February 2012
What is Retinol & Why Should I Use It?
by Rachel Dougherty,
Esthetician
By now most of you have heard about the benefits of using a topical retinol such as Retin-A, and chances are you may have even experienced the hassle of getting a prescription, or the unsightly side effects of red, dry and flaky skin during the transition period. Good news! Center MedSpa now offers two revolutionary retinoid-antioxidant-peptide complex solutions with Jan Marini’s Retinol Plus & Retinol Plus MD.
Let’s back up a minute. What is Retinol? Retinol is a topical agent made up of vitamin A, which works as an antioxidant. Due to its small molecular structure it has the ability to penetrate deep in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin. Retinol also binds well with skin receptor sites. This allows for greater cellular proliferation, as well as removal of old cells. And why should you use it? Smoother looking, and feeling skin.
Why Jan Marini Retinol Products?
There are quite a few products on the market containing some degree of Retinol. The problem is the actual amount. To be effective, most products will need a prescription strength which can require long acclimation periods and such irritation that the majority of people will quit before they can see the results even though the results are phenomenal. The Jan Marini Retinol Plus products offer significant advantages beyond just those of high-concentrated retinoids. Key integrated peptides, antioxidants, hydrators and soothing agents enhance clinical benefits while simultaneously reducing acclimation and sensitivity. The advanced combination provides rapid and clinically proven improvement for smoother, more uniform looking skin with reduction in the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.
We are quite impressed by the usability and rapid skin rejuvenation with Jan Marini’s Retinol Plus MD (1.0% Retinol) and Retinol Plus (0.5% Retinol) and want you to join in on the compliments we’ve been receiving!
When the Remedy Becomes the Problem
by Kelly Mantovani,
LMT
Surgery is great when it fixes our pain, but what happens when it causes new problems to pop up? Because of our bodies biological design, any change in one area sends a ripple effect through all other areas. Sometimes it's exactly what the body needs, but every once in awhile it creates a frustrating and confusing path of restrictions.
These restrictions can happen because of the glue that holds us together—fascia. Fascia, in an oversimplified definition, is connective tissue that surrounds everything in the body. Tom Myers, a leader in fascial research, says, "There really is only one muscle; it just hangs around in 600 or more fascial pockets." (Anatomy Trains, 2009). It is the filmy, white layer you sometimes see in certain cuts of meat.
Without fascia, our bodies would fall apart. Muscle would not attach to bone, and the organs would not be in their protective bag, gently hanging from the spine. When fascia is in its healthy state, it is fluid and the body works like a well-oiled machine. When it is unhealthy it hardens, creating restrictions and loss of range of motion that takes a three-dimensional pathway.
Recovery after surgery is sometimes a slow and difficult process. Whether it's shoulder, knee, hip, or stomach, the body has been changed and the path of fascia has been disrupted. The result could be scar tissue from an incision site or shortened tissue from some form of immobility. The feeling of hardened fascia has been described as stuck, like a lump that needs to be rolled out. It can feel very deep but not have any obvious reason why, like cracks in the earth coming from a fault line.
With myofascial therapy, the fascia can be returned to its healthy, softened state through "hooking" the restricted tissue and waiting for the tissue to melt or stretch. The process is gentle, but can be intense. The result is lengthened muscles, better range of motion, reduction of scar tissue, and less "congestion" in the soft tissue.
If you have any questions regarding myofascial therapy, please call Center MedSpa today at 423.643.1980!
February Specials
And don’t forget the sunscreen! Using a sunscreen (even in winter) is your ultimate protector, but especially when using a Retinol.
- From February 15th – March 15th receive 20% off Jan Marini’s Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 when purchasing Retinol Plus or Retinol Plus MD!