First things first: alcohol is seriously misunderstood. And we’re not talking about the kind you use to make a margarita—although if that’s part of your skincare ritual, kudos to you.
No, we’re talking about the types of alcohol used in skincare products. The “good” alcohols are those that are “fatty alcohols”. That means they’re derived from a source like coconut oil. Traditionally, these fatty alcohols help thicken a skincare product and they’re nourishing for the skin. Fun fact: vitamin A1 (retinol) and vitamin E are also technically classified as alcohols.
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This month, we’re opening with a new theme: #balance. March is going to be all about how we can bring more balance into our beauty and wellness routine. What things can we add in to even out the scales? What things need to be removed to achieve balance?
With that being said, our first blog of March is going to be on Stress + Aging.
If you’ve been even slightly aware of recent skincare trends, you’ll know that face oils have been becoming incredibly popular the past few years. While I love face oils, it also seems like it’s opened doors for a whole new area we have to be educated on. Questions like: What type of oil should I be using? Is coconut oil okay? What about fractionated coconut oil? What’s the difference? Will it help if my skin is dehydrated vs. dry?
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Valentine’s Day may be over, but we’re still sticking with our theme of #selflove!
For this blog, we’re going to talk about how sleep affects your skin. Sleep is one of those things we all want more of, and seem to have a difficult time getting enough of. It’s easier to slap on under eye gels in the morning (or the classic cold spoons) than going to bed early and getting a full 7-9 hours, but we’re here to tell you why you should make sleep an act of self-love.
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Facial rolling is more specifically known as jade rolling, since it gained notoriety as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique, and in TCM the roller is usually jade. It’s been used for centuries in Asia as a way to increase wellness and vibrancy. However, in the US, facial rollers are now made out of a variety of materials. Some of the most common are jade, rose quartz, and black obsidian. According to tradition, each stone that’s used will have different effects. Jade tends to be cooling, and is used to draw out heat and inflammation. Rose quartz is meant to be a nurturing, “warming” stone, while black obsidian is known as a clearing stone.
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This is one of those questions that isn’t asked often, but when a client is being given pricing, especially as a complete newbie to injectables, you can see that little flicker of surprise. Some people are more open, asking for a breakdown of the cost (which is great–it’s good to completely understand pricing before you get injected). We also get the comments, “I can’t believe I spent X amount and it was only ten minutes!” Well, I’m here to give you the lowdown on just why, exactly, your Botox seemingly costs so much when your appointment may seem so short. First things first: the product itself. Products like Botox and Dysport are considered neurotoxins since they’re a form of the Botulinum toxin. Dysport is abobotulinumtoxinA, whereas Botox is onabotulinumA. Subtle difference, and honestly not that important unless you really want to get into the science behind aesthetic neurotoxins, but it’s important to understand that there is a difference between brands, meaning that certain companies have “claimed” forms of the toxin, trademarked them, and have a monopoly on pricing. Think of it this way: sure, someone may have originally decided that almond milk was a great idea. But because almond milk is such a general and easily producible product, there wasn’t one company that got to decide they “owned” a form of almond milk. Imagine if they had, however. What if one company had figured out a really great way of producing almond milk, and managed to trademark it? If enough people wanted that type of almond milk, and especially if there were only one or two other kinds of almond milk, that one company could decide to set the pricing however they wanted. Keep in mind, however, that there’s a difference between a trademark, and a patent. Patents are highly protected, whereas a trademark means the name and formula can’t be outright stolen, but other companies can certainly use it to figure out how to make their own product. This is why Botox is usually how we refer to Botulinum toxin, since Allergan (the “umbrella” company that owns Botox, Juvederm fillers, and many other products) trademarked Botox in 1989 and was the first to do so before other companies followed suit. Now in 2019, there are four aesthetic neurotoxins on the market: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and the newcomer of the family, Jeuveau. Jeaveau was only approved by the FDA this year, so you’ll slowly see businesses start to incorporate it as we head into 2020. However, up until now, Botox, Dysport and Xeomin were the only players in the market, which means that pricing was set according to what the “umbrella companies” wanted. All this to say: aesthetic neurotoxins are very expensive for a business to purchase. Even if these neurotoxins were sold at cost to consumers (consumers being clients of aesthetic businesses), Botox and Dysport would still be expensive. However, in order to pay the practitioners who inject and the administrative and managerial staff who run the office, neurotoxins have to be sold at a higher than at-cost price, just like any other product (like the almond milk I mentioned, for example). Here’s the other reason your Botox costs so much: sure, it may only take a few minutes to inject. But you’re not paying your practitioner for how long it takes them to inject. You’re paying them for the years spent learning how to inject properly in that amount of time. Your practitioner has to have some type of medical degree, whether it’s in nursing, or as a PA or doctor. On top of paying and going through school for that degree, the aesthetic industry is extremely rigorous if you want to be a proper injector. You need to continually attend trainings, practice relentlessly, consistently review facial anatomy, always stay in touch with new techniques, and you must be incredibly diligent about safety. If you happen to be all of these things, pricing will reflect that. Which is why I consistently warn people that “getting a deal” may work when you’re shopping for clothes, but not when someone is sticking a needle in your face. If someone has cheap prices for the area, most likely they’re either watering down product or lack skill as an injector. The only exception to this rule is for training: when a new injector is being trained, they often work for free, because they are still learning. However, they should always be under the supervision of an experienced injector, and the models for training understand the situation before they go in to be injected. So, the next time you’re in for your injectables experience, hopefully you understand more why it seemingly costs so much for a short appointment. Remember it’s perfectly okay to schedule consultations and research multiple places to find one that works for you, but always stay aware of what you may actually be getting with a “great deal”. Stay safe, everyone! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com
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Getting injections is a bit like bringing a puppy home: it’s fun and exciting, but there’s also some challenges to go through, and sometimes you end up wondering what the heck you were thinking, doing this in the first place. Whether it’s crate training or getting a needle poked into your lips, we sometimes have to deal with obstacles that get in the way of what we want. In this case, one of the biggest issues stopping people from getting the injectables they want is their physiological reaction. Some of the most common reactions include: anxiety, feeling faint or actually fainting, and even nausea. I would say about 95% of these problems are caused because the client (that’s you!) forgets to breathe. It’s difficult to remember to take steady breaths when something is being injected into your face, since usually the focus is on staying still. Most of the time, you’re so focused on remaining still (which is hugely appreciated) that your entire body locks up and freezes. The downside to this is the lack of proper breathing, which usually causes a feeling of faintness or nausea, and can increase anxiety. This is where essential oils come in. Essential oils are a great way to make your injectables experiences go smoothly. When you focus on smelling an essential oil, it helps you remember to breathe because you’re focusing on inhaling and smelling the oil. Even applying the oil to certain points on your body can make a difference. Essential oils have numerous benefits, depending on the type of oil. There are many clinical studies that have examined the effects of using essential oils for pain management, anxiety, etc, and the science is in–they work! I’m going to list a few of the most common and proven-to-work oils that can help ease you injectables experience. Keep in mind that we have many of these in-office, so even if you don’t want to buy essential oils, you can always request them during your appointment. Also, take note: if you do want to buy essential oils, make sure you buy the highest quality you can, especially if you plan on ingesting them. Essential oils can be added to drinking water, but only very, very small amounts should be used. It’s safest to apply topically or use them in a diffuser, and you absolutely want to test these methods first to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction to the oil before you consider ingesting any. In addition, remember that not all essential oils can be applied “neat”, i.e. not all of them can be applied to the skin without a carrier oil. Make sure you know if your skin can tolerate an oil neat by doing a small patch test, and as always, try to research the oil beforehand and check with your physician to make sure the oil won’t interact with any health conditions or medications you have. For Anxiety This one is tried and true, and you definitely know it…Lavender oil! Lavender oil is the most popular oil out there, and for good reason. It’s one of the most widely used and studied essential oils, and it’s been proven over and over again that it works on everything from anxiety to insomnia to even potentially helping with hair loss. These studies (Kasper, 2013 and Kritsidima et al., 2010) found a noticeable reduction in anxiety and even in pain management when lavender oil was used as aromatherapy, and when ingested using a specific, safe form. For the average client getting injectables, you don’t need to be quite as high-tech with your application. I personally have applied lavender oil straight to my skin and have never had a problem, but if you’re particularly sensitive or worried about your skin’s reaction, mix it with a bit of another oil, like jojoba or coconut. Commonly, lavender is applied to the pulse points on your wrists. You can also apply it to your hair/scalp, which I think works best. Another go-to for anxiety is chamomile oil. It helps soothe anxiety, as well as headaches. As a side note, this is also a great tea to drink, and since it’s so common, it’s easy to buy. Chamomile oil is usually mixed with a carrier oil when applied to the skin, so take care to dilute it before using it topically. One of my favorites for anxiety, and probably the oil I use the most is jasmine oil. I purchase this pre-mixed with jojoba, and whenever I feel stressed or anxious, I take a few drops and apply it directly to the center of my chest where I tend to hold a lot of tension. Studies have shown that jasmine stabilizes your mood by soothing your nervous system but simultaneously stimulating your energy levels to keep you alert. For Faintness The two oils that work best for feeling faint are peppermint and rosemary. In fact, making a mixture of these two by using half rosemary and half peppermint is the gold standard for fainting! You can either mix them in a glass bottle, or you can simply add a few drops of each to a tissue and inhale. Faintness can come on suddenly, so if you know you have this tendency, it’s best to have this prepared beforehand and use it during your treatment as a preventative measure. The only downside to these oils is that neither of them is appropriate for use during pregnancy, and rosemary shouldn’t be used if you have epilepsy. As an alternative, use neroli oil if you can’t use peppermint or rosemary. Like the jasmine oil I mentioned above, I buy neroli oil mixed with jojoba, and apply it topically. Apply it directly under your nose, to your pulse points on your wrists or neck, and to the center of your chest. All of these spots will help you stay relaxed and alert. For Nausea Interestingly, peppermint is another must-have for not just fainting, but nausea as well. However, ginger oil (and ginger in general) is also considered just as effective. In my personal experience, I tend to respond to peppermint better; it just seems to be what resonates with my body. I know people who love ginger, and find that it works best for them, so it’s a good idea to try both and see what works for you. Multiple studies have shown that ginger reduces the severity or nausea or even eases it entirely (Lua, 2012 and Shin & Lee, 2017). Another option is lemon oil. I have a strong preference for oils with a citrus scent, so I always keep lemon oil in stock. A study showed that pregnant women experiencing nausea who used lemon oil had a reduction in nausea compared to those receiving a placebo (Nazemiyah et al., 2014). So yes, this oil is safe for use during pregnancy! I recommend using this oil by diffusing it or inhaling the scent directly from the bottle or a tissue. Lemon oil is incredibly potent and can burn your skin, so even if you choose to apply it topically, you absolutely need to dilute it with a carrier oil. These are a few of the most common and well-studied oils, but there are many more out there! Often, the oils that you’re most strongly attracted to are the ones that will work best with your body and be the most useful in easing your symptoms, to try to find some time to go shopping for essential oils and smell them. You can usually find them in places like a local co-op, or Whole Foods. Just remember to be safe when using essential oils, as they tend to be stronger than people think, and certain medications can have negative interactions (for example, grapefruit is a common no-no with many medications). When in doubt, as your doctor and do your research! As I mentioned earlier, even if you don’t have any essential oils, feel free to ask for one during your appointment, particularly if you know you’re prone to anxiety, fainting, or nausea. We’d love to hear if you try one and how it worked for you, so let us know if you use essential oils during your next treatment! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com
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We live in a fast-paced society, and most of us are getting too little sleep and too much salt, leading to puffiness and swelling throughout the body. Ever had one of those nights where you go out for dinner and drinks and you wake up the next morning with that weird, achy feeling? Not a hangover, but that feeling that makes you want to stay in bed, nursing a giant cup of coffee and maybe a gallon of water? Sometimes, due to hormones or the weather or really any other possible factor, we retain excess fluid in the body. However, we can also get that puffy, achy, drowsy feeling from a buildup of lymph fluid. Lympheda is a real, serious medical condition, and is not what I’m referring to here. What I’m referencing is mild stagnation in the lymphatic system from not exercising, eating poorly, or not drinking enough water, amongst other things. Our lymphatic system is one of our methods of “elimination”. Our body is constantly taking in substances from water, food, and air, and as a result, needs a way to remove what it doesn’t need. Just as it’s important to have proper digestion, it’s crucial to have healthy elimination throughout our lymphatic system. Of course, sometimes our lifestyle can get in the way, and that’s when we need a bit of extra help, which is where this short, easy lymphatic massage comes in. A full-body lymphatic massage is much more in-depth (and expensive), but it’s a great option if you’re able to fit it into your schedule and budget. Even if you do get a professional lymphatic massage, doing this routine every day or a few times a week will still be beneficial. I recommend doing it first thing in the morning, whenever you feel tired or groggy (mid-afternoon slump, anyone?) or at night, as you’re winding down to go to bed. It doesn’t require anything but you and a few massage techniques, but for added benefit, you can try incorporating calendula oil. Calendula (also known as Marigold) is a natural lymphatic, and will help drain the lymph. You can purchase some online, or make your own. Simply buy dried calendula, fill a small mason jar with the dried flowers, and pour oil on top. It has to sit in a warm, dry place for 2-6 weeks depending on how concentrated you want it, which is the only drawback. When you’re ready, strain out the oil from the flowers. The oil will be a beautiful bright red color, and is great for a variety of other uses. Now! On to the actual massage. It’s best to do these exercises standing, in order to allow gravity to do the work of assisting in the drainage. Make sure to keep breathing, taking deep breaths between exercises. Place your fingers along your collarbone, towards the notch at the hollow of your throat. Slide your fingertips up, over the bone, until they’re resting just behind it. If you were to pull your fingers forward, they should “hook” onto your collarbone. Using the pressure required to slide a quarter across a smooth wooden surface, gently press down. Imagine your fingers are being used as a pump. The appropriate pace is about 1 beat per second. Do this 50-100 times. Next, slide your hands up to rest on either side of your neck. Your pinky finger should be resting behind your earlobe, at about a 45 degree angle. Keeping your fingers pressed together, palms and fingers flat against the neck, draw your hands straight down. Your hands won’t ever lose contact with you neck; it’s just a gentle tugging. Emphasis on the gentle. None of these movements should be rough. Do this 50-100 times. If you feel the need to yawn, swallow, or move your jaw, do it! It’s a great sign things are moving. Next, place your middle fingers tip-to-tip. Take your hands, keeping them like this, and place them behind your neck. Tug gently straight down the back of your neck, 50-100 times. Lastly, you’re going to “Spock” your hands. Create a V by keeping your pinky and ring finger together, and your index and middle finger together. Place your hands on either side of your face, with your ear between your fingers. To clarify: your pinky and ring finger will be in front of your ear, along your cheek/jaw, and your index and middle finger will be behind your ear, along your hairline. Your earlobe should fit right in the space between your ring and middle fingers. Pull straight down, 50-100 times. If you’re feeling ambitious, it’s best to repeat these exercises, but in reverse order. Make sure to drink plenty of water afterwards, and try to stay standing up/moving around for a bit in order to let the lymph keep draining. You should notice almost instantly that you feel more relaxed, less puffy, and more clear-headed. If you have a tendency to get congested in your sinuses, you can also spend a minute or two pressing and gently massaging the points on either side of your nostrils, at the top of what we call the “smile” lines. If you’re someone who has been wanting under eye filler, but tends to get puffiness in the face, most likely you were told you weren’t a great candidate. This is because the hyaluronic acid fillers used on the under eyes attracts water, and if you have a tendency to retain fluid, filler may simply add puffiness. By doing this lymphatic massage, as well as focusing on a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and getting plenty of sleep, you may notice that your under eyes will resolve themselves, or you will become a good candidate for filler. If you try out this routine, let us know how it goes! Be careful not to do it after you’ve gotten Botox or filler, as you could potentially displace the product. Otherwise, do it as often as you’d like! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com
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Listen up, ladies (and gents–we see you!): fall is almost here, and the holidays are going to arrive much sooner than you think. That’s why it’s time to create your game plan when it comes to beauty this season. In years past, we’ve had people come in a week, or even a few days before a holiday party, claiming they want “perfect lips” for their event. I get it: having a great pout with some glam red lipstick is a look that’s hard to beat, especially for the holidays. Unfortunately, although we want to give you the perfect lips just in time for those holiday functions, we can’t always account for how your body will respond. Sometimes you’ll bruise, or you won’t be quite happy with one side, or the swelling takes a while to go down, or…you get the picture. The same goes for Botox. Remember that Botox takes 7-10 days to kick in, so plan ahead. With that being said, here are my detailed recommendations for your injectable timeline when it comes to the holidays. Botox This one is easy. Get your Botox in October. Funnily enough, October is when we have our big sale on Botox and filler (we totally didn’t plan that). More details will be released when we send out our email on the special, but for now, just know that it’s going to involve major savings. This is the best month to get your Botox for a few reasons. For one, if you get a full treatment, it’ll last you at least three months. That means it’s going to carry you through, wrinkle-free, until into the new year. The other benefit to getting your Botox done in October is that it gives you a chance to let it settle and still have time for a touch up. Inevitably, some people will need a touch up to really perfect their treatment. This means that if needed, you have a chance to correct everything in November, before Thanksgiving, and in December, before the rest of the winter holidays roll in. A note: I know everyone celebrates different holidays, so the timeline might be slightly different according to what day(s) you celebrate. Adjust as needed! Filler This one is also easy: get your filler done in October! You get a discount on your filler, it gives you plenty of time for a touch up, and since even our shortest-lasting filler stays put for a good six months, that means you’ll be looking glam until March. What that really means is if you get your lips done in October, you won’t need to worry about them again until spring and summer begin = more time for hibernation this winter. Since I’m all about maximizing my snuggle-with-a-good-book-and-hot-chocolate time in the colder months, this sounds like a great plan to me. Skincare Skincare is a little bit more complicated, because everyone has different skin types, and therefore different needs when it comes to facials and other treatments. However, almost everyone can benefit from doing a more in-depth exfoliation treatment before the holidays to help brighten and smooth the skin. Depending on what you normally do, skincare-wise, this can include peels, microdermabrasion, a HydraFacial, or adding on dermaplaning. Now, if you read my last article on dermaplaning, you’ll know that it’s one of my favorite treatments. I also think it’s a great way to step up your makeup-game over the holidays. In general, people tend to wear more makeup during the holiday season, and this includes foundation. Foundation glides on beautifully after dermaplaning (after a day or two of letting your skin breathe, of course), without all of those annoying little peach fuzz hairs sticking out. I also love a good HydraFacial at any point in the year. In fact, I think everyone, including both men and women, should be getting a HydraFacial every 4-6 weeks. It’s just good grooming. Good skin shouldn’t have a gender divide, you know? Plus, if you want a glow before an event, getting a HydraFacial the week before will insure you have soft, smooth skin, which is a good look on everyone. And, of course, now that the sun isn’t as intense, it’s a great time to do a peel. Peels remove several layers of skin, revealing a brighter complexion, better texture, and a more even tone. However, they do require some prep, so September is the month to schedule a consultation with an esthetician and see what treatment would be best for you, and how to prepare for it. If you do decide to get a peel, make sure to plan for healing time. The best times for a peel around the holidays is either October, beginning of November, or beginning of December. You want to give your skin 1-2 full weeks to heal completely. Some people shed their skin quickly after they’ve gotten a peel, but for some people, it can take some time for all of the old, dry skin to remove itself. By the end of the two weeks, your skin will look amazing, but if you have an event within a few days, and you’re still majorly peeling…well, it might be a good look for Halloween, but generally we don’t want our relatives to ask, “Uh, why is your face falling off?” at the Thanksgiving table. A Note About Money The holidays can be a stressful time for finances, for obvious reasons. That’s why it’s important to budget ahead of time, and if you can, get your beauty treatments done as early as possible. That way, when it gets to the last-minute present shopping, you’ll already be looking glam and will know exactly where your finances stand, instead of trying to cram it in all at once. That’s also why we like to offer an October special, as our own special present to you. And if you are looking for a last-minute gift, remember that we have gift certificates! As a last note: if you plan on coming in in October, make sure you book ASAP. It’s our busiest month every year, and things get a bit crazy. So, like I said earlier, check your schedule and plan ahead as much as you can. December-You will be grateful for September-You if you take care of these things now, rather than procrastinating. After all, less stress = fewer wrinkles. And isn’t that what we’re all after, anyways? Enjoy the start to fall, everyone! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com
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Tip Tips on Staying Youthful
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When I started working as an MA at Infinity, I assumed I’d get typical questions, like whether it’s okay to lie down after Botox (don’t do it for four hours) and how to reduce bruising (arnica+ice). However, one of the most common questions I’m asked is the following: “What do I tell people?” Many of the women coming through our office are unsure of how to “explain” their treatment. Although your final outcome should be elegant and subtle, initially your results can look dramatic due to swelling. Even if it’s not, there’s often bruising at the injection site. Now, I was raised in a house where politeness was the end-all-be-all, so even if someone had huge duck lips, I’m aware it would be rude to ask about it. I would hope other people also follow this rule: if someone doesn’t offer the information, and you’re not besties for the resties, you probably should just leave that topic untouched. However, from what I hear from our clients, there are a lot of nosy coworkers out there. So I’m going to give you some responses you can use to carefully diminish the conversation and turn it around to something not having to do with your face. The #1 Answer: “Oh, I just had a facial.” This is my number one because it’s not far from the truth. It’s still a beauty treatment, and for those of us who have gotten medical-grade facials, we know how intense they can be. Extractions hurt. Sometimes more so than getting injectables. And they can cause red spots, swelling, and even bruising, depending on how deep they are. Plus, society seems to find facials socially acceptable, whereas some people still have hang-ups about Botox and fillers. Chances are, if you use this excuse the person asking will blow it off pretty quickly. #2: “Oh gosh, I feel so self-conscious of my bruise/swelling/etc now!” This should stop people in their tracks. It’s a polite way of telling someone that what they just said was nosy, and made you uncomfortable. If they have the social grace of a bulldozer, however, they still might inquire further. In which case, refer back to #1. #3: “My bruise/swelling/etc is from my Botox/filler/etc treatment.” Here’s my belief: honesty is often the best policy. I’m usually open about the treatments I’ve had, partially because I’m asked about it so often at work, and partially because I try not to care what other people think. If someone has an issue with what I do with my face, that seems like a bigger problem for them than it is for me. Listen: we’ve all had work done, to some degree. Everyone, man or woman, cares about their appearance to an extent. We get haircuts, whiten our teeth, wear perfume and cologne, and worry about our weight, acne, breath, etcetera. Granted, some of these are basic hygiene issues, but I see no difference between getting your hair highlighted and getting a touch of filler in your lips. Why is one “fake” and not the other? Both are altering your natural appearance. So I say, why not own what you do, and be up front about it? At the end of the day, you should do what makes you happy. However, if you plain don’t want people to know your business, that’s totally understandable too. Just dab on some concealer, ice away, and if anyone asks, use responses #1 and #2 for a foolproof escape. Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com
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“What’s the difference between fillers, anyways? Aren’t they all the same?” If you’ve ever thought this, no shame, because most of us do. We hear the word “filler” and it’s like Botox: we assume it’s a one-size-fits-all type of situation (hint: Botox isn’t the only player in that field, either). In order to understand why you can’t use some of your Volbella in your cheekbones, or why Voluma is different from Radiesse, keep reading. Here are (some of) the main players in the game: Hyaluronic Acid aka HA Filler (Juvederm/Restylane/etc) Polylactic Acid Filler (Sculptra) Calcium Hydroxyapatite aka CaHA Filler (Radiesse) There are more, but these are the ones you’re most likely to run into in the injectables world. So let’s break them down (not literally). Products like Radiesse are made from ions of calcium and phosphate. What this means, essentially, is it’s going to mimic bone. Pro? It lasts a long time. Con? Once it’s there, it’s there. If it’s placed wrong, it can’t be dissolved. And because it lasts so long, you’re going to be stuck with your results for upwards of five years. We don’t offer this product at Infinity, but some injectors use it, so make sure you know what you’re getting into if that’s what your injector wants to use. Products like Sculptra work by stimulating collagen production. This means your body is actually creating the substance that will give you the overall volume. Again, you’re going to get longer-lasting results, but they can’t be dissolved. Some injectors use this product with great success, especially in larger areas of the body (like those that are looking for a non-surgical butt lift) and plenty of people use it in the face, but as always, ask lots of questions before you get this procedure. Once it’s injected, the results are there to stay. Products like Juvederm & Restylane work by attracting water to the area of injection. The filler itself is extremely hydrating (consider adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare regimen–your skin will thank you). HA fillers don’t last as long, since hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance, and your body metabolizes it more easily. However, the upside of this is that you can always dissolve and/or adjust your filler if you don’t like it. It’s also safer; if it’s accidentally injected in a blood vessel, it can be dissolved whereas products like Radiesse can’t. HA fillers are what we offer at Infinity, which is why I’m going to focus on them. So what’s the difference between Juvederm and Restylane, anyways? Juvederm and Restylane both fall under the large umbrella that is HA fillers. However, there are two smaller umbrellas: Allergan and Galderma. These are the companies that make these products. Allergan makes Juvederm and Botox while Galderma makes Restylane and Dysport (another form of Botox). Allergan is probably one of the most prominent medical aesthetic companies out there. Their fillers are pretty much a go-to for every injector. So let’s talk about those products first: Juvederm Ultra & Ultra Plus (lasts approximately 6-12 months) These are your basic fillers. They’re medium consistency, with Ultra Plus being quite a bit heavier. These are great for the lips, or great when injected to plump out the hollows of the cheeks. These products can be used just about anywhere, except they’re generally not used for the cheekbone area anymore, now that we have Voluma, which is the best product for that area (see below). Voluma (lasts approximately 18-24 months) Voluma is specifically for the cheekbones. The texture of this filler is what makes it so great for mimicking a prominent cheekbone. Voluma is usually only injected where there are supposed to be prominent bony areas. For example, the cheekbones, the jaw, and sometimes areas like the chin. Because it’s such a stiff product, it’s not great for the lips. Vollure (lasts approximately 12-18 months) Vollure was specifically designed for the nasolabial folds aka your smile lines. It’s great when used in that area. It can also be used in the lips. It’s designed to have a slightly more “pillowy” look than Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus, but it’s definitely going to give you lots of volume just as those two would. Sometimes Vollure can lump up in the lips (regardless of how it’s injected) so note that if it happens, it’s nothing to worry about, but if you want them gone you’ll have to go in and have the lump(s) dissolved. Volbella (lasts approximately 6-12 months) Volbella is the baby product when it comes to lines. It was designed for the “smokers lines” aka those wrinkles you get above your upper lip when you sip through a straw. As we age, those lines tend to stick around, and it can be difficult to remove them, so Volbella is your best bet. It’s an extremely thin filler, so it won’t give you much volume, but it creates a lovely, subtle look and smoothes out fine lines easily. If you want, you can also have it injected into your lips, but please note it won’t give you a huge increase in volume, and works best if you have thin lips. If you have somewhat full lips, it’s unlikely you’ll even notice a difference. And what about Restylane? Galderma follows the same pattern as Allergan, having designed different products for different areas of the face. We only use two of their products at Infinity, Restylane-L and Restylane Lyft, but I’ll give a brief overview of the others offered. Refyne & Defyne (lasts approximately 12 months) Refyne was designed for the nasolabial lines and marionette lines, as was Defyne. The gel they use has special cross-linking tech to create supportive results, while still remaining natural. We don’t offer these products at Infinity. Lyft (lasts approximately 12 months) Lyft is very similar to Voluma. It’s meant to be used in the cheekbone area, as well as the hands. It’s a very lifting product, as the name implies, so again, like Voluma, this isn’t a product you would want to put in the lips. We offer this product at Infinity. Silk (lasts approximately 6 months) Restylane Silk is a very thin, light product, that uses smaller particles. This product was designed for the lips, and was made to create natural, soft results. We don’t offer this product at Infinity. Restylane-L (lasts approximately 12 months) Restylane-L, often confused with Lyft, is one of those, basic, go-to products like Juvederm. This is primarily what we use for under-eye filler. Unlike Lyft, it uses smaller particles, so it’s more versatile. We do offer this product at Infinity. Now, an overview: By reading through these descriptions, you should now have an idea of why your injector won’t agree to split a syringe of Voluma between your cheeks and lips. Even though “filler” is a general term, it’s just like when you’re cooking–you might use spices, but there’s a big difference between what you’d use cinnamon for, and what you’d use smoked paprika for, you know? If your injector refuses to use one filler in a certain area, they should definitely explain why, so you can understand. However, please be aware that injectors are not trying to get you to buy pointless syringes of filler. If they recommend something, like both Voluma and Volbella, please be aware that they think those will give you the best results, versus used something like Juvederm all over. Of course, you can always discuss your options, but it’s good to understand that there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to fillers. Of course, this doesn’t account for dishonest people who may try to dupe you–but as I always say, do your research, go in for a consult, and ask lots of questions! Have a great start to August, everyone! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com
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