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Colorescience Sunforgettable for Ultimate Protection from Sun Damage

Scientists and doctors have warned about the dangers of sun exposure for decades. For more than 30 years, they have been advising the public to take necessary precautions before going outdoors into the direct sunlight. While wearing a high-SPF sunscreen can do wonders for protecting your skin, you may wonder what other steps you can take to keep the sun’s harmful UV rays away your face. You can add another layer of protection against the sun by wearing Colorescience Sunforgettable cosmetics.

The Dangers of Sun Exposure

UV rays from the sun damage your skin in more ways than you realize. You likely already know that you can suffer a painful sunburn by staying out in the sun too long, but you may not know the unseen damages that occur when you expose your skin to UV rays.

Scientists have discovered that UV rays alter the structure of your skin’s cells. The structural alteration results in not only burns but also discoloration or sallowness. You also could develop sun spots or moles due to excessive sun exposure.

Similarly, too much direct sunlight causes your skin to look aged and wrinkled. It may even take on a leathery appearance as it loses natural hydration and develops deep lines because of the exposure to UV rays.

More worrisome, however, is the fact that UV rays contribute directly to the development of both precancerous and cancerous growths on the skin. You may notice that a mole changes shape and appearance when you are out in the sun too long. These changes could indicate the start of skin cancer and could require surgery and other treatments to keep the cancer from spreading.

It is understandable that you do not want to worry about what the sun might be doing to your skin when you go outside. You can skip the worry and protect your skin by wearing Colorescience Sunforgettable cosmetics.

What Are Colorescience Sunforgettable Cosmetics?

Colorescience Sunforgettable cosmetics offer high-quality SPF protection when you wear them. They look and function like normal makeup. However, they also come with high levels of SPF protection in them so that you protect your face and neck while wearing them.

They are available in colors that are natural and blend into your normal skin tone. They are also easy to use and not heavy on the skin like some makeup products.

These products are compact and portable, allowing you to take your sun protection with you anywhere. You do not have to add sunscreen to your face when you wear Colorescience Sunforgettable. The products already have sunscreen in them.

Exposure to the sun can damage your skin in more ways than you might know. Even going outside on a cloudy day could put your skin at risk of burns, discoloration, mole growth and more. When you would rather avoid the hassle of putting on sunscreen each time you go outside, you may prefer to use all-in-one products that offer sun protection. You can find that convenience with Colorescience Sunforgettable cosmetics.

Colorescience Sunforgettable cosmetics are among the many specialized skincare products provided at Urban Allure in California. Contact us today to learn more!

Benefits of Rejuvenize Peels in San Francisco

Urban Allure is a medical spa located in San Francisco that was established in 2005. Dr. Loraine Franks is the medical director, and she earned her MD at the University of Colorado. She then served a residency at the University of California and completed a fellowship at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Among the more popular of our treatments are the Vitalize and Rejuvenize Peels.

What Services Does Urban Allure Provide?

Urban Allure provides a variety of services that include the following:

• Laser hair removal
• Skin rejuvenation
• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion

What are the Illuminize, Vitalize and Rejuvenize Peels?

Illuminize, Vitalize and Rejuvenize Peels are chemical peels produced by a company called SkinMedica®. They work by making the skin shed faster than normal, so the topmost layers flake off or even peel off in sheets.

Rejuvenize Peels are used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and make the skin smoother. Its ingredients include salicylic acid, malic acid, phytic acid and panthenol. An average treatment takes around 45 minutes, with application taking 20 minutes. Most clients need three to six treatments with one treatment every month or so to get the desired results.

The Vitalize Peel has similar effects to the Rejuvenize Peel, but it is a milder formula. Its ingredients include salicylic acid, lactic acid and panthenol. Treatment takes about 45 minutes, with the application taking 20 minutes. Most clients need three to six treatments to get the desired results, and they may get one treatment every three or four weeks.

The Illuminize Peel is the mildest chemical peel produced by SkinMedica. It makes the skin appear brighter and evens out the complexion. Its ingredients include salicylic acid, phytic acid, mandelic acid and panthenol. As a superficial peel, it does not cause the peeling seen with the stronger treatments. Clients may get treatments every two weeks, and they will usually need at least three treatments to get the desired results.

What is DiamondTome?

DiamondTome is a technology made by the company Altair Instruments. It is used in microdermabrasion treatments. The device exfoliates the skin with diamond crystals and then vacuums the crystals, dead skin cells and other debris. The technology includes a HydroWand that is used to administer a variety of serums that nourish and hydrate the skin. Different types of serum can be used to treat problems like excessively dry or oily skin or uneven complexion.

What Does Laser Hair Removal Involve?

Laser hair removal involves the use of a laser that targets the pigment in the hair and travels down that hair to reach the hair follicle, which it then destroys. Since the laser only works on hairs that are actively growing, the client will need to undergo four to seven treatments to eliminate all the hair. A hair’s life cycle runs four to six weeks, so clients will need to space their sessions accordingly.

Laser hair removal does not typically cause any discomfort; many patients say the treatment feels like nothing more than a rubber band snapping against the skin.

Learn More About Rejuvenize Peels

If you are looking to improve the texture and tone of your skin, the Illuminize, Vitalize and Rejuvenize Peels may be right for you. We can help you learn more about these popular treatments at Urban Allure in San Francisco. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and get started.

Revitalize Dull Skin with Microdermabrasion

When you refer to something as dull, you are not giving a compliment. So, what should you do if you’re looking at yourself in the mirror and you realize that the best adjective to describe your skin right now is dull? We invite you to learn more about microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a treatment that has helped many individuals obtain a brighter complexion, more vibrant skin, and a more attractive appearance overall.

So, what makes microdermabrasion so great? First, it’s a non-invasive treatment. It is designed to gently exfoliate your skin. What this does is get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, embedded makeup, and other things that are robbing your skin of its vibrant appearance. You are left with a younger layer of skin.

You might be thinking to yourself, can’t I just purchase an over-the-counter product and exfoliate my skin at home? The answer is yes. However, a professional microdermabrasion treatment is going to produce results that you could never obtain on your own. This is a deeper treatment that is delivered in a safe way with the goal of revitalizing your damaged skin.

Microdermabrasion can help to minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation. This could be caused by age spots, brown patches, or other forms of discoloration that is caused by the sun or by hormonal changes. Additionally, the treatment makes your skin more susceptible to topical creams. So, if you’re going to use a skin care product on your skin, microdermabrasion will allow it to absorb the product more easily.

Microdermabrasion is a simple procedure that is performed in the comfort of our office. This treatment does not have downtime. You’re able to go right back to your everyday activities. Your skin might be a little bit red or sensitive, but that’s going to go away quickly after the treatment.

In order to get the maximum results, you may need a series of microdermabrasion treatment sessions. However, it will depend on your aesthetic goals. It is important that you protect your skin by using sunscreen in between the treatments.

During a consultation at Urban Allure, you can get all the facts about microdermabrasion, including whether or not it can benefit you specifically. Our office is conveniently located in San Francisco. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started!

Rejuvenate Your Skin with Chemical Peels

You should be proud of the way that you look. Truthfully, we’re all not going to look like a movie stars. Not every guy will end up 6’4” and full of muscles. But to a reasonable degree, we should be happy with our appearance, the contour of our face and the condition of our skin. If we’re not, we should be willing to take some reasonable steps in order to improve the way we look. For example, if you do not like the way that your facial skin looks, you can do something about it by getting chemical peels.

What is a chemical peel? Essentially, it is a treatment in which an acidic solution is applied to your skin. This specially designed solution helps when it comes to treating acne, blemishes, freckles and uneven pigmentation. Chemical peels can range from very superficial to very deep depending on your particular skin concern. We offer the Vitalize and Rejuvenize Peels at our medical spa, both of which provide excellent results for a wide variety of skin conditions. During your initial consultation with us, we will help you determine which type of peel is right for you.

A chemical peel is usually a short process. The solution is applied to your face and allowed to sit there for around 10 minutes. After it is washed away, your skin will peel appropriately to the strength of the solution used and reveal new, healthier skin underneath.

There are many benefits that come from adding a chemical peel to a part of your regular skincare routine. For example, if you receive a light peel at our center fairly regularly, our experts will become very familiar with your skin, which will allow us to notice any minor changes in your skin that could be an indication of something more serious in the future. This means we can also monitor your skin and adjust the contents of the peel with the goal of providing you with the best results.

When it comes to skincare, just like anything else, prevention is better than a cure. That means that it is better for you to take the time to prevent your skin from developing serious issues by getting treatments such as chemical peels than to undergo very involved procedures to reverse serious skin concerns.

Chemical peels can treat many issues. For example, if you are dealing with sun damage, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and acne and acne scars, a personalized peel will likely be able to help you. Our peels can improve the way your skin looks and feels.

You can experience full skin rejuvenation with chemical peels. The experts at Urban Allure are proud to provide this popular treatment to qualified candidates at our center in San Francisco. Contact us today to book your first appointment and learn more!

Minimize Signs of Aging with IPL Treatments

Even with the most dedicated skin care regimen, blemishes, an uneven skin tone and fine lines and wrinkles can persist. Most experts agree that the best way to minimize the signs of aging on the face and elsewhere is to stimulate the production of healthy tissue. Intense pulsed light therapy is an effective treatment for rough, wrinkled skin. It targets damaged skin cells and safely destroys them. The body responds by creating new tissue and increasing the amount of collagen in the dermal layers. We highly recommend IPL treatments for those who have trouble minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, rosacea and other types of hyperpigmentation.

How It Works

The instrument used in this procedure is a handheld device that produces a beam of broadband-spectrum light energy. Unlike a laser, the device can be calibrated to deliver certain wavelengths, each of which carries energy of a different level. Our skin cells and other tissues each have a specific density and tone, and only certain wavelengths of light are absorbed by each type of tissue.

When we consult with the client, we examine the skin to note the tone, the actual tone of any dark spots and the depth at which these problem areas exist. This allows us to calibrate the IPL device to target the chromophores in these cells while leaving other tissues unaffected.

During and After the Treatment

IPL treatments are performed in the comfort of our office. During the treatment, the light energy penetrates through the epidermis and heats up specific tissues that lie beneath. The energy is also absorbed by any collagen that is present. This stimulates the body to produce more of this important substance. Depending on the severity of the condition and the thickness of the discolorations, we may schedule a series of treatment sessions.

The results aren’t immediately noticeable, but the body slowly begins to accelerate the production of replacement skin tissue. Collagen production will increase over the following months. The final results are smoother skin with fewer wrinkles, more evenly toned skin and less visible scars and blemishes.

Advantages of IPL Treatments

This is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t involve the use of harsh solutions or products. It’s the perfect alternative to surgical procedures such as a facelift. This is rapidly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for common skin problems.

During a consultation at Urban Allure, you can get all the facts about IPL treatments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in San Francisco!

Throw Away Your Razor with Laser Hair Removal

Everyone wants to look their best. When you look in the mirror, you want to be happy with what you see looking back at you. This is one of the reasons why people are attracted to laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is very effective. It will leave you with long-term or permanent hair reduction. Laser hair removal is also very quick. And after you go through your series of treatments at our office, you are not going to have to worry about wasting your time using manual hair removal procedures day in and day out. You can actually take your razor and chuck it in the trash after you have this procedure done.

It’s a good idea to get rid of some myths about laser hair removal. One of the biggest myths that people have is that the only way that you can have the procedure done is if you allow the hair in the treated area to grow out. And so, some people shy away from laser hair removal treatment because they don’t want to have a hairy face or a hairy body while they wait for treatments. However, the truth is that you can shave even the day of your laser hair removal treatments. It’s not going to affect how the treatments turn out. What you do need to avoid is plucking your hairs or using a waxing kit. That’s because plucking and waxing remove your hair follicles, and the treatment needs the hair follicles in order to be effective.

For laser hair removal to work, your hair follicles have to be healthy. The pigment of your hair is going to absorb the laser’s energy, similar to how a black t-shirt absorbs the energy from the sun on a warm day. That energy is then transmitted to the hair follicle, destroying it and rendering it useless. After a series of treatments, you are left with hair-free skin.

Laser hair removal is not a one-time deal. You will need to have multiple treatments in order to get the results you want. This is because your hair grows in a cycle. So, the hair follicles that you have that are active today are not the same ones that will be active a few weeks from now. Multiple treatments are needed in order to safely destroy all of the hair follicles, thereby ending or reducing the hair growth.

Are you interested in laser hair removal? Make an appointment at Urban Allure in San Francisco to see if this treatment can work for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started!

Am I a Candidate for Juvederm XC?

When you look in the mirror on a daily basis, it might be difficult to notice the small changes that are taking place. Some of the changes that you might notice are wrinkles around your mouth and around your nose. If this is true, you may be a good candidate for Juvederm XC®. This product is designed to combat the folds and marionette lines that happen around your mouth.

Juvederm XC® is like many of the other products produced by Juvederm®. It is a dermal filler that uses hyaluronic acid as its base. One of the nice things about dermal filler technology is that it is constantly growing and is constantly evolving.

Manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to make these products better to help new patients. This is what led to the development of Juvederm XC®. The product uses a technology that offers the perfect mixture of low molecular weight with high molecular weight to create a substance that produces amazing results.

In addition to filling out the unwanted lines in your face, Juvederm XC® is a substance that encourages your body to hold onto moisture without giving the treated area a swollen or bloated appearance. If the mixture in the Juvederm XC® solution was not perfectly balanced, your skin would get too much water and the effects would be negative.

The treatment itself is very simple and usually only takes minutes to complete. During the treatment session, the Juvederm XC® solution is skillfully injected into the areas that need treatment. You should be happy to know that Juvederm XC® contains lidocaine, which will help you feel as comfortable as possible during the treatment. Once the treatment is done, you’re able to go back to virtually all of your everyday activities, making the treatment very convenient.

Juvederm XC® is a powerful tool that can help you look and feel your best. Talk to our cosmetic professional at Urban Allure in San Francisco to learn more about what makes this such a unique tool that can help you defy aging. This is also your opportunity to find out if you are a good candidate for the treatment and ask whatever questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started!

BOTOX for Non-Surgical Wrinkle Reduction

It isn’t always necessary to undergo an invasive surgical procedure to eliminate or minimize the appearance of wrinkles across the visage. Certain types of wrinkles can be effectively addressed via strategic injections of the BOTOX® solution. BOTOX® is an FDA-approved purified protein solution that’s capable of smoothing fine lines around the mouth, across the brow and around the eyes. These treatments are short, safe and hassle-free. There’s no incisions or recovery time.

Why Choose BOTOX®?

With an invasive facelift procedure, patients have to mentally prepare themselves for a long-term recovery. This means dealing with downtime and limiting or even missing out on certain activities. With BOTOX®, you can deal with certain types of wrinkles without resulting to surgery and without dealing with days, weeks or months of downtime.

A Simple Procedure

There are multiple reasons why BOTOX® is so popular. The injections usually take just minutes to perform. There’s no special preparation for these procedures, and there’s no special aftercare. In fact, as soon as the injections are complete, most people immediately return to work or their regular activities. This is an extremely convenient treatment for people with busy schedules and lifestyles.

How Does BOTOX® Work?

The first wrinkles to appear on the visage are often dynamic wrinkles. These are the wrinkles that are easiest to see whenever facial movements are being made. Whether frowning, smiling, laughing or making any other facial expressions, the underlying expressive muscles must engage. These muscles can begin retaining tension over time that will ultimately manifest at the surface of the skin as noticeable fine lines and wrinkles.

When BOTOX® is skillfully injected into the affected areas, nerve signals to the expressive muscles are affected, tension is released and the surface skin is effectively smoothed out. The client can still make normal facial expressions. The only difference is that the skin in the treated area remains smooth.

Is BOTOX® Right for You?

The best way to see if you qualify for BOTOX® is to get in touch with us at Urban Allure. Schedule a consultation at our office in San Francisco so that we can evaluate your facial features and help you determine if this treatment can work for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!