What is Retin-A?

By Marji Soofi

What is Retin-A?

This is an anti-aging ingredient that encourages cell turnover and increases collagen production. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation.

Are you confused about this ingredient? We see this ingredient in many products, but which one you are using is when you see results.

Retin- A  vs  Retinol

What is Retin-A?

Retin-A is a prescription-strength Retinoid.  Retinoid is a chemical derived from vitamin A. The common Retin-A are Tretinoin, Tazarotene, Adapalene, and Differen. Retinoid contains retinoic acid, which is an active form of Retin-A. Retinoic acid is the strongest form. Retinoids can cause an acute inflammatory reaction, but it will subside, and it also dries the skin.  It works well on thick oily acneic skin, but not as well for mature, sensitive, and dry skin.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a type of  Retinoid. Retinol contains the weakest and the smallest type of Retinoid and is commonly used in OTC products. Retinol needs to be processed with an enzyme and it is converted into Retinoic acid in the skin. It is highly effective.

What is Bio-Retinoid?

This is not related to vitamin A, but it is used to help diminish fine lines.

Retinol vs Retinoids
Just because retinol is weaker than a retinoid it does not reduce its effectiveness and it is better for sensitive skin. Due to the strength of Retinol or Retinoid, its results differ in the amount of time but it does give results. Retinol is slower but a lot easier on the skin. Retinol without thinning the skin or damaging it stimulates collagen. Liposome which is a delivery system is used to increase product penetration of Retinol.

Benefits of Retin-A and Retinol

• Exfoliates the skin

• Fades age spots

• Smooths fine lines

• Thicken the dermis

• Tightens the skin

• Reverses early pre-skin cancers

Massage Enhancements at Tavoos Spa

By Marji Soofi

Massage Enhancements at Tavoos Spa are add-ons to your regular spa treatment that are designed to enhance your experience with scent, texture and temperature. Massage enhancements allow your therapeutic session to feel just a little more luxurious.

Choose from any of our massage treatments to enhance your customized massage session.

CBD Oil

• Reduces post-workout soreness and muscle fatigue

• Decreases back, shoulder and neck pain

• Assists with arthritic pain and joint inflammation

• Reduces inflammation due to strain or injury

• Helps with sore feet, plantar fasciitis, or bunions

• Decreases discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy 

• Helps with fibromyalgia pain

• Addresses skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and mosquito bites

Hot Stone & Mini Hot Stone

• Helps relieve muscle tension and pain

• Reduces stress and anxiety

• Promotes sleep

• May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases

• May help decrease cancer symptoms

• May boost immunity

Decompression Therapy (Cupping) & Mini Decompression

• Increases circulation

• Encourages tissues to release toxins

• Reduces anxiety

• Can reduce stretch marks and scars

• Can improve varicose veins and spider veins

• Can clear congestion and help treat asthma

• Can clear colon blockages and aid in digestion

Percussion Gun

• Increases blood and lymphatic circulation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the muscles

• Relieves stress and relaxes the body by releasing tension and fluid deep in the muscles to increase tissue metabolism

• Releases lactic acid build up in the body, often a result of intense exercise

• Stimulates nerve receptors, which causes vasodilation in the skin and muscles to improve mobility

• Breaks up scar tissue by deeply massaging collagen fibers to alleviate pain and relieve constriction

• Enhances the range of motion by creating more flexible joints and reducing the risk of strains and sprains

• Improves overall wellness: Regular use can improve sleep and immunity, as well as reduce anxiety

AND MORE!

• Full Body Himalayan Salt Scrub

• Himalayan Foot Scrub or Hand Scrub

• Peppermint Scalp Massage

• Aromatherapy

Summer-ize Your Skincare: Health and Beauty Tips For Summer

By Marji Soofi

When the season changes we should change our skin care routine. Just as you would wear lighter clothing in warmer weather, we need to do the same with our skin care products. We need to swap our heavier winter moisturizer for a lighter, hydrating one during the summer. It should not contain heavy oils or butters (like Shea butter). Even oily skin types need a hydrating moisturizer.

Cleanse and Exfoliate

We need to exfoliate often to remove the top layers of dead skin, especially in a hot and sticky climate. In physical exfoliants, look for Oat, Zea Mays (corn starch), Kaolin, Oryza Sativa (rice), and Polysaccharides (sugar). Also, using gentle face masks are a great idea all year round, but especially during warmer weather.

Layering Method

Antioxidants such as Vitamins C & E are key to the prevention of hyper-pigmentation caused by UV exposure. Although it is generally believed that the antioxidant effects of Vitamin C will repair the skin, it also acts to prevent damage too. It is important to use antioxidants all year round but it is even more important to use them during the summer months.

Protect, Protect, Protect

Sunscreen is your best friend. I advise using a mineral SPF of 30 and above. Look for Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. This should be added to your routine every morning. You can also use powdered sunscreen to reapply your SPF if you are wearing makeup.

Weekly Home Treatment

Use a gentle exfoliant, massage lightly into the skin, rinse off with lukewarm water. Follow with a gentle mask to hydrate and calm the skin down. Follow up with your day and/or night serums and creams.

If you have any questions about your skin care routine this summer feel free to comment or call us!

What is Milia?

By Marji Soofi

Have you ever noticed those white, annoying little bumps around your eyes, cheeks and forehead? They are hard and impossible to extract. These are called Milias.

Milia occurs when keratin becomes trapped with cholesterol, which is the oil underneath the surface of the skin.

Keratin is a strong protein that is usually found in skin, hair and nail cells. There is also neonatal Milia which is seen in newborns and is usually cleared within a few weeks after birth.

Unlike acne, Milia doesn’t have an opening for it to come out no matter how much you squeeze.

The best way to get rid of Milia is to see either an expert aesthetician or a dermatologist so that it can be easily extracted by these professionals.