Keep Your Skin Healthy All Winter Long With Pacific Vein and the Blue Sky Med Spa

Keep Your Skin Healthy All Winter Long With Pacific Vein and the Blue Sky Med Spa. A dry, barren environment. An unappealing, inhospitable location, filled with grueling conditions and constant discomfort. Does it sound like we are describing a desert wasteland? That’s where you’d be wrong; these unpleasant characteristics can also be given to winter skin.

The summer season was your time to shine when it came to skin care; and for good reason—your skin was on constant display in your shorts, summer dresses, and even bikinis. But this change in the temperature that we are currently experiencing is no excuse to stop paying attention to your skin. In fact, we’d argue that this is the time of year where we need to pay the most attention to our skin. Hiding your skin under a baggy sweater or a parka will not hide the issues that come with dry, itchy, and unattractive skin. Now is the time to not only maintain your current beauty routine, but to enhance it.
Here are a few of our favorite ways that we keep our skin at its healthiest during the frigid months ahead.

Don’t Bathe in Hot Water
As good as a hot bath or shower feels during the winter months, it’s best to avoid it to keep your skin as moist as possible. Instead, set your water temperature to be lukewarm. This will sustain many natural body oils on the surface of your skin.

Never Forget the Moisturizer
Immediately following your bath or shower, give your skin a heavy dose of moisturizer. Applying lotion to damp skin will seal that dampness from your shower into your skin. To us, the more lotion you can apply, the better results it will have on your skin. We recommend stepping up your moisturizing routine this winter by scheduling a few massage treatments at Blue Sky Med Spa. It’s a relaxing experience that works wonders on your skin.
We at the Blue Sky Med Spa are also concerned about what moisturizer we are putting on your skin not only during your massage treatment, but also in your daily life. Your summer beauty products should absolutely be different than your winter ones. Look for products that have natural and nourishing ingredients rather than products that contain heavy amounts of petroleum-based ingredients. It’s also wise to choose oil-based solutions rather than water-based ones.

Layers are Important
It’s cold out there—so why expose your skin to the constant harsh conditions?
Always have a scarf and a pair of gloves on hand in addition to your coat and hat—it will do wonders for not only keeping you as warm as possible on a chilly day, but it sustain moisture on your skin.

Think about what you put into your Body
It’s that time of year for drinking plenty of tea and cocoa, because those are hot and soothing beverages. But we recommend adding more water into your daily routine. Something we like here at Blue Sky Med Spa? A little warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time.

Don’t let your skin become a dry and uncomfortable accessory for you this winter. Keep Your Skin Healthy All Winter Long With Pacific Vein and the Blue Sky Med Spa. Now more than ever, you must practice healthy habits to keep your skin healthy and glowing all winter long, even under your multiple layers. Feel good and look good all winter long with Pacific Vein Care. Call 815-759-2368 or email blueskymedspa@gmail.com to schedule one of the mentioned appointments or to book your free initial consultation.

How To Keep Your Skin and Body Healthy This Fall and Winter

How to keep your skin and body healthy this Fall and Winter. Everyone has a daily skincare regimen that they follow without fail. Every day, it’s wake up, you’re your face, exfoliate, moisturize—and don’t forget the sunscreen! These are practices that should be followed every day not only for you to be looking your best, but also for your skin to be at its healthiest.

As autumn begins and winter looms on the horizon, taking extreme care of our skin becomes even more important. The harsh and chilly temperatures ahead can do incredible damage to our skin and body, and practicing your already good habits may not be enough to fight the harm it can cause you.

That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on how your skin can look vibrant and beautiful all winter long. Here are a few of our recommended ways to take care of yourself during the cold months ahead:

Freshen Up Your Entire Body From  Head to Toe

No part of your body should be ignored in the cold months ahead—or always, for that matter. But especially as the autumn begins, it’s important to treat your skin right after spending an entire summer in the sunshine, sand, and water.

Restore your hair, skin, and nails and get rid of tired and dull layers to kick off your fall. We recommend treating your hair to a hot oil application, spreading a masque moisturizer on your skin, and treating yourself to a pedicure to remove food calluses.

Never Stop Moisturizing

Summer is the time of year for constant heat and humidity, so naturally, lighter and multipurpose moisturizers are ideal for these stifling conditions. So, when the weather outside is frightful, it’s recommended to have hydrating body lotions to prevent dry skin. Consider investing in rich hair conditions or silicone serums to fight winter frizz. For your face, switch from your summer astringent face wash to a thicker cleansing oil.

Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen

Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean you get to hide your sunscreen. While it’s important to change how you apply sunscreen in fall and winter, it is crucial to remember to, well, not forget it! Focus primarily on your face and neck during the coming months, trade in your SPF 50 for an SPF 15 or 30 instead.

Switch Your Color Palette to Reflect the Season

Now that your face and body is fresh and clean, now it’s time to consider the makeup you put on your face. During cool weather, heavier eye makeup, full coverage foundation, and warm, saturated shades are the way to go.  We are loving shades of espresso, greens, mauves, and even grays.

While the autumn and winter seasons are the most wonderful time of the year, it’s important to remember that following these best practices to make sure your skin and body beautiful and healthy.

For more information on how to keep your skin and body healthy this Fall and Winter and what you can be doing to guarantee beautiful winter skin, contact your friends and experts at Pacific Vein Care. We would be happy to help you stay fit, healthy, and feeling beautiful all winter long. Contact us to schedule your consultation at 815-759-2368 or email blueskymedspa@gmail.com.

Fractora

When it comes to skin rejuvenation treatments, you want the biggest bang for your buck as well as the quickest and most painless option possible. Fractora is a skin rejuvenation treatment that tightens and lifts the face while treating fine lines, wrinkles, and even photo damage. This painless procedure requires no downtime or anesthesia, and is best completed in one treatment per week for six weeks. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Fractora.

How does it work?

Fractora delivers targeted bipolar radiofrequency energy to various selectable depths in the skin. Fractora meets and exceeds the results of fractional CO2 without the associated downtime, prolonged redness, and pigmentation drawbacks. Fractora achieves full-scale treatment depths with customizable fractional energy to improve superficial skin tone problems (photo damage) to deep textural concerns (rhytids and tightening). Clinicians can select between variable depths, densities and energy levels for results that were previously unattainable without excisional surgery.

What are the benefits?

Patients experience a significant reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. Other benefits include improved skin tone, a reduction of blood vessels, and even reduction in acne scarring. Fractora also provides the best ratio of power of results to recovery period and potential for adverse effects compared to other skin resurfacing treatments.

How will I look following treatment?

For the first 24 to 48 hours the skin will be red and irritated, and small black dots will be visible. During this time you will frequently apply a moisturizer. Within 2 to 3 days most patients can begin wearing their makeup again as usual.

How soon will I see results?

Most patients see an improvement in the quality of their skin as soon as the initial redness and swelling subside. The full effect takes about 6 months, due to the continuous production of collagen.

If you’re ready for the softer, smoother, and clearer skin that Fractora brings, come to Blue Sky Med Spa! We offer Fractora skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatments along with many other spa services. See what we can do to make you not only feel better, but look better, too! Contact us today.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated During the Summer

Blue Sky Med Spa can help keep your skin hydrated during the summer. Summer is a wonderful time of year, complete with beach days, road trips, and fresh summer food and drink. But with the warm weather comes potentially damaging factors that can make our skin look dull and lifeless. This summer, keep your skin looking youthful and fresh with these simple tips.

The Basics of Skin Structure

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and makes up about 15% of your body weight. It is composed of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, and is directly exposed to the environments around you. The dermis is the second layer, and is rich in collagen and elastin, which keeps your skin flexible and strong. And finally, the hypodermis, which contains fatty tissue. These three layers need to stay balanced in order to keep your skin hydrated and looking it’s best.

Factors That Affect Hydration

There are a few factors that can affect the hydration level of your skin. Those factors include:

• High temperatures
• Humidity
• UV radiation
• Aging
• Drinking coffee or alcohol
• Taking too long of showers or baths
• Aggressively cleaning or exfoliating your skin

Symptoms of Dehydrated Skin

When your skin is dehydrated, it’s feels similar to dry skin. Your face can feel tight and dry, and you may also experience redness, peeling, or itching. Dry skin, however, does not always indicate lack of moisture.

Tips for Keeping Your Skin Hydrated

Although everyone’s skin care routine will vary, there are a few basic things you can add to help keep your skin hydrated and fresh.

• Exfoliate
  • While over-exfoliating can add to dehydrated skin, regularly exfoliating- two or three times a week can help remove dead skin cells and increase blood circulation to your face. You can research recipes for exfoliating scrub that you can make at home, or find a brand you like at the drugstore.
• Moisturize
  • Using the right kind of moisturizer for your skin in the morning and evening is essential in keeping your skin hydrated. Moisturizer is a key component in the skin’s rejuvenation process, so it’s important to find the right one for your skin.
• Drink Water and Eat a Balanced Diet
  • How much water you drink and the foods you eat also play a crucial role in keeping the skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water during the day, and make sure you’re eating enough fruits and vegetables.

If you have any problems with your skin or want to know more about how to keep your skin hydrated over the summer, please feel free to reach out to us! Call 815-759-2368 to schedule your free consultation, or visit our website. We hope to see you soon!

Non-Invasive Anti-Aging Techniques

Check out our Non-Invasive Anti-Aging Techniques. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and fine lines become visible on our faces. In addition to lost elasticity, our skin also becomes thinner and drier, lacking the radiance and “glow” of our youth. Thankfully, we live in a modern era with modern treatments for all your aging skin woes. Non-invasive techniques are the way to go, since they address your skin concerns without risky surgical intervention. Blue Sky Med Spa offers several of the latest and greatest non-invasive anti-aging treatments.

Laser Skin Tightening

Laser skin tightening uses an infrared laser to tighten skin by heating the collagen under the skin’s surface, causing the skin to contract and tighten. Facial skin tightening is noticeable immediately after the treatment, and there is no downtime, making this an increasingly popular procedure. Additional skin tightening occurs over the next few months, but optimal results usually require two or three treatments about a month apart.

Injectables

Rather than just smoothing or tightening skin, an injectable filler aims to change the facial profile to a more youthful one. The injection of filler materials under the skin can fill in deep folds, create fuller lips, and pad out hollow cheeks and eyes. Collagen used to be the standard filler, but now hyaluronic acid is more popular, and used by brands like Juvederm (available at Blue Sky Med Spa). The most recognizable name in anti-aging injectables, Botox (also available at Blue Sky Med Spa!), prevents and removes wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in your face.

Microneedling

Microneedling involves using fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of skin. These tiny “micro-injuries” stimulate your body’s natural healing process, which increases collagen and elastin production - resulting in cell turnover and reversing/preventing signs of aging. At Blue Sky Med Spa, we use the PR (Power Rejuvenator) Pen to channel anti-aging serums into the skin via microneedling. We apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area to minimize any possible discomfort. Typically the procedure lasts less than one hour, and you may begin to see some results before you leave the office! With progressive healing, final results are typically achieved within six weeks.

At Blue Sky Med Spa, we offer free initial consultations and would be happy to discuss Non-Invasive Anti-Aging Techniques and your skincare goals and come up with a treatment plan that works for you. If you are ready to discover the wonders of modern, non-invasive anti-aging treatments, contact us today!

Keep Your Skin “Forever Young” This Summer

Youthful, radiant looking skin is the dream for millions of women across the country. Unfortunately, with age brings the appearance of wrinkles, sunspots, freckles and exhausted looking skin. It can feel impossible to meet the unrealistic expectations of photoshopped celebrities and social media. As we struggle to improve our appearance, remember that beautiful skin starts with healthy habits. Here’s what you need to know as we approach the sunny summer months.

Importance of Sun Protection:

Have you ever wished you wore sunblock after a day at the park or beach? It’s easy to know the right thing to do after it’s happened. When it comes to sun protection, always apply sunblock of at least SPF 30 approximately 15-30 minutes before going outdoors (even when it’s cloudy). Not only will this help prevent wrinkling but it will also protect against skin cancer. To learn more about sun protection please visit this link.

What You Eat Matters:

A diet rich in vitamins and protein is good for both general health and glowing skin. Simply put, eating healthy is a win-win! Cut down on sugars, fats and starch. Instead, add plenty of Vitamin E and Vitamin C to your diet with fruits, veggies, and omega 3 fats. Some of the best foods for healthy skin include avocados, spinach, kale, berries, nuts, beans and olive oil.

How to Stay Forever Young:

Blue Sky Med Spa wants to help keep you looking youthful this summer with our ForeverYoung Package. This package includes an Atlantic Peel – PRPEN – Laser Skin Tightening and Collagen Mask. The Laser Skin Tightening stimulates collagen under the surface of the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while the collagen skin treatment is used to fill lines/wrinkles around the eyes, lips, nose and forehead. (Treatments to be done 3 weeks apart).

Turn back the clock with our ForeverYoung Package available now at Blue Sky Med Spa. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about this package, please contact us today!

Compression Therapy and How it Works

“Compression Therapy” refers to wearing sock or stockings specifically created to improve circulation in the legs. Anyone with swelling, fatigue or discomfort in their legs can benefit from compression therapy, but it is primarily recommended for wound care or for patients with chronic venous disease.

Venous disease occurs when blood flows abnormally through the veins of the legs and feet. One of the more common signs of venous disease is dilated or “spider” veins, which are not only unsightly but can be painful. These small blood vessels are typically on the legs and face, and are easily visible. Another sign of venous disease is varicose veins. These swollen and twisted blood vessels generally occur in the legs and can be extremely painful. Aside from the discomfort, venous disease puts the patient at risk for multiple serious health issues, including blood clots and ulcers. Compression therapy with socks or stockings is often the first line of defense in strengthening vein support and alleviating the painful symptoms of varicose or spider veins. Compression increases the pressure below the skin, reducing swelling and eliminating excess fluid.

Venous insufficiency is often brought on by blood clots or varicose veins.  Symptoms of Venous insufficiency include swelling of the legs or ankles, throbbing or a feeling of heaviness in the legs, leg ulcers, and itchy legs. Compression garments such as socks or stockings are typically prescribed to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Other recommendations include keeping legs uncrossed while sitting, elevating legs when possible, and starting a regular exercise regimen.

Compression therapy is shown to be beneficial to venous ulcer patients as a means of limiting swelling and helping the wounds to heal much more quickly. According to the American Venous Forum, in patients with severe wounds or ulcers, compression is the therapy of choice to encourage rapid healing and to prevent recurrence. When applied correctly, this therapy allows the patient to go about their daily activities with little or no disruption.

Compression garments are typically graduated, meaning that the compression is strongest at the ankle and decreases as it moves up the leg. Compression garments are generally worn during the day, from first thing in the morning until the patient goes to bed at night. The goal of compression therapy is not only to decrease symptoms but to allow you to carry on with your normal activities, including standing and walking as necessary. Compression therapy garments are generally covered by insurance.

If your doctor has recommended compression therapy, the staff at Pacific Vein Care is ready to help you select the right compression garment to get you back on the road to recovery.

5 Ways To Keep Your Legs Healthy

Legs take us places. So why are they typically taken for granted? Many people only pay attention to legs when experiencing discomfort or injury. At Pacific Vein Care, we believe a human body part that walks an average of 6000 steps per day deserves more. Instead of neglecting limbs on a daily basis, legs should be appreciated as a magnificent piece of human engineering. Plus, if you don’t take the proper measures, you may experience the wrath of unsightly spider veins and varicose veins. Here are 5 ways to keep your legs healthy.

Obesity: One leading factor that negatively affects legs and often leads to varicose veins is obesity. Excess weight adds pressure to veins, causing them to enlarge and weaken. Losing weight can help take the extra pressure off veins.

Diet: For a healthy, vein-friendly diet, cut back on red meats, dairy products and salt. Some of the best foods for healthy legs include high-fiber foods and healthy fats including olive oil, avocados and beans.

Exercise: Hitting the gym is a great way to tone legs, but improving blood circulation is as simple as walking around the neighborhood. Getting legs up and moving on a daily basis is a great start towards achieving healthy legs.

Avoid Inactivity: Our body is made to move. Sitting or standing in the same position for too long may cause circulation problems in lower limbs. It’s important for healthy legs to have sufficient blood flow. After sitting or standing for long periods of time, stretch to increase circulation.

Seek Treatment for Varicose Veins: Vein Disease is a condition that refers to backwards blood flow in the legs and feet that cause veins to be impaired. If left untreated for a long period of time, varicose veins can cause discomfort and even lead to serious complications. Vein disease can be the gateway for serious health issues. It can put you at risk for blood clots, ulcers, pulmonary embolism and sometimes worse. For your health, it is vital that you eliminate the problem before it becomes deadly.

If you are experiencing varicose veins, spider veins or simply want advice on achieving healthy legs for life, contact the team at Pacific Vein Care today!

February Skin Care Specials at Blue Sky Medical Spa

Have the dry air and bright sun of winter taken a toll on your skin? Escape to Blue Sky Medical Spa this month to rejuvenate your skin and your mood. At Blue Sky, we know that “when you look good, you feel good.” Blue Sky’s is offering February specials that run through the end of the month, making it even easier to get the skin you want.

●       VI Peel for $149. VI is all about transforming the look and feel of your skin. VI peels are perfect for acne-scarred skin, and can be used for all ages. The goal of this medical, pain-free peel is to smooth and soften skin texture and even out the skin tone.

○       The VI Peel original fights the signs of aging skin, such as pigmentation and rough texture, as well as provides a softening of lines and wrinkles.

○       VI Peel Precision is a higher concentration for skin with excessive pigmentation.

○       VI Peel Purify is specialized for acne-prone skin. Its powerful blend opens pores, kills blemish-causing bacteria, and calms inflammation.

VI Peels are powerful, deep treatments that use a blend of salicylic, TCA, and phenol acids, as well as the antioxidant vitamin C to fight aging, blemishes, and uneven skin texture. 

●       $11 per Botox unit or one Juvederm for $575 per syringe. Get quick results in just a half-hour for lines and wrinkles. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and is a great choice for forehead lines, crow’s feet, and more. Juvederm, a long-lasting facial filler, works especially well for thin lips and sunken cheeks.

●       Receive a free 60-minute custom facial ($99 value) with the purchase of 50 units of Botox or one syringe of Juvederm. Includes cleansing, exfoliating, and mask.

If you’re ready to treat yourself to rejuvenated skin this month, give yourself a boost by calling Blue Sky Medical Spa at (815) 759-2368 for a consultation or to make an appointment. Please visit our website to find out more about our products and services. 

Six Tips to Stick with Your Workout Plan

The new year is here! Starting a regular exercise program always seems to be at the top of everyone’s resolution list. With a new workout program comes a plethora of health benefits including weight loss, increased endurance, more stable moods and better overall health. For individuals with varicose veins, low impact exercise such as swimming, walking or biking have the added benefit of increasing circulation and decreasing inflammation - but what do we do when the couch sounds more appealing than the treadmill? Here are six tips to help you stick to your exercise resolution.

1. Put it in writing – Taking the time to write plans out on paper increases your chances of success. Determine the specifics of your workout program, including type of exercise, goals, where you will work out and how often. In addition, create weekly workout plans on Sunday night based on your schedule for the coming week. 
2. Tell a friend – Tell a friend your goals and ask them to keep tabs on your progress. Better yet, ask your friend to join you in your efforts. Added conversation will make the time fly by.
3. Own your goal – Working out with a friend can create added accountability; however, it is important that you own the success of your program. It is not your friend’s job to make sure you are working out, it is yours. They are there for added encouragement, but the drive to succeed needs to come from you.
4. Set attainable goals – Setting goals you cannot achieve can create a recipe for disaster. Set goals that will give you a challenge, yet are still realistic. This will keep you motivated and still give you something to work toward.
5. Set specific goals – Determine measurable results for your efforts. If you want to lose weight or increase the amount of weight you are lifting set a specific goal. Come up with short term (weekly), mid-term (monthly) and long range (three to six months) goals.
6. Reward your achievements – As you start to see success, take some time to recognize all your hard work. Buy a new outfit, get a massage, do something special for yourself (try not to make it food related).

If varicose veins are keeping you from reaching your fitness goals, contact the team at PacificVein Care to discuss your options.