With so many medical spas or boutiques around, how do you possibly choose? At Illumatox, we recommend checking out the spas website, their staff as well as their credentials, and business reviews. There are so many great ones! Also, what treatments are you looking to have done or concerns are you looking to target? It can be overwhelming when reading through a menu of services, to know which to pick (or even what they all are).

The Best Injectable is Undetectable

At Illumatox, we take pride in offering non-invasive, or minimally invasive, result driven treatments. Our menu of services is exclusive and limited. You may wonder why that is a good thing. At Illumatox, we only offer services we feel passionate about, treatments that give the best results, and services that we are exceptionally skilled at. We want to provide you with a fun and relaxing environment that you want to come back to, (think trendy boutique versus doctor’s office) and the best results around.

Do you suffer from post-acne scarring? Acne scars are one of the most commonly discussed skin concerns and have been shown to affect people not only physically, but also emotionally. Here are some tips and tricks to combat acne scarring.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy, essentially telling your skin to heal itself from the inside out. Our personal favorite treatment is with the SkinPen. This treatment is great for not only acne scarring, but also post-inflammatory erythema, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and overall skin texture. A series of 4-6 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart is ideal for maximum results. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be used during this treatment to supercharge results.‍

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use varying ingredients to work under the surface of the skin to promote cell turnover and new skin cell growth. Peels can vary in strength and depth, some causing a “full peel” and others that offer results without the “snake skin” shedding. This cell turnover and new skin growth helps to diminish the appearance of acne scars over time.

Sunscreen

We can’t preach this one enough. Everyone should be wearing a daily SPF. Yes, even in the Wisconsin winters and even when indoors. Did you know computers and phones emit light that can age your skin? The rays from both the sun and technology not only cause premature skin aging, but also cause hyperpigmentation and collagen breakdown. Wearing your daily SPF allows skin protection and fading of acne scars. Our personal favorite SPFs are Intellishade Original and Intellishade TruPhysical from Revision Skincare. Other top contenders include Skinbetter Science ToneSmart Lotion, as well as Supergoop Glow Screen, and Supergoop Play.

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C serums help increase collagen production in the skin, which improves overall skin texture and tone, thus improving acne scarring. It is very important to make sure you are using a “stable” form of Vitamin C. Look for the ingredient Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (stable vitamin C) versus L-Ascorbic Acid (unstable vitamin C). Our personal favorite Vitamin C serum is Alto Advanced from Skinbetter Science.

Tyrosinase Inhibitors

Tyrosinase is an enzyme in the skin that increases pigmentation. Using a Tyrosinase inhibitor does exactly what it sounds like, inhibits the enzyme, thus improving hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory erythema, such as acne scarring. Our favorite tyrosinase inhibitor is Even Tone Correcting Serum from Skinbetter Science.

Topical Retinoids

Retinoid, Retinol, and Retinoic Acid all help promote cell turnover, thus fading acne scars more quickly. They also help with fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmentation. Our favorite serums are AlphaRet Clearing Serum and AlphaRet Overnight Cream from Skinbetter Science.

Time and Consistency

This is so important. We all want change overnight, but it just isn’t reality. Without treatments, acne scarring and post-inflammatory erythema/pigmentation can last years or longer. Consistent treatments and patience are key components in the skincare process.

Retinol is a common ingredient in the aesthetic and skin care world. What does it do? Why are there so many different variations?  Retinoids are known for their anti-aging benefits when used in skincare and are derived from Vitamin A. How do you know what is the best? These are all valid questions and it can be hard to know the difference and right choice as a consumer. Essentially, it is important to know that all Retinoids are not equal and do not have the same potency. Retinol, in our opinion, is the most widely known retinoid.

Did you know that Retinol needs to be converted by the body twice to become retinoic acid?

As these conversions take place, the product becomes weaker and thus less effective. On the other hand, Retinoic Acid is the most potent form of Retinoid and the only form of Retinoid that is bioavailable to the skin. Retinoic Acid does not need to be converted by the body, and starts working right away at the highest efficacy. Because of the potency of Retinoic Acid, we recommend easing these products into your skincare regimen, about 2-3 times per week to start, working up to nightly. Retinoids should only be used in your evening skincare regimen, as they can cause some irritation, and should not be used when in the sun. Now that you know the difference, I’m sure you are wondering, what is our favorite Retinoid product?! It’s a no brainer for us, AlphaRet from Skinbetter Science. AlphaRet is formulated with Retinoic Acid, for maximum efficacy, and uses either glycolic or salicylic acids in conjunction to further help anti-aging or acne prone skin. It is our go-to product in our evening regimen.

It’s the million dollar question, what’s the difference between Botox and Dypsort? Is there a difference? Is one better than the other? Elizabeth likes to use the analogy of Coke vs. Pepsi to compare the two. Essentially, yes, they are the same. They both have the same active ingredient, Botulinum Toxin Type A.  Some people just prefer one versus the other. Dysport tends to “kick in” a little quicker, within 3-5 days, whereas Botox can take 5-7 days. Full results for both products are 14 days. Some people also feel that Dysport has a little wider spread or disbursement, just covering a little more surface area with the same amount of toxin. On the other hand, some people feel Botox works better for those deep lines and wrinkles. Ultimately, they are both fantastic products that yield similar results. On average, results for both last approximately 3 months.

It’s your choice!

However, this does vary person to person as both Botox and Dysport are metabolized, and as this occurs, the results fade. Someone with a fast metabolism or who exercises often may find their results last 2 months versus someone who has a slower metabolism may find their results last 3-4 months. Elizabeth recommends coming in for a repeat treatment when you notice some movement return, but before “the gas tank is completely empty”, to allow for buildable and continued results. One person’s preference between Botox vs. Dysport may not be the same as another’s, and that is ok! Here at Illumatox, we currently offer Dysport.

Posted: Dec 12, 2022 / 10:12 AM CST

Original Post: Click Here

(WFRV) – It’s something that guarantees results-driven aesthetics – exactly what you get at a medical spa.

Local 5 Live visited with the founder of Illumatox in Menasha with more on her passion for skin health, skin care, and how you can benefit.

Illumatox is located at 316 Racine Street in Menasha. Find out more about Elizabeth’s services online at illumatox.com.