Precautions for Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very exciting time in a woman's life and it is important for therapists and clients alike to know about spa safety and take extra precautions because numerous treatments are contraindicated for pregnant women. In general simple soothing facial treatments and the avoidance of any aggressive treatment are appropriate for pregnant women.

Hormone fluctuations due to pregnancy often result in skin changes and pregnant women may experience an increase in oiliness, flares of blemishes and hyperpigmentation and many of these symptoms will disappear after the baby's birth. On the other hand some women experience excellent skin conditions during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and often after pregnancy or after a woman stops breast feeding more changes occur to where a skin care therapist may have to work more extensively with a client after childbirth.

Pregnant women should avoid any type of Electrical Current being applied to the skin - That includes Galvanic, High Frequency, Microcurrent and others. And avoid any form of chemical exfoliation unless it's doctor approved in writing.

During pregnancy many body treatments should also be avoided and only licensed massage therapists who have been specially trained in pregnancy massage should perform this service. Skin Care therapists must pay careful attention to the application of certain essential oils that may be contraindicated during pregnancy.

The Blue Diamond Spa specializes in pregnancy massage and our staff is fully trained to work on pregnant clients - For a spa appointment or to find out more about our services call (310) 577-2211.

Photofacial Technology

Photo Facial Technology is used for boosting collagen and treating a variety of skin conditions such as Acne, Broken Capillaries, Hyperpigmentation, Age Spots, Wrinkles, Bags under the eyes and Enlarged pores. It is most effective in conjunction with a regular skin care regimen that you develop with your Skin Care Therapist and can be combined with Microderm Abrasion treatments.

There are two main types of Photo Facial Technology - Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) witch differ based on your desired results. LED facials are painless and carry no risk of burning, they can be part of a regular European Facial or a stand alone treatment. LED is much gentler than plastic surgery and can really boost Collagen and treat Acne, and the treatments usually take around 15 to 30-minutes. IPL is primarily used to treat conditions like Facial Redness, Spider Veins, Broken Capillaries and Age Spots. IPL can be painful and uncomfortable and the number of treatments you will need may vary depending on how your skin responds.  The pain has is best described as being snapped with a rubber band. A typical IPL treatment lasts about 30-minutes and they are typically scheduled over 3-week intervals - Most clients will need between 5 to 8 total treatments for optimum results, and treatments generally range in price from $400 to $800 dollars. Side effects may include temporary swelling, redness, blistering and bruising.

If you have questions regarding your personal skin regimen or are interested in learning more about Photofacials or Microderm Abrasion please ask to speak to one of our Skin Care Therapists at (310) 577-2211.

Fall Microderm Treatments

As we move into the Autumn Season we begin to notice the harsh effects that summertime heat and tanning had on our skin and we can see how the weather has physically taken a toll on our complexion. Autumn is an optimum time for a skin resurfacing treatment because the sunlight and other environmental factors are just right to nuture our skin while it sheds off dead cells and rebuilds new vibrant layers.

The results of Microderm Abrasion skin resurfacing are really nothing short of amazing and have been well received by the medical community at large. Microderm Abrasion is typcially used to treat a variety of superficial skin imperfections including:  Skin Discoloration, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Acne Scars, Age Spots, Stretch Marks, Small Scars, Enlarged Pores, Dull Skin and Sun Damage. The procedure is simple, straight forward, non-invasive and revitalizing. Tiny crystals are vacuumed across the surface of the skin to remove dead cells and resurface the skin's top layer - It's more powerful and less risky than many surgical proceedures and chemical peels, and rejuvenates the skin to restore its natural glow. Over time clients can expect to see a general refinement of the texture and appearance of their skin. Microderm Abrasion is most commonly used on the face however it is also effective on other parts of the body including the hands, back, and upper chest.

Most clients have reported the feeling of a "tingling sensation" during the procedure but the treatment is painless and you can do it on your lunch break. The skin does usually look slightly reddened and sensitized in the first 24-hours after the procedure so it is more important than ever to use sun protection including a full spectrum sunscreen. For best results from your Microderm Abrasion skin resurfacing treatments come into the spa for regularly scheduled procedures over a period of time - We recommend a minimum of five procedures spaced about two weeks apart though some clients will want more treatments.

Microderm Abrasion is one of the most popular non-surgical skin resurfacing procedures in the world but one thing you cannot ignore is your medical history - If you are taking any medications that may affect your autoimmune system or circulation, or if you are have been on Accutane recently or in the past it is important to consult with your doctor first to get everything cleared before you show up to your first appointment at the spa. Accutane increases skin sensitivity which is why you should wait 6-12 months before having any skin resurfacing technique. Pregnant or Nursing women and Teens may be contraindicated for this treatment as well - It is best to wait until your hormones settle down before having Microderm Abrasion because hormones can inhibit the effectiveness of your treatment. Microderm Abrasion Skin Resurfacing is also contraindicated for people with Active Rosacea, Diabetes, Lupus, Eczema, Psoriasis, Herpes, Malignant Skin Tumors and Undiagnosed Lesions.

If you would like to book a Microderm Abrasion Skin Resurfacing treatment series with us please call (310) 577-2211 to arrange your first appointment with one of our trained professionals at Blue Diamond Spa.