Simple Home Remedies for a Flawless Smile
November 9, 2016
We feel that first impressions are important, and your smile can be one of the first things someone notices about you. Feel confident in showing it off with these simple at-home suggestions for keeping your pearly whites glistening. Below are a few natural remedies that you can easily create in order to enhance this essential feature of yours!
– Brush your teeth with activated charcoal and water.
 
– Brush your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
 
– Swish coconut around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes.
 
– Mix turmeric with either water or coconut oil to create a paste, and use to brush.
 
– Combine apple cider vinegar with water to swish around in your mouth like a mouthwash, and do so for a few seconds at a time.
 
– Muddle together one to three strawberries with baking soda and use the mixture to brush. Then let it sit for about 5 minutes.  Brush teeth again afterwards, and floss to clean out the excess strawberry seeds.
 
 
In addition to creating these at-home mixtures, there are some other regimen adjustments that can be taken in order to help bolster your beaming smile even more.
 
– Avoid dark pigmented food and drinks, such as coffee, soy sauce and marinara sauce.
 
– Add raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables to your diet, such as apples and carrots.
 
– Limit the amount of acidic food and drinks you intake.  This includes; sodas, wine and citrus.
 
 

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Why Men Should Adopt a Skincare Routine
July 23, 2016

 

 

 

At one point in time, we’ve all seen a man somehow able to complete his morning/evening regime with a 3- in-one product.  Judgment and exasperated sighs aside, you can’t blame the poor guy.  It wasn’t until recently that the men’s skincare industry evolved beyond its usual, simple bar of soap. It’s important for men, just as women, to adopt a proper skincare routine in order to ensure aging more gracefully and preventing stubborn breakouts. We’ve rounded up some product concepts that we think are essential in perfecting the perfect men’s skincare routine.
An oil based cleanser/gentle cleanser:
Because men tend to have thicker and oilier skin than women, they need a cleanser that removes oil and sweat without drying out the face.  An oil-based cleanser is ideal for oily skin because it doesn’t entirely strip the skin of its natural oils.  For men with dryer skin, a more gentle and fragrance-free cleanser would be appropriate as well. You should also wash your face every evening in order to remove the sweat and dirt that’s accumulated throughout the day.
A moisturizer with SPF:
Shaving can take a toll on your skin, especially for men that shave their faces on a daily basis.  By adding a moisturizer into the routine, men can ease dryness and irritation that is often associated with shaving. A moisturizer containing SPF is even better if you can manage, as it will protect your face throughout the day while helping in the anti-aging process, as well as in helping to prevent sun damage.
An exfoliating scrub: 
Shaving is already exfoliating, but additionally you should exfoliate everywhere else once a week. Exfoliating scrubs will help to eliminate dead skin and dirt, which will unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
Retinol and eye cream:
Retinol contains Vitamin A, which is incredibly necessary when it comes to aging gracefully, George Clooney style.  However, Retinol can be very drying, (it started out as a means to treat acne) so be wary if your skin starts to flake.  Eye cream will assist with dark circles, the appearance of crow’s feet and overall puffiness in the eye area. 

 

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Fillers have become increasingly popular as an option to either enhance your features, such as lips, or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse are all hyaluronic acid fillers available at The Spa at The SHAW Center. They provide instant results and can effectively help you to achieve your aesthetic goals with little to no downtime. Preparing for injections can be just as important as the actual procedure, and these suggestions will allow you an even more seamless service.
Plan Accordingly
Make sure you properly hydrate since hyaluronic acid binds to water. The more hydrated you are, the better you will look overall.
Avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin before the procedure and up to 36 hours after.
If you work out on a regular basis, you may want to make sure you do so beforehand. It’s not uncommon for additional swelling to occur as a result of strenuous physical activity. Typically 24 hours is an ideal waiting period before engaging in exercise again.
Give Bruising The Boot
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple juice that can be used for medicinal purposes. It is most commonly used as an anti-inflammatory, as it helps to reduce swelling after surgery or an injury.
The flower of arnica is also used as a medicine to help reduce pain and swelling associated with bruises and aches.  This supplement will quickly become your new BFF when used both before and after your injections.
Adding leafy greens to your diet have also been known to reduce the possibility of bruising, as they are rich in Vitamin K.
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It’s the season of love with Valentine’s Day upon us. Feeling your best and most beautiful is not simply limited to date night, but it definitely gives us an excuse to get dolled up. Primp and prep with these products and fall in love with yourself all over again!
Flirt
There’s something to be said for a full, flirty set of lashes. It’s one of the most feminine qualities in a woman and knowing how to enhance this weapon can be easily achieved through the use of one of our favorite beauty products, Latisse. Latissse helps to grow longer, thicker and darker lashes almost overnight!
Kiss
Juvedermis another one of our favorites, as this injectable gel works as a dermal filler to enhance and plump your pout.  Creating more full and symmetrical lips can be easily done through this miracle injectable with minimal discomfort and little to no downtime.
Laugh
Laughing is one of the greatest forms of therapy, but our faces shouldn’t have to be punished for it. Let’s be honest, no one welcomes crows feet willingly. Botoxis another one of our beauty crushes because of its ability to completely rejuvenate and render our skin young again. Botox can help to rid those unwanted wrinkles around your eyes, so that you can laugh and smile again confidently.
Hold
The SHAW Center is crushing majorly on ZO Skin Health’s Oraser Nourishing Hand Crème because of its ability to restore hydration and smooth your skin completely.  Not only does it help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but also it enhances exfoliation to improve rough skin texture. Grab your significant other’s hand, and we bet they won’t want to let go!
Xoxo,
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Dermaplaning is a simple procedure that works to refresh and revitalize your skin without any pain or downtime. Dermaplaning rids your face of unwanted vellus hair, otherwise known as peach fuzz. It also helps your daily skincare products penetrate easily and into deeper layers of your skin, making them more effective than ever. The SHAW Center’s Spa offers Dermaplaning for those seeking a more flawless complexion without having to endure harsh chemical alternatives. 
How It Works
Using light feathering strokes, our aesthetician will carefully exfoliate the top layer of the skin using a specialized surgical blade or scalpel. This removes dead skin cells, peach fuzz and stimulates new skin development along with collagen. All in all, the procedure takes around 30 minutes, it’s completely pain-free and requires no down time. Immediately after the treatment, your skin will look glowy,  more radiant and hydrated.  
Benefits
Dermaplaning is the ideal means of exfoliating the skin because of how mild the actual treatment is. It doesn’t require any chemicals, which makes it great for most skin types, even sensitive skin. Although a surgical blade may sound scary, the treatment feels like you are lightly brushing your skin.   This is the ultimate treatment to offer to patients who are pregnant or nursing and desire a deep exfoliation but aren’t allowed to use peeling agents or chemicals on their skin. Additionally, Dermaplaning is relatively inexpensive compared to other professional exfoliation treatments. 
Microdermabrasion Versus Dermaplaning
The SHAW Center offers both Microderm and Dermaplaning to brighten and clear your complexion. Each procedure delivers the same results and is a comfortable way to get a little more out of your usual facial. Microdermabrasion sands and suctions dead skin cells, whereas Dermaplaning is suited for drier skin types because it scrapes off the epidermis layer more gently, without the suction process.
No matter what treatment works best with your skin type, you can expect instant results. Microderm and Dermaplaning both diminish fine lines, fade dark spots and deeply exfoliate skin that’s been subjected to dryness, makeup and environmental factors like sun. Your skin will feel clean, smooth and clear right after the treatment. You will also notice that your foundation goes on smoother, your skin tone is more even and many people report that they break out less frequently and easily.
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Our face is the first thing people notice and a huge part of our identity. Maintaining a clear complexion is not always the easiest feat, but definitely worth prioritizing. With so many products and beauty remedies out there today, it can seem overwhelming not knowing which ones to trust, but The Spa at The Shaw Center has you and your skin covered! We believe the answer to a flawless face lies within a combination of both skincare products and some simple home regimens. 
Ditch the Washcloth
Washcloths can do more damage than good by disrupting your skin’s natural state. Typically using one can lead to irritation and redness, and not to mention they’re breeding grounds for bacteria. Instead, try Clarisonic, which is a sonic technology proven to gently yet effectively loosen dirt and oil to clear your pores. It micro-massages twice as effectively as manually cleansing does and is available for purchase at The Shaw Center.
Clean Your Essentials
A more common sense, but highly underestimated cause for breakouts comes from your pillowcases and makeup brushes. These two vehicles collect your oils and dirt daily and are later reapplied to your face when used again and again without first being washed. We suggest using a gentle cleanser for both and avoid sanitizers that employ harsh fragrance, as this added ingredient can also lead to clogged pores.
Moisturize Appropriately
Believe it or not, there is such thing as over moisturizing and it can even lead to breakouts. Adding too much product to your skin can clog your pores and prevent your complexion from being able to breathe. We recommend using a moisterizer with hyaluronic acic, which helps to retain water. One of our favorite hydrating lotions is our ZO Skin Health Ossential Daily Power Defense. 
Exfoliate Effortlessly
Regular exfoliation is essential in maintaining your skin. Your dead skin cells can tend to collect over time, creating a dull complexion and preventing you from showing off that glow you most definitely deserve. Microdermabrasion,  is a non-surgical exfoliating treatment that can help you to achieve healthier, younger-looking skin. The Spa at The Shaw Center offers this as a service and highly recommends it for those looking to rid themselves of stubborn blemishes.
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Not too long ago, if we had told you that running a needling pen over your face would actually benefit you – you would think we were crazy. DermaPenning, also known as Microneedling, has made a huge splash in the skincare world recently. With noticeable results with little to no downtime, this is one treatment you need to try.




How does it work?
We use the DermaPen 3, a cutting-edge version of a DermaPen, that painlessly penetrates the outer layers of the skin. This creates micro-injuries that spur collagen and elasitn to repair, regrow and heal skin making way for smoother, more even skin. Also, almost any part of the body can be treated.
What will it do for my skin?
Like a peel without the burn, micro needling treatments help with wrinkle reduction, texture and tone improvement. Pores are decreased and skin looks and feels firmer and refreshed. Also, if you have hyperpigmentation, sun spots or scarring, these treatment helps fade those blemishes and also erases acne scars, trauma scars and stretch marks.
What does it feel like?
The quick, 15 to 30-minute treatment feels like a light buffing similar to sandpaper being rubbed gently across skin.
Is there downtime?
Right after your treatment you will notice an instant glow and some redness that goes away usually within four hours. After 12 hours, mineral makeup is recommended and skin is healed within 24 hours.

For more information, you can call 480-767-1900 to schedule a complimentary consultation to talk with one of our aesthetician pros.
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Here at The SHAW Center, we’re all about professional treatments. Hands down, they are the most effective way to get the skin and body you’ve always wanted.
To keep your results and ensure that they last as long as possible, post-treatment home care is also an important factor. We’ve rounded up our top five favorite skincare products for 2016. From firming to banishing wrinkles, keep these bottles sink side and incorporate them into your daily routine.

This past week, we gave you the opportunity to enter to win any one of these 5 fab products, and we’d like to congratulate Carissa Robin (#5), Nicole Carreo (#4), Patty Dilk (#3), Jacque Ast (#2) and the winner of our (#1) chosen skincare product for 2016, Donna Chasan! We thank all of those who participated, and if you didn’t get chosen this time around, you can still purchase any of these products at the Spa at The SHAW Center. What are you waiting for?

#5: Revision Skincare Intellishade, $56. A nutrient rich, anti-aging tinted moisturizer that’s super hydrating and reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 #4: Revision Skincare Nectifirm, $73. Say bye bye to that turkey neck because 96% of patients experienced a firmer neck with Nectifirm®. This best-selling neck cream contains plant extracts, antioxidants and unique biotechnological blends that work cohesively to create a smoother, firmer, younger-looking neck.


#3: ZO Medical Retamax, $145. This lightweight, Retinol-packed lotions helps reverse signs of aging by supporting even skin tone, reducing lines and helping speed up your skin’s natural renewal system.

#2: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Acid, $162. This serum contains a revolutionary antioxidant combination that increases firmness and replenishes lipids to visibly reduce wrinkles for more than 72 hours after use.

#1: SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum, $270. Packed with a powerful, cutting-edge TNS complex, this protein and amino acid-rich serum reduces inflammation and erases signs of aging.

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Last week our team kicked off the Holiday season with our annual BOTOX® Days event. The perfect treatment for party-prepped skin, Botox is a quick, easy way to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. The three most popular spots for Botox include: 
– Horizontal forehead wrinkles
– Crow’s feet lines around the eyes
– The “11” (two vertical) lines between the eyebrows
If you’re a newbie to facial injections or want to brush up on your Botox smarts, we’re breaking down five of the most commonly asked questions about this anti-aging phenomenon.
1.    When is it time to get Botox?  What visible signs should I lookout for? 
As an overarching recommendation, adding injectables to your anti-aging arsenal is a completely personal decision. Many women start getting Botox between the ages of 25 to 35 when they notice deeper expression lines around the eyes and forehead. The only thing to consider when it comes to timing is that once wrinkles are deep, Botox can help soften them, but may not eliminate them completely. Whatever you choose, Botox will erase or fade lines and make a noticeable improvement at any age.
2.    How long does Botoxlast? 
Treatments last about three months. Once you have your initial session and continue to receive injections on a regular basis, you may start to not need as many units and transition to more of a “maintenance” plan to keep lines in check.
3.    What does Botox feel like? Will my face feel numb after I get it?
There’s no way around it, there’s a needle involved. On the bright side, the needles we use are small and thin, so patients say they feel a subtle prick, nothing super painful and much less impact than a regular shot. You shouldn’t feel any numbness or irritation.

4.    How long does an actual Botox session take? Is there anything I should do prior to or after getting Botox?
Botox is a super simple treatment. You lay back in a chair and the injection specialist will ask you what areas of your face bother you and what you would like treated. They will also give you recommendations to achieve your ideal look so there’s no guesswork involved. After a few strategically-placed injections you will be ready to go in 20 to 30 minutes max. 
Depending on your body, some patients notice slight bruising post-treatment. To help prevent bruising, stay away from pain medication prior to your treatment. Also avoid drinking for a few days before you get Botox. 
Aftercare is easy. Don’t lie down for four hours after the treatment and avoid rubbing or touching the area. That also means that for the first few hours, hats and headbands are a no-no. Avoid exercise the day you receive the treatment (about 12 hours on the safe side) and stay away from saunas, steam rooms or any other place or activity that can raise your body temperature. Some patients see results in as little as 72 hours, but wait a week for full results.
        
5.    Do I need to use a specific skincare line or products after a treatment? 
We recommend using medical-grade skincare products to your skin healthy and protected. Our team can help you choose a regimen fro our wide variety of product lines. but generally, a high-quality face cleanser, serum infused with Hyaluronic acid, hydrating night cream and and a SPF-packed moisturizer for daytime is recommended. Living in the dry AZ desert, keeping skin hydrated and plump is key to getting the most out of Botox.
For more information and any other questions you have, we are here to help! To schedule a consultation or chat with one of our injection specialists, call (480) 767-1900!
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There are many products and treatments available when it comes to reducing the visible signs of aging, but there is nothing quite like Sculptra® aesthetic. Referred to by some physicians as “Face lift in a bottle”, Sculptra® aesthetic represents a new and unique, minimally invasive option that helps facial skin regain a more youthful and natural-looking appearance.

Over time, our skin loses collagen and fat, reducing its full, firm, youthful appearance. It becomes loose and starts to wrinkle.  This reduction in tissue volume can make cheeks and eyes appear sunken, making us look older than we are.  Injectable Sculptra® aesthetic can help regain a firm texture and restore lost volume by promoting production of your body’s natural collagen in the treated areas. Sculptra® aesthetic is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin to correct the effects of fat loss (lipoatrophy).

Sculptra® aesthetic is particularly suited to treating the lower face and differs from conventional line fillers by providing more of a lifting, volumizing result. Sunken skin and wrinkles can be significantly reduced by restoring facial contours without surgery.  This process of natural restructuring of the skin continues long after the course of treatment has been completed.

As with all injectable fillers, technique is a vital component in delivering the best potential outcome, and with Dr. Shaw and his staff having over 20 years of injection experience, you can count on incredible results.

The SHAW Center is running a special on Sculptra right now where you can save $200 when you purchase a minimum of two viles. You can also earn an extra $20 off with a Galderma Reward certificate when you sign up for the Aspire Rewards Program at www.aspirerewards.comprior to your injection appointment. Upon completion of your two vile injection session, you’ll be one step closer to VIP Club Membership where you’ll earn a $50 Galderma Reward for a future appointment.

The perks don’t end there! For every new Aspire Rewards Member the month of October, Galderma will donate $25 to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

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