Urban Allure Blog - Learn More About Our Services!

How Intense Pulsed Light Can Benefit You

One of the newer approaches to skin rejuvenation, intense pulsed light therapy, or IPL, is gaining in popularity because of the simplicity of the treatment and the rapid results it produces. Some people confuse this procedure with laser skin resurfacing, but the instrument used in IPL treatment is somewhat different than a laser. It produces pixelated beams of broadband light, meaning that a number of different wavelengths are emitted.

This allows the dermatologist to customize a treatment for each client, and the concentrated yet gentle light energy pulses trigger a rejuvenation of the skin without the harmful effects of skin cauterization. We encourage you to read on to discover the benefits of IPL treatments and why we prefer this type of photorejuvenation over other means of correcting common age-related skin problems.

Using Light Energy For Skin Treatment

Light is made up of photons, and photons are absorbed by certain materials having a given density and tone. When energy is absorbed by skin tissue, the tissue heats up and is slightly damaged. This is a good thing, because the body will respond by creating healthy replacement tissue.

However, subjecting the skin surface to concentrated light energy is similar to suffering from sunburn. An IPL device doesn’t cause this because it can be calibrated to deliver a combination of wavelengths that pass right through the epidermis and be absorbed deeper down. The skin surface will benefit anyway, because it is in the lower dermal layers than new epidermal tissue is created.

How We Perform The Treatment

We consult with the client and examine the facial features closely. We’re looking at the dynamic wrinkles, acne scars, injury scars, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. This allows us to customize the treatment and schedule the proper number or treatment sessions.

After the skin has been treated with a cooling gel, the IPL instrument is pressed against the surface. Each pulse of the lamp is very brief in duration. The darker, more dense tissues beneath the epidermal layer will absorb the energy and heat up slightly.

This shrinks the collagen in the affected tissues. Strange as it may sound, this results in an increase in collagen production. The heat also shrinks capillaries, and this helps to minimize the appearance of blemishes such as age spots and injury scars.

Gradual Improvement In Skin Texture

After about four treatments, spaced apart by a week or so of healing, the skin becomes more taut and supple. Fine lines become almost invisible thanks to the increased amount of collagen in the skin. Blemishes all but disappear, and age spots are not as dark as they were before the treatment began.

There’s no downtime after IPL treatments. The client can go on with normal activities. However, it’s a good idea to stay out of the sun during the treatment schedule.

No Surgery, No Strange Chemicals

The rising popularity of intense pulsed light therapy is due primarily to the simplicity of the procedure and the fact that the skin isn’t subjected to harsh chemicals. The skin isn’t ablated, meaning that the results are far more predictable. Contact us today to learn more about IPL and how you can benefit from this effective cosmetic skin rejuvenation technique.

Get Longer Lashes with Latisse in San Francisco

When you hear about getting longer lashes, one of the things that you may think about is using false eyelashes. Or something else that might come into your mind is using eyelash extensions. While these things have definitely benefited individuals who have used them, they have their downsides. We are talking about getting longer lashes in a natural way. Latisse can help you to improve the way your eyelashes look. If you live in the San Francisco area, we invite you to our office to learn more.

The first thing that you should know is that Latisse is not a cosmetic treatment. It is not like mascara. You do not apply it to your lashes in the same way that mascara is applied. It is not used to darken or lengthen your eyelashes in the same way that this cosmetic product is designed to improve your eyelashes. Latisse is actually a medication. It is designed to help you to actually grow eyelashes that are longer and thicker. Individuals who use Latisse will also notice their lashes get darker as well. These are usually goals that individuals hope to achieve with false eyelashes, eyelash extensions, and mascara. However, you can get these amazing benefits on your own with this amazing product.

If you regularly use mascara, you know what a hassle it can be. First, it is something that you have to apply every day. In some cases, you actually have to touch it up throughout the day. You may have issues with it clumping on your eyelashes or you may have had the negative experience of having it run if you cry or if you live in a hot environment. If you use waterproof mascara, you know that it is extremely difficult to remove. When you use Latisse, you can say goodbye to your mascara. Your eyelashes are going to look longer, thicker, and darker. However, you can achieve all of these amazing results without the need to apply mascara. And since you no longer have to use mascara, you will not have the same exposure to the harsh chemicals contained in the product.

In order for you to use Latisse in a safe and effective way, you must visit one of our doctors. Since it is a prescription medication, it needs to be applied in a specific way in order for you to get the best results. When you visit our San Francisco office for your first consultation, we will discuss all of the details of how to use Latisse and when you can start seeing benefits from the product.

The great thing about Latisse is that most people out there qualify for this treatment. If you have serious eye issues, you may not qualify. Or if you have other serious health issues, we will discuss these with you when you visit us for your consultation. The majority of healthy individuals out there can start getting longer lashes with Latisse right now. Please contact us today at Urban Allure to schedule your consultation.

Refresh Your Look with Juvederm in San Francisco

Would you describe your facial skin as smooth, soft, and youthful? While everyone would love to use these words to describe their appearance, many cannot do so if they are going to be really truthful. Unfortunately, things like wrinkles, indentations, and sagging skin all cause a person to have an appearance that is anything but perfect. If you would like to refresh your look, Juvederm® may be the right option for you. San Francisco residents are warmly invited to contact us to set up a consultation.

It is very likely that you have heard of Juvederm®. However, you may not completely understand how or why it is used. It is a very popular line of dermal fillers. They have several different products that can be used to help individuals who are dealing with a loss of facial volume, wrinkles, fine lines, and other imperfections that make them feel less than attractive.

Dermal fillers are extremely popular because they are safe, quick, and provide fantastic results. If you have areas of your face that are losing volume because of the aging process, dermal fillers can be injected in order to give you back some of your facial volume and provide just the right amount of lift. They are extremely versatile and benefit your skin in a variety of ways.

As you learn more about dermal fillers, you are going to quickly see that they are based on several different types of ingredients. For example, some are based on collagen. Others are based on synthetic ingredients. Juvederm® is based on hyaluronic acid. This is a substance that your skin naturally produces and it is what helps your skin to hold onto moisture and to look and stay hydrated.

When you visit us in our San Francisco office for Juvederm® treatments, you can expect several different benefits to come from these injections. First, you are going to have a more attractive facial contour. You are going to notice that your skin has more lift and volume and looks smooth. You’ll also notice that the results are natural-looking.

Another benefit that you will enjoy because of Juvederm® treatments is the fact that the hyaluronic acid that is contained in the product is going to bring many benefits to your skin. It is going to help your skin to look moisturized and hydrated. It will help your skin to hold onto water, so it will keep your skin looking fresh and plump.

If you live in the San Francisco area, make an appointment at Urban Allure to find out more information about Juvederm®. Contact us today to book your consultation at our office in San Francisco!

3 Skin Treatment Options at Our Med Spa in San Francisco

Being treated at our med spa in San Francisco is a great way to brighten your complexion and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin so that you appear like a younger and/or better version of yourself. Some patients are baffled at the wide range of treatment options that are available to them, so let’s take a look at just three of the most popular skin treatments we have to offer.

1. Professional Peels

The typical peel can be seen as a simple form of exfoliation; we are able to gently remove only the very outermost layers of skin that is actually composed of dirt and cellular debris. This material is not part of your living skin. Therefore, it acts as a kind of cover over your naturally radiant skin. Once we remove it, the true beauty of your skin can shine forth and brighten your complexion in a very noticeable way.

2. Cosmetic Injectable Treatments

We are proud to offer BOTOX®, which is the go-to treatment at our med spa for anyone in San Francisco dealing with dynamic wrinkles. The treatment basically relaxes the muscles that are responsible for dynamic wrinkles, thus, smoothing the skin above the treatment area.

Dermal fillers have exploded in popularity recently as a way to fight static wrinkles and fill in places that have lost volume as a result of the aging process. This is largely due to the fact that they can offer significant results without the need for incisions that can sometimes cause complications or lengthy downtimes. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities right after their treatment.

3 . Dermalinfusion Skin-Resurfacing Treatment

Dermalinfusion Skin-Resurfacing is an amazing treatment at our med spa that aims to exfoliate your skin and infuse it with helpful substances while also extracting impurities. It helps minimize the appearance of many different skin concerns.

Are you interested in taking advantage of skin treatments at a state-of-the-art med spa? Make an appointment at Urban Allure in San Francisco and learn more about your treatment options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Smooth Away Dynamic Wrinkles with BOTOX in San Francisco

Everyone makes facial expressions from time to time. This natural response to something funny, confusing, scary, or happy often has the added adverse results of creating deeper facial lines and unattractive creases. Individuals might notice these as vertical lines on the forehead or as drawn down mouths with downward mouth to chin creases. These expression marks can leave individuals embarrassed by the very skin on their faces. Individuals with these deeper skin mars often only had the option of fixing them through a long and involved facelift surgery. An option to eliminate these unwanted lines and wrinkles is BOTOX!

BOTOX® is a treatment that involves a tiny amount of this product directly injected by a trained healthcare professional to the stubborn expression telltale signs. This impressive treatment actually works on the small muscles under the areas where individuals have these creases and wrinkled areas. The product relaxes those muscles without causing that wide-eyed crazy look that many today are afraid of developing. The truth is, that performed correctly by a trained professional, BOTOX treatments are considered by the FDA and medical experts to be generally safe, and the treatment gives natural looking results. Patients notice that their skin smooths out and the unappealing skin wrinkles disappear.

There can be some more serious reactions if patients have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications. It is important to share all of your health information just so that these rare effects can be avoided. The minute amount of BOTOX enables those affected facial muscles to stay relaxed enough to not cause those deep creases, but still allows for the natural expressions that all individuals have. This procedure won’t make individuals look different or even that they had anything done.

All of your concerns can be discussed when you come into the beautiful facility that offers a relaxing atmosphere and cutting-edge cosmetic equipment. A consultation appointment allows every potential patient to have the time and knowledge to understand how the treatments work. Most patients are very pleased with the exceptional results. Usually, individuals begin to notice that the facial skin appears calmer and completely natural. Over several days, patients see that their facial skin has dramatically improved. Results generally will remain for months. Patients often decide to repeat the experience because they have such wonderful results.

With no recovery or downtime, individuals are back to their usual functions and activities. Patients are asked to simply avoid rubbing the area and keeping their heads elevated for the initial several hours following the treatment. While in these gorgeous surroundings, ask about additional treatments and skincare products that the staff is happy to discuss. In just 10 minutes, the easy treatment is finished. The benefits of looking your best helps to instill more inner confidence. San Francisco residents interested in BOTOX® treatments that work to gently smooth those unwanted dynamic wrinkles away can contact Urban Allure for an appointment.

Say Goodbye to Your Razor with Laser Hair Removal in San Francisco

Your razor is a trusty tool for stripping unwanted hair off your body. Whether it is a handheld manual razor with multiple blades or an electric razor with multiple rotating heads, your razor has served you well each morning in the privacy of your San Francisco home. You might use your razor to rid your face of unwanted facial hair or to give your legs that silky, sexy smooth finish. You work hard to stay on top of your hair removal efforts. The thought of not having to go through the ritual of shaving each day is something you thought was just a dream. Yet, every day people just like you are shelving their razor for an alternative method of hair removal that saves them both time and money. With laser hair removal, you will not only end up with less hair to shave off your body, but you will find that you will be shaving far less often too.

Getting Laser Hair Removal Treatments

Laser hair removal is that it is not a process that will immediately lead to no more shaving, but rather means shaving less frequently over time. What you can expect following laser hair removal treatments is that your hair will grow back thinner and less frequently. This means you will likely be spending less time shaving and more time enjoying your life!

Visiting our office in San Francisco for a consultation will help us determine the best treatment plan for you. Depending on the area treated, you may require follow-up treatments to achieve your goals and best results. A member of our staff will work with you to review your goals and options.

Why Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal treatments involve using a laser to specifically target and damage the hair follicles in an area where there is unwanted hair growth. When it comes to preventing thick, frequent hair growth from coming back with a vengeance, a laser is used to do damage to the hair follicles. Damaging more of these follicles is key to maintaining less hair growth.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you could benefit from laser hair removal, contact us today at Urban Allure to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve the San Francisco area and work to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Take the first step to spending less time shaving!

Benefits of Facial Services Like Juvederm XC in the Bay Area

Aging is a big deal for many people in the Bay area. Every time they look at themselves in the mirror and they see that they look older, they feel frustrated and sad. So it’s little wonder that the anti-aging cosmetic market has grown exponentially over the years. Although there are a variety of products that promise to minimize the signs of aging, there are only a few that actually do what they promise. An example of a product that can reduce the signs of aging is Juvederm XC®.

Juvederm XC® is designed to improve the contour of your face and make these signs of aging less prominent. Prior to products like Juvederm XC®, the only option that was available for treating excess skin and unwanted wrinkles was a surgical facelift. Now, with FDA-approved products like Juvederm XC®, you are able to tighten your skin, add volume to your cheeks, and take control over the way you look.

Juvederm XC® is unique because it is currently the only injectable treatment that has received FDA approval to add volume to your cheeks. When your cheeks have volume, you look younger. Have you noticed that when you look at artist’s renditions of individuals who are supposed to be older, they have hollow cheeks and they have hollow temples? However, when an artist renders a person who is youthful, their cheeks and their temples are full and plump.

Juvederm XC® not only adds volume to your face, but it subtly changes the contour of your face as well. It can actually give you a mini-facelift by lifting up your cheeks. Obviously, the results you receive from an injectable treatment are not going to be the same that you get from a surgical facelift. That being said, the temporary results you get after Juvederm XC® treatments at our office in the Bay area can be very noticeable and positive.

Juvederm XC®, like many other injectable fillers on the market, has hyaluronic acid as its primary ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is something that naturally occurs in your skin. This rather long chain of sugars is what helps your skin maintain its moisture. The reason why you may be experiencing a loss of facial volume is because your body is not producing the amount of hyaluronic acid it produced a few years ago. By having the Juvederm XC® treatment, you are infusing your skin with hyaluronic acid and providing a matrix for future hyaluronic acid production.

You do not have to be plagued with unwanted wrinkles and a loss of facial volume in the Bay area. Get the natural result you want immediately with Juvederm XC® treatments at Urban Allure in San Francisco. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more!

Rejuvenate Your Skin with Customized Skin Treatments in San Francisco

Each person has different needs when it comes to their skin. Each person has different genetics, they have lived different lifestyles, and everyone is in different age groups. All of these things can dramatically change the type of skin treatments that a person needs. This is something that we thoroughly understand. For this reason, we offer treatments that are customized in order to help San Francisco residents who are interested in rejuvenating their skin.

When you visit us here in our San Francisco office, the very first thing that we will do is examine your skin. You will work with a skin care professional who will carefully examine your skin. They will look for damaged areas. They will also ask you questions about skin care concerns that you have. They want to understand your skin care routine and understand the type of goals that you have when it comes to improving your skin. Once they are armed with this information, they will be able to come up with customized skin treatments in order to help you refresh and rejuvenate your skin.

One of our most basic skin treatments involves the use of injectable substances. No matter the problem, we can customize our skin treatments in order to fit your particular needs and help you reach your particular goals.

We also offer a wide range of skin treatments that will go deeper than injectables. For example, we offer a variety of chemical peels that can help get rid of the top layers of dull skin and encourage the growth of new skin cells. These skin treatments are great for individuals in San Francisco who have scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and sun damage.

There are a wide variety of other treatments that are available, including microdermabrasion. If you are interested in an even deeper treatment, ask us about other available skin treatments that are based on Intense Pulsed Light or IPL. Our goal is to help you look and feel your best.

Here at Urban Allure in San Francisco, we will help you achieve your skin care goals with skin treatments that specifically address your skin issues. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office and get started!

Who is a Good Candidate for BOTOX in the Bay Area?

If you are currently considering BOTOX® treatments, know that you are in good company. Many people in the Bay Area and all around the United States get these treatments every single year. BOTOX® is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed today, and for good reason. We invite you to learn more information about this incredible injectable treatment.
BOTOX® is popular because it is effective and safe. It is a neuromodulator that causes the muscles in the treated area to relax. This, in turn, leads to the skin that is covering the muscles relaxing and its wrinkles smoothing out. BOTOX® has been successfully used to help people who have problems with crow’s feet, frown lines, as well as forehead wrinkles.

Just because this treatment is effective on some people does not mean that it is right for everyone. This begs the question, who is a good candidate for this treatment in the Bay Area? You may want to consider these treatments as an option if you have unwanted wrinkles. It is important to understand the difference between the wrinkles that BOTOX® can treat and those that it cannot treat. BOTOX® is specifically designed to address dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those that are caused by your expressive muscles. Dynamic wrinkles appear around your eyes, around your forehead, and around your mouth. Having dynamic wrinkles is the first qualifier for being a candidate for these treatments.

You may qualify as a BOTOX® candidate if your moderate or severe wrinkles bother you. However, you won’t know until you schedule a consultation and talk to our experts. To know for sure if you are a candidate for BOTOX®, speak with our experienced medical professionals in the Bay Area. Keep dynamic wrinkles at bay and enjoy a smooth, wrinkle-free complexion.

At Urban Allure, we aim to give you great, lasting results. Our office is conveniently located in San Francisco and we happily serve clients in the entire Bay Area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more!

Get Glowing Skin with Microdermabrasion in the Bay Area

Everybody wants their skin to look amazing. Unfortunately, the older we get, the more our skin loses some of its shine. We start to develop problems with skin cell turnover, and this means that the luster of the external layers of our skin begins to diminish. When we look at our skin in the mirror, we realize that it looks a lot rougher than it did when we were younger. It can be so disheartening to watch your skin to lose its former glow that you might even consider surgical procedures. Thankfully, there are nonsurgical options that allow you to get back some of your youth. You can get glowing skin with microdermabrasion in the Bay Area.

What is Microdermabrasion?

This is a comfortable treatment that gets rid of dull, dead skin cells on the outermost layer of skin. We are talking about those layers of skin cells that make your skin look dull and like it has no life.

In the hands of a trained professional, the diamond tip used to remove the external layer of your skin can work magic. When performed by a professional, this form of microdermabrasion is completely safe and can produce unbelievable results.

Individuals who have had microdermabrasion performed comment that their skin looks younger. They describe their skin as having a soft glow. This soft glow gradually appears because healthier skin cells are replacing the dead skin cells that are making you look bad.

The depth of microdermabrasion is completely controlled by the individual performing the treatment. If you want a little deeper work done, the tool can be pressed closer against your skin.

Microdermabrasion has the ability to make your skin look great without the harsh chemicals that are linked to chemical peels. It’s able to make your skin look younger without using dangerous lasers, such as those in laser resurfacing. What makes this treatment so nice is that it requires zero downtime. In fact, your skin will look so great that it’s likely that you’re going to want to show your complexion off to the world shortly after having the Microdermabrasion session.You are left with skin that is softer and that is noticeably smoother.

One benefit of microdermabrasion is that the treatment can be performed during your lunch hour. You can go at the start of your lunch hour and come back to work as if nothing happened. As an added benefit, the treatment produces cumulative results. So, the more treatment sessions you get, the better your skin is going to look. Microdermabrasion is not an overnight solution. However, even after your first treatment, you’re going to see that your skin looks better and has regained its youthful glow.

Learn More Today

Look and feel younger with microdermabrasion. Visit Urban Allure in the Bay Area and regain confidence in your skin. Call today for a consultation.