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Winter Skin Care: Skincare Routine & Tips

November 1, 2021

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Dry, cracked, and dull skin, unfortunately, are common issues your skin can face while dealing with the colder temperatures, and as we crank up the heat inside, the dry air can also cause a whole slew of different issues. Caring for your dry skin in winter is important, so here is a skincare routine and some additional tips to help keep your skin feeling glowy, hydrated, and healthy.

 

Winter Skin Care Routine

The first step to ensuring your skin stays supple and hydrated through the cold winter months is to adjust your skincare routine. When the temperatures drop, humidity levels drop as well; as a result, it’s important to ensure your skincare routine is gentle and hydrating to seal in moisture and keep your skin looking its best. Here are some tips to switch up your routine to fight off dry skin in the winter:

  1. Wash with a gentle cleanser: When cleansing your skin, swap out your foaming cleanser and opt for a gentler formulation like a balm, oil, or cream. Foaming cleansers can strip the skin of its moisture and disrupt the skin barrier. Balm, oil, and cream cleansers aren’t as harsh and are just as effective at washing your skin. Consider using cleansers that are fragrance free and don’t contain large quantities of harsh ingredients like alcohol.milk + honey cleansing balm
  2. Incorporate a good exfoliator: A gentle exfoliator can help remove dead skin skills and reveal softer, glowing skin. Not only does exfoliating help your moisturizer absorb better, but it also helps create a smooth base for makeup application. That being said, don’t over do it! Choose between a chemical exfoliant or gentle physical exfoliant and use it once a week. You can bump it up to two times a week if your skin can tolerate it.milk + honey exfoliating toner
  3. Use a daily moisturizer: Moisturize with a rich cream or oil-based moisturizer in the winter. They are more effective than lotions at locking in moisture and hydrating the skin’s outer layers. Don’t forget to also moisturize your hands, since they often come into contact with water and are exposed to the cold air.milk + honey intense hydration cream
  4. Always carry lip balm with you: Your lips can be exceptionally sensitive to the colder weather, so it’s best to keep them moisturized and protected. Use occlusive balms to seal moisture in, and consider using a lip mask at night to make sure your lips stay hydrated through the night.milk + honey lip balm
  5. Wear sunscreen daily: It’s important that you continue to wear sunscreen as part of your winter skin care routine. Even if the day is gray and snowy, sunscreen ensures your skin is staying protected from harmful damage caused by UV rays.
  6. Incorporate skincare oils: Use a hydrating oil after applying your moisturizer. Oils can add an extra layer of moisture to help keep your skin hydrated in the winter and provide antibacterial and healing properties to keep your skin looking its best.milk + honey face oil
  7. Use a heavier nighttime cream: Night creams contain ingredients that hydrate your skin slowly over several hours. This ensures that you wake up in the morning with plump, hydrated skin. In the long term, night creams can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve your skin’s elasticity.
  8. Use an overnight mask: If a heavy night cream isn’t cutting it, consider investing in an overnight mask. Overnight masks can help lock in your products, like oils, creams, and serums, to keep everything working more effectively without evaporating away. Masks don’t only seal in your winter skin care products, but they also provide a barrier from the dry, cold air, to prevent further moisture loss. For extra hydration, keep a humidifier on throughout the night to ensure the air around you isn’t drying out your skin.
  9. Incorporate hydrating ingredients into your winter skincare routine: Changing your skin care routine can seem like a daunting task – but it doesn’t have to be! Look for these ingredients to build out your own ultimate winter skincare routine:
    • Hyaluronic acid – Hyaluronic acid helps bind and retain water molecules so that skin can appear dewier and more hydrated.
    • Ceramides – Ceramides help create a barrier to lock in moisture into your skin, which helps prevent dryness and irritation.
    • Lipids – Lipids, such as grapeseed oil, can help shield and protect the skin from the dry air to promote moisture retention.
    • Aloe vera – Aloe vera is a soothing ingredient that can help alleviate the pain of cracked skin and can help along with the healing process. Not only can it heal your cracked skin, it also can add an extra layer of moisture and protection to your skin.
    • Lactic acid – Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant that helps remove accumulated dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. Find products with lactic acid if you feel physical exfoliation is too rough on your skin.
    • Glycerin – Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it helps draw water to the skin to make sure your skin remains feeling hydrated and refreshed.

Winter Skin Care Tips

Once you have a winter skin care routine down, it’s important to get in the habit of protecting your skin, both indoors and outdoors. Follow these additional winter skin care tips to ensure your skin stays healthy and hydrated in the winter:

  • Invest in a humidifier: With cold weather comes dry air – both inside and outside. Invest in a humidifier to make sure that enough moisture is in the air to prevent your skin from drying out.
  • Avoid hot baths & showers: Hot water can irritate sensitive or dry skin. Try to use lukewarm water when taking a shower or a bath. You’ll also want to limit how much time you spend in the shower to avoid stripping the moisture from your skin.
  • Wear comfortable, non-irritating clothing: When going outside, wear clothing that can act as a barrier between you and the elements. Wear gloves, ear muffs, and scarves and make sure you’re choosing fabrics that aren’t scratchy or irritating.
  • Lower the thermostat: Turning up the thermostat can contribute to dry air that can cause cracked, dull skin. Consider turning it down to a cozy 68°F to 72°F to ensure your skin stays hydrated while indoors.
  • Moisturize frequently: If you feel your skin getting dry throughout the day, carry a small cream or balm with you that you can apply while on-the-go. Don’t forget to also grab your lip balm!
  • Layer your skincare: Layer your skincare to help lock in moisture to prevent dry skin during the winter season. A good rule of thumb is to layer lightest to heaviest (toner, serum, moisturizer, oil, cream/mask).
Medical Aesthetics

The Ultimate Guide to Laser Skin Resurfacing

September 15, 2021

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser treatments are proven to be extremely effective at treating a variety of skin concerns – from redness, and hyperpigmentation, to active acne and fine lines + wrinkles.  Here’s everything you need to know about BroadBand Light (BBL) and Moxi laser treatments:

 

Types of Lasers

BroadBand Light (BBL)

What is it and what does it treat?

Broadband Light (BBL), is a photofacial treatment from Sciton that gently delivers multiple wavelengths of light energy into the outer layer of the skin, promoting collagen production and stimulating cell regeneration on a molecular level. BBL’s advanced light technology is truly one of a kind as it allows for a customizable, precise treatment that ultimately targets a variety of skin concerns. 

  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Active Acne and Scarring
  • Rosacea and Redness
  • Broken Capillaries 
  • Freckles
  • Age Spots

Broadband Light is typically suitable for lighter skin tones as darker skin tones can absorb too much light resulting in hypo and hyper pigmentation. Patients will always consult with their medical provider first to determine if Broadband Light is right for them! 

Treatment areas

Face, Neck, Decollete, Arms, and Hands

How often do you treat?

BroadBand Light (BBL) is not a ‘one-and-done’ type of treatment. It is recommended to treat a minimum of 3-4 sessions, every 4-6 weeks. Ultimately, our medical providers will create a customized treatment plan based on their patients skin severity, overall goals and needs.

Is there downtime?

This treatment provides minimal downtime! Patients can expect to be rosy/red immediately following their treatment and should subside within a few hours. Patients can also experience ‘coffee-ground like’ texture and pigmentation however, this will naturally slough off within a few days. Pigmentation can also appear darker, which is normal and it is crucial for our patients not to pick, exfoliate, or scrub the treated area as it can lead to long-term scarring or greater pigmentation. Patients can return to normal activities within 24 hours, but it’s advised to wear daily SPF and limit prolonged direct sun exposure for optimal results.

How much does it cost?

 Starts at $500/per session – please note, pricing can range depending on the treatment area(s). 

 

Moxi 

What is it and what does it treat?

Moxi is a non-ablative fractional resurfacing laser treatment, meaning it does not damage or injure the skin layer – rather it emits energy to the skin. Compared to traditional resurfacing lasers, Moxi is used to treat visible signs of aging by gently resurfacing the skin, leaving you with more radiant-looking skin with minimal to no-downtime. Safe for all skin types and tones, the Moxi laser has three energy settings, to allow for customized treatment.

Moxi can be used as a standalone treatment, but when combined with BroadBand Light, patients can address both texture and tone in a single session!

The Moxi laser is an ideal choice for those looking to improve:

  • Fine Lines and Wrinkles
  • Uneven texture and scarring  
  • Sun damage and brown pigmentation (including melasma) 
  • Minor skin laxity

Treatment areas

Face, Neck, Décolleté, Arms, and Hands.

 How often do you treat?

Similar to BroadBand Light (BBL), Moxi requires multiple treatments to truly maximize results. It is recommended to treat a minimum of 3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Ultimately, our medical providers will create a customized treatment plan based on their patients skin severity, overall goals and needs. 

Is there downtime?

Following their treatment, patients can expect immediate redness, accompanied by a warm sensation that typically subsides within a day or two. Additionally, pinpoint bleeding and mild swelling may occur, and patients might experience roughness as the treated skin cells slough away. To ensure optimal results during the healing process, it is recommended that patients wear daily SPF and minimize prolonged direct sun exposure.

How much does it cost?

Starts at $550/per session – please note, pricing can range depending on the treatment area(s). 

 

What’s the difference between the two?

While these skin resurfacing treatments have some overlap, it is important to remember that BroadBand Light photofacials are focused on improving skin tone while Moxi laser treatments are designed to improve texture

Schedule your laser skin treatment today with milk and honey. 

Massage

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage and How to Do It At Home

September 15, 2021
self massage

Over the last year or so, people from every corner of the world had to pivot quickly to land on their feet when things went awry. In the hustle to morph our homes into makeshift offices,  command centers, and even classrooms, it’s entirely possible that there were plenty of things that may have slipped through the cracks. Undoubtedly, ergonomic desk setups, desk posture, and self-care are high on that list. 

Fast forward more than a year later, and here we are. Many of us are still sitting at awkward desk setups, probably for longer daily stints than we’d like. At the end of the day (both literally and figuratively), our neck and back muscles are likely paying the price through the accumulation of toxins that build up over time. 

Indeed, by this point, the knots in your neck might be in need of a little TLC, and a self-massage with lymphatic massage therapy can certainly help. 

While you can book a consultation with one of our licensed massage therapists, it’s understandable if you’re not quite ready to visit a spa just yet. If that’s the case, rest assured that doing self-massage at home can be equally beneficial for promoting lymphatic drainage. Ahead we take a closer look at what lymphatic drainage is, the benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage, and we share some tips for how you can do it at home. 

 

What is lymphatic drainage?

The lymphatic system is a network of connective tissues and organs that is responsible for draining and removing excess fluid and waste from your body. Additionally, the lymphatic system also transports fats, water, proteins, and toxins to lymph nodes which are small clusters of cells located throughout the body that contain immune cells and work to fight infection. 

Lymphatic drainage is the process by which your lymphatic system moves toxins out of your body tissues into the lymph nodes so they can be eliminated. Lymphatic drainage works by pulling toxins out of body tissues and transporting them through a fluid called lymph using lymph vessels, into the lymph nodes where the toxins are removed. Once toxins are removed, the result is fresh lymph fluid that continues circulating throughout the body to pick up and remove more toxins. 

However, the flow of lymph can be slowed down or blocked if toxins build up in a particular area resulting in a condition known as lymphedema. With lymphedema, you may notice swelling and reduced range of motion in the affected area. More importantly, the disrupted lymphatic drainage process reduces the effectiveness of your immune system because the removal of toxins is slowed down. To address lymphedema, you can use lymphatic drainage massage to help restore the natural flow of lymph fluid.

 

What is lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a type of gentle massage that promotes the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. Essentially, the skin is gently stretched and released over known lymphatic pathways.

For most spas, lymphatic massage therapy is considered a cornerstone technique for reducing inflammation and fatigue, and it is often used to help rid the body of toxins. Moreover, lymphatic massage can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost your immune function, and glowing skin when performed on the face. 

 

How to do a lymphatic drainage massage at-home 

Lymphatic massage therapy is relatively easy to perform on your own, but it’s important to remember that the key to a successful outcome is light pressure. Essentially you’re only rubbing your skin and stretching it gently toward your lymph nodes. If you happen to feel the muscle under your skin, you’re likely pressing too hard, so a good rule of thumb is to use your finger pads only, not your palms. 

One of the best areas to do lymphatic drainage massage is your neck, because it contains some of the largest lymph nodes in your body. To begin, rest your fingertips in the triangular dip just above your collarbone. And again, with an extremely light touch, gently and slowly stretch the skin in a downward motion. 

Next, place your hands flat on the back of your neck, right at the base of the skull on either side of the spine. Then stretch the skin towards your spine and move your fingers down toward the base of your neck, and release. 

Finally, place your full right hand across your neck, resting your index finger on your jaw. With light contact and just enough pressure to gently stretch your skin, move your hands in a downward motion toward your collarbone. 

While it may take some time to get the hang of a lymphatic drainage massage, you may find that if you keep at it, you’ll feel a little less stressed and a bit more relaxed. 

 

When to visit a professional for lymphatic drainage massage

If you’re experiencing severe swelling or reduced range of motion in a particular area, you should talk with your doctor to discuss treatment options. They may recommend a combination of exercises, treatment lotions, and lymphatic massage therapy to help.

While at-home lymphatic massage therapy can be helpful for mild issues or as part of your regular body-care routine, for severe or ongoing issues a professional massage therapist is recommended. If you’re interested in scheduling a professional massage, book an appointment at your local milk + honey spa.

Medical Aesthetics, Skin Care, Treatments

What is a BBL Photofacial and How Does It Work?

August 24, 2021
laser skin treatment

If you’re considering getting a BBL photofacial but would like to know more, learn everything you need to know including what it is, how it works, and other helpful info to help you decide if this treatment is right for you.

What Is A BBL Photofacial? 

BroadBand Light (BBL) photofacials are a popular laser treatment for the face or other areas that can treat acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, this popular treatment also addresses other common skin concerns like those associated with aging and sun damage. BBL photofacials have been shown to effectively treat age spots, sun spots, and spider veins, and it can even reduce the prominence of freckles and some birthmarks. 

 

How Do BBL Photofacials Work?

Often confused with laser treatments, BBL photofacials are actually different. Instead of the more focused light of a laser, the BBL procedure uses non-invasive light waves to target and treat trouble spots and damaged tissue due. Moreover, laser treatments operate on a single laser wavelength, whereas BBL uses a broad spectrum of light that can be filtered in myriad ways to treat different skin conditions. Another notable difference is that BBL treatments can also treat a larger area of skin than a laser.

Most practitioners and skin care professionals will agree that BBL photofacials are the gold standard as far as laser treatments are concerned. Not only does it effectively treat a slew of skincare issues, but it’s also the only photofacial that changes and even reverses the expression of the genes associated with aging. 
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Skin Care

3 Reasons To Get A Back Facial

August 24, 2021
woman's back

While the focus of most skincare routines is squarely on the face and maybe even the neck, there are a few other parts of your body that stand to benefit from a little TLC from time to time. 

While most people are familiar with the benefits of a regular facial, it’s likely they don’t think about their back in the same way. But the truth is a back facial can help clean, tone, and exfoliate a part of your body that’s often forgotten or taken for granted.

And as we approach the height of the summer, you’ll also find that a revitalizing back treatment could help you pull off a backless top, a sexy dress, and of course, that swimsuit you’ve been waiting to debut. 

 

What Is A Back Facial?

Performed by a licensed esthetician, a back facial, like the one offered by Milk + Honey, typically begins with gentle cleansing and exfoliation, which is then followed by extractions, a masque, and oil-free hydration. 
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Medical Aesthetics

How Long Do Medspa Treatments Last?

August 24, 2021
medspa treatments

Milk + Honey offers our clients a wide variety of medspa treatments to help them look and feel their best. Ahead, we take a look at some of our most popular procedures, what they’re good for, and how long the results from the treatment will last. 

 

Injectables and fillers 

Injectables and fillers are minimally invasive med spa procedures that restore volume and lift the face. These products can be used all over the face to plump, smooth, and minimize the look of moderate to severe wrinkles. Dermal fillers can also be used under the eyes to diminish the look of bags and dark circles. 

How long do injectables and fillers last?

The longevity of dermal fillers and injectables depends on quite a few factors, including the type of filler used, the injection location, and even the patient’s individual metabolism. Some fillers can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, while others can last up to 5 years. 

For example, Milk + Honey offers a collection of 5 different Juvederm products to treat our client’s specific needs. And while these products all fall under the Juvederm line of soft tissue fillers, their longevity tends to vary as follows: 

  • Juvederm Vollure – Up to 18 months
  • Juvederm Voluma –  up to 2 years
  • Juvederm Ultra –  up to one year
  • Juvederm Volbella –  up to 1 year
  • Juvederm Ultra Plus – Up to 1 year

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Skin, Skin Care

5 Common Types of Wrinkles and How to Get Rid of Them

August 24, 2021
wrinkles

After a long soak in the tub, your skin will wrinkle, and after years and years of sun exposure, your skin will wrinkle. While the wrinkles from your bath will disappear within minutes, it’s not that easy to rid your skin of the wrinkles caused by sun damage; this little example clearly shows that all wrinkles are not created equal. In fact, there are five distinct types of wrinkles; each one has a different cause and, therefore, a different approach to get rid of them. Ahead, we’ll look at different types of wrinkles and what you can do about them. 

 

Expression Wrinkles

Also known as dynamic lines, expression wrinkles are caused by a combination of a loss in elasticity and repeatedly making the same expression over and over again; think crow’s feet from smiling and frown lines. Remember that unlike other parts of the body, facial muscles are attached directly to the skin tissue. So when you make certain facial expressions like a smile or a frown, you’re causing the muscle just under your skin to expand and contract. These movements tend to cause temporary creases in the skin; however, they can become permanent and even deepen over time. 

Expression lines are just a part of your face, and there’s little you can do in terms of prevention. You can, however, minimize the appearance of this type of wrinkle with injectable neurotoxins like Botox or Dysport
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Body, Skin Care

What are Back Facials and Why Should You Get One?

July 21, 2021
back facial

By now, everyone seems to have a skincare routine down. But what about the skin you can’t see? Back facials may seem like a new trend, but consider how much pampering you give the rest of your body. Your back skin deserves just as much care as the rest of you, and this is one area that you probably need a little help to tend to. 

What is a back facial?

Similar to the more common face-facial, a back facial is a series of treatments that opens pores, extracts impurities, and leaves the skin soft, moisturized, and refreshed. Steam is used to open the pores and prep the skin for cleansing and exfoliation. From there, the esthetician will assess the client’s skin and determine what treatments will bring your best back forward. 

If there is acne or clogged pores, the esthetician will perform extractions to safely remove the offending spots and help your skin clear up. On the other hand, dry skin will receive extra hydration through masques, serums, and oil-free moisturizers. 
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Skin Care

13 Tips for Preventing and Treating Maskne (Mask Acne)

July 21, 2021
mask acne

During the COVID-19 pandemic, masks became part of our regular routine as they were required in most public places. The primary reason for wearing a mask was to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, but even after people got vaccinated some continued wearing masks because it also helps prevent the spread of other illnesses such as the flu. Beyond reducing the spread of viruses, other reasons people continue to wear masks include helping with allergies, reducing the need for makeup, or simply as a means of expression through the mask design much like with clothing and accessories.

While masks definitely have their benefits, they also come with one unfortunate consequence: mask acne or maskne. Masks, especially reusable fabric ones, trap oil, bacteria, and dead skin and then rub up against your face, clogging pores and irritating follicles which causes mask acne. Even if you’re wearing a clean mask every day, maskne is inevitable. 

If you plan on continuing to wear a mask, learn everything you need to know about mask acne including prevention and treatment tips.

What is maskne?

Maskne is acne around the mouth, chin, and cheeks that is specifically caused by wearing a mask. The term is an umbrella that can refer to acne (clogged pores), rosacea (a skin condition that causes redness and pimples), contact dermatitis (a sensitive reaction to the mask itself), or folliculitis (infected hair follicles). If you already had any of these conditions, the friction and buildup of substances can provoke a flare up. On the other hand, if you previously experienced clear skin (lucky you!), the addition of a physical barrier against your face can spark new skin issues. 
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Massage, Treatments

Benefits of Detox Steam And Massage Treatment

June 23, 2021
woman getting a relaxing massage

When you opt for a detox steam and massage from milk + honey, you’ll know from the description that it includes a body brushing, our signature massage with a delightful blend of rosemary, echinacea, eucalyptus, and geranium essential oils, and, of course, a steam treatment. But what are the benefits of steam, and why should you choose the detox steam and massage over any other body treatment to begin with? 

While the menus and brochures from your favorite spa might provide the information you need to make a decision, chances are you’ll still have questions about your treatment prior to your appointment. What should you wear? What happens when you walk into the treatment room? Will your massage therapist leave you alone in the room? If it’s your first time, your questions and (and maybe a little apprehension) are completely understandable. 

Ahead, we take a look at milk + honey’s Detox Steam and Massage. We’ll talk about the benefits of steam for your body (and why you may want to consider adding this treatment highlight to your spa experience), and we’ll also walk you through the process so you’ll know exactly what to expect when it’s time for your appointment.  
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