers of the skin. This peptide increases overall collagen production, the production of collagen IV and hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin. It also helps the skin to heal wounds faster. Use: For best results, use 1 pump of the cream on damp skin and massage into your clean face AM & PM. Breath and take time for yourself! This fast absorbing face cream will be your favourite cream to plump, balance and hydrate daily. We hope to see you at ASPA soon and let you experience this cream.
Tips about Laser Hair Removal at ASPA, Den Haag
We get lots of questions about laser hair removal! Here are our tips and answers which will help you to find out the answers to the most commonly-asked questions about laser hair removal. When should I start laser hair removal? It’s best to start laser hair removal during the cooler months of autumn and winter when sun exposure is lower, and you’ll be out of the sun.However, if the area you’re treating is hidden day to day – like the underarms or genital areas – it doesn’t really matter, we can treat it year round. What’s the difference between laser hair removal and IPL? Both laser and IPL can be used for hair removal, but at ASPA we only use laser! When it comes to hair removal, laser’s target – the hair’s pigment and root – is more specific than IPL, and so is more effective and has fewer complications. I have Black skin. Can I have laser hair removal? A while ago, the answer would have been ‘no’. Darker skin tones have always been much trickier to treat safely and effectively with lasers because old technologies were unable to distinguish between melanin (pigment) in the hair and that in the skin. At ASPA we use the newest types of lasers that are able to target the hair alone without creeping over onto the surrounding skin, making laser hair removal possible for those with Black skin. I have blonde, grey/white or red hair. Can I have laser hair removal? Unfortunately, laser hair removal is usually unsuitable for those with blonde, grey/white or red hair (some shades are OK). This is because there simply isn’t any (or enough) pigment for the laser to detect. Come for a free consultation at ASPA to find out for sure if it’ll work for you. How many sessions will I need? Depending on the area and coarseness of the hair, most people need around 8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Is laser hair removal really permanent? The goal is to achieve around an 80 per cent reduction in hair after the recommended course of treatments for each individual, but it’s best to think of laser hair removal as minimising and slowing hair growth over time rather than eliminating it completely forever – the hair will start to grow back thinner, lighter and sparser. Top-up maintenance treatments may be required periodically. In which areas can I get laser hair removal? Pretty much anywhere and everywhere. Common areas for women include the underarms, legs, bikini line, Brazilian area, upper lip, and chin. Men most commonly have laser hair removal on the chest and stomach, back, hands and fingers, and face, but any body hair can be treated. How do I prepare for laser hair removal? Don’t wax, expose the area to direct sunlight or use self-tanner in the four weeks before your appointment. Does laser hair removal hurt? It depends on your pain threshold, but to be honest, yes. It’s not unbearable but it’s certainly not comfortable. Luckily, laser hair removal is a very quick treatment and laser at ASPA has built-in cooling mechanisms that make it much more tolerable by blowing a constant stream of ice-cold air onto the skin. You can always take a couple of paracetamol (NOT ibuprofen) beforehand if you’re really worried. Is laser hair removal safe? Yes. Provided there’s a high enough level of pigment in the hair for the laser to pick up compared to the skin’s melanin and see an experienced laser practitioner who uses a good device, it’s a very safe treatment. Is there any downtime with laser hair removal? Not really, you just need to avoid getting the area hot and sweaty for 48 hours. We always apply Post Laser Gel and recommned for you to do the same at home to instantly soothe the treated area. Are there any side effects from laser hair removal? Aside from redness and minor skin irritation, other side effects are very rare. These can include temporary crusting and changes to skin colour (hyper- or hypopigmentation). Burns are even rarer but can happen. How long will it take to see results? Most people usually start to see some difference in hair growth – in terms of colour, coarseness and speed of regrowth – within a few sessions. If you have any questions about laser hair removal, please contact us via 070 345 0215 or info@aspadirect.com.
Let’s talk about sweaty feet!
Let’s talk about sweaty feet! Although it’s something that most of us experience, having sweaty feet is still a worry and source of embarrassment for many. This needn’t be the case for such a common complaint that can be taken care of so easily with the right products and know how… What are the health implications of sweaty feet? Aside from being uncomfortable, sweaty feet that aren’t looked after properly can mean an increased risk of developing infections such as Athlete’s Foot and fungal nails. Dampness can also lead to blistering of the skin which can be painful and take time to heal. Those with health issues such as Diabetes need to take extra special care as the risk of developing more serious infections becomes higher. Athlete’s FootAthlete’s How does our footwear affect how much we sweat? The shoes you wear have a huge impact on the health of your feet! Shoes made from synthetic, close fitting materials don’t allow moisture to evaporate efficiently. Sweat that remains on the skin for an extended length of time can also begin to smell and this scent can stick to your footwear. Who is most affected by sweaty feet? Most of us suffer from sweaty feet or foot odour at some point, however, it is more common in gym and fitness enthusiasts, those going through hormonal changes for instance during pregnancy, sufferers of stress and anxiety and certain medications can also exacerbate the issue. A small percentage of people will suffer from abnormally sweaty feet. This is a condition known as Hyperhidrosis and is caused by overly responsive sweat glands. Are the symptoms of sweaty feet contagious? Having sweaty feet isn’t contagious, however the skin conditions that can develop as a result of having them are. The best way to prevent sweaty feet and the symptoms associated is to adopt good foot hygiene habits and follow these dos and don’ts… – Do wash feet daily and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Follow with the Margaret Dabbs London Soothing Foot Powder to calm the skin and control perspiration. Lemon Myrtle gives it an invigorating, fresh scent that will also help to banish unpleasant odour. – Do wear clean socks every day and ensure they are made of a breathable fabric. If you are rushing to work following a heavy gym session be sure to keep a spare pair in your bag. Soggy socks will macerate the skin of the feet, and encourage the build-up of bacteria. – Don’t allow nails to become over-grown. Keep them short and clean and cut straight across to prevent fungal infections from developing. Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum with antibacterial and antifungal Tea Tree Oil is great to massage in to and around the nails. – Do remove the hard skin from the soles of the feet with a good quality foot file such as the Margaret Dabbs London Professional Foot File. These areas become an ideal home for bacteria when they become soggy and damp. Remember to always use the file on dry skin! – Don’t be tempted to wear shoes without socks as the sweat from your feet goes straight into the fabric of the shoe ruining them, and drying out your skin at the same time. It may be trendy but cheat a little and wear trainer socks that can’t be seen – it is so much healthier. – Do swab the feet with Clinisoothe if you notice any odour. Bacterial infections are normally the cause of this but the smell can by neutralised with the use of alcohol. – Don’t wear footwear made of synthetic materials as this will trap sweat and moisture. Also, try and swap shoes daily to give them a chance to air. Last but definitely not least, do invest in bestselling Foot Hygiene Cream. A multi-tasking balm developed with active ingredients to combat the symptoms of athlete’s foot, relieve itchy, sore, dry, blistered skin and discoloured nails. Emu Oil nourishes and promotes skin renewal and Tea Tree Oil provides anti-fungal and anti-bacterial benefits, keeping infections at bay. At the end, do not forget to book your monthly pedicure appointment at ASPA. Your feet will thank you for it! Hope to see you at ASPA soon.
HOLIDAY TIME & SKINCARE
Dear ASPA friends & clients, The summer is finally here! We hope you are enjoying the weather. After the past few years, we’ve never felt more in need of a relaxing summer holiday. The chance to unwind and rejuvenate is certainly something our mind and bodies need, but if you’re not careful then holidays can be less kind to your skin. From sun damage to holiday break-outs, there are plenty of pitfalls to avoid! Pre-holiday prep Prevention is better than cure, and there are a couple of changes you may want to make to your skincare regime before you go away in order to benefit your skin. ‘We always advise our clients to use a consistent skin care routine, but the week before travel we recommend they stop using products that contain retinol as this can make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. During your holiday While none of us would consider lying in the sun without applying sun protection product, it’s still incredible how many of us get it wrong, over exposing the skin and even burning. And while you might not be able to see the damage you are causing, changes will be occurring within the dermis. Sun protection products can be very difficult for the skin as well, so it is very immportant to find the right type that suits your skin. At ASPA we have the selection of sun protection products that suit every skin type. If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, just one hour in the sun, unprotected, can undo months of hard work you’ve put in looking after your skin. This is why it’s extremely important to use an antioxidant serum followed by sunscreen every day to maximise your skin’s defence and help stabilise the pigment producing cells. You should opt for a minimum SPF 50 and reapply every couple of hours. After a relaxing day in the sun your skin will be in need of a thorough cleanse. If you don’t do this you expose yourself to the risk of the dreaded holiday break-out. Constant application of sunscreen can equal congestions and breakouts, so when you’re back at the hotel, de-clog those pores and refresh skin with a double cleanse, ideally followed by a cleanising clay mask . You also want to ensure the skin doesn’t dry out, as this can leave pores open to bacteria and further holiday break-outs. Post sun exposure, it’s important to replenish the moisture skin may have lost during the day. A hyaluronic acid & vitamin B3 rich serum or gel is the perfect choice as they are light but effective at deeply hydrating the skin. MORNING HOLIDAY ROUTINE 1. Single cleanse 2. Serum 3. Sun protection EVENING HOLIDAY ROUTINE 1. Double cleanse 2. Cleansing Clay Mask 3. Serum If you have any questions about your holiday skincare routine, please contact us via info@aspadirect.com Kind Regards, ASPA Team
SUMMER SALE AT ASPA
We are ready to start our SUMMER SALE! Buy 1 treatment and get 10% discount. Buy 2 treatments and get 15% discount on both treatments. Buy 3 treatments and get 20% discount on all three treatments. It is possible to mix and match treatments as you wish. The offer is valid for the following treatments: – Deep Hydrating Facial – Meta Therapy Facial Face + Neck/Decollete – SkinPen Facial – PRX-T33 & microneedling face – IPL Complete face skin rejuvenation – All Body & Face Laser Treatment All purchase of the treatments needs to be done between 13 July till and including 23 July 2022. Treatments will be carried out from 20 August till 31 December 2022. This offer is not valid in combination to any other offer. How to purchase? You can either call us on 0651137656 or emails us via info@aspadirect.com. Kind Regards, ASPA Team
Tips for Managing Acne This Summer
If you suffer with acne, you may notice things get worse in the summer. Warmer temperatures increase our skin’s oil production, and this, combined with sweat, make up and sunscreen application, causes clogging within the pores, leading to breakouts. We wanted to share, in a bit more detail, some of our top tips for preventing breakouts this summer… 1. Clean twice a day your face by using the face cleansers suitable for your skin. Use singe cleanse in the morning and double cleanse in the evening. Always use face cloth in your cleaning routine. Use Clinisoothe+ as the part of your cleansing routine. 2. Ditch oil based moisturiser- use oil free moisutriser only such as Hydrogel. 3. Use the correct form of vitamin A to increase cell turnover and improve breakouts, as well as treating skin texture. It is safe to use in summer, just be strict with SPF! 4. Use oil-free SPF that provde broad-spectrum protection. We recommend Heliocare products. 5. Go easy on ice creams- sugary or high-glycemic food cause a spike in insulin levels, which increases oil production. 6. Opt for oil-free, mineral make up such as Jane Iredale to keep congestion at bay and prevent breakouts. 7. Use a cleasning clay mask such as Miracle Mask by Hydropeptide– apply each evening when the weather is hot to treat and prevent breakouts. Clearing acne is one of our obesssions at ASPA and if you are interested in finding more information and a treatment plan to keep your skin clear during summer, get in touch to find out more. Please, contact us via info@aspadirect.com. Hope to see you at ASPA soon.
Can You Have A Facial In The Summer?
Last week I was asked whether you can actually undergo a facial treatment in the summer. You regularly see beauty salons that literally close their doors in the summer. Personally, I think it’s a shame not to treat in the summer months, because then you’re a few months behind in improving your skin! Of course it depends a bit on which treatment you want to undergo, but the majority of treatments can continue with some extra care for good sun protection. It is logical that you do not have violent peels or laser facial treatments performed, because these treatments make you more sensitive to sunlight, but a mild peeling such as PRX-T33 or microneedling such as Meta Therapy or SkinPen are very nice to use in the summer! Why? You can read that below! Why is it good to treat your skin in the summer too We notice that every season brings change in your skin. What we see a lot in the summer months is that the skin becomes drier (due to the sun). The sun has a drying effect. In addition, your skin not only loses some moisture, but also extra nutrition. It is therefore important to make your skin barrier as strong as possible in the summer, so that you can retain moisture well and regain this hydration and nutrition. You can do this by adjusting your skincare routine and we always will give you our advice for your skincare and by booking a Meta Therapy treatment, for example. This treatment restores your barrier, adds all the hydration and vitamins and exfoliates (removes dead skin cells) in a mild way. The antioxidants in this treatment also provide a nice natural protection against the sun! In short… the result is an even, soft, radiant skin. It is also smart to inhibit pigmentation and to create collagen. Because to be honest, the sun ensures that pigment is stimulated (because you want a brown color), but you do not want these to become annoying spots. In addition, the sun breaks down your collagen, so it is certainly important to stimulate this again in time (and this is allowed in the summer). An ideal treatment for this is microneedling such as Meta Therapy. We also carry out this treatment during the entire summer months, on the condition that the customer continues to apply the SPF well (as you should normally do). The treatment leaves a large part of the skin completely intact, so there is no reason to worry. We were regularly asked whether we also wanted to treat the neck and décolleté, which is why these options are now also available in the online agenda. Book your Meta Therapy appointment here Are you in doubt? Feel free to send us an email at info@aspadirect.com, so we can answer your questions and discuss with you all your skincare issues.