When it comes to turning back time for your skin, there are an array of products, procedures and options to resort to but what about for your hair?   Companies such as Pantene and Nexxus are beginning to release anti-aging shampoos, conditioners and treatment sprays that contain elements usually used in age-reversing skin creams such as vitamin E, Argan oil and panthenol. Pantene Pro-V carries an Age Defy shampoo and conditioner for $8 each.  “Using anti-aging shampoos and conditioners help to normalize your true texture and adds more protein to your hair,” according to celebrity hairstylist Matt Fugate.  

Dying your hair can make your locks dry, rough and fragile.  Garnier has released a new line of ammonia-free hair dye called Olia.  The product also repairs hair quality and is available in 24 different shades.   
            Phyto has launched a product, Secret De Nuit, which is the equivalent of night cream for your hair.  “Apply to damp or dry hair before bed time and you’ll wake up with locks that are silkier, shinier and noticeably softer,” according to Glamour Magazine. (http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/beauty/beauty-products/hair/treatment/phyto-secret-de-nuit)
            The Shaw Center Hair Loss Clinic is committed to providing clients with the greatest opportunity to end hair loss and re-grow hair.  We use many patented products and FDA-approved low level laser therapy in order to obtain results.  Men and women have had success with thinning hair, broken and damaged hair and alopecia areata / traction alopecia among others.  
            We utilize Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in our hair loss treatment plans.  LLLT is a phototherapy or laser treatment that does not break the skin.  When applied to the scalp, it improves the health of existing hair and also stimulates new hair growth.  We also provide hair loss treatment products for all different types of hair loss that can be incorporated with our laser hair loss treatment plans.  These products have been proven to stop the progression of hair loss in 85% of patients and improve hair growth of over 19 new terminal hairs per square cm.  They are also the only on drug/medication approved FDA treatment for hair growth and there is no prescription required.  If you are interested in creating a hair loss treatment plan fit for you, contact the Shaw Center for a consultation at (480)767-1900.  

Leave comment

Dr. Zein Obagi has been developing products and programs to enhance skin for decades.  His newest product line, ZO Medical, consists of therapeutic skincare products and treatments only accessible by skin health professionals.  The products are designed to tailor particular skin necessities despite age, gender, skin condition or ethnicity.  “Based on the latest advances in skin therapy technology – biotechnology complexes, plant stem cell components, and multi-therapy delivery systems – these products and programs have been optimized for your specific needs,” according to Obagi. 
The line consists of an array of products ranging from cleansers to eye repair crème.  “This concept bridges the gap between therapeutic and daily skincare by providing the most effective technology and products to achieve continuously healthy skin,” said Obagi.  The Normacleanse helps remove impurities, firms, nourishes and calms the skin and is ideal for patients with normal to dry skin.  Liprebuild is an advanced therapy lip treatment that can be your well kept secret.  This treatment plumps lips, enhances overall shape, size and contours all while repairing your lips to their ordinary rosy shade.

There are a handful of products within the ZO Medical line that require a prescription such as Melamin, a skin bleaching and correcting crème.  This product helps lighten hyperpigmentation by hindering melanin production and leveling skin color and tone.  Melamix, similar to Melamin, is a skin lightener and blending crème.  This product reduces the appearance of chloasma, melasma and freckles.

Whatever your skincare needs may be, The Shaw Center can help customize the ideal skincare program fit for you.  We carry the ZO Medical line as well as the ZO Skin Health over the counter product line.  Make an appointment with the Shaw Center at (480) 767-1900 to see what products are right for you! 

         

Leave comment

The Shaw Center would like to welcome Debra as our newest member to our aesthetic team!  Debra is a licensed aesthetician with substantial knowledge and over 20 years of experience.  In honor of Debra’s addition to the team, she is offering 50% off skin care treatments to all new skin care patients for the month of September.
No matter what your skin type is or the results you are trying to achieve, the spa at the Shaw Center has various facials and peels fit for you. 
Chemical peels have numerous advantages such as repairing skin damage caused by years of sun exposure, minimizing appearance of pores, improving skin tone and texture, removing lesions and improving scarring, acne, pimples, black heads, and clogged pores among others. 
There are many peels to choose from such as the Rhonda Allison Peel, ideal for all skin types and is a customized skin peel.  The Sense Peel is geared towards sensitive skin conditions that will strengthen and brighten skin while helping to treat sun damage and other forms of hyperpigmentation.  The Blue Peel Radiance, excellent for acne prone skin, contains a unique blend of acids to provide a gentle but effective peel, resulting in tighter, smoother looking skin.  These are just a few of the many peels that the Shaw Center Spa offers.
If you are new to facials, you should try the Euro Deep Cleansing Facial.  This facial is recommended for normal to oily or blemish prone skin and is equipped with all of the basic essentials for good skin care.  For those seeking a longer facial, the 90 minute 4 Layer Thermal Facial is therapeutic and will leave you feeling rejuvenated.  This facial uses nourishing properties from the sea and the layers include a seaweed serum, hydrating creams, a seaweed mask and a warm mineral mask.      
Visit www.theshawcenter.com to view all of the services offered at the Shaw Center Spa.  Call (480) 767-1900 to book an appointment with Debra to receive 50% off your service in September! 
Leave comment

Now that summer is coming to an end, we have some tips to help reverse the damage that has already been done by the sun.
“Unfortunately, sun damage isn’t only skin-deep.  UV radiation alters the actual DNA of your skin cells, causing lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and even cancer,” according to www.today.com.  Fortunately you have the ability to prevent further damage and even begin to reverse the harm, including damage from your youth when you begin to protect yourself from the sun.     
The first step in shielding yourself from the sun is to exfoliate the proper way.  The best option is chemical exfoliation because it disintegrates dead skin cells as opposed to scrubbing them off when using other cleansers and buffers.  “When choosing a chemical exfoliant, opt for a product with a 5 percent to 8 percent concentration of glycolic acid, like BeautyRX Daily Exfoliating Therapy Serum,” according to www.today.com.
If you have brown spots caused by the sun, it is necessary to remove them.   Brown pigment on your skin means there is an unbalanced amount of melanin being produced when your skin is attempting to combat UV radiation.  In order to remove the spots, use skin bleach, it is not as serious as it sounds and you can find over the counter products such as Murad Age Spot & Pigment Gel available at Sephora. 
In order to continue protecting yourself from further damage, apply sunscreen everyday.  The FDA suggests using products labeled as broad spectrum with an SPF of 15 or higher. 
Antioxidants aid in shielding your skin’s DNA to avoid cancer and also help preserve collagen and elastic tissue to prevent wrinkles.  Dr. Neal Schultz, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City suggests the use of antioxidant-rich topical creams every night.  “Vitamin C-based antioxidants are best for reducing uneven brown pigmentation, but you can’t go wrong with any type of antioxidant,” according to Schultz.
The Shaw Center spa offers an array of facial peels that aid in the treatment of sun damage such as the Sense Peel.  Come in for a consultation today! 
Leave comment

Although we all know it’s important to eat well and work out, exactly how often should we be exercising and what other habits should be implemented into our daily routine?  We are here to set the record straight and give recommendations to help elongate your life.
Even if you believe that you eat well, you should still consider taking a daily multivitamin.  Some people tend to overemphasize how well they are eating and the amount of fruits and vegetables they are consuming.  Although it is optimal to get your daily vitamins and nutrients through real food, taking a multivitamin is a great alternative and won’t hurt if you are getting a sufficient amount of nutrients from your diet.  If you decide to take a multivitamin be sure to read the serving size on the label because the gummy kinds generally suggest you take two per day.
On top of taking a daily multivitamin, healthcare practitioners suggest women take omega-3s, extra calcium and vitamin D because it is difficult to intake the correct amount of these through your diet each day.  All of these contain numerous health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer as well as increasing your mood.  If you are going through menopause it is especially important to pay attention to your calcium intake.  “Estrogen levels drop during this time, which makes you more vulnerable to osteoporosis, so you should up your calcium intake to 1,200 mg (from 1,000),” according to Woman’sDay.  If you decide to start taking vitamins, talk to your doctor prior to ensure that they believe your vitamin regimen is right for you.
Drinking the correct amount of water is not only essential for your health but has other benefits such as flushing out toxins and improving your complexion. “Drinking an adequate amount of water daily is important for overall good health because water aids in digestions, circulation, absorption and even excretion,” according to Uwhealth.org.  TheMayo Clinic suggests that men intake about 3 liters of water a day and women an average of 2.2 liters, especially if you live in a temperate climate such as Arizona.
The amount of recommended exercise you should incorporate in your life depends on the lifestyle you are attempting to achieve.  “For beginners, most experts recommend at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week.  As your body adjusts to this level of exercise, you should increase the amount of exercise that you are doing to continue receiving the maximum benefits,” said fitness expert Greg Shealey.  The Mayo Clinic suggests you aim to incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity every day and if you are attempting to lose weight to increase the amount of time.  The Department of Health and Human Services proposes a minimum of 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, incorporating strength training at least twice a week for no specific amount of time.  Dedicating a portion of your day to exercise can be difficult with a busy schedule but try to make a habit out of it and do what works for you.  If you don’t have time for a full work out, doing something is better than nothing!

Leave comment


One of the latest trends in make-up that we have recognized is contouring, most notably on celebrities such as Kim Kardashian.  Contouring is a technique using different shades of make-up to enhance your features and to help shape your face, especially those with a round face shape.  Although this trend does take some practice, there are only a few make-up necessities for the look and with some practice you could be looking like a celebrity!
         All you need to create your flawless face is bronzer, blush, highlighter and a brush.  Our favorite products to use to contour are Nars bronzer in Laguna as well as Nars blush in Orgasm, and Benefit’s Watt’s Up highlighter.  In order to achieve the best results it is essential to use a good brush, we love MAC’s 168 Large Angled Contour Brush. 
            Since the technique of contouring uses darker shades of make-up, bronzer is the best because it tends to be a few shades darker than your skin tone.  Apply bronzer in the following places: diagonally under your cheekbones or parallel to your jaw line, on both sides of your nose from the bridge down to the outside of your nostrils, and along your jaw line and beneath the chin.  Tip: make sure to blend well on the sides of your nose in order to make your nose look elongated and thinner.
            Once you are done applying your bronzer, the next step is blush.  Apply blush above the bronzer you put on your cheeks.  Doing this will make the apples of your cheeks pop. 
            To complete your look you will apply your highlighter in a few areas.  In order to make your lips look more pronounced, place a small amount of highlighter at the top and bottom part of your lips, not along the entire lip, just a small portion.  If you have a bump on your nose that you are always trying to disguise, applying highlighter on your nose should do the trick.  Also apply highlighter on your brow bones and put one last finish on your cheeks by placing highlighter above your blush.  Voila!  Your look should be complete and you should look like you are ready to hit an awards show!
           
Leave comment


          

 I’m sure we’ve all tried at least one fad diet before, it seems as if the latest trend are juice cleanses.  Juice cleanses can range anywhere from a day to detox or up to a week, sometimes longer.  The main issue with juice cleanses is that they lack necessary nutrients your body needs and do not consist of any protein or fat that are essential to keep your body going.

            “Cleanses purport benefits such as improvements with immune system function, fatigue and depression, weight loss, and an overall detoxification of your system.  In reality, however, there is no scientific evidence in support that cleansing does any of these.  In fact, such diets may not actually remove toxins from your body,” according to Fox News.

            Regardless if you are doing a pure fruit juice cleanse or veggie cleanse, both have very similar affects on your body.  “After two days, with each shot of juice, your insulin levels skyrocket, then crash.  Your glycogen stores are pretty much gone, leaving your tank on empty-and you feeling weak and listless.  Since you’re getting only about half the calories you need, your body draws on two long-term power sources: triglycerides, a type of energy stored in fat cells and protein, taken straight from your muscles.  You begin to lose muscle mass, even if you’re still exercising every day,” according to Women’s Health Mag.

            Generally you do lose weight throughout the duration of a cleanse because of the dramatic reduction in your daily caloric intake.  By the time you end your cleanse and begin to eat solid food, you have lost muscle.  Once you begin eating normal, the calories you consume are likely to turn into fat since you have less muscle mass to burn the calories you are consuming, resulting in weight gain.

            Cleanses and detoxes can fall into the category of fad diets, which in the long run are not a feasible solution for a healthy lifestyle.  Remember to eat everything in moderation and try to focus on having a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains! 

Leave comment

According to ASPS statistics, there were 6.1 million Botox procedures performed last year, which is a record-breaking number.  Botox has become a norm for women seeking minor tweaks in order to achieve tighter, youthful skin.  Dysport is an alternative to Botox and is a prescription injection for brief enhancement of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows.  Both Dysport and Botox are botulinum toxin type A proteins and have similar effects on patients. 
Botox became FDA approved in the United States in 2002 and Dysport is new to the market, coming on in April of 2009 in the United States.  Although Dysport is new to the US, it has been battling Botox for several years in Europe.   
So what does Dysport bring to the table that Botox doesn’t?  Dysport potentially works faster than Botox but not by a remarkable difference, usually one to two days earlier.  This could benefit patients that are seeking a quick fix and are preparing for an event or party, otherwise it does not make much of a difference.  Some declare that Dysport lasts a little bit longer than Botox, but again, not a notable increase.  Patients that have become “immune” to Botox, typically resulting from continual treatments, could potentially react to Dysport.
Since the amount of Botox procedures performed has been on the rise, the price of Botox has grown as well.  Dysport is an equivalent product to Botox, making them a competitor.  With that said, this should result in a pricing competition between the two, which would be an advantage to patients as well as physicians.
In the end, there are no remarkable differences between the two products, other than the fact that they have different manufacturers.  Book a consultation with the Shaw Center at (480)767-1900 to find out more information and see which product is right for you! 

Leave comment

Summer is officially in full swing, are you tired of constantly having to shave your legs or other areas due to unwanted hair?  Laser hair removal is the perfect alternative that will leave you with silky smooth skin without having to deal with messy at-home creams or consistently booking wax appointments.

Some people avoid having laser hair removal due to discomfort, time consumption and messiness but there have been advancements within the technology used in order to make the procedure convenient and easy.

There are several different options and types of laser hair removal offered at the Shaw Center that fit different peoples wants and skin types.  The LightSheer Duet has been on the market for the past three years and makes the treatment time four times faster than usual.  For example, both underarms can be done in under 5 minutes, a back in under 30 minutes and two full legs in under 40 minutes. 

There are numerous benefits with the LightSheer Duet, such as that it works on any skin color, can be used anywhere on the body and there is no downtime.  Another major benefit of LightSheer Duet is that the majority of patients opt out of topical anesthetic because all you feel is warmth and a slight pinch as the hand piece passes over the treatment.  There is no gel required for the procedure as well so it is quick and painless, allowing you to continue with your day afterwards. 

Another option is the Alma Laser Hair Removal, a special technology that brings low heat levels at a quick delivery in order to minimize pain and reduce the risk of side effects.  Numbing cream is not necessary and many patients describe the procedure as soothing and like a “hot stone massage.”  There are multiple benefits such as complete coverage with no missed spots, fast treatment times, few side effects, no recovery or down time, reduce in-grown hairs and follicultis and it is safe for all skin types, including tanned skin.  One of the downsides is that Alma Laser Hair Removal technology does not treat clear, blonde, grey, light brown or white hair.    

Syneron Elos System of laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) is an advanced system used to treat skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, facial vascular treatment in addition to hair removal.  This procedure has minimal downtime and treats the broadest spectrum of hair colors, skin textures and skin tones. 

With any type of laser hair removal procedure you decide to use, in order to see the best results a patient must have several treatments, since hair grows in cycles.  There are a few factors that determine the amount of sessions that will fully remove the hair, such as how large the area being treated is and the thickness of hair.  Although the amount of treatments varies per patient, it is recommended to have 6-8 treatments in order to have 90-95% complete reduction of hair.

Leave comment

A youthful looking neck can make all of the difference for your overall appearance.  The neck is remarkably susceptible to signs of aging because it is one of the most sun-exposed areas on your body and the skin is finer than facial skin.  In addition, the skin does not have the same collagen content as your face.
Nectifirm by Revision Skincare is a product formulated to help the skin appear more firm and lifted, reduce the appearance of rough, crepey skin and dramatically lessen the look of fine lines and wrinkles, all without having to go under the knife.  It is the only product accessible that tackles all of the transformations that happen as the skin ages on your neck.  
Since the skin on your neck is different than on your face, the formula in Nectifirm contains powerful ingredients designed to specifically rejuvenate the neck as the skin continually ages.  The product contains plant extracts, antioxidants and distinct biotechnical blends to produce a smoother, firmer, youthful looking neck.

“I have been using Nectifirm for the past six months and I absolutely love it.  I’ve always worn turtlenecks to cover up my crepey neck.  Now that my neck is smooth, I’ve packed all my turtlenecks away,” said a patient. 

Schedule a consultation with the Shaw Center at (480)767-1900 in order to begin a Nectifirm regimen to achieve a tight, youthful neck!

Leave comment