February 11, 2010

Spring Packages for beautiful lips and smooth, hairless skin

Afterglow Medi-Spa Offers two Spring Packages for beautiful lips and smooth, hairless skin

Afterglow Medi-Spa Offers two Spring Packages for beautiful lips and smooth, hairless skinBeautiful Lips Package: It’s kissing time again! With all the new spring lip colours on drugstore shelves, many of us are wondering how we can make our lips look plumper and more youthful.

Women generally seek lip enhancement for one of two reasons: They were born with “thin” lips, and would prefer a fuller, more plump appearance, or they are noticing that their lips are becoming flatter and less “padded” due to aging. Either way, a treatment at Afterglow can restore or create natural-looking fullness in the lips, in a mere half hour or so.

To help your lips look their very best, Afterglow is offering a special lip enhancement package, Teosyal Kiss®, a safe and pain-free filler that has a completely natural feel and will not “drift” inside the lips.

Afterglow Medi-Spa Offers two Spring Packages for beautiful lips and smooth, hairless skinLaser Hair-removal Package: If facial or body hair is getting the better of you and you are tired of reaching for your razor, tweezers, depilatory, or waxing kit, a Laser Hair Removal treatment at Afterglow could well be the answer…

Women frequently have unwanted hair on the upper lip or eyebrow area, in the bikini zone, under the arms and on the legs, while men often wish to rid themselves of excessive hair on the back, chest, between the eyebrows or on other parts of the face.

The Sciton BBL™ (Broadband Light) laser offers a safe, effective and permanent alternative to shaving, tweezing and waxing, that you are sure to love.

Please call Afterglow at 604-980-3993 or email us now for more details.

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Category: Body Skincare, Events / Media, Facial Skincare
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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

January 12, 2010

Ten tips for youthful-looking skin

Ten tips for youthful-looking skin

Ten tips for youthful-looking skin

With 2010 already in full swing, a lot of our “of a certain age” clients are wondering how to improve their skin this year. So here are ten tips to help your body’s largest organ look and act more youthful:

1. Follow a skincare regime that is appropriate for your “stage” in life. Today’s professional skincare products are filled with active ingredients that, applied regularly, actually produce a beneficial effect, helping the ski’s cells to behave in a more youthful fashion. Talk to Afterglow staff about Afterglow’s own line of professional products to find a regimen that is tailored to you.

2. Need we say it again? Use your sunscreen every day and —just as importantly—make sure it is marked “broad spectrum.” The SPF rating applies only to UVB rays, however, UVA light is far more damaging to the skin in the long run. This is because it is all around us, even on a dull day, and can pass through a glass window pane. Broad spectrum sunscreens contain blocks against UVA light, protecting your skin from cumulative damage.

3. Get enough sleep. Although skin repair is an ongoing process, lack of sleep causes an increase in the stress hormone cortisol and this can slow the production of collagen. Between 7 and 8 hours a night is the appropriate amount of shut-eye for that youthful bloom.

4. Get enough exercise. By increasing blood flow, physical activity will bring blood and nutrients to the surface of your skin, encouraging a healthy glow.

5. Don’t smoke. Smoking damages the skin. Period. Not only will you develop dynamic wrinkles from all that puffing and squinting, but the blood vessels in the surface of your skin will constrict, resulting in a dull pallor.

6. Eat more fruits and veggies. Their antioxidants are good for your whole body. Fruits and veggies are also hydrating.

7. If you are past menopause, the reduced estrogen in your body will gradually cause breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in a thin, sagging appearance. Consider Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Dr. Ebrahim will be able to advise you on BHRT so you may wish to set up an appointment with her.

8. Treatment with the Pro-Fractional laser has been shown to improve the tone and texture of aging skin. You may also wish to discuss this with the staff of Afterglow.

9. Don’t forget to exfoliate. Exfoliating the outer layer of skin (epidermis) encourages cell renewal in the deeper layers of the skin. Afterglow offers a microdermabrasion treatment that will polish and refine your skin in a mere 20 minutes. It’s a great way to refresh your look for the coming year!

10. Last, but not least, hydrate! Drink lots of pure water or—if you can afford the sugar content—juices. Foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, flax oil, flax seed, salmon, mackerel, sardines), also help keep water in the skin. At night, when skin loses moisture, use a humidifier in your bedroom and wake up to a plumper, more youthful-looking skin.

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Category: Body Skincare, Facial Skincare, Hand and Foot Skincare, Sun Protection
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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

December 21, 2009

Season’s Greetings from Afterglow Medi-spa!

Season's Greetings from Afterglow Medi-spa!

Season's Greetings from Afterglow Medi-spa!

Dr. Ebrahim and the staff of Afterglow wish all their special clients and friends a truly wonderful Festive Season and a New Year filled with much joy, good health, and youthfulness!

Stay tuned for more tips on looking as young as you feel (or feeling as young as you look!). Remember to drink one glass of water for every half glass of alcohol, get enough sleep, and watch the sugar when partying. Your skin will thank you for it when 2010 rolls around…

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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

December 1, 2009

Towards more beautiful lips…

Towards more beautiful lips…

Towards more beautiful lips…

If the thought of smooching under the mistletoe makes you wish your lips were a little more kissable, here are a few tips:

Dry, cracked lips. As soon as the weather grows colder, the lips (and the rest of your skin) give up moisture to the chilly air. Indoor heating methods also steal the moisture from your lips and skin. The lips are often the first part of you to dry out as, unlike the skin, they contain no oil glands.

Prevention is key to avoiding dry, cracked lips. Always use a lip balm under your lipstick, and after washing before bed. Remember that lipsticks containing pearlizing or sparkling ingredients—popular at this time of year—dry out the lips more than creme formulas. Long-lasting formulas can also be very drying.

If your lips are flaky, but not cracked, you may wish to mix a little brown sugar with olive oil and gently exfoliate them. Use a circular motion and be sure to follow up with lip balm.
Sore, flaky lips. Did you forget your sunscreen? On a clear winter’s day, especially at high altitudes (think skiing, boarding), your lips can be exposed to as much UV light as on a sunny summer’s day. Be sure that your lip balm has an SPF of at least 15.
Thin, undefined lips. The loss of lip definition is one of the many signs of aging, however, younger women can have poor lip definition as well. To better define your lips, first use lip balm, then gently dab foundation or concealer around their edges (known as the vermilion border). Pat with a little mineral powder, such as ColoreScience, and use your lipliner to line just on the upper edge of the vermilion border. Don’t take the liner right out to the sides of your lips as this will make you appear tight-lipped and is very aging. Blot the liner gently either with a tissue or your finger, then dab on a little more powder. Now fill in with your favourite lipstick. Remember that the darker the lipstick, the smaller your lips will appear.

Lips that you’d like to change. If the above measures are not enough, you might want to plump your lips up a little with an injectable filler. Afterglow now recommends Teosyal® Kiss for soft, kissable lips that look and feel natural. Teosyal® Kiss is made from hyaluronic acid that has been highly cross-linked to keep it from breaking down. This means your fuller lips will last longer. The product itself is a soft gel that cannot be detected after injection.

Injection with Teosyal Kiss® can also help lift the corners of the lips, which often droop with aging.

Vertical lines above the lip. Teosyal® Kiss can also be injected into the upper edge of the vermilion border, to plump and firm the lined area immediately above it. Many women (and a few men who have had the procedure) have been thrilled with their new, youthful appearance once these lines have been softened.

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Category: Facial Skincare, Sun Protection
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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

November 16, 2009

First Annual Customer Appreciation Night

First Annual Customer Appreciation Night

First Annual Customer Appreciation Night

A new cocktail has hit town… the Afterglow Martini, and Afterglow A-list clients and friends were the first to sample it at the door of the popular north shore medi-spa.

For those who were driving, a delectable, good-for-your-skin punch was the perfect way to start a wonderful evening hosted by Dr. Ebrahim and her staff.

As the guests got to know each other (all Afterglow clients were A-listers), and sample the hors d’oeuvres, three rooms were set aside for guests to chat with specialists in three categories: lasers, Botox™ Cosmetic, and Teosyal™ Kiss and Teosyal™ Deep filler/SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™. After checking the appropriate boxes on the slips of paper provided, guests were entered for a draw to win a vial of Teosyal™ Kiss valued at $500. (Congratulations to winner Susan Mehryani.)

The fun continued as guests were treated to a professional demonstration of the Argentinian Tango, then belly dancing by the beautiful Yasmina. But the highlight of the evening was watching Dr. Ebrahim dancing to Bollywood music and encouraging her guests to join in. What fun! (Rumour has it that belly dancing lessons may soon be arranged for all interested parties, so if you are wanting to keep those hip flexors supple, please call Dione…)

This post is being written by a guest, and not Afterglow. On behalf of all invitees, I would like to thank Shehla and her staff for their incredible care during the time we have known them, and for the wonderful time we had on customer appreciation night. (More images in the preceding post…)

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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

More Pictures From Customer Appreciation Night

Pictures From Customer Appreciation Night

Pictures From Customer Appreciation Night

Pictures From Customer Appreciation Night

Pictures From Customer Appreciation Night

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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

September 17, 2009

Introducing SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™ for general skin enhancement, acne, aging and/or treatment of melasma

SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™

SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™

Afterglow is excited to be able to provide you with fabulous new SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™

This innovative procedure gently exfoliates your skin and infuses it with customized solutions to bring out youthful glow and clarity. If you have a skin condition such as melasma, acne, sun damage or dryness, your skin can be treated with highly effective ingredients that address the specific condition.

For example, Lumixyl™ (a safe lightening agent) is used to treat melasma, vitamic C and peptides are helpful for a dry and/or aging skin, and acne is treated using glycolics. All skin benefits from the use of vitamin C and moisturizing agents.

Here are some of the questions commonly asked about SILKPEEL™:

Q. What exactly is SILKPEEL™?
A. SILKPEEL’s™ “wet abrasion” exfoliates the skin and simultaneously infuses a topical dermaceutical, addressing your specific skin condition and stimulating new cell growth to give your skin the revitalization you want.

Q. Is it Safe?
A. Yes. SILKPEEL™ is a safe, comfortable treatment. You are no longer exposed to the hazards of particulate dermabrasion with SILKPEEL’s™ crystal-free technology.

Q. How long does the procedure take?
A. Procedures typically last about 20 minutes. Since the SILKPEEL™ delivers a dermaceutical during treatment, your post-treatment protocol is quick and easy.

Q. Will there be any pain or discomfort?
A. The exfoliation may cause a mild tightening of the skin. Combined with the cool, moisturizing effect of the topicals, your skin will feel healthy and smooth.

Q. What will my skin look like after a treatment?
A. Your skin will have an immediate, radiant glow that leaves you looking healthy and renewed.

Q. Will I miss work or have to alter my social schedule?
A. SILKPEEL™ is considered a “lunch hour” procedure so you can promptly return to your normal activities.

Q. What do I need to do after a treatment?
A. Dr. Ebrahim or a member of Afterglow’s professional skincare team will customize a post-care regimen which may include moisturizers, cleansers, serums and sunscreens to enhance and maintain results.

Q. Do I have to do anything before a treatment?
A. Not normally. The exception is when Dr. Ebrahim recommends Lumixyl™ (a skin-lightening peptide) as part of your customized treatment for melasma or hyperpigmentation. In this case, you will be requested to apply Lumixyl™ twice a week for two weeks, followed by a SILKPEEL™ dermal infusion every two weeks for a period of 3 months.

Q. How long does it take to see results?
You will enjoy visible results after the first treatment and will achieve optimal results after 4 – 6 treatments spaced 7 to 10 days apart, supplemented by a daily post-care routine. A monthly maintenance treatment will help your skin stay healthy.

SILKPEEL™ and Melasma

If you wish to address melasma or hyperpigmentation of the skin (including “age spots”), Lumixyl™ will be infused into your skin. Lumixyl™ is a skin-lightening peptide that improves the appearance of mild to moderate hyperpigmentation.

Lumixyl™ works by inhibiting the enzyme that causes cells in the skin to produce dark pigment (melanin). One of the benefits of using Lumixyl™ over the traditional hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma/hyperpigmentation is that it does not cause hypopigmentation (lighter patches of skin) in darker skin types.

Combined therapy with SILKPEEL™ and Lumixyl™ provides simultaneous exfoliation and delivery of Lumixyl™ deep into the epidermis. Results are optimized and maintained by the post-treatment home use of Lumixyl™ topical brightening cream twice daily.

To learn more about about SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™ or treatment for melasma/hyperpigmentation, or if you have any questions, please call us at Afterglow…

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Category: Facial Skincare, Hand and Foot Skincare, Sun Protection
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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

August 12, 2009

GOODBYE TO CHEST WRINKLES

Goodbye To Chest Wrinkles

Goodbye To Chest Wrinkles

One of the more common concerns voiced by women of a certain age is the development of a delta-like pattern of wrinkles on the chest. Combined with the finer all-over wrinkling often seen on the fine skin of the décolletage, this can add significantly to the appearance of aging.

The delta pattern of wrinkling, where the wrinkles start just under the collarbone and “flow” towards the cleavage is not a true sign of aging. Rather, it is caused by the compression of the soft structures of the chest when a woman sleeps on her side or stomach. (Sleeping in these positions is also responsible for wrinkling and creasing of the face.) If you stand in front of a mirror and push your breasts and upper chest area together with your arms, you will notice how marked the delta creases become.

The best way to prevent delta creases, and-if they are relatively shallow-lessen their appearance, is to sleep on your back. You don’t have to lie staring up at the ceiling, but simply make sure that your shoulders are facing upwards. Positioning your hip sideways will feel more comfortable, and placing a pillow under each arm will help retrain you to stop turning on your side.

If the creases are very marked, they can be treated with the profractional laser or a mild peel to markedly reduce their depth. Very deep creases can be filled with Restylane or Juvéderm to restore the appearance of youth. Dr. Ebrahim also uses Botox® to address wrinkling in the cleavage area.

The network of wrinkles that often appears in conjunction with hyperpigmentation (freckles, age spots) is caused by UV light and frequently worsens after menopause, when the skin thins. This fine, crepey appearance can be addressed by the use of an Afterglow retinoic acid formulation, and/or treatments with the profractional laser. Dr. Ebrahim or her staff will also be able to recommend a skin cream that can address the hyperpigmentation, to restore a youthful, even tone.

Finally, to help prevent deepening of chest wrinkles, be sure to wear your sunscreen every day!

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Category: Body Skincare, Sun Protection
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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

July 27, 2009

Educating The World’s Children

Educating the world's children

Educating the world's children

The staff of Afterglow Medi-Spa believe strongly in corporate social responsibility. Our special role as health professionals enables us to give back to the communities in which we live, as well as to the world at large.
In 2002, Dr. Ebrahim travelled to Tibet to provide free medical services to the nomads of the eastern regions. In 2006, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for BC Children’s Hospital.

In 2010 Dr. Ebrahim is preparing to climb Mount Everest Base Camp with a mission to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote, underserviced and war stricken areas of Northern Pakistan. She believes that the best hope for a peaceful and prosperous world lies in the education of all the world’s children.

In collaboration with the Central Asia Institute, a non-profit organization, Dr. Ebrahim has pledged to donate 2% of the profits from Afterglow, starting January, 2009. Should you decide to undergo a cosmetic rejuvenation procedure with us, Afterglow will donate 2% of your treatment towards this noble cause.

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Category: Community, Events / Media
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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

July 7, 2009

PROTECTING YOUR SKIN IN SUMMER

Protecting Your Skin In Summer

Protecting Your Skin In Summer

Of course, you know you must wear a sunhat and broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater to protect your skin… But did you know that, when out in the bright summer sunshine, you need to reapply your sunscreen every 80 minutes? This is because the UVA protection breaks down quickly when in sunlight. Sunscreens containing Mexoryl™ or Helioplex® last longer, and are the protection of choice for bright summer days.

Better still is the protection provided by ColoreScience’s Sunforgettable mineral sunscreens, now available from Afterglow.

Sunforgettable is a weightless powder that is safe for all ages, odour free, clear on the skin and will not burn the eyes if you perspire.

Sunforgettable brush

Sunforgettable brush

Sunforgettable SPF 30 mineral powder comes in an easy to use retractable brush so all you need do is brush it on, pat it in and forget about it. The formula consists of titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide and may be safely used if you have rosacea, eczema or other skin problems. It is especially helpful following skin peels, laser treatments and most surgical procedures, and will not rub off on your clothes.

Sunscreen will protect your skin from the outside, but you can also protect yourself from the inside! Researchers have recently looked into the role certain foods play in protecting the skin from UV rays. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that protect plants from UV rays. When we eat plants containing carotenoids, this protection is passed on to us. Foods rich in carotenoids include carrots, tomatoes, melons, yams, pomegranates, yams, kale and broccoli.

Broccoli and other vegetables of the brassica family (Brussels sprouts, kale and dark leafy cabbage), also contain substances known as sulforaphanes. These reduce the inflammation resulting from over-exposure to the sun.

Chocolate's protective effects on the skin

Chocolate's protective effects on the skin

Flavonoids are other plant-based antioxidants that have been shown to provide a degree of protection against UV light. Cocoa with high flavonoid content (usually marked on the package) and dark chocolate with over 80% cocoa content have been shown to exert protective effects on the skin after a few weeks’ daily use.

However delicious that chocolate may be, please remember that you will still need a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and a sunhat to fully protect your skin from the ravages of the sun.

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Category: Body Skincare, Facial Skincare, Hand and Foot Skincare, Sun Protection
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Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim
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