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.

A New You for the Holidays and New Year: How varicose vein treatment can improve your health

Varicose veins are not just unsightly; they can be painful and result in more serious complications such as ulcers and hemorrhaging. With the New Year rapidly approaching, this time of year is the perfect opportunity to take charge of your health and resolve to be your best, healthiest self. This year, make a resolution to get rid of unsightly veins, painful swelling, and discoloration for good.

At Pacific Vein Care and Blue Sky Medical Spa, we understand that looking good and feeling good go hand-in-hand, and are closely tied to a healthy self-image. Fortunately, thanks to treatment improvements, varicose veins are often easily and quickly taken care of in an outpatient setting. Insurance may cover the cost of treating varicose veins if they are due to a medical condition, such as venous insufficiency.

Treating varicose veins most often involves closing off the problem veins so that blood stops pooling in them. Once these veins are closed off, they will fade. Pain and swelling also disappears as blood is successfully rerouted through healthy veins. It is safe to remove varicose veins, because these veins are dysfunctional, and your body has already made new veins. In fact, removing these damaged veins allows your body to circulate blood more efficiently through its newer, healthier veins. Some of the methods implemented to close off veins are laser surgery (by a burst of light), sclerotherapy (by foam, or a solution that causes scarring), radiofrequency (by heat), or microphlebectomy (by extracting veins through tiny incisions).

At Pacific Vein Care, our treatment approach is:

●       Revolutionary and unmatched by other vein-only centers.

●       Quick and convenient, with treatments usually under 1-2 hours for a single vein.

●       Minimally-invasive.

●       Committed to giving you “healthy legs for life.”

●       Outpatient, with a fast recovery time.

●       The most advanced methods that are both effective and pain-free. 

Located in McHenry, IL, Pacific Vein Care and its medical spa, Blue Sky, can help you achieve a better, healthier you for 2017! For more information or to set up a free consultation, call (815) 759-2368 or visit our site. We at Pacific Vein Care and Blue Sky Medical Spa wish you a bright holiday season, Happy New Year, and a successful journey on your path to wellness!

 

Skin Care Specials for a Beautiful Holiday Season

The hustle and bustle of the “most wonderful time of the year” can also bring a great deal of stress as you try to fit it all in. It can also mean forgetting to take care of yourself as you rush to find the perfect gift and make time for one more holiday gathering. At Blue Sky Med Spa in McHenry, IL, we want to remind you to take some time to treat yourself this holiday season.  And to make it easier, we are offering special pricing on four popular treatments if you book before December 31, 2016.

Facial Treatments – Facials are not only great way to pamper yourself, but can also help your skin look great for upcoming holiday gatherings.  They can also improve circulation and blood flow under the skin’s surface and promote cell renewal; as well as deep cleaning in a way that your normal skin care routine is unable. Toxins and dirt that build-up under the surface of your skin can cause puffiness, ruddiness and breakouts. A facial allows you to cleanse at a much deeper level while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles on the surface. Customize a 60-minute facial for only $149 and get at free NeoCutis ritual kit, while supplies last.

VI Purity Peel – This gentle and powerful medical-grade chemical peel is the perfect treatment for individuals who suffer from acne and acne scars. It also can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, age and sun spots, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores and a variety of other skin concerns. Book your treatment before

December 31, 2016 for only $149.

Micro-needling – Reduce acne and scaring, diminish fine lines and wrinkles and help boost collagen production with this popular treatment. Micro-needling promotes the body’s natural collagen and elastin production while improving the skin’s texture for a glowing complexion. In addition, it has been shown to improve the absorption of other healthful skin serums. The procedure is minimally invasive with little downtime. Book your 60-minute treatment for only $179 – now through the end of the year.

Laser Procedures – Get 15 percent off all laser treatments until December 31, 2016. Reduce the appearance of scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and improve tone and texture. Book early so you can look your best for all your holiday gatherings.

Contact the team at Blue Sky Medical Spa today to book your holiday skin care treatments.