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Our Salon's 5 Best Selling Skincare Products - 2024
We’re back with a new list of our top 5 best selling skincare products, — now updated for 2024!
The skincare counter can be really overwhelming, so let us (and our customers from 2023) do some paring down for you. Take a browse through our best skincare products by sales, and maybe you’ll see one that’s the skincare match you’ve been looking for.
We’re back with a new list of our top 5 best selling skincare products, — now updated for 2024!
The skincare counter can be really overwhelming, so let us (and our customers from 2023) do some paring down for you. Take a browse through our best skincare products by sales, and maybe you’ll see one that’s the skincare match you’ve been looking for.
As always: Skincare is personal. No product is perfect for everyone. The products listed here may not produce the golden ticket you’ve been searching for, but they can provide a solid starting point. All the products we sell in our Cedar Rapids skincare salon have the highest quality ingredients and come from brands with long standing reputations in the skincare industry. We’ve been trusting them on our own skin and our clients’ skin for years. The product information compiled here is a combination of descriptions direct from the brand, synthesized product reviews, and comments from Teresa, our facialist and skincare specialist.
So without further ado - here are our current top 5 best selling skincare products!
Our salon’s top 5 best-selling skincare products for 2024
#5 MAD: Glycolic Age Diffusing Cleanser
From the brand
Effective exfoliation and cleansing. A blend of Glycolic Acid and gentle cleansing agents lift away dirt and dead skin cells leaving your skin glowing and rejuvenated . Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and makes your skin look radiant.
Why clients love it
Refreshing
Clean feeling
Smoothing effect
*Not recommended for sensitive skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a gentle anti-aging exfoliating cleanser, and one you can start with at all ages to prevent and treat wrinkles. It’s a very gentle, so if you’re thinking of trying exfoliation this would be one of the products I would recommend to start with. This cleanser is for anybody who is concerned with defying aging at any time; this is the place to start.
#4 M.A.D. Skincare: Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer
From the brand
A lightweight, daily moisturizer tames oil production and calms irritated skin. Breakout Control Daily Moisturizer helps skin look and feel great as botanicals, such as Chamomile and Ginger Root, control sebum production and gentle moisturization keeps skin from feeling dry and irritated.
Why clients love it
Manages breakouts while keeping skin moisturized
Lightweight, not greasy
Does not clog pores
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
If you are treating your acne using anything exfoliating, this will calm and moisturize your skin all while preventing breakouts. Acne-prone skin needs hydration, too.
#3 SkinCeuticals: A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
From the brand
Backed by 15+ years of glycation research and expertise, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is a potent anti-wrinkle cream that helps correct and defend against visible signs of aging. Formulated with 18% concentrated ProxylaneTM, 4.25% wild fruit flavonoid blend of blueberry and pomegranate extracts, and 0.1% glycyrrhetinic acid, this breakthrough corrective cream is clinically proven to smooth visible lines and deep wrinkles in five facial zones targeted for aesthetic procedures.
Why clients love it
Creamy texture
Minimizes fine lines
All-day moisture
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a great multi-tasking product that I can recommend to a variety of different skin types. It’s works great to correct fine lines and wrinkles, but is also a fantastic choice for younger clients looking to keep their skin looking young.
Want your own, personalized list of recommended products?
#2 SkinCeuticals: Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
From the brand
Micro-Exfoliating Scrub features a powerful 2% concentration combining hydrated silica, glycerin, and aloe extract to purify pores and promote a healthy skin barrier. Gentle enough for daily use, this exfoliating scrub provides a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture while softening and hydrating the skin.
Why clients love it
Satisfying physical exfoliation
Results in smooth skin
Gentle but still effective
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
I really love to recommend this scrub because of the size of the exfoliants. The size makes a difference, because the smaller exfoliants will achieve a better exfoliation than larger exfoliants. That’s why this one is the best.
#1: M.A.D. Photo Guard SPF 50 Self-Adjusting Foundation — again!
The number 1 spot remains the same and for good reason! Both Teresa and our clients LOVE this self-adjusting foundation. It’s practicality and multi-functionality makes this winner from M.A.D. Skincare such a great all-around skincare product that works for so many.
From the brand
M.A.D Skincare Sun Protection products deliver cutting edge UVA/UVB protection and more. This non-greasy yet moisturizing liquid SPF 50 foundation goes on white and instantly adjusts to match your skin tone. Available in 2 shades, the Neutral is ideal for fair to neutral skin tones and the Medium is perfect for beige to tan skin tones. It can be used daily for an illuminating silky finish. The fragrance-free formula is lightweight and quickly absorbed with no dryness and is suitable for all skin types.
Why clients love it
Convenience, easy high sun protection
Light makeup
Smooth on the skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is the most incredible product on the market that will protect your skin with SPF 50, and give you a glow with adjustable color. It protects and moisturizes at the same time. You get two, in one: your SPF and your makeup! This is for people who do want to even up their skin tone, but don’t enjoy heavier makeup. This gives you a gentle coverup without the heavy look or feel of foundation.
How to get personal skincare product recommendations
As mentioned at the top, skincare is personal. Your skin is unique, so your perfect skincare product for your specific skincare goal can be different from someone even with a similar skincare profile to you. So what is better than making your best guess at your next skincare product winner? Personal product recommendations from a skincare professional.
Many estheticians and skincare salons may offer a consultation or “first-time” style facial for clients who are just beginning their skincare journey, or who simply want to get to know their skin better.
At our own skincare salon in Cedar Rapids, we offer a skincare consultation for any new client scheduling their first facial, or first facial with us. Teresa takes some time at the beginning of the treatment to discuss your current skincare routine, the products you’re using, what, if any, sensitivities or allergies you have, and your specific skincare goals. This is followed by examining your skin then putting together a personalized facial based on your unique skin and its needs.
After your personalized facial, Teresa can provide personalized skincare product recommendations to match, some of which she may have even used during your treatment.
When you work with an esthetician or facialist or skincare specialist who focuses on getting to know your individual skin, they are able to give you product recommendations that have the highest chance of success for whatever your goals are. Not to mention, you’ll walk away better acquainted with your skin yourself, and can make your own better-informed product choices moving forward.
Curious to see last year’s top 5?
Our Top 5 Best Selling Skincare Products for 2023
Skincare Products FAQ
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about skincare products. If you still have product questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
——
How do I know if a product will work for me?
No skincare product will work for everyone, even when following those helpful skin type labels like “dry” or “oily”. This is why there are just so many products to sort through! Quality ingredients certainly help, but at the end of the day, it comes down to your unique skin.
There are a few great ways to increase your new skincare product success, rather than just buying blind.
Get to know your skin type: Dry, oily, combination, mature, and acne-prone are some of the common labels for skin types, and are used to categorize many skincare products. Many skincare brands even offer self-assessment guides for how to find your skincare type and make shopping easier.
Ask for a sample: This takes the most risk out of buying a full size of a skincare product you’ve never tried before. If it doesn’t work out for you, you didn’t spend a lot of money, and you won’t have another bottle of product you won’t finish cluttering up your cabinet.
Get a skincare consultation for a professional assessment: Skincare self-assessments are a great starting point if you are just beginning your skincare journey. But if you’re looking for something a step further, consider a skincare consultation with a skincare professional. This will give you even further insight into what new skincare products could work for you.
What if a skincare product doesn’t work for me?
It’s natural to try a product and find it doesn’t give you the results you were hoping. Depending on where you purchased the product, there may be a return policy available, but not always. This is why samples are great options when trying a new product. Take note of what in particular didn’t work with your skin. Did you have a reaction? Did it make your skin oily? Did you break out? Did nothing change? And also take note of the ingredients in that particular product. Over time, and after trying many different ingredients and products, you may start to see a trend for how your skin reacts to certain ingredients. This information is priceless! A skincare professional can certainly help shortcut this process and give you a good foundation to start with.
What skincare products can I combine?
Just like all the ingredients in your kitchen, not all of them should be used at the same time! If you’ve already added something spicy to your dish, you might not want to double up. Same can be said about skincare products. You don’t typically want to mix like-type products, like two exfoliating products. Some product combinations just don’t want to play nice with one another. For example, when using retinol with a moisturizer, you many need to wait 20 minutes after applying retinol before applying your moisturizers. Be sure to read all the information that comes with your skincare product, as they may highlight what products to avoid using in conjunction. Keep track of how your skin responds, and stop using a product combination if your skin becomes irritated. Finally, talk with a skincare specialist for help building a personal skincare regimine, and to learn more about how and when to combine specific products you’re interested in using.
How can I buy one of these products?
While we don’t have an online store, you can give us a call at our salon in Cedar Rapids at (319) 373-9596 to order any of the products listed here. Teresa can help you further assess if a particular product is right for you and your skincare goals. If ordering over the phone, we provide pickup in our Cedar Rapids salon, or can ship directly to you. You can also schedule a skincare consultation over the phone or on our website where Teresa will be better able to assess your skin for even better personal recommendations.
WANT OUR BEST SELLERS IN YOUR CABINET?
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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Facial treatment after-care
So you’ve just had a facial treatment!
Feeling relaxed? Rejuvenated?
We hope so!
We recently shared a blog post on How to prepare for a facial that shared 5 steps to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
Well, as a natural companion to that post, today we’re sharing what logically happens next: facial treatment after-care!
Whether it was your first or your hundredth trip to the skincare salon, there are some steps you may need to follow after your treatment.
Let’s dive in!
So you’ve just had a facial treatment!
Feeling relaxed? Rejuvenated?
We hope so!
We recently shared a blog post on How to prepare for a facial that shared 5 steps to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
Well, as a natural companion to that post, today we’re sharing what logically happens next: facial treatment after-care!
Whether it was your first or your hundredth trip to the skincare salon, there are some steps you may need to follow after your treatment.
Let’s dive in!
Facial Treatment After-Care
Gentle, or exfoliating?
First things first, we need to establish what kind of treatment you received: something gentle, or something exfoliating?
Gentle
If you didn’t receive a specific treatment and opted for something like a basic cleansing facial, a hydrating facial, or a relaxing facial, then you likely fall in this category. A gentle facial is going to use gentle products that are safe for most skin types. The aim of these facials is usually to calm the skin, or to add hydration.
Exfoliating
An exfoliating treatment would include microdermabrasion or a chemical peel. These kinds of treatments are designed to remove the outer-most layer of your skin, revealing new, healthy, and glowing skin underneath. This also promotes collagen production, which over time, can heal some skin damage, reduce wrinkles, and overall help achieve a younger looking appearance. In addition, it can also promote healing for existing acne as it encourages the skin to turnover new cells.
Gentle facial after-care
Since a gentle facial treatment uses gentle products, you can likely expect to return to your typical skincare routine. You shouldn’t expect to experience any negative side effects like irritation or redness.
If you know you have particularly sensitive skin, you may want to keep an eye out for any unexpected reactions, even if your facialist only used gentle products. Be sure to discuss any of your concerns about potential reactions due to sensitive skin with your facialist during your consultation.
And lastly, keep your skin out of the sun. You should be protecting against sun exposure always, but definitely after a facial. You don’t want to dull your newly glowing and dewy skin! Wear hats and apply a light sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Your facialist may end your treatment by applying an SPF product, but you’ll want to reapply throughout the day and in the days that follow. Ask your facialist after your treatment for a specific sunscreen recommendation based on your skin type.
After care for a gentle or hydrating facial
Return to your normal skincare routine
Protect your skin against sun exposure
Report any unexpected reactions to your facialist
Exfoliating treatment after-care
If you received an exfoliating treatment during your facial, such as a micro peel or microdermabrasion, you can expect there to be some side effects afterwards.
You may experience some pinkness or redness and some irritation. You may even expect to have some peeling, depending on the strength of your treatment and your skin type. These side effects may take a day or more to appear.
Your facialist may have provided you with a nourishing moisturizer or calming balm to help mitigate your skin’s irritation. Be sure to use this as needed and as instructed by your provider.
A couple of our favorites are the Redness Rescue by MAD and Redness Neutralizer by SkinCeuticals. Our skincare specialist, Teresa, often recommends these products for after a microdermabrasion or chemical peel.
Redness Rescue by MAD Skincare
Redness Neutralizer by SkinCeutials
Because of the intensity of the exfoliating treatment, your skin is more sensitive than normal. As a result, you will want to avoid any additional exfoliation.
Identify any exfoliants you may be using in your routine by their title or description, or by their ingredients, and refrain from using them for 2-3 days. Some exfoliating ingredients to look out for are:
Glycolic acid
Tea tree oil
Benzoyl peroxide
Retinol
Micro-beads
Salicylic acid
As a general rule, most acne fighting products will contain exfoliants, so look at the ingredient label.
If there’s a product or ingredient you’re unsure of, you can always ask your facialist at your appointment, or give them a call after returning home and having a closer look at your medicine cabinet.
Exactly how long you should avoid using exfoliating products after your treatment will vary, so discuss the specifics with your skincare specialist.
Finally, protect your skin from the sun, especially after an exfoliating treatment. Your skin will be more vulnerable than normal, so cover up and wear a sunscreen approved or recommended by your treatment provider.
After-care for an exfoliating facial treatment
Identify any exfoliating products in your routine, and avoid them for 2-3 days
Treat any expected irritation with a calming product like MAD’s Redness Rescue or SkinCeuticals’ Redness Neutralizer
Protect your skin from sun exposure
Report any unexpected reactions or extensive irritation to your facialist
Discuss expectations with your facialist
The best way to define your particular facial after-care is to discuss the specifics of your treatment, your skin, and what you can expect.
It’s always beneficial to ask your facialist about the specific treatment you’ll be receiving. A good facialist will be proactive in this area, and let you know not only what to expect during and after your treatment, but how exactly the treatments or products work on your skin. In our Cedar Rapids skincare salon, we value educating our clients, and explaining our treatments is a big part of that.
An ongoing relationship with a skincare specialist is a big benefit here. This ensures your facialist knows and understands your skin well and how it reacts to specific products and treatments. This understanding informs recommendations for the treatments best-suited to achieve the skincare results you’re looking for. Familiarity with your skin also aids your provider in crafting an after-care plan best suited for you.
Is this reaction normal after a facial?
As mentioned above, an exfoliating treatment like microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, can leave you with some redness or irritation, but how do you know if what you’re experiencing is normal?
First, talk with your facialist directly after your treatment. In addition to asking for what you can expect after the particular facial you received, ask specifically when you should worry or when to call them. Their guidelines can help keep you at ease as your skin responds to your treatment.
Most of the time, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. But it’s always good to be prepared, especially if this is your first time seeing an esthetician.
In general, if you start to experience itchiness, excessive redness, or your skin starts feeling really warm, it is probably time to call your skincare specialist and let them know what’s going on. You may be having a bad reaction to an ingredient you weren’t aware you were allergic to. Your facialist can give you instructions and may have a specialized product to suggest depending on what was used during your treatment.
Again, this isn’t a common occurrence. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact your facialist. They’re the expert and will be happy to advise you.
Facial after-care summary
The exact steps to follow for your facial treatment after-care will depend on your specific treatment and skin type. Discuss the specifics of your treatment and what to expect when you get home in the days to come. Be sure to follow their advice and instructions above all!
Here is a summary of the general post-facial guidance we’ve discussed above:
Discuss your treatment with your skincare specialist and what you can expect during and after facial
If you received an exfoliating facial treatment, refrain from using exfoliating products in your at-home skincare routine for 2-3 days or as directed by your facialist
If you experience normal irritation after a microdermabrasion or chemical peel, you can apply a soothing skin product like MAD’s Redness Rescue or SkinCeuticals’ Redness Neutralizer to calm the skin at home
If you did not have an exfoliating treatment, return to your skincare routine as normal
Protect your skin from sun exposure, regardless of the type of facial, but especially after an exfoliating treatment
Regardless of the treatment you received, if you experience a side effect or reaction you didn’t expect, always call your facialist to discuss it
Most importantly, listen to and follow the specific guidance from your facialist, and call them if you have any questions or concerns
Ready to get your own facial? We’ll be happy to see you in the salon!
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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What to get a facial before an event? Read this first!
We want to look and feel our best for our event. People aside, there are likely going to be tons of photos taken of us at this event, so we’d like the best version of our skin memorialized. Glowing, hydrated, youthful looking skin, all traits a facial can help achieve, is quite the seller!
So that’s exactly what we’re tackling today. Not only when to actually schedule your facial before an event, but also the side effects of facials from the various treatments they include, and how that impacts your skincare timeline.
What do you think of when you think of a getting a facial?
Luxury.
Relaxation.
Beauty.
Rejuvenation.
Treating ones self.
Glowing skin.
Felling your best.
All these positive adjacent characteristics is probably why we often think of facials and specialized skincare when preparing for a big event.
We want to look and feel our best for our event. People aside, there are likely going to be tons of photos taken of us at this event, so we’d like the best version of our skin memorialized. Glowing, hydrated, youthful looking skin, all traits a facial can help achieve, is quite the seller!
Not to mention that planning for a big event can be stressful! So the thought of enjoying a relaxing and rejuvenating facial (or five) sounds like pure heaven. It might even be the very argument you need to try a facial for the first time.
But how do you actually incorporate a facial, or a collection of facial treatments, into your event planning?
We’ve had brides, class reunion attendees, and other clients with big events on the horizon, call us up and want a complete skincare transformation 2 weeks before said event.
And while we empathize with wanting to look our best, and dedicated skincare can make impressive transformations happen, they don’t happen overnight. Moreover, the more intense skincare treatments that can help make those leaps in the skin rejuvenation direction, are the exact treatments you don’t want to be having so close to an important event.
So that’s exactly what we’re tackling today. Not only when to actually schedule your facial before an event, but also the side effects of facials from the various treatments they include, and how that impacts your skincare timeline.
Let’s jump right in!
When should you schedule a facial before an event?
What “big events” are we talking about?
Since we’re discussing how to optimize our skin looking its best, when we say “big events”, we’re largely talking about events where you will see many people, and/or be seen by many people. Events where you are concerned about presenting the best version of yourself. These would include, but of course are not limited to:
Weddings
Engagement parties
Graduations
TV appearances
High School or college reunions
Photoshoots
Being a presented speaker
For all these types of events, we really want to be putting our best foot forward, and having a skin care plan is a great piece of accomplishing just that.
Not all facials are created equal (and shouldn’t be)
Facials can be as unique as the skin that’s being treated. In fact, they’re at their best when they are personalized for the individual. This is why personalization is one of our core focuses in our Cedar Rapids based salon for any service we provide our clients. Your skin is unique, so your skin care should be, too!
In turn, this means that facials can cause different results and side effects based on the different treatments and products used in that particular facial. All this variation stems from the varying initial goals for a facial for a specific client and their unique skin.
A facialist faced with a client with dry, mature skin with the goal of hydration, will choose a specific set of treatments and products. When that facialist is then faced with a client with young, acne-prone skin with the goal of treating existing acne, the provider will choose a completely different collection of treatments and products.
Benefits from a facial before an event
While a single facial isn’t going to completely transform your skin (we’ll talk more about achieving dramatic results for an event further on), there are some real benefits you can take away from just one or two treatments.
A very popular facial treatment for existing clients at our salon is the Micropeel, especially for weddings. It gives a “glow of youth”, makes the skin look more alive, and helps makeup go on smooth and easy. This is often a recommendation from our skincare specialist, Teresa, when she is already familiar with a client’s skin and knows it can tolerate the treatment.
Other facial treatments can help to heal existing acne, promote collagen production, and provide nourishing hydration. Plus, getting away from the chaos of event planning can help reduce stress levels, which has its own impact on our skin.
If there are specific benefits you’re looking to achieve, talk with your skincare specialist for help choosing the best personalized facial treatment for you.
Temporary side effects of facials to consider
Since we have a variety of different facial treatments, each one will have its own collection of side effects with varying levels of severity. With the more severe corresponding to more time needed between it and your event.
If you’re getting a facial with a more intense treatment, i.e. microdermabrasion, the use of an exfoliating product, or a chemical peel, this is where you’ll see those more intense side effects. You may experience some side effects ranging from general irritation and localized pink or redness, all the way to a higher redness presence and peeling.
How long it takes for these side effects to subside also depends on how intense your treatment was, and your individual skin’s reaction. And while we only offer lighter chemical peels in our salon, you still may need a week or two, or more, for your skin return to event-worthy display.
On the other side of the spectrum, there are facial treatments and products that are designed to be very gentle and nourishing on the skin. These kinds of facial options are much safer to have closer to your event date.
However, even if you’re considering a gentler facial, and don’t intend on trying out an exfoliating treatment, Teresa, our skincare specialist at Professional Image Enhancement in Cedar Rapids, recommends to never have your very first facial earlier than a month before an important event.
“A client can have reactions, and you just never know. You have to be sure. That means start your treatments way before your event.
If they’ve never had a facial before, try it a month before a big event. Then they know how their skin reacts and can have a treatment closer to their big event.”
Finally, your facialist will tell you what you should and shouldn’t expect after a specific treatment. Some amount of redness and peeling can be expected for certain treatments, but if you’re ever concerned that something is not right, always give your facialist a call.
Looking for bigger results? Start before the facial
If you’re looking for something more than just an hour of relaxation, but really making your skin look it’s absolute best, you’ll want to start far before your event date.
In order to achieve dramatic skincare results, (think healing and preventing acne or reversing aging) you will need multiple treatments spanned over many weeks. But your dedication will be rewarded!
Depending on the current state of your skin and what skincare goals you want to ultimately achieve, there can be 1-2 weeks in between treatments, which quickly ads up. For this reason, we’d recommend booking your initial skincare consultation at least 6 months before your event. This will give you enough time for a facialist to make a solid skincare treatment plan for you that can address all your concerns. And it will give your facialist plenty of time to really get to know your skin.
If you’re a veteran of facials and have a great ongoing relationship with a specific facialist or skincare specialist, booking an appointment with them well in advance of your event is still a good idea. Since they know your skin well, they can help guide you to an event-prep treatment plan that will fit all your skincare goals and get your skin event-ready.
A facialist that knows your skin well will be able to provide the utmost personalized treatments, maximizing your results. The more time you dedicate, the better results you will have.
Schedule A skincare consultation
Getting to know your skin with a consultation is the perfect first step when you want to look your best for whatever event or celebration is on your horizon.
Your schedule depends on your goals
The exact timeline for when to book your facial before your event ultimately depends on what kind of treatment you’ll be including in your facial and what your goals are.
Check which situation best applies to you, and see our recommendations for when to book your facial before your important event.
Looking for dramatic skincare results for your event?
Begin: 6 months - 1 year before your event
Whether you’ve ever had a facial before or not, visit a skincare specialist to discuss your long-term skincare goals leading up to your event. Together, make a skincare plan and start scheduling your treatments.
Never had a facial before and interested in trying one out specifically for your event?
Begin: At least 1 month before your event
If this is your first foray into facial treatments, schedule a skincare consultation and first facial as a trial no sooner than 1 month before your event. This will give you and your facialist time to see how you skin reacts and plan your event facial.
A facial treatment veteran looking for a polish?
Schedule: 1-2 weeks before your event
If you already have a good relationship with a facialist who knows your skin well, and depending on your skin, you could be a great candidate for a Micropeel. This treatment gives amazing benefits for an event like smooth makeup-application and a glow of youth!
Always feel free to connect with your esthetician even sooner than we’ve listed here. Remember, the more time you have, the better results you can achieve, and the better your facialist can get to know your skin and recommend the best treatment for you.
Additionally, not all treatments are appropriate for all treatment goals or skin types. So always discuss your goals and desires with your facialist or skincare specialist.
After your event
Phew! You made it through your big event! Be it a wedding, class reunion, or public speaking event, you’re likely coming down from a bit of stress, or at least adrenaline! This is a great time for a follow-up facial treatment.
Now that the event is over, one option is to focus on those more intense treatments, like a chemical peel, now that you don’t need to worry as much about their side effects.
We’d encourage you to consider other treatments as well.
As stated earlier, you’re likely coming down from some stress and adrenaline, and that can definitely impact our skin. Time in a calm and relaxing facial treatment can help treat your stress itself. Soft music, low lighting, gentle massage… Can you feel your stress melting away already?
As for the effect of stress on the skin its self, many people experience stress-related acne which can be partly caused by stress-triggered excess oil production. So post-event, you may experience some lingering acne. A facial focusing on treating oily skin and acne is a great option if this is the reality for you.
If your event was outside, maybe in the hot, humid, and sticky Iowa summer weather, where your skin was exposed to pollution, sweat, and sun, your skin could wildly benefit from a deep cleansing facial.
And of course, as we’re constantly saying all over this blog, take some time to speak with your skincare professional of choice. They’ll take a closer look at your skin and how you specifically are reacting to coming down from your big event, and can recommend the best treatment for you.
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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Is electrolysis right for you?
Fighting unwanted hair growth is a long-standing challenging that’s been met with countless beauty products and services for generations. People of all genders spend time each week removing hair whether it’s by shaving, tweezing, waxing, or other methods.
And all that effort results in hours and dollars we’d rather not be bothered to count.
So now you’re thinking of embarking on something more permanent. Maybe a friend told you about electrolysis, or you stumbled upon it yourself when aimlessly scrolling one night when you couldn’t sleep.
But is electrolysis the hair removal option for you?
Fighting unwanted hair growth is a long-standing challenging that’s been met with countless beauty products and services for generations. People of all genders spend time each week removing hair whether it’s by shaving, tweezing, waxing, or other methods.
And all that effort results in hours and dollars we’d rather not be bothered to count.
When all we really want is to just stop dealing with the hair!
So now you’re thinking of embarking on something more permanent. Maybe a friend told you about electrolysis, or you stumbled upon it yourself when aimlessly scrolling one night when you couldn’t sleep.
But is electrolysis the hair removal option for you?
In today’s post we’re walking through 6 different questions you want to ask yourself to help determine if electrolysis is the right solution for your unwanted hair:
What level of permanence are you looking for?
What is your pain tolerance?
How long are you willing to commit for?
What skin and hair color combination do you have on the area you’d like to work on?
What is your budget?
So let’s jump right into it!
Is electrolysis the right hair removal treatment for you?
What is electrolysis?
First let’s cover the basics. Whether this is the first time you’ve heard of electrolysis, or the 50th, we’ll all be on the same page.
Electrolysis is the only FDA recognized method of truly permanent hair removal. This method uses a very small needle-like probe that follows a single hair into into the hair follicle (that means there is no piercing of the skin) and uses an electrical current, heat, or a combination to kill the cells that produce the hair, and therefore stop new hair from growing.
Electrolysis has been a long standing treatment for permanent hair removal since its discovery in the late 1800’s.
While we don’t have as long of a history in our salon in Cedar Rapids (who does!), Teresa does has decades of experience. She has been providing electrolysis since the 90’s and is an expert electrologist in the area.
Question 1: What level of permanence are you looking for?
We all know that our at-home hair removal methods are just temporary. And many opt for extending their results with waxing or tweezing. But that still gives you just a few weeks, max.
What about laser treatments? Whether at home or at a laser hair removal treatment clinic?
According to the FDA, laser hair removal equipment is categorized as “permanent reduction”. While electrolysis is categorized as “permanent removal”.
Anecdotally, individuals report a mixed bag of results when it comes to laser hair removal, largely depending on the provider. So if you’re looking for a laser provider, make sure to gather personal recommendations and read reviews.
So determine for yourself what level of permanence you’re looking for. Is a permanent reduction enough for the area you’re seeking to treat? Or do you want to be confident of complete hair eradication? If you prefer the latter, then electrolysis is the choice for you in the permanence category.
Question 2: What is your pain tolerance?
No pain, no gain, right?
This does unfortunately apply to electrolysis, at least to a point.
Clients report a range of pain, or simply discomfort, when undergoing electrolysis treatment.
The treatment itself consists mainly of 3 steps: 1) the probe insertion, 2) the heat or electricity application, 3) the hair extraction.
The probe insertion does not cause any pain as the probe is being inserted into the hair follicle, a hole that is already present in the skin, and is therefor not piercing the skin. The hair extraction is also painless with nothing more than a light tugging sensation. There may be just the occasional “pluck”. The application of the electricity or heat is the step that will provide the most sensation. Different people react to this sensation differently, but at best, it is uncomfortable.
If you typically have a high pain tolerance, you may not have much to worry about. But even if you have a lower pain tolerance, hope is not lost if you’re highly motivated. Treatment sessions are set based on your pain tolerance, so you don’t have to have an entire hour, or even half hour of treatment.
Ultimately, you won’t be able to find out how much you can tolerate electrolysis treatment without giving it a try yourself. At an electrolysis consultation, ask your provider if you can experience a sample of the treatment. Most will be happy to oblige.
Then you can confidently determine if the pain or discomfort from electrolysis is enough to eliminate it from your hair removal options.
Question 3: How long are you willing to commit for?
Electrolysis is a long game, and you need to be in it for the long-haul if you want the final result: no more hair.
But in exchange of a long-term commitment, you achieve truly permanent hair removal. (Although we hope that’s not the last time we see you! Be sure to come back for our skincare products and skincare treatments like our popular acne facials.)
How long of a commitment are we talking about?
This comes down to the size of the area you want to treat and the hair density of that area.
For example, working on eyebrows or separating a unibrow will take much less time than treating entire legs.
If you’re treating a large area like the leg or back, you will be visiting your electrolysis regularly for up to 1.5-2 years. Treating a small area like eyebrows can take just a number weeks to months. These time frames of course depend on each treatment duration and your treatment frequency.
Additionally, your hair density can be very different from the next person’s. So how long it will take to complete the treatment of one area will be different from how long it takes another client treating the same area. This is because electrolysis is done by treating each individual hair one at a time. While this means that it can take a long time to achieve a large area or if you have dense hair growth, it is also what ensures 100% hair removal of that area.
But regardless of what area you’re treating or how many treatments you ultimately will need, the point is that in order to achieve true complete permanent hair removal, you need to commit to the complete process. If you’re willing to do that, electrolysis could be for you!
Question 4: What area of skin do you want to work on?
some areas are more sensitive than others, some electrologists only work on certain areas (like our salon)
As eluded to in the previous section, you can perform electrolysis on a variety of areas: legs, back, underarm, eyebrows, beard line, hairline, knuckles, chin, and face.
What you want to keep in mind is that some areas are more sensitive to work on than others. For example, you may be able to tolerate longer electrolysis sessions on the leg better than on your knuckles. So talk with your electrologist about the area you want to treat and how sensitive it may be to treat. This is a great conversation to have during your initial consultation.
Secondly, not all electrologists work on all areas. In our Cedar Rapids salon, we do not work on private areas or bikini lines. This is a personal preference of the treatment provider, so you may need to shop around if you’re seeking treatment on a particularly intimate area.
Question 5: What skin and hair color combination do you have on the area you’d like to work on?
Do you have light skin with dark hair? Dark skin and dark hair? Light skin and light hair?
Electrology is good fit for any skin/hair color combination. It even works for those hair or skin color which laser does not.
Laser hair removal targets the hair by targeting the melanin, the compound that gives hair and skin its color, present inside the hair. If your hair doesn’t have much melanin to target, like with grey, blond, or red hair, the laser will have a very hard time targeting those hairs.
If your skin is darker, then the opposite problem occurs. Due to the additional melanin present in the skin, the laser will target the skin itself which can be damaging.
In either case, laser isn’t a good option for you.
Electrolysis, however, is more precise as it targets one single specific hair at a time. It works on any color of hair, and there is no difference in treatment results whether you have darker or lighter skin. So regardless of your color of hair or skin, electrolysis can work for you.
Question 6: What is your budget?
How much electrolysis costs will depend on your number of treatments and length of those treatments. And as discussed under question 3, this is based on the size of the area you want to treat, and your specific density of hair.
For example, working on a small area like eyebrows or knuckles will cost much less than treating your entire back.
And when considering hair density, your cost of treating one area will be different from another client’s cost from treating the same area.
For a rough idea, electrolysis is charged by the duration of a treatment session. And in our salon, we offer treatments in 5 minute increments (15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, and so on). At the time of this writing, sessions average $1.30-$2.00 a minute, with the lower rates corresponding to longer sessions (kind of like getting a bulk discount).
One thing to consider when thinking about your budget, is how much you’re spending on your hair removal now. Shaving, waxing, etc., aren’t free and come with a cost of their own. Moreover, it’s a cost that will only end when you decide to live with the hair that comes back.
In contrast, electrolysis is a cost that ends when all the hair is gone and then does not return. You will not incur that cost repeatedly, unlike with temporary hair removal options. So when you pay for electrolysis, you’re exchanging not only what you’re spending now for your hair removal, but what you will continue to spend for the years to come using temporary methods.
SO Who is a good candidate for electrolysis?
In summary of our questions and discussions above, who is a good fit for electrolysis?
If you have unwanted hair on your face or body
If you’re looking for permanent removal over permanent reduction of hair
You have a decent pain tolerance, or are willing to exchange the discomfort for permanent results
If you are committed to the treatment process for the long-term in order to achieve completed results
If you have any color of skin or hair
If you are willing to trade the expense of repeated temporary hair removal for the finite cost of permanent removal
If you answered yes to all of these statements, then you are a great candidate for electrolysis!
If you’re located in Eastern Iowa and ready to get started, then give us a call or schedule your first appointment online to get started.
And Who isn’t a good candidate for electrolysis?
And conversely, who isn’t the best fit for electrolysis and may want to consider other methods of hair removal?
You value treatment speed over 100% permanent hair removal
If you’re very pain sensitive
If you’re looking for a quick hair removal solution
If you prefer the lower cost of temporary solutions repeated as long as you want to remove the hair
If you have certain medical conditions or are undergoing certain medical treatments
If any of the statements above apply to you, you may not be the best candidate for electrolysis. But it’s not a guarantee, so consider speaking directly with an electrologist to see if your situation is a good fit for electrolysis. Our electrolysis consultations in Cedar Rapids are completely free and come with no further booking obligations.
Conclusion
How did you do with our questions? Were you able to determine if electrolysis is right for you?
If you need some more personal insight, then as a next step, we’d recommend setting up a 1-on-1 consultation with an electrologist to further answer your questions and perhaps provide a sample of treatment. Then you can decide once and for all if electrolysis is the end-all-be-all treatment for you.
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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How to prepare for a facial
Many of our clients have also been regular patrons of facials, but not everyone has already been introduced to this area of skincare, and trying to break into the world of facial treatments can be daunting.
So today we’re talking about facial prep! While chatting with Teresa about this topic, I gleaned these 5 steps to take to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
A facial feels like such a luxury. I remember being so excited to get my first facial treatment as a teenager, finally old enough to start playing in this world of skincare. Lucky for me, Teresa — skincare specialist, esthetician, and owner & operator of Professional Image Enhancement, is my mother. So I’ve been enjoying the spoils of regular facials throughout my adolescence and adulthood (when I happen to be home for a visit). They almost feel like second nature to me now.
Many of our clients have also been regular patrons of the salon, but not everyone has been previously introduced to this area of skincare, and trying to break into the world of facial treatments can be daunting.
So today we’re talking about facial prep! While chatting with Teresa about this topic, I gleaned these 5 steps to take to prepare for your first, or next, facial.
How to prepare for a facial
Step 1: Define your skincare goals
Before diving into all the fun of skincare products, ingredients, and finding yourself an esthetician, we need to cover our basics.
“The most important knowledge are the goals a client has.”
So ask yourself what is inspiring you to seek out a facial in the first place, and even skincare in general. Here are some goals you can consider:
Repairing past damage to skin
Preventing further damage from the sun and pollution
Managing dry skin and increasing hydration
Healing existing acne
Managing and preventing future acne
Reducing the appearance of acne scarring
Treating fine lines and aging skin
Preparing for aging skin
Evening skin tone
It’s when we have a clear picture of your skincare goals, that you and your esthetician can be on the same page and work together in the same direction.
Step 2: Become familiar with your current skincare products
In order for a facialist to create an effective facial treatment for you, they need to get to know your skin. One big way they do this is via a window into your at-home skincare routine. Of course this means you need to get familiar with what you’re actually using in your routine.
“The client has to be knowledgeable about what they’re using, to be open to share their routine, and what they might react to or that their skin doesn’t like. That will give me an idea of what kind of skin they have.”
First, it’s good to also make note of the types of products you’re using (cleansers, toners, serums, creams, etc), and what the product is aimed to do: an acne-fighting cleanser, an anti-aging moisturizer, an under-eye serum for dark circles. This further informs the aesthetician on your skincare goals, and they may have a good idea of what type of ingredients are likely to be a in particular type of product aimed at a particular focus.
Take some time to dig through your medicine cabinet, and take mental notes (or actual ones) of the key ingredients in the products you’re using and how often. Some ingredients to keep an eye out for are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol.
Finally, keep in mind the products and ingredients that tend to give you bad reactions. Do acne products always leave your skin red and irritated? Do you tend to stay away from salicylic acid? Is there anything you know you’re allergic to?
All of this information is going to be very helpful for your aesthetician.
Step 3: Find a facialist
Now comes the exciting, yet daunting task of choosing a facialist. Searching “facial” for Cedar Rapids, Iowa alone, returns well over 50 businesses!
After narrowing it down by personal recommendations or those that are most conveniently located for you, there are some qualities you want to look for.
Besides being sure they have adequate education for their field, you’ll really benefit from finding a provider who focuses on personalization. If the aesthetician talks about taking the time to get to know your skin and catering their services to you and your skincare goals, then you’re in really good hands.
“They have to search for someone who is going to customize the facial for them. No book or training will train them to do that. I’m going to try and meet the needs of your skin according to what I see and what you describe to me. If you have a little acne, I will do a little to treat it.”
A combination of foundational education and a lot of experience is what culminates to provide a truly personalized facial experience.
“The bottom line is finding someone who will customize their treatment and knows the biology and anatomy of the skin to do it correctly. That is what I recommend to everybody.”
That’s exactly what Teresa has done for 30 years!
Step 4: Don’t schedule your first facial right before an event
When it comes time to schedule your appointment, avoid anything very soon before a big event: wedding, prom, photoshoot, etc. Particularly if you’ve never had a facial before. Right before an important event is the last time you want to try anything new with your face.
If you have facials regularly and enjoy a history with a facialist or aesthetician that knows your skin well, they can be more specific about the type of treatments that would be a safe choice closer to one of those big events
“Never have your first facial right before an event because you never know. If I know their skin, if they’re an existing client, we will see what kind of facial they can have before the event. This is not the time to try anything.”
Step 5: Come as you are
If in advance, you’ve spoken with your chosen aesthetician in more detail about a particular treatment, follow any instructions for products or ingredients to avoid. Otherwise you can follow your routine as normal, just be sure to include that routine in what you share during your consultation so it can be taken into consideration for your treatment.
You don’t need to worry about leaving off your makeup that day, as your facialist will take care of any makeup removal before your treatment. You’ll also be changing into a facial-appropriate robe or wrap, so your outfit is also something you don’t need to be too concerned about.
Finally, some clients are a bit nervous about sharing their skincare routine, or lack of a routine, with a professional. But rest assured your aesthetician is simply concerned with being well informed in order to provide you the best service. No judgment found here!
We hope these steps are leaving you feeling confident for your first, or next, facial treatment! Teresa at our skincare salon in Cedar Rapids would be happy to see you whether you’re a facial novice or veteran. If you’d like to get on our schedule, give us a call at (319) 373-9596 or request an appointment online.
Facial prep FAQ
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about prepping for facials. If you still have facial questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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Do I need to remove my makeup before a facial?
If you have a previous engagement before your facial and would like to wear makeup, that’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to go to the trouble of avoiding it or removing it before your appointment. Your aesthetician will take care of that for you as prep for your treatment. What you can wear on your face after your facial of course depends on the type of treatment you receive. Be sure to ask your facialist about this after your appointment.
What should I avoid before a facial?
If you are planning on a treatment that is on the aggressive side, ie. a microdermabrasion or chemical peel, you want to be gentle on your skin for the week leading up to your appointment. This would involve avoiding your harsher ingredients like retinol or benzoyl peroxide. Also be sure to wear your sunscreen and protect your face from those UVBs.
If you’re having your very first facial, the aesthetician will likely want to start gentle regardless in order to start learning about your skin and to see how it reacts.
Regardless of what you’re using at home, a knowledgable aesthetician can put together a facial treatment that will be a compliment. The bottom line is to be very clear about what you’re already using so your facialist can plan accordingly, and always talk with your specific treatment provider about any details.
How should I wear my hair for a facial?
At your facial, your aesthetician will use a cloth or paper headband to wrap all the way around your hairline. You’ll also be laying on your back. So, well-involved updo’s will likely be inconvenient, and if you’ve spent time slaving over a curling iron, you may be disappointed after laying on your hairstyle for 45+ minutes. Casual is better here. Hair down or in a low ponytail will be just fine.
What should I wear to a facial?
After your initial consultation and it comes time for your actual treatment, you will be provided a towel, robe, or wrap to change into. So the clothes you wear to your appointment aren’t particularly important. But perhaps opt for something that’s easier to get in and out of. This may be the time to pass over the full lace-up boots or that dress with a zipper in the back that you can’t quite reach.
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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Our Salon's 5 Best Selling Skincare Products - 2023
Choosing skincare products can be a huge challenge given the overwhelming section staring at us from the skincare counter. Eyes glaze over, and soon we can’t tell our cleansers from our toners. So we ask our friends and family, “what do you buy?” for a chance at a shortlist of products to sift through.
We read recommendations and scan reviews online, trying to narrow in even further. But sometimes numbers are the biggest talkers!
So today we’ve put together our shortlist our clients’ favorite skincare products at Professional Image Enhancement in Cedar Rapids - our top sellers in 2022!
Choosing skincare products can be a huge challenge given the overwhelming selection staring at us from the skincare counter. Eyes glaze over, and soon we can’t tell our cleansers from our toners. So we ask our friends and family, “what do you buy?” for a chance at a shortlist of products to sift through.
We read recommendations and scan reviews online, trying to narrow in even further. But sometimes numbers are the biggest talkers!
So today we’ve put together our shortlist of our clients’ favorite skincare products at Professional Image Enhancement in Cedar Rapids - our top sellers in 2022!
With that being said, we like to remind you that skincare is personal. No product is perfect for everyone. The products listed here may not produce the golden ticket you’ve been searching for, but they can provide a solid starting point. All the products we sell in our Cedar Rapids skincare salon have the highest quality ingredients and come from brands with long standing reputations in the skincare industry. We’ve been trusting them on our own skin and our clients’ skin for years. The product information compiled here is a combination of descriptions direct from the brand, synthesized product reviews, and comments from Teresa, our facialist and skincare specialist.
So without further ado - here are our current top 5 best selling skincare products!
Our salon’s top 5 best-selling skincare products for 2023
#5 MAD: Glycolic Age Diffusing Cleanser
From the brand
Effective exfoliation and cleansing. A blend of Glycolic Acid and gentle cleansing agents lift away dirt and dead skin cells leaving your skin glowing and rejuvenated . Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and makes your skin look radiant.
Why clients love it
Refreshing
Clean feeling
Smoothing effect
*Not recommended for sensitive skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a gentle anti-aging exfoliating cleanser, and one you can start with at all ages to prevent and treat wrinkles. It’s a very gentle, so if you’re thinking of trying exfoliation this would be one of the products I would recommend to start with. This cleanser is for anybody who is concerned with defying aging at any time; this is the place to start.
#4 Dermaquest: Stem Cell 3D Eye Lift
From the brand
Stem Cell 3D Eye Lift offers instant lifting and firming of the delicate skin around the eye area. The stellar collection of advanced ingredients found in this eye cream will help to achieve healthy and youthful eyes at any age. Stem Cell 3D Eye Lift is an age fighting powerhouse due to its ability to take on, and control the “big 3” most common eye area concerns – puffiness, dark circles and aging. a polysaccharide blend provides an immediate age fighting “mini eyelift” as peptides and botanicals work to maintain that lifting, firming and reduction of inflammation of the eye area. Advanced hydrating ingredients like mdi complex® increase immediate and long term moisture retention as plant stem cells maintain skin health and integrity.
Why clients love it
Fights crow’s feet
Visible results quickly
Lightens dark circles
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is another anti aging product that will feed and hydrate the skin if you’re using a lot of exfoliating. This is one of the best anti-aging moisturizers for crows feet as it works very well at diminishing the lines around the eyes.
#3 SkinCeuticals: Renew Overnight Dry Nighttime Moisturizer
From the brand
A nighttime skin-refining face moisturizer enhanced with a hydroxy acid blend for gentle exfoliation and hydration. Ideal for normal or dry skin, this nighttime skin-refining moisturizer contains a 10% hydroxy acid blend to gently exfoliate the skin for a healthier appearance.
Why clients love it
Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles
Helps even out dry patches
Great for aging, dry skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This an exfoliating product that will work specifically well if you have dry skin. People with dry skin often don’t want to exfoliate, but this hydrates the skin and gently exfoliates. Ideal for normal, and more sensitive skin.
Want your own, personalized list of recommended products?
#2 M.A.D. Everyday Renewing Toner
From the brand
The environment’s more damaging to skin than ever before. Pollution, stress and poor diet contribute to premature aging. Your skin needs a shield to protect against these environmental aggressors. Non-drying, balancing, quenching, a toner like no other, you’ll immediately feel the difference when you apply Everyday Renewing Toner. Sodium Hyaluronate maintains moisture and a synergy of antioxidants optimizes skin for treatments to deliver best possible results. Multi Fruit Acids for gentle exfoliation, Trinity Tea Complex to fight free radicals, and an Amino Acid-rich complex for natural UVA protection and accelerated cellular repair designed to maintain your skin’s optimal look.
Why clients love it
Pleasant neutral scent
Good for oily / acne-prone skin
Gentle
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is a toner that everyone can use, and one of the few on the market that is alcohol free. For me, that’s the way toners are supposed to be. It has anti-aging properties and feels refreshing and moisturizing, bringing the ph of the skin to normal — gently.
#1: M.A.D. Photo Guard SPF 50 Self-Adjusting Foundation
From the brand
M.A.D Skincare Sun Protection products deliver cutting edge UVA/UVB protection and more. This non-greasy yet moisturizing liquid SPF 50 foundation goes on white and instantly adjusts to match your skin tone. Available in 2 shades, the Neutral is ideal for fair to neutral skin tones and the Medium is perfect for beige to tan skin tones. It can be used daily for an illuminating silky finish. The fragrance-free formula is lightweight and quickly absorbed with no dryness and is suitable for all skin types.
Why clients love it
Convenience, easy high sun protection
Light makeup
Smooth on the skin
From Teresa, our skincare specialist:
This is the most incredible product on the market that will protect your skin with SPF 50, and give you a glow with adjustable color. It protects and moisturizes at the same time. You get two, in one: your SPF and your makeup! This is for people who do want to even up their skin tone, but don’t enjoy heavier makeup. This gives you a gentle coverup without the heavy look or feel of foundation.
How to get personal skincare product recommendations
As mentioned at the top, skincare is personal. Your skin is unique, so your perfect skincare product for your specific skincare goal can be different from someone even with a similar skincare profile to you. So what is better than making your best guess at your next skincare product winner? Personal product recommendations from a skincare professional.
Many estheticians and skincare salons may offer a consultation or “first-time” style facial for clients who are just beginning their skincare journey, or who simply want to get to know their skin better.
At our own skincare salon in Cedar Rapids, we offer a skincare consultation for any new client scheduling their first facial, or first facial with us. Teresa takes some time at the beginning of the treatment to discuss your current skincare routine, the products you’re using, what, if any, sensitivities or allergies you have, and your specific skincare goals. This is followed by examining your skin then putting together a personalized facial based on your unique skin and its needs.
After your personalized facial, Teresa can provide personalized skincare product recommendations to match, some of which she may have even used during your treatment.
When you work with an esthetician or facialist or skincare specialist who focuses on getting to know your individual skin, they are able to give you product recommendations that have the highest chance of success for whatever your goals are. Not to mention, you’ll walk away better acquainted with your skin yourself, and can make your own better-informed product choices moving forward.
Skincare Products FAQ
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about skincare products. If you still have product questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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How do I know if a product will work for me?
No skincare product will work for everyone, even when following those helpful skin type labels like “dry” or “oily”. This is why there are just so many products to sort through! Quality ingredients certainly help, but at the end of the day, it comes down to your unique skin.
There are a few great ways to increase your new skincare product success, rather than just buying blind.
Get to know your skin type: Dry, oily, combination, mature, and acne-prone are some of the common labels for skin types, and are used to categorize many skincare products. Many skincare brands even offer self-assessment guides for how to find your skincare type and make shopping easier.
Ask for a sample: This takes the most risk out of buying a full size of a skincare product you’ve never tried before. If it doesn’t work out for you, you didn’t spend a lot of money, and you won’t have another bottle of product you won’t finish cluttering up your cabinet.
Get a skincare consultation for a professional assessment: Skincare self-assessments are a great starting point if you are just beginning your skincare journey. But if you’re looking for something a step further, consider a skincare consultation with a skincare professional. This will give you even further insight into what new skincare products could work for you.
What if a skincare product doesn’t work for me?
It’s natural to try a product and find it doesn’t give you the results you were hoping. Depending on where you purchased the product, there may be a return policy available, but not always. This is why samples are great options when trying a new product. Take note of what in particular didn’t work with your skin. Did you have a reaction? Did it make your skin oily? Did you break out? Did nothing change? And also take note of the ingredients in that particular product. Over time, and after trying many different ingredients and products, you may start to see a trend for how your skin reacts to certain ingredients. This information is priceless! A skincare professional can certainly help shortcut this process and give you a good foundation to start with.
What skincare products can I combine?
Just like all the ingredients in your kitchen, not all of them should be used at the same time! If you’ve already added something spicy to your dish, you might not want to double up. Same can be said about skincare products. You don’t typically want to mix like-type products, like two exfoliating products. Some product combinations just don’t want to play nice with one another. For example, when using retinol with a moisturizer, you many need to wait 20 minutes after applying retinol before applying your moisturizers. Be sure to read all the information that comes with your skincare product, as they may highlight what products to avoid using in conjunction. Keep track of how your skin responds, and stop using a product combination if your skin becomes irritated. Finally, talk with a skincare specialist for help building a personal skincare regimine, and to learn more about how and when to combine specific products you’re interested in using.
How can I buy one of these products?
While we don’t have an online store, you can give us a call at our salon in Cedar Rapids at (319) 373-9596 to order any of the products listed here. Teresa can help you further assess if a particular product is right for you and your skincare goals. If ordering over the phone, we provide pickup in our Cedar Rapids salon, or can ship directly to you. You can also schedule a skincare consultation over the phone or on our website where Teresa will be better able to assess your skin for even better personal recommendations.
WANT OUR BEST SELLERS IN YOUR CABINET?
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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Is a relaxing facial the best Valentine’s gift for her? Read this to find out!
So you’ve come up with the idea to gift them a pampering, relaxing facial at a local salon to show them how much you care for them. Sounds perfect and romantic, right? How do you know it really is the perfect gift you thought it was?
Today we’ll walk through how you can be confident in whether a relaxing and personalized facial is perfect for your Valentine.
Your wife, girlfriend, or partner is the most important person in the world to you!
You intentionally choose them as your partner in this one life, and if you’re married, you’ve even vowed it! You likely spend more time with them than anyone else, and they probably know you better than you know yourself. You share intimate secrets and dreams with them. They inspire you, care for you, and you deeply want them to feel fulfilled and happy in their life. Because that’s what love is, isn’t it?
But so often people are grabbing some drugstore chocolates and flowers as an afterthought on their way home from work on the 14th.
Meanwhile what our partners really want is to actually feel the care and love that you do feel for them.
So you’ve come up with the idea to gift them a pampering, relaxing facial at a local salon to show them how much you care for them. Sounds perfect and romantic, right? How do you know it really is the perfect gift you thought it was?
Today we’ll walk through how you can be confident in whether a relaxing and personalized facial is perfect for your Valentine.
Is a relaxing facial the best Valentine’s gift for your Valentine?
What does your Valentine Enjoy?
Now, of course we’re saying that we believe a facial is the best Valentine’s gift. And for some, it definitely is! But it also might not be for your Valentine.
How do you know?
Well besides just point-blank asking her, “would you like a facial for a Valentine’s gift this year?” and completely spoiling any surprise, there are some more discrete ways to flush this out.
Do they already enjoy facials?
Easiest way to find out if your Valentine would love a facial this year? Do they already enjoy facials? Have they gotten facials in the past, but it’s just something they don’t have time or budget for anymore? Or did they have a facial once on vacation and absolutely loved it, but haven't gotten around to finding a good skincare salon near home yet?
If they have had facials before, it would be a good idea to casually bring up their previous facial(s) and ask how they enjoyed the experience. You wouldn't want to accidentally gift them something they’ve done before but disliked! And the more time before actual Valentine’s Day, the better as to not arouse suspicion. 🤫
Well what if your partner has never had a facial before? Then let’s break down what the gift of a facial entails, and think critically if those elements are things she would enjoy.
Would they like some alone time?
Firstly, facials are often solo services. There are some salons that offer couple's massages, but couple’s facials are less common. If a salon does provide parallel facials, they tend to be done in separate rooms, so you’re still alone for the service.
Logically, for many people, a Valentine’s gift is meant to represent and honor your relationship, and should include time together, rather than apart. Would your partner be turned off to a gift that didn’t include time with you?
However, if you, say, have a romantic evening together, at the end of which you present the gift of a relaxing facial to be used at a later date, you can manage both a solo-themed gift, while also spending time together. Win/win!
Are they looking for peace and relaxation?
Peace and quiet. Taking time to do something, enjoy something, just for you. 60 minutes without email notifications, phone calls, or pestering kids or colleagues. These are often the top reasons why our clients love facials.
Does your partner have a particularly chaotic daily schedule? Are they constantly rushing from place to place, task to task? Is the majority of their time spent taking care of those around them? Whether that be employees, children, other family members, or even colleagues and friends?
If this sounds like your partner, then the solo time that comes with a relaxing facial might be exactly what they’re looking for.
But be careful - some people have lives that don’t stop because that’s exactly what they enjoy. Some people hate the idea of an hour with nothing but their busy bee thoughts.
Which one is your partner? Not sure? Try to investigate with questions like:
“Have you had some time to yourself today?”
“Would you like me to take some things off your plate?”
(And if they say “yes” to taking things off their plate, be sure to actually follow through!)“Do you feel like you get enough down time?”
Not only will these help you better assess if your Valentine would enjoy some quiet alone time, but will likely make your partner feel loved just for asking! We all love to be noticed and thought of, after all.
Would they be uncomfortable?
Secondly, a facial is a personal service. It involves an esthetician using their hands to apply product to and massage the face for anywhere from 30-90 minutes. And the esthetician performing the facial will likely be someone you haven’t met before. And while the esthetician is a professional and typically makes themselves relatively easy to ignore so the client can focus on relaxing, some people may find this uncomfortable.
So think about how well you know your partner. Do they feel uncomfortable having their face touched? Even in an atmosphere made to feel relaxing?
A skincare service is the perfect gift for…
In short, it’s important to actually test the waters to see what your partner enjoys. This of course goes for any gift-giving occasion. Please remember that people are not a (word for homogenous) group! And yes, this goes for women, too.
So who is this the perfect gift for?
A relaxing and personalized facial is the perfect Valentine’s gift for:
someone interested in time alone, maybe in addition to an activity together,
someone who isn’t bothered by someone touching their face,
someone who may have enjoyed getting facials in the past
What about products?
While there is something to be said about unwrapping a physical item, gifting skincare products can be tricky. Which ones go well with their skin? What skincare goals does your partner have? Are they allergic to any topical ingredients?
You could take an observant moment and make note of what they already have in the medicine cabinet. But isn’t the spirit of gift-giving, gifting something one wouldn’t get for themselves?
And of course there’s the classic hang-up of handing them a bottle of “get rid of those wrinkles, baby!” on the most romantic day of the year. That might send the wrong message…
When you gift a service like a personalized facial, you avoid the possibly boring routine of products they already use day to day. It gives them an opportunity to explore new additions to their routine with advice from a professional in the skincare industry.
Just be sure to stray away from the “so you can look better” or “younger” types of messaging when actually doing the gift giving. You don’t want to imply there’s anything wrong with the way they look to you now. Instead, lean into messaging like “pampering” or “relaxation” or “you-time”.
But it is true that unwrapping an envelope isn’t nearly as fun as the mysteries of what lay inside a gift box. So here are a few ideas to make giving a gift certificate or digital gift card more exciting!
Turn it into a scavenger hunt with hidden clues throughout their office or home
Put the envelope in a box with loads of packing peanuts or shredded paper
Place it in a small box, wrap it, then place it in a larger box, wrap it, then in an even larger box! — just make sure your Valentine will see this as more amusing than irritating 😉
Choose a quality salon
Now that you know if a relaxing and personalized facial is the best gift for your Valentine, be sure to shop at a local skincare salon with a good track record and reputation. Teresa at Professional Image Enhancement has been providing high quality skincare services and electrolysis for over 30 years, so you know they’ll be in good hands! Whether your Valentine has never had a facial before or is a facial connoisseur, they’ll be sure to leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and better informed on how to take care of their unique skin.
Want to go above and beyond?
So you’ve decided to order a gift certificate or gift card for a skincare service, like a facial, for your Valentine? With just one additional step, you could really go over the top!
No one likes a gift that turns into a chore. So how about not just purchasing the ability to enjoy a facial some time, but actually book the appointment for them!
Do you share a digital calendar? Have access to their appointment book? Do they have a secretary that manages their agenda? Take advantage and seal the deal when you set aside a specific day and time for them to enjoy their gift. Then it doesn’t become an item on their to-do list.
Frequently Asked Facial Questions
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about gifting personalized facials. If you still have questions of your own, reach out to our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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What kind of facial should I gift?
The safest bet here is a personalized facial. With a personalized facial, the esthetician will take a little bit of time at the start of the treatment assessing the client’s skin, and discussing their skincare routine. From this assessment, the esthetician will build a facial specifically tailored to the clients skin and skincare goals. You can’t go wrong with that! Order your gift here.
How much does a facial cost?
This all depends on the type of facial, the salon providing it, and the duration of the facial and can cost anywhere from $60-$120. Facial treatments typically can come in 30, 60, and 90 minutes, and the price of course goes up with the longer durations. Cost can also increase if you want to include an additional service like a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to your facial. Adding an additional service can increase the price above $120, especially if you’re looking to book a 90 minute treatment. It’s best to contact the salon you’re interested in directly to get a quote on a specific facial they offer.
In our salon, if you’re looking to gift a personalized facial for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion, we recommend getting an eGift card with at least $95 that includes the price of a basic facial with a little wiggle room for some possible additional service, or credit toward a product.
If I order a digital gift card now, how do I deliver it on actual Valentine’s Day?
The eGift cards we offer include the option to deliver the gift now or on a future specified date! So you don’t need to worry about accidentally sending it too soon, or forgetting to order it on that day. You can order one of our convenient eGift cards here and have your V-day shopping done in a few clicks. Again, we recommend at least $95 for personalized facials.
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Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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How to choose an electrologist
All of us are very familiar with the trial and error that ensues when we’re looking for a new service provider, whether it’s a hair stylist or a handyman.
But this is your skin we’re talking about!
It’s not exactly like fixing a bad paint job in your living room.
So to help you get you to a winning tech the first time, here is how to find your first, or next, electrologist.
So, you’ve just moved to a new city! You’ve unpacked the necessities, but are still partially living out of boxes. The immediate chaos of the move has calmed, and you have a chance to look around and realize -- you need a new plumber. And car mechanic, handyman, go-to coffee shop, and not least of all, someone to pick up where your last tech left off with your electrolysis treatments.
Or you’re finally done dealing with regular hair removal. The waxing, the tweezing, the shaving, the bleaching… You’re ready for a more long-term solution, and have decided that electrolysis is the permanent hair removal treatment for you. Now it’s time to get started!
All of us are very familiar with the trial and error that ensues when we’re looking for a new service provider, whether it’s a hair stylist or a handyman.
But this is your skin we’re talking about!
It’s not exactly like fixing a bad paint job in your living room.
So to help you get you to a winning tech the first time, here is how to find your first, or next, electrologist.
How to Choose the Right Electrologist
Why is it important to choose the right electrologist?
Well, to be blunt - you want your treatments to be effective so you can achieve your hair removal goals, and you don’t want to cause avoidable damage to your skin. So, you want to be sure you’re taking the time to search for and find a good electrolysis technician to avoid these less-than-ideal outcomes. Who wants to blindly choose a mechanic to later find that your oil did not, in fact, stop leaking?
Not to mention, electrolysis treatments can often be costly, especially when you add up all your sessions over weeks and months of treatment. So just like anything else, we want to be sure we’re getting the most “bang for our buck”.
If your electrolysis tech isn’t using proper technique, your minutes and hours in the chair might not be working very well.
How does this happen?
Performing electrolysis correctly and skillfully involves choosing the right kind and amount of current for each type of skin and hair. Some hair is more coarse, some skin is more delicate. These different attributes require a precise and catered approach to the electrolysis treatment. Mismatching the needed electrical current and the kind of hair being treated can result in less-optimal results, or worse.
It all comes down to education, experience, and skills, which we'll talk about more in a later section.
That being said, it is important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, and some individuals are more prone to different types of reactions to their electrolysis treatment than others. A good electrologist will talk you through this and explain what you can expect post-treatment.
Personal Recommendations & Reviews
The first place many of us turn to when searching for anything new, is to our friends and family for personal experience and recommendations. This is a great way to fast filter to service providers who may already be a close fit for you. Then you’ll start your search with a ready-made shortlist you can further research and meet for consultations.
Don’t have anyone in your circle to give you personalized electrologist recommendations? Public reviews are the next best thing. Some electrologists or electrology salons have reviews curated on their websites, although it’s always a good idea to check the more public, not editable sources like Google and Facebook.
You may want to consider taking these accounts in with a grain of salt. They sometimes lack context, and one person’s experience doesn’t guarantee your experience.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Read reviews for
Professional Image Enhancement
Education & Experience
Electrology is a regulated industry in many, if not all, states. So you’ll want to make yourself familiar with what the education requirements and necessary licenses are to practice electrology in your state. Understanding this can help you check if a particular tech or clinic meets all those requirements and if they are up to date with any continuing education. This is one of the most important steps in choosing your electrologist as quality education can be the difference between a good and bad treatment experience.
Another element to consider is not only if they have the proper education, but how experienced they are. Typically the electrologist’s website will state how many years they have been in business and practicing electrolysis. If this information is absent, you can always ask during your consultation, or simply reach out to them via whatever contact method they provide (phone, email, social media, contact form, etc.).
Here at Professional Image Enhancement, owner Teresa has been performing electrolysis since 1995!
And while a number of years of experience can be important to consider, it’s more about the technician's education.
Experience teaches a lot, but what’s more vital is the accuracy of the tech who performs the electrolysis and their level of expertise.
An electrologist should be well informed on the ins and outs of the process of electrolysis, how it works, why it works, and other contributing factors. Techs should be aware of the initial causes of unwanted hair growth. It could be genetics, it could be a symptom of hormone imbalances or of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In some cases, some medications can be to blame for increased hair growth. The causes of unwanted hair are an important element of the whole client profile. You want an electrologist that is aware of, understands, and considers all the different causes of unwanted hair, regardless of how long they’ve been practicing.
Additionally, treating different hair types on different areas of the body requires a thorough understanding of how to correctly choose the level of current and size of needle for a specific job to achieve the desired results. A good tech will know how much electricity each hair will absorb, as not all hair will absorb the same amount.
A good electrolysis will also know the consequences of different hair removal methods a client has regularly used in the past on the process of electrolysis, and appropriately warn their client of possible negative consequences. Repeatedly plucking or waxing the hair will result in ingrown hairs, which can have a greater risk of injuring the skin. This is a conversation a well-educated electrology professional will have with you.
If the tech has the proper education and licensing, is clear on the process of electrolysis, can explain things to you in an informed and confident way, and can answer all your questions and concerns, don’t be afraid to visit a newly practicing electrologist.
Cleanliness & Sterilization
In line with education requirements held by various boards and states across the country, there are also cleanliness and sterilization requirements that electrologists and electrology clinics are held to. Electrology is a service that deals with the body, and uses needles, so beyond requirements, you want an electrologist who takes sterilization seriously for the genuine protection of their clients.
Any electrologist should be cleaning and sanitizing their work areas between each client.
This includes the chair the client sits in for treatment, either by cleaning with an appropriately graded disinfectant, and/or by replacing protective paper.
Tools and equipment should also be fresh and sterilized for each new client. Tweezers, needles, and gloves should be changed for each appointment. Needles and gloves should never be reused, and tweezers should be sanitized in an autoclave before their next use. And of course, especially after our collective experience with COVID-19, your technician should be washing their hands before beginning your appointment.
Don’t be afraid to ask the electrologist about their cleaning and sterilization procedures.
Any good practicing technician will be happy to share with you the ways they are keeping your health a top priority.
Personal Relationship
Electrology is a personal service, and like many other personal services (think hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians, doctors, dermatologists, chiropractors, dentists, etc.), you’re going to be spending a sum of hours and hours with this person one-on-one. In addition, these service providers are often helping us with things that many consider to be quite personal.
So, naturally, we want to feel comfortable with our provider. They should feel like someone we can build trust and a positive relationship with.
How do you find out if you will feel comfortable with a particular electrologist? This really isn’t something you can learn from only looking at a provider’s website or their reviews, although that can help. You need to meet, and spend a bit of time with the provider. Another reason why an in-person consultation is so important.
Comfort comes down to various things you can consider when meeting a potential electrologist.
Do they make you feel welcome when you arrive?
Are they kind and caring?
Does their presence make you feel comfortable? Safe?
Do they create a space that is free of judgment?
Yes, a lot of this is very subjective, and difficult to define. But just think back to various new people you’ve met over the course of your life. Most certainly some made you feel more comfortable or at ease than others. Sometimes it can’t be helped, and it really comes down to who you “vibe” with best, and this can only be discovered by meeting your potential electrologist.
In-Person Consultation
Most electrologists and electrology clinics offer consultations for new clients, even if those clients have had electrolysis done elsewhere before. In fact, it may be required before actual treatment can begin. And in some cases, you will find this informative consultation is even complementary and has no obligations for you to book any treatment sessions.
An in-person consultation offers the opportunity for a new, or potential, client of electrolysis to meet the technician, learn about the electrolysis process, how it works, the kinds of results you might expect, and to help you determine if electrolysis is the right permanent hair removal option for you. This is a chance for you to come with all of your questions and concerns about electrolysis treatment and to receive personal, expert answers from a practicing professional.
An initial consultation can also give you the opportunity to have a small session of electrolysis to experience the treatment for yourself. This will help you determine your level of pain tolerance, and consequently what length of sessions you are able to do. Once you know this, the electrologist can give you a better idea of how long it will take to reach your hair removal goals.
This is also a great time to ask about the electrologist’s education and experience. Especially any specific experience that directly relates to the kind of hair removal you’re seeking. For example, shaping eyebrows requires additional skills and training to do well. And working on coarse beard hair vs more fine, delicate hairs requires equally different settings and technique.
Finally, this is a chance to meet and get to know your possible electrologist, and see if you get along well and feel comfortable with them.
Specific questions about electrolysis? Call Teresa at Professional Image Enhancement at (319) 373-9596.
To help you be prepared and to make the most of your initial consultation, we’ve curated a list of questions to ask during your consultation.
Questions to ask at your initial electrolysis consultation:
What is your education? Do you have [appropriate license for your area]?
Can you spend some time walking me through the process of the electrolysis treatment and it works?
What is the healing process like, and what should I expect after treatment?
What can I do to help the healing process?
Do you work on [specific hair removal area of interest]?
How much experience do you have with [specific type of electrolysis you’re looking for] OR [your specific hair removal situation]?
Could you take a few minutes to walk me through your cleaning and sanitizing procedures, both before and after a client’s treatment?
If they have a negative review that has you concerned: I’m really interested in your service, but I came across your review that mentions [XYZ complaint]. Could you shed some light on this situation and share why this should or shouldn’t be a concern for me?
What are the modalities you use, and what would you recommend for my hair removal goals?
Would we be able to try a few minutes of electrolysis [on area of interest, eg., chin, knuckles, back, upper lip, armpit]?
These are my hair removal goals: ___. Given my pain tolerance during our test session and your experience, what treatment plan would you put together for me, and how long would you predict I could reach my goal? I understand that this is only a prediction and could change with time.
What are the things you want all of your clients to understand about electrolysis?
Are there any concerns you have or anything else I should know about regarding my treatment?
What can I do to ensure I have a positive electrolysis experience?
Time to find your electrologist!
Now you are prepared to go out and find an electrologist that’s the perfect fit for you. If you still have electrolysis questions of your own, schedule an electrolysis consultation with Teresa at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare & Electrolysis Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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8 Things You Need to Know About Acne Facials
Acne remains one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, and is well represented in the reasons many of our own clients come to see us. Famously, it is most often associated with those in their teen and young adult years. But as many of us know all too well, acne can also follow us far into adulthood.
Today we’re talking about just one of the treatments we offer in our Cedar Rapids salon to address, treat, and prevent acne for our clients: the acne facial.
The world of skin care is vast and ever-expanding. There are always new headlining ingredients, new treatments, new products, fads as far as the eye can see — all claiming to be your ultimate solution. But the things that stays the same? The reasons people seek out skincare advice or skincare treatments. One of the biggest is, of course, acne.
Acne remains one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, and is well represented in the reasons many of our own clients come to see us. Famously, it is most often associated with those in their teen and young adult years. But as many of us know all too well, acne can also follow us far into adulthood.
Today we’re talking about just one of the treatments we offer in our Cedar Rapids salon to address, treat, and prevent acne for our clients:
THE Acne Facial
An acne facial is a specific kind of personalized facial that specifically focuses on treating acne. A skincare specialist may preform an acne facial to treat acne currently present on the face, or as a part of a regular professional skincare routine to prevent acne from reappearing. For those that suffer from regular acne, or even circumstantial acne, for example from stress, adding acne facials to their skin care routine could be a real benefit, and we’ve seen the results in our salon to prove it.
Ready to dive in?
8 Things You Need to Know About Acne Facials
1. No two facials are the same
If you’ve spent any amount of time on our website or at our salon, you’ll already know that personalization is part of our core salon philosophy. Acne might be the most straight forward support for this. As any acne sufferer can tell you, the first thing you try to treat your acne isn’t likely the last thing you try to treat your acne. And if it was, then you were definitely one of the lucky ones, and the rest of us are only a little bit jealous.
When it comes to treating acne with any kind of service (facial or otherwise), there are a lot of different elements to consider.
To start, you may have heard of some well-known different skin types: dry, oily, combination. You may have also seen “aging” or “sun damaged” thrown in the mix. But did you know there are also different types of acne? White heads, black heads, cystic, and papules just to name a few. Each have their own properties and best practices for treatment.
Beyond the physical differences between clients, there are also environmental elements to consider: time of year, pollution, and even lifestyle.
All of these elements together create a complete profile, all of which needs to be considered when crafting the right acne treatment solution for your unique profile. The most crucial thing is to understand is the complexity of acne. It’s true that anybody could just use the same thing or have the same treatment, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will have the same result. So, we have to cater things for each person.
2. You need to bring your own products
Not to be used in the facial treatment itself of course! But do bring the complete collection of the skin care products you’re already using and including in your daily / weekly / monthly routine — in the bottle and everything! This way, we can read all of the ingredients, and even research the name of a particular product if there is information missing from the label. This helps to fill in the fuller picture of the current status of your skin.
What if you’re an old client coming back to the salon after a hiatus? “My skin care specialist knows me and my skin, do I still need to bring in my products?” Knowing the skin is very important, but it isn’t enough, even if we have been seeing a client for years.
Even if I see the skin and know the skin, I need to know the routine. Are you missing the toner? If you’re using retinol, I don’t want to use salicylic in conjunction, so I’m going to remove that from the treatment.
— Teresa Dove, Licensed Cosmetologist, Owner
3. Some acne products may make your acne worse
Acne is a personal problem. In the way that it is often something people may find embarrassing, but also in the way that the cause and nature of your acne will be different from the next person’s. Your acne is personal to you. That’s why, someone could be using XYZ products or ingredients, and say, “this is working for me”, and give it to their friend who is also suffering from acne, and it ends up over-drying their friend’s skin while they themselves never had that problem.
Here’s a great example:
Teresa has two daughters, Katherine and Rosemarie. Both pull some weight in the salon — Katherine manages the website and social media, and Rosemarie is the occasional model for our photoshoots. Both also have had acne since puberty, and both treat it very differently.
Katherine swears by benzoyl peroxide. Rosemarie’s skin can’t tolerate the stuff. For her, benzoyl peroxide dries our her skin way too much, she develops a rash and her acne actually gets worse.
Even sisters can’t always share acne products!
In the salon, we take baby steps, and we start with the knowledge of each client’s personal chemistry, and their type of skin. It can get very complicated!
Sometimes we have clients come in that are over-treating their acne at home. You have to be careful, more is not always better. Overusing the products, using the wrong products, too many products… Just because it says “for acne”, it might not be treating your acne. It could actually exacerbate the problem. It’s about what your skin will tolerate.
— Teresa Dove, Licensed Cosmetologist, Owner
4. Even an acne facial needs a moisturizing treatment
People assume that if they have acne, they don’t need moisturizer.
Possibly the worst misconception we have around acne is that, nearly universally, people try to dry the skin to kill the acne. And while that can be a really good, and sometimes necessary, place to start, we have to be careful not to get extreme, not to go too far.
When doing an acne facial, we are always going to include a moisturizer. We want the face to have water, not oils. So to prevent the over-production of oils, we have a moisturizer at the end or in between the treatments.
5. What to expect at your appointment
We have talked about how different and varied your acne facial can, and should, be. But there is a rhythm that Teresa follows during her initial appointment with a new client seeking to treat acne. This is the skin care consultation.
First off, we start with Evaluating the Skin. Actually physically looking at the skin, both with the naked eye and really closely with magnifying goggles. Is there sun damage? Redness? Is it oily or dry? Are the pores clogged? Etc.
Next is Visiting with the Client. This is where we address all the products you’ve brought in and discuss how you might change your at-home routine to more accurately address your acne based on Teresa’s skin evaluation.
Finally, Teresa will Create a Treatment Plan. With all the information gathered from the skin evaluation and discussing your current products routine, this will provide all the information to determine what course to take. This treatment plan can include both in-salon treatments such as additional acne facials, as well as an updated at-home skin care routine with more appropriate products for your skin.
The skin care consultation is almost like working with a coach to navigate your acne.
6. One treatment is probably not enough
As relaxing and soothing and pampering as an acne facial may feel, it alone is no magic bullet.
Much like taking a multivitamin for just one week isn’t going to have a long-lasting impact on your overall health, one acne facial isn’t going to fully correct your acne.
But don’t be worried, you won’t be chained to the salon. You may need more regular treatments closer together in the beginning of your acne journey, but as it gets under control, you may need less in-salon support.
7. Your first facial may not actually be for treating your acne
The treatment that Teresa will perform at your initial appointment after your skin care consultation will entirely depend on the status of your skin when you arrive. And that may mean your skin isn’t ready for an active acne-fighting treatment.
We recently had a client come in for their first acne facial, and with them they brought in a lot of over-the-counter acne fighters. The main ingredient they were using was retinol, which has a great reputation for fighting acne! But, they were still fighting with their acne.
That’s because they were allergic! On top of that, they were dealing with exacerbated irritation. Due to the irritation, the skin was producing excess oil. In this case, Teresa could not do an acne treatment. Instead, she did an anti-inflammatory treatment to address the allergy and irritation before anything else. By the third treatment on the third week, she was able to finally treat the acne.
8. Your acne treatment may need to change over time
Just as we change and evolve and grow and age, so does our skin. Our lifestyles may change, or we may even move and experience a whole new environment that our skin now reacts very differently to.
With our changing life, our acne treatment needs to follow.
As you continue to meet with your skin care specialist, they will be able to notice changes in your skin when you return for your appointments, but also be sure to share changes that you are seeing at home. They will be there to help keep your skin and acne in check no matter what life brings you.
Acne Facial FAQ’s
We’re sure you’ve still got some questions! Here are some common ones we get about acne facials. If you still have acne facial questions of your own, schedule a skin care consultation at our salon in Cedar Rapids by calling (319) 373-9596 or by requesting an appointment online.
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How long will it take for my acne to go away after an acne facial?
Like many things in skin care, particularly as it relates to treating acne, results are highly personal and dependent on many factors. You may see some improvements in your acne in the days immediately after your acne facial, but you will still need to consider your overall acne treatment in a more holistic way with your skin care specialist. They will come up with a treatment plan for you specially based on your unique acne and skin. As your treatment progresses, they’ll also be there to monitor and change direction as needed throughout your treatment.
How long does an acne facial last?
In salon, you can expect an acne facial to last 45-60 minutes depending on the specific treatments that will be used and the number of treatments that will be included in your particular visit. Your initial appointment that includes the skin care consultation will take a little bit longer.
How often should I get acne facials?
Depending on your goals, it may be best for you to book a weekly, biweekly or monthly acne facial. If you’re working on healing existing acne, you may need more frequent appointments. The treatment you receive at each appointment may also vary. For example, if you receive a chemical peel treatment with one acne facial, your skin care specialist will want to follow that up with something more moisturizing and soothing to the skin, and not another chemical peel shortly after the last.
If you have made it past the stage of healing existing acne, and are now on to maintaining your new clearer complexion - first of all, congrats! In this stage, you may not need as frequent of visits to see your local skin care specialist. You could be looking at a monthly or bi-monthly treatment schedule.
Meet your Cedar Rapids Skincare Specialist:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
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10 tips to help out your skin this winter
Ah, winter. A magical time of snow-covered landscapes, cuddling up by a crackling fire, cozy sweaters...and dry skin. If you’re battling dry skin this time of year, you’re certainly not alone. Cold air outside paired with hot, dry air inside can lead to dry, itchy, and red skin.
Take a break from the winter weather, cuddle up with a nice cup of tea, and browse through our top tips for improving dry winter skin. Your skin will be back to its supple self in no time.
Ah, winter. A magical time of snow-covered landscapes, cuddling up by a crackling fire, cozy sweaters...and dry skin. If you’re battling dry skin this time of year, you’re certainly not alone. Cold air outside paired with hot, dry air inside can lead to dry, itchy, and red skin.
Take a break from the winter weather, cuddle up with a nice cup of tea, and browse through our top tips for improving dry winter skin. Your skin will get back to its supple self in no time.
1. Moisturize differently
The lotions and moisturizers you tend to turn to in the spring and summer may not be enough for severely dehydrated winter skin. Creams, especially those with petroleum jelly or glycerin, are more effective than lotions, and avoid any moisturizers with alcohol. See a skin care specialist or dermatologist for personalized recommendations based on your skin type.
2. Cover up
The colder it is outside, the easier it is for the cold air to zap moisture away from your skin. That’s why it’s so important to wear those gloves and scarves! The skin on our hands is particularly thin and produces less oils, which is why you may experience cracking or bleeding hands more than other areas in the winter.
3. Moisturize your air
We’ve already talked about why the air in winter is drier, and how it steals the moisture from our skin. So it makes sense that we need to work on actively hydrating the air again. The most efficient way to do this is with a quality humidifier. Place a few strategically throughout your home to disperse the humidity more effectively. This is also a great excuse to diffuse some essential oils!
4. Resist Really hot water
It may feel cozy and luxurious to take a long hot shower during these colder months, but if you’re worried about dry skin, this is going to work against you. Too much hot, soapy water can strip your skin of it’s natural oils drying out your skin even more. Opt for warm water instead, and keep your showers on the shorter side. The same goes for hand-washing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colder water is just as effective as hot water at removing potentially cold-causing germs. So you can protect your hands from over-drying while still protecting yourself from cold and flu season!
5. Get Cozy
Just as hot baths and showers are tempting when it’s freezing outside, so is turning up the heater or thermostat. This introduces more hot dry air into your environment further drying out our skin. Instead, turn the thermostat down a few degrees, put away the space heater, and embrace the cozy element of winter with an extra chunky sweater and nice fuzzy socks.
6. Avoid irritating detergents and fabrics
If our skin is already dry and irritated, it can become more sensitive to certain detergents and fabrics. Wool is a common winter fabric due to its ability to keep in heat, but it can also be itchy or irritating to our skin. Slip on some thin cotton underneath to protect your skin, and switch to gentle, or sensitive skin specific detergents.
7. Don’t neglect that sunscreen
Sunscreen in the winter? Yes! It may feel like the sun goes on vacation in the winter, but we promise it’s still around and it can still be a bother for your skin. While sparkling winter snow is definitely beautiful, it also reflects and intensifies the sun’s rays. You’ll want to employ that sunscreen on any exposed skin, especially if you’re going skiing, sledding, or participating in other winter sports or outings.
8. Be selective with your skin care Treatments
With winter being as rough as it is on our skin, we don’t want to intensify that with skin care treatments that aren’t ideal for the season. Instead try moisturizing facials and masks. Discuss how your skin is acting this winter with your skin care specialist, and they can help create a menu of winter treatments that will treat your skin the best this season.
9. Update your skin care routine
If you have a standard skin care routine, it may not be perfectly suitable for the winter season. There could be gentler alternatives to your warm-weather go-to’s. Talk with your skin care specialist about how to cater your daily and weekly skin care routines to the colder, drier winter months.
10. Visit your skin care specialist
As mentioned throughout, a skin care specialist and a dermatologist are going to be your best friends in finding the perfect solutions for how your skin is specifically reacting to the cold. Schedule an appointment and make sure to bring a list of your concerns and products you’re currently using. If you follow these tips and are still struggling with dry skin, you may need a prescription strength moisturizer, or there may be an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. This would be the time to see your dermatologist. Together you can come out of winter glowing ✨.
4 Unique Skincare Holiday Gift Ideas
No matter the gift giving holiday, we’re always looking for new and exciting ideas for our loved ones. Everyone wants to be that perfect gift-giver, don’t they? Well here are some ideas to send you in the right direction for your skincare loving friend or relative this Christmas (or whatever holiday!).
No matter the gift giving holiday, we’re always looking for new and exciting ideas for our loved ones. Everyone wants to be that perfect gift-giver, don’t they? Well here are some ideas to send you in the right direction for your skincare loving friend or relative this Christmas (or whatever holiday!). And if you want to go a little above and beyond, Put a Bow On It!
Ask their aesthetician, facialist, or skincare specialist
Are they already a regular at a local salon? Any good skin care specialist keeps records of the products their clients love and that are working well with their skin and the season. So stop by and ask what products your loved one is using right now and what might need a refill. It’s the next best thing to reading their mind!
Put a Bow On It: Ask their facialist for a luxurious recommendation based on your loved one’s skin profile. Perhaps something they haven’t wanted to splurge on for themselves and treat them! That’s what gifts are for, aren’t they?
Give the gift of the results that you’re getting
Are you really satisfied with your facialist? Are you getting skincare results that are just sending you over the moon? Well you can put those feelings of confidence and beauty in a box and give them as a gift! Or at least you can get pretty close. Ask your salon if they have gift cards or gift certificates. If you and your loved one share similar skin profiles, gift them one of your favorite skincare products.
Put a Bow On It: If there’s a specific treatment that’s really been making you feel amazing, get a gift certificate for that specific service or amount, and maybe a little extra for a product. Then put the envelope in a box full of packing peanuts or newspaper so they still have something fun to open.
Demystify the world of skincare! Or at least their own personal skincare
Many people have never visited a skincare salon or gotten a facial before because it can be very daunting. There seem to be endless options for the kinds of treatments you can get, let alone the variety of products. So get them a personalizable package with a skincare consultation! Some salons and facialists are able to take a generic service and personalise it based on someone’s skin type. Ask if your salon offers this, and if they do, grab a gift certificate.
Put a Bow On It: See what options they have for upgrading the service. Can you can pair a facial with a massage? Maybe some aromatherapy? Ask the salon what extras they can offer to make your loved one’s experience truly relaxing.
A classic skin type gift basket
If you know your loved one well enough to know what kind of skin they have (you must be close!), get a collection of products suited for that skin type. Talk to a skincare specialist at a recommended salon or at your own, and talk with them about the products they would recommend for skin that’s dry, oily, combination, ageing, acne prone, etc.
Put A Bow On It: Ask the salon if they do skincare consultations. Book them one along with an amount to be used toward products based on recommendations from the skincare specialist during the consultation.
Happy holidays from Professional Image Enhancement!
Electrolysis Hair Removal After-Care
Congratulations!
You've completed your first electrolysis appointment! Your skin will likely be sensitive after undergoing electrolysis hair removal and will require some special care. Follow our care guidelines to reduce irritation and maximize healing.
Congratulations!
You've completed your first electrolysis appointment! Your skin will likely be sensitive after undergoing electrolysis hair removal and will require some special care. You may experience symptoms ranging from slight irritation, sensitivity, or soreness to redness, small bumps, and minor swelling. These are all normal and expected symptoms, particularly if this has been your first treatment. Redness and swelling usually disappear in an hour or two but can last longer. Other symptoms should clear up after one or two days, but if they persist, please reach out to us.
The following instructions are a helpful guideline for the first 48 hours after treatment.
After an electrolysis treatment, the follicles in the treated area will be open and susceptible to bacteria, so it's very important to keep the area clean. Use a facial cleanser, and minimize contact with the area. Feel free to use your regular moisturizer. We can give you advice on specific products to use.
Depending on where the electrolysis is done on the body, there may be some minor scabbing - do not pick them off. This is normal and they will go away in a few days.
Avoid the sun and consistently wear a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. Do not go tanning or get a sunburn on the treated area for at least 2 days.
Wait 24 hours to apply makeup on the treated area. Avoid makeup that may cause clogged pores (look for non-comedogenic), and do not use powder for 48 hours.
If you experience any swelling, use ice on the area to bring it down.
Use aloe or cortisone if desired to promote healing and to keep the area moisturized. You may apply an antibiotic cream at night if desired.
If you have any unusual reactions, are concerned by something you're seeing, or have any questions related to your treatment, please give us a call at (319) 373-9596.
What's the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal, and how do you choose the best one for you?
Most people have heard of laser hair removal, but electrolysis is much less familiar. You might be aware that is also a form of hair removal, but what is the difference between electrolysis hair removal and laser hair removal? The answer comes from the how and the for how long.
Most people have heard of laser hair removal, but electrolysis tends to be less familiar. You might be aware that it is also a form of hair removal, but what is the difference between electrolysis and laser, and how do you choose the right one for you? The answers come from the how and the for how long.
How Does Laser Hair Removal work?
Laser hair removal uses a device that treats an area of the skin using a laser targeting the melanin - or dark pigment - in the hair follicle. Once the laser penetrates the skin, it turns into heat and that heat will then damage the follicle. Multiple treatments over the same area of hair and skin are required before the hair eventually falls out on its own due to the follicle damage.
How Does Electrolysis Hair Removal Work?
Electrolysis is done with a small needle the width of a single human hair, and is preformed one hair at a time using heat, electricity, or a combination of both. The heat and/or electricity targets the hair follicle specifically, and effectively kills it. The hair is then removed with tweezers (there may be a small tugging, but it shouldn't feel like a pluck). Once that single hair has been removed, it doesn't need to be re-treated, and it will not grow back.
How long does laser hair removal last?
According to the FDA, laser hair removal can only be described as permanent reduction of the hair as opposed to full permanent hair removal. Some clients notice some hair regrowth months or years after their final treatment.
How long does electrolysis hair removal last?
Electrolysis on the other hand is truly 100% permanent removal of the hair. When the heat/electricity attack the follicle, the hair is truly dead and will not grow back. And since electrolysis treats each hair individually, it can reach that 100%.
How to choose between electrolysis and laser hair removal
What is your skin tone?
Because the lasers used in laser hair removal treatments target the melanin (or color) in the hair, it isn't always suitable for clients with darker skin tones. The laser can't tell the difference between the melanin in the hair and the melanin in the skin. So those with darker complexions could experience burning on their skin.
Darker skin tones --> Electrolysis
Lighter skin tones --> Laser or Electrolysis
What color is the hair you want to remove?
This again comes back to laser hair removal targeting melanin. Blonde, white, or grey hair does not have much - if any - melanin. This makes it difficult or impossible for lasers to find the hair and therefore remove it.
Darker hair color --> Laser or Electrolysis
Lighter hair color --> Electrolysis
There have been advancements in the world of lasers, and there are some new machines that claim they can perform laser hair removal on all skin tones or on all hair colors, but make sure to do your research and ask for testimonials from people with similar characteristics as you. The laser hair removal treatment specialist will also do a test patch on your skin.
Where do you want the hair removal performed?
Laser hair removal treats multiple hairs at once and can cover larger areas in a short amount of time, but can be less precise. And since it uses lasers that our eyes are very sensitive to, it's not recommended for eyebrows. With electrolysis treating one single hair at a time, it can be used to treat small detail areas of the face, including the eyebrows. You of course could also use electrolysis to treat large areas of the body; you would just need to be prepared for a longer commitment.
Large areas (eg. legs, arms, back) --> Laser or Electrolysis
Detail areas, including eyebrows --> Electrolysis
What level of permanence are you looking for?
As stated above, laser offers permanent reduction of hair growth, with some clients experiencing grow back even after their final treatment. Electrolysis, however, gives truly permanent hair removal. Some clients are still satisfied with significant reduction of the hair and 100% removal isn't as important to them. Electrolysis can also be an option post laser hair removal to remove those hairs regrowing.
Permanent reduction --> Laser
Permanent removal --> Electrolysis
We hope laying out these questions help you to decide if laser hair removal or electrolysis hair removal is the best choice for you. And of course, you could always do a combination of the two. Electrolysis for your eyebrows and chin, while using laser for your legs. To receive a free consultation, call or email us, or submit an appointment request from our website.
Ingredients We're Thankful For
Happy Thanksgiving!
To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this year, we decided to share the top 5 skincare ingredients we're the most thankful for. Some of these have been around for a while, while others are a bit newer. Use this list as inspiration for your next conversation with your skincare specialist, perhaps one of these ingredients is just what your skincare routine needs.
Happy Thanksgiving!
To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this year, we decided to share the top 5 skincare ingredients we're the most thankful for. Some of these have been around for a while, while others are a bit newer. Use this list as inspiration for your next conversation with your skincare specialist, perhaps one of these ingredients is just what your skincare routine needs.
1. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid is an Alpha-Hydroxyacid and is derived from sugarcane. It's a very small molecule, so it easily penetrates the skin. It's a great exfoliator, cleans pores like a dream, and helps minimize and prevent signs of aging.
Where you can find it? M.A.D Skincare's Youth Transformation Glycolic Moisturizer 7%.
2. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in our bodies and its super powers are retaining moisture 💦 and helping our skin repair more quickly 💪 These make it a great fit for fighting signs of aging and ensuring our skin is moisturized - especially now as the weather is drying out our skin.
Where you can find it? Our very popular SkinCeuticals's Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier!
3. Retinol
Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and is credited with improving on a variety of skin challenges from plumping wrinkles to evening skin tone. However, retinol can cause irritation and redness in some skin types, so create a plan with your skincare specialist, and start slow working your way up to more frequent use or higher percentages.
Where you can find it? DermaQuest's SkinBrite Retinol Brightening Serum! Katherine uses this one on uneven skin tone caused by sun damage.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a strong anti-oxidant which works to reduce inflammation in the skin, regulate skin tone, and promotes healthy collagen production. A lot of the vitamin C we eat doesn't make it to the skin, so we can help ourselves out with applying a vitamin C rich product directly to our skin.
Where you can find it? SkinCeuticals's CE Ferulic!
Stem Cells
In the realm of innovative skincare products, we have stem cells! There are a wide variety that are used in skincare, such as certain plants or fruit stem cells. These stem cells work to reduce wrinkles and smooth out skin texture 💆 In general they help to improve the results of the skin treatments they're used with.
Where you can find it? DermaQuest's Stem Cell 3D HydraFirm!
Teresa's Drunk Turkey - Our Traditional Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
A tradition at our house that has been requested on paper for years. Now that famous turkey is available to the masses! Why is it called a "Drunk Turkey" anyway?
Teresa didn't grow up with Thanksgiving, but as with all things food, regardless of its origin, she utilized her creativity and made the MVP on the Thanksgiving table her very own, and it's developed quite the reputation over the years! Anyone who has ever joined us for our annual Feast of Thanks has marveled and commented at the amazing flavor in our turkey and begged for the secret recipe! Well, Teresa's Kitchen operates sans recipes. So for many years, there was nothing to give out to those anxious to attempt this bird on their own, only seconds at dinner. She would describe bits and pieces of her process, and the part that stuck the most, was that it marinates for days in liquor and red wine. From this, our famous "Drunk Turkey" earned its name.
Approximately some years ago, a few days before Thanksgiving, Teresa began as always preparing the traditional Drunk Turkey. This year, however, husband Michael stood behind her with pad and pencil, determined to commit this tradition to paper and finally share it with all those eager to try it for their own families. And now, we're bringing this tradition to the world wide web!
Sharing is a big theme at Thanksgiving. Sharing a table. Sharing company. Sharing recipes; and we're so excited to share this one with you.
Teresa's Turkey with Stuffing
a.k.a. The Drunk Turkey
Marinade
½ c olive oil
2 T brown sugar
2 t cumin
1 T salt, or to taste
1 t oregano
1 t black pepper
3 T ground ají panca or aji panca paste*
3 T fresh minced garlic
1 c red wine
2 shots of vodka or tequila
Stuffing (yields ~9 cups)
4 c cooked rice
1 lb. cooked Italian sausage
½ c raisins
1 16oz. can of pineapple, diced
½ c sliced almonds (optional)
Directions
Defrost turkey and rinse with water. Set aside.
Heat oil in sauce pan on high until very hot. Add sugar and caramelize continuously mixing until the sugar has turned a deep brown – be sure to not let it burn! Turn the heat down to low and add the garlic and spice mix. Cook for 5 minutes. At this point, the marinade should taste offensively salty and very intense! Turn off the heat and add the wine.
Place your turkey in a dish or pan and coat it with your hard liquor inside and out before coating it with the marinade, letting the rest fall into dish. Make sure to get all the nooks and crannies and really massage it into the bird! Once thoroughly coated, place the bird into the fridge for 1-3 days recoating 1-2 times each day. The longer it marinates, and the more often it’s recoated, the more flavor it will have!
On roasting day, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Brown the Italian sausage on a stovetop. Add rice, pineapple, raisins, and optional almonds and mix thoroughly.
Place turkey in a greased roasting pan along with remaining marinade and proceed to stuff the bird. You'll likely have some leftover that will not fit.
Roast turkey breast side down with the lid on. After slightly more than half your cooking time has passed (based on the size of your bird), take the pan out of the oven and rotate the bird so the breast side is up. Replace lid and roast for the rest of the cooking time. Finally, remove the lid, and broil the bird for 5 minutes.
Once finished roasting, remove the pan and let the bird rest for 15-20 minutes. If you have leftover stuffing that didn't fit in the bird, roast it in the 325 degree oven until "it looks tasty" 😉 After the bird has rested, remove it from the pan. Take out the stuffing and mix in some drippings to taste. Use remaining drippings for gravy. Carve, serve, and impress your friends & family!
*Ají peppers are a common pepper used in Perú and can be found on Amazon or in international specialty food stores. In this recipe you can use dry ground ají panca or ají panca paste. If you cannot get your hands on either, you may replace them for smoked paprika, but there will be a flavor difference.
Happy Thanksgiving!
- Teresa & Katherine
6 easy steps you need to take before your electrolysis appointment
You've done research on permanent hair removal, and perhaps you've even tried other treatments, like laser hair removal. Now you've made the decision to embark on electrolysis as your permanent hair removal solution. Here the question becomes, "How do I prepare for my electrolysis appointment?" Each salon may have different preparation suggestions, so these are the steps we tell our clients to take before their appointment.
You've done research on permanent hair removal, and perhaps you've even tried other treatments, like laser hair removal. Now you've made the decision to embark on electrolysis as your permanent hair removal solution. Now the question becomes, "How do I prepare for my electrolysis appointment?" Each salon may have different preparation suggestions, so these are the steps we tell our clients to take before their appointment.
How to Prepare for your Electrolysis Treatment
Come for a consultation:
The very first step in the electrolysis journey is an electrolysis consultation. It's at this consultation where we'll discuss the process of the electrolysis treatment in depth, and how exactly it works to permanently remove hair. We'll discuss any concerns you may have and answer any lingering questions. Our electrolysis consultations in our Cedar Rapids salon are absolutely free and last 15-30 minutes. If you'd like to schedule yours, request an appointment online, or call our salon at (319) 373-9596.
Drink up:
Well-hydrated skin can help the treatment be more comfortable. It's also better at conducting the electrical currents used in treatment. So drink plenty of water the week leading up to, and especially the day before your appointment. Try to avoid things that will dehydrate your skin, such as caffeine and alcohol.
Stop the pluck:
Refrain from short-term hair removal methods leading up to your appointment. Avoid plucking or waxing for 2-3 weeks before, and avoid shaving for 3-5 days before your electrolysis appointment. In order for the needle to follow the hair follicle and more easily remove the hair, there needs to be at least 1/8th of an inch of hair above the surface of the skin.
Come as you are:
Don't worry about coming with naked skin (no makeup, deodorants, lotions, or creams); Teresa will do all necessary skin prep for the treatment. The only products you should avoid before your appointment would be anything with strong ingredients that might cause irritation during the treatment, such as a prescription retinol. Tell us what products you're using, and we'll let you know if irritation might be a concern.
Prep for the pain:
Yes, electrolysis can be a little uncomfortable. Everyone has their own reaction to pain and has different levels of pain tolerance. The sensation from electrolysis is often compared to that of plucking the hair or a small pinching feeling. If you know you have a lower tolerance for pain and are worried about feeling pain during your treatment, we recommend taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever about 30 minutes to an hour before your appointment. Before the treatment we also treat the area with a mild numbing agent to help manage any other pain. We'll do everything we can to make the process as comfortable as possible, so please let us know what you're feeling throughout the treatment.
Have open communication:
Finally, if you need to cancel or reschedule, remember to call or email us at least 24 hours ahead of time so someone else may have the opportunity to take your slot 😉
Now you're prepped, ready, and (hopefully) excited for your electrolysis appointment! Of course if you have any additional questions or concerns, please give us a call - (319) 373-9596. We hope to see you soon!
Ready for your next electrolysis session? Request your appointment at our Cedar Rapids salon on our website, or by calling us at (319) 373-9596.
MEET YOUR CEDAR RAPIDS SKINCARE & ELECTROLYSIS SPECIALIST:
Teresa Dove
Teresa is the proud owner and operator of Professional Image Enhancement. She is a Licensed Cosmetologist (L.C.) and Licensed Electrologist (L.E.) based in Cedar Rapids and has been providing professional skin care and permanent hair removal to her clients from all over Eastern Iowa for over 25 years. She regularly attends the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference for continuing education and to stay on top of the industry.
7 Prom Prep Skincare Tips
It's prom time! Like any big event, you want to look your best. Between the dresses, tuxes, flowers, dinner, and everything else, you might easily forget about your most important accessory - your skin! So to make sure this accessory doesn't end up lack-luster, we put together 7 indispensable prom prep skin care tips from our Week of Prom Prep.
It's prom time! Like any big event, you want to look your best. Between the dresses, tuxes, flowers, dinner, and everything else, you might easily forget about your most important accessory - your skin! So to make sure this accessory doesn't end up lack-luster, we put together 7 indispensable prom prep skin care tips from our Week of Prom Prep.
#1: Get to know your skin!
A good place to start is getting a personalized facial complete with a skin care consultation. A skin care professional will discuss with you your skin type and what treatments will be most beneficial to you. Plus, a facial is a great way to clean up your skin and give you a fresh, glowing, complexion. You'll want to make sure your facial is for at least 2 weeks before the big night, as to avoid any unexpected reactions your skin might have to something new. If you're looking for something more DIY, we recently came across this handy step by step guide to finding out your skin type at home. You can find it here. After you know your skin type, you can more easily find products that are tailored to your skin type to give your skin what it needs to be at its best.
#2: Problem skin? Avoid heavy makeup
If you have problem skin, you'll want to go lighter on the make-up to avoid clogging your pores. When picking a foundation, look for one that's non-comedogenic. From our shelves, we suggest Mark Lees Hydramatte Foundation. These foundations won't clog your pores or cause more problems than they cover up.
#3: SCHEDULE YOUR EXTRACTIONS THE WEEK BEFORE
If black heads are your arch nemesis and you're planning a facial to deal with them, this is something you don't want to procrastinate. Extractions can cause inflammation and the extractions points themselves can take a week to heal. To allow everything to heal and avoid redness and inflammation on your prom day, get your facial with extractions done the week before.
#4: Don't wait to wax your eyebrows
Waxing in general irritates the skin, so when you mix that with the more sensitive skin near your eyebrows, you'll want some time for it to calm back down. This is particularly true if you happen to use a daily face wash with an exfoliant as that can cause peeling on the newly waxed surface. To stay on the safe side, get your eyebrows done a week ahead of time.
#5: Exfoliate before your spray tan
Spray tans are a great alternative to UV tanning, which, we all know by now, is not worth it. However, sometimes a spray tan can come out blotchy and uneven in places. This can be caused by the buildup of dead skin cells. So to avoid spots and general unevenness, exfoliate your whole body before you fake bake.
#6: Caution with the conditioner
This isn't perfectly skincare or facial related, but we thought it worth to include regardless! Up-do's are quite popular for formal events, and we often spend a pretty penny to get them done and we want them to last all night. To help keep your style in place, avoid using too much conditioner when washing your hair, and focus on the ends of your hair. Hair that's too conditioned can be oily or greasy and find it difficult to hold a style, particularly an up-do.
#7: Wash your face at the end of the night!
It has been a very long day of getting ready, taking pictures in and outside, grand march, getting in and out of cars, having dinner, more pictures, and finally dancing (and sweating) the night away. You may also have applied a little more product and makeup than you might normally do. All this can add up to clogged pores and ultimately -the dreaded- acne! Your skin will be just as exhausted as you are and needs to rest. So even if you fall asleep in your dress or tux, make sure you at least wash your face! We of course can help you pick the right face wash for your skin type, so just let us know!
Why exactly is winter so hard on our skin?
We've all heard the conventional wisdom - winter is bad on the skin, take care of it, moisturize... But why?
Our salon is in Iowa, and Iowa is known for harsh winters. We all have heard that winter isn't great for our skin, but why exactly is winter harsh on our skin?
Winter is certainly less friendly than other times of the Midwestern year. The most common challenge we experience during the winter months is, as I'm sure you can guess, dry and dehydrated skin. And there are multiple things that are the cause of this.
First of all, the air in winter is dryer. This happens because cold air cannot hold as much moisture in it as warm air can, and the colder the air, the less moisture it can hold before it's forced to leave in the form of condensation. Therefore, the colder climate you live in, the dryer your air is. Then, when that air comes into your home and you heat it up, you're only making the air warmer, not adding moisture. What's even worse is that when that cold air warms up, it has the capacity to hold more moisture, so it will take that moisture from other things in the environment.
And what does this extra dry air do to our skin? Lack of humidity in the air promotes dryness in our skin. Dry air takes moisture from other things in the environment - like our bodies - decreasing the moisture in our skin which can turn it dry, red, and irritated. This can intensify other challenges you normally have with your skin whether it's oily, acne prone, or dry. Additionally, dehydrated skin promotes premature aging, so you may notice the appearance of more wrinkles.
So what can I use and do to keep my skin hydrated in the winter? Because the dry air is taking moisture from our bodies, we need be rehydrating ourselves by drinking water. We also need to be adding moisture to the air; adding a humidifier to your home is a good option. Moisturizers and hydrating serums are also a big help. Here are two ingredients you want to look for:
- Hyaluronic acid is something we have naturally in our skin, and is excellent at holding moisture. Adding hyaluronic acid to your healthy and balanced skin care routine calms and helps the redness of the dry skin. It's an especially good moisturizer ingredient for someone who has oily skin as it does not clog pores.
- Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid from sugar cane. It exfoliates the skin by dissolving the bonds between skin cells and helps to hold the water molecules in your skin. For that reason, it's a very friendly exfoliant for the winter time.
Remember - hydration is very important for dry and oily skin. Skin can be oily and still not hydrated. Oily skin that is not properly hydrated can promote the production of more oil in the skin and cause breakouts. Like with many changes in climate, you should create a skin care routine specifically for winter. We all need hydration, but talk to a skin care specialist about how to hydrate your type of skin in the right way without making it worse.
Happy winter, and stay hydrated!
Welcome to the Professional Image Enhancement Blog!
Welcome to the Professional Image Enhancement blog! We'll be sharing skin care and electrolysis tips and education in the form of articles and videos to help you take the best care of your skin in and out of the salon
At our salon, we tell clients that education is our priority. We want to teach our clients about their skin - how certain chemicals or products may make their skin react, how to take care of their skin so it keeps looking it's best for longer, designing the best skincare regimen for their unique skin type. We want to do this because we want to help our clients make educated skincare decisions. Now we're expanding how we achieve that.
Enter - the blog! Here we share skin care and electrolysis tips and education in the form of articles and videos to help you take the best care of your skin in and out of the salon. If you ever have any questions or topics you want us to expand on, let us know! Reach out to us on our Facebook page, email us at contact@professionalimageenhancement.com, or let us know when you come to see us!