Skin Care by Alison

This question was emailed to me by a client and I felt it is a good idea to post here. We must wait a minimum of 14 days after Botox, and any cosmetic injection, before performing a facial. Massage and devices I use could cause the injected substance to move from where your doctor placed it.

Soft wax is applied to a broad area and removed using a pellon strip. This technique allows for a faster waxing experience and, due to the quick removal and placement on a new area, your brain doesn’t have a chance to register as much pain. We learned our technique from the Wax Queen herself, Lori Nestore.

Soft wax requires a strip (muslin or pellon) for removal. We primarily use* Berodin Aqua, a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free clear wax safe for all skin types including sensitive skin. It is a microcrystalline formula that is free of fragrance and beeswax. It removes fine and short hairs. I use this wax on large body parts (arms, legs, chest & back). Secondarily we use Berodin Black, which is a hybrid between a gel and a cream wax. No matter which wax we use, it is always the Berodin brand.

I use Berodin hard wax that is formulated with flexible polymers, this is a stripless wax (it forms it’s own strip) that can be applied to multiple sections. We use Berodin Blue which only adheres to the hair and not the skin. It safely removes both fine and coarse hair.

Frequency depends upon what is happening with your skin. Depending upon the type of condition we are treating, you may need to come in every 1 to 3 weeks until you are clear. To maintain healthy skin every 4-6 weeks is ideal.

Expect to spend an additional 20-30 minutes over the treatment time. We will perform a full intake, notating medical conditions, medications, lifestyle & your home care routine. Medical conditions, medications & lifestyle affect your skin & some determine if I can or cannot perform a service or specialized treatment. For example, medications may cause your skin to be overly sensitive. You may be on a blood thinner and I could not use an ultrasonic modality. What you’re using on your skin at home could be compromising your skin barrier which I will address & begin to heal. The time we take getting to know you is important because it makes your treatment safe and effective. Your information & our discussions are confidential so you can let it all out. I want you to have the best experience possible. It is important to me that you know you have a safe space to talk plus keeping me informed of any issues will help me support you in the best way possible.

Yes, in a way it is. It has been said that anything done with mindfulness is a meditation. Mindfulness is simply the act of being in the present moment. When I am performing a facial I am at my most present, focused on the person in front of me and providing them with excellent care. I would like to thank the client who asked this question after their treatment. You help me help others with your wonderful inquiry!

It is providing the knowledge and support in helping to heal your skin no matter what is happening. For example, treating acne, dark spots or patches (hyperpigmentation), sun damage and the effects of our lifestyle such as stress, smoking and excess sugar in our diets. Whatever is occurring in your skin is caused by some kind of imbalance. I give the care and guidance to heal your skin and help you look and feel beautiful.

Let me ask you this - How does your skin look and feel at the end of the day? You take care of yourself with exercise and eating healthy foods. You wouldn't go to the gym one time and say 'good enough.' Facials keep your skin healthy and vibrant. A facial increases circulation bringing oxygen and nutrients to your skin, clears blackheads & clogged pores, addresses skin issues such as acne, dehydration and the affects of our lifestyle - stress, alcohol & sugar to name a few. Plus, words can’t describe how good you’ll feel afterward; they are amazing for the face, mind and soul. A facial can help you to destress, to look & feel beautiful – and we all deserve that!

Most certainly! My Clear Skin facial is an acne treatment. I also have a Clear Skin Program that consists of 8 Clear Skin facials and home care products. The Clear Skin Program costs $1,000, due at your first appointment, and you get the home care products for free (retail value of $401!). You get a written list of the products and how to use them plus I go over them with you after your first treatment. I believe it is important to set you up for success right from the start, this program is as much coaching as it is skin care treatment.

Absolutely! Your information and our discussions are confidential. My skin care studio is a safe space to let it all out. No topic is off limits. This is a judgement-free zone where everybody is welcome and celebrated. Client files are kept in a locked location and I have the only key.

Yes, I address stress as a skin condition and use massage techniques to bring you into a state of deep relaxation. Stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes skin sensitive and reactive. It can also make it harder for skin conditions to heal. Stress can aggravate psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. If you’re stressed, you might skip your evening skin care routine which further aggravates your issues. To top it off, having problems with your skin is stressful – and the vicious cycle continues. Because we are all about holistic skin care; in addition to regular facials managing stress in other ways is recommended. Take time for yourself doing something you enjoy, even if it’s for 10 minutes. Take a warm bath, read a book, go for a walk, practice deep breathing, yoga, meditation or visual imagery, set & maintain healthy boundaries. If you’re doing all these things and your stress level isn’t decreasing, please seek support from a licensed therapist.

My facials are either 30 minutes, 45 minutes or one hour - and you get the full service time. Since you get the full service time, expect to spend about 10-20 minutes beyond your service time to fill out paperwork and have time for Q&A. I always block out extra time on my books so that you are never rushed.

Once a person reaches puberty they can be waxed. If the person is under 18 years of age their parent/guardian must remain in the room. Note, I will not perform a Brazilian wax on an underage person.

I do not have a reception area and need to lock my door while I'm performing a service. I sometimes have same day appointments available. If you arrive during regular business hours and my door is locked, feel free to call or text me. My phone is on silent during a service so you won't be disturbing anyone's treatment. I'll be able to get back to you once I've finished with my guest and let you know about same day availability.

15 years is old enough for a facial and regular acne treatments. The minor's parent or guardian must be present to fill out paperwork and remain in the treatment room for the duration of the appointment.

Immediately after your skin is hydrated, nourished & has a healthy glow. The next few days you'll continue to feel the hydration and experience the benefits of oxygenated skin and underlying muscles. In about 3 to 5 weeks your cells begin to turn over. At 4 to 6 weeks you're in need of another facial to maintain long-term benefits. Use of home care products as directed will maximize the benefits of your facial treatments. If we are treating a skin condition such as acne or hyperpigmentation (dark spots/patches) you may need to come in more frequently than every 4-6 weeks depending upon the severity of the skin condition. Use of home care products is imperative when treating a skin condition.

Absolutely! I'm trained to see and feel what is happening with your skin and how to treat it, no matter your ethnicity.

Yes, you can purchase from my website as an eGift card that is sent via email (you provide the address) or purchase a paper certificate in person at my skin care studio.

I recommend you make an appointment. I am open on Friday 10a-8p & Saturday 10a-6p, however, if I'm with a client I lock the front door.

I also accept payment via Venmo.