Shizuka NY Facials: Frequently Asked Questions

General Information:

Which of the SHIZUKA new york facials is best for me?

Do you offer special facials for men?

Can pregnant women continue to have facials?

Skincare glossary of terms

Photofacials:

Preparing for a Shizuka NY photo facial

What to expect after your photo facial

Before and After photos

Chemical Peeling:

How do chemical peels work?

Microdermabrasion:

What is Microdermabrasion?

Before your treatment

After your treatment

Botox and Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers (Juvederm and Restylane):

What is Botox?

What is Juvederm/Hyaluronic Acid?

Which SHIZUKA new york facial is best for me?

If you are planning to visit our NYC day spa for the first time, we recommend the Signature Micro Facial (80 Minutes, $160) as an excellent starting point.  The Signature Micro Facial is customized to all skin types and is appropriate for both men and women.  During your treatment, our esthetic staff will be happy to recommend a personalized treatment course to deal with specific skin care issues.

Do you offer any facials for male clients?

Yes, we have mens facials designed to clear, tone and hydrate male skin while treating common issues of shaving irritation, ingrown hairs and razor bumps. To read more about our skincare services for men, please visit ShizukaNY.com/spa-for-men.htm.

Can I have a facial during pregnancy?

Yes. In fact, acne often acts up as hormonal balances change over the course of a pregnacy. It is important to let your aesthetician know if you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant. As a general rule, avoid products (and facials) that contain salicylic acid. Try our Omedeta Facial which uses all-natural, homemade products, or ask your aesthetician to omit salicylic acid from your facial treatment. We do not recommend having Photo Facials and treatment with Botox Cosmetic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Skin Care Terms Glossary

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are water-soluble acids—such as Lactic and Glycolic—used in a variety of skin care products and treatments.  They play an important role in chemical peels, such as SHIZUKA new york's Lunch Time Peel and Total Skin Rejuvenation Peel .  In these procedures, AHAs help to exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin, revealing softer and more even-looking skin.

Collagen is a protein found in our connective tissues, bones, and teeth.  In the skin, it is responsible for the skin strength and elasticity we associate with young-looking skin.  The natural decrease of collagen in the skin can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Many of the treatments at SHIZUKA new york day spa are designed to promote collagen production, such as the GentleWaves Facial, and the Signature Anti-Aging Photo Facial.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin.  A common form of hyperpigmentation is the age or "liver" spot.  Hyperpigmentation can have various causes including prolonged exposure to the sun, acne scarring, hormonal changes, and genetics.  Many cases of hyperpigmentation can be treated using techniques such as Intense Pulsed Light Photo Facials, Microdermabrasion, and Chemical Peels.  If you are concerned about hyperpigmentation on any part of your body, including the face, we recommend a free consultation with Shizuka to discuss treatment options.

Microdermabrasion uses vacuumed jets of finely ground crystals to reduce hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, and create a smoother skin surface.  When performed regularly, microdermabrasion can also be an effective acne therapy.  Shizuka's Crystal Peel microdermabrasion treatment is most commonly performed on the face and back, but can be customized to virtually any area of the body.

Photo Facials at the Shizuka day spa in NYC use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to treat a variety of skin care issues.  The Signature Anti-Aging Photofacial is effective at reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, vascular lesions and broken capillaries and rosacea.  The Acne Facial uses Intense Pulsed Light to reduce acne-causing bacteria in the pores and to help prevent future breakouts.  More information about Photo Facials in Manhattan at Shizuka day spa in New York City can be found below.

Sun Damage.  See Hyperpigmentation.

Before Photo Facial treatment...

1. Discontinue sun tanning and the use of tanning beds and self-tanning creams 4 weeks before your Photo Facial at SHIZUKA new york Day Spa, and throughout the treatment course. This will reduce the chance of skin color changes, and development of new lesions.  Always use an SPF-30 or greater sunscreen on all exposed treatment areas and re-apply every 2 hours throughout the day.  Wear protective, light-occluding hats and clothing.
2. Discontinue use of exfoliating creams such as Retin-A and other skin exfoliating products 2 weeks prior to and during the entire treatment course.
3. If you have a history of herpes outbreaks in the area of treatment you should consult your Primary Care Provider for medical evaluation and possible prophylaxis prior to treatment.
4. An accurate diagnosis by a physician of brown spots prior to treatment is necessary before treatment of lesions.
5. Be aware there is the possibility of coincidental hair loss when treating pigmented lesions in hair bearing areas.

After Photo Facial treatment...

1. A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected after any photofacial. This usually last 2 - 24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours.  Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, which usually resolves in 2 - 3 days.
2. Apply cool/ice compresses to treatment areas for 10 - 15 minutes every hour for the next 4 hours, as needed, to reduce discomfort and heat sensation.  An oral, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen may be taken to reduce discomfort.  Use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur.  An antibiotic ointment may be applied to the affected areas twice a day until healed.
4. Bathe or shower as usual.  Areas treated with Intense Pulsed Light in our NYC day spa may be temperature sensitive.  Cool showers or baths will offer relief.  Avoid aggressive scrubbing and the use of exfoliants, scrub brushes and loofah sponges until the treatment area has returned to its pre-treatment condition.
5. Until redness has completely resolved avoid all of the following:
   • Applying cosmetics on or near treated areas
   • Swimming, especially in pools with chemicals/chlorine
   • Hot tubs and Jacuzzis
   • Activities that cause excessive perspiration
6. Sun exposure to treated areas (apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater)
7. To prevent infection and scarring, do not scratch or pick scabs or crusting.

Pigmented Lesion (Sun Spots/Hyperpigmentation) Treatment with IPL :

The lesion may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter.  It will gradually turn darker over the next 24-48 hours, and may turn dark brown or even black.  The lesion will progress to scabs/crusting and will start flaking off in 7-14 days.  Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs.

Vascular Lesion Treatment with Intense Pulsed Light :

The broken capillaries may undergo immediate graying or blanching, or they may exhibit a slight purple or red coloring.  Vessels will fully or partially fade in about 10 - 14 days.  Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs.

IPL Acne Treatment:

There may be an initial flare-up of acne, similar to the kind seen after a peel procedure or the beginning of a new topical or oral acne medication.  Some of the blemishes may form scabs.  Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs.  The acne blemishes will fade after about 2-3 weeks.  A 40% reduction in the number of lesions and the prevention of new lesion formation can be expected following the treatment course.

Photo Facial Before and After Photographs

Note: Individual results may vary.  For more photographs, please visit the Palomar Medical Website.

How do Chemical Peels work?

In all chemical peels, a solution containing the active ingredient is applied to the skin. The skin subsequently peels off over a period of 1 to 14 days, depending on how potent the chemicals were.  This procedure removes parts of the skin in a controlled way so that new, healthier skin can grow in its place.  Chemical peels are sometimes used in conjunction with dermabrasion or laser resurfacing for a more dramatic overall effect.

Chemical peels differ depending upon how deeply the chemical is needed to penetrate and the type of chemical solution that is used.  Factors that may affect the depth of a peel include: 1) the acid concentration in the peeling agent, 2) the number of coats that are applied, and 3) the amount of time allowed before the acid is neutralized.  Deeper peels generally result in more significant changes in the skin but are associated with higher risks, greater discomfort or pain, and a significantly longer healing time.

Chemical Peels may be divided into three types:

1. Superficial peels are the mildest type of chemical peel and can be used on a wide variety of skin types. Superficial peels usually use a solution containing a mild acid, most often glycolic acid.  Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) can also be used.  Aestheticians can perform only superficial peels.  A superficial peel may slightly reduce but does not eliminate sun damage and signs of aging. The results may not appear for some time, and when they do appear, they may be minimal. Repeated peels are often needed to produce the desired effect.
   
   Superficial peels are done on an outpatient basis, do not require anesthesia, and cause only slight discomfort afterwards.  Most people can return to their normal activities immediately.  The skin heals quickly after a superficial peel.  The skin may turn pink, and usually only minimal peeling occurs.  You can use makeup to hide any redness until it fades.
   
   
2. Medium peels penetrate the skin more deeply than a superficial peel and can cause a reaction similar to a second-degree burn.  Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the main peeling agent used for medium peels.  Sometimes the peel is performed in several steps using a different chemical solution, such as resorcinol followed by TCA.  Medium depth peels should only be performed by a physician.  A medium peel can be very effective in smoothing and blending pigment differences and in reducing fine wrinkles and signs of sun damage. Repeated treatment is often needed after 3 to 6 months to produce the best effect.
   
   Medium peels are usually done on an outpatient basis, but you may need to take a few days off from work to recover.   A medium peel causes a second-degree burn of the skin.  The skin takes 5 to 7 days to heal to a point where you can use makeup to hide the redness caused by the peel. There is little or no pain after the peel, but there may be some swelling, especially if the area around the eyes is treated.  The skin will turn reddish brown in 2 to 3 days, become crusty, and then flake and peel over the next few days.
   
   
3. Deep peels are used only on the face and should only be performed by a physician.  The most common agent used in this peel is called phenol.   Deep peels may not be used on darker skin types because they tend to bleach the skin (hypopigmentation). Even in lighter-skinned people, phenol peels—or any type of deep resurfacing—may cause hypopigmentation.  A deep peel is usually performed only once.  A single deep peeleliminates wrinkles and may tighten the skin.  The effects are often dramatic. In general, a person cannot have repeated deep phenol peels.
   
   A deep peel also causes a second-degree burn of the skin. Skin re-growth begins within 10 to 14 days after a deep peel.  The skin remains extremely red and tender for up to 3 weeks.  Most people take this time off from work.  Complete healing of the skin may take several months. Oral pain relievers may be given to reduce pain after the peel.  Some people have severe swelling, especially around the eye area. Elevating the head may reduce the swelling to some extent, and corticosteroids may be used for more severe swelling.  You may be given a short course of antiviral and antibiotic medications to prevent infection after the peel.  Proper wound care is extremely important after a deep peel to speed healing and prevent infection of the wound. You may be asked to shower several times a day to reduce crusting, and you may have to return to the doctor's office frequently to have the wound cleaned and checked.

Your skin type, skin care before and after the peel, the doctor's level of experience, and your lifestyle after the procedure can all have an effect on the results.  Some types of skin problems respond better to chemical peeling than others.  People with lighter skin who limit their sun exposure after the procedure tend to have better results than those with darker skin and those who continue to spend lots of time in the sun.

Before you decide to have a chemical peel, talk to your doctor about the kind of results you can expect.  Changes in the color and texture of the skin caused by aging and sun exposure may continue to develop after a chemical peel. Chemical peels are not a permanent solution for these problems. Continue reading about Chemical Peels here...

What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion projects a flow of inert crystals over the skin, and abrades away epidermal tissue in the areas treated.  The surrounding normal tissue is minimally affected.  Microdermabrasion is used to treat acne, to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and to treat other skin conditions.

Pre-Treatment Instructions for Microdermabrasion

Having a microdermabrasion at our NYC day spa is not recommended in the following cases:

• Those who are taking Accutane, or who have taken Accutane within the past 4 months.
• Those with flat warts in the area to be treated as these are a virus which can easily spread.
• Those with a history of herpes simplex should consult with their physician about taking Zovirax, or another antiviral medication, one week prior to treatment.

Discontinue the use of any AHA product, Retin A, and Renova at least one week prior to treatment and wear a sun block or sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily.

Post-Treatment Instructions for Microdermabrasion

Day 1

• Your skin may be sensitive to the touch and show signs of redness

• Avoid sun exposure, overexposure to heat (e.g. saunas), and swimming immediately following treatment.  If you need to be outdoors, apply a light moisturizer and a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

• Try to avoid applying makeup until the following day to allow your skin to settle.  If your treatment in the morning, makeup may be applied that evening.

• The evening of your treatment, cleanse the skin with a gentle cleansing product using gentle motions.  Follow this with EGF Gel (see below) and a light moisturizer.  Do not use harsh scrubs, AHAs, Retin A or Renova unless instructed to do so.

Day 2

• Your skin should be less irritated after the first 24 hours.  If you experience any significant discomfort or crusting, please call our office at (212) 644-7400.  Although this treatment does not always cause residual exfoliation, be aware that if there is excess skin, do not pick of peel prematurely as this could cause hyperpigmentation.

• Continue to avoid sun exposure to treated areas, as well as the use of sun tanning beds and self-tanning creams, as this will increase the likelihood of skin color changes.  If you must expose the treated area to direct sunlight, use SPF-30 or greater sun protection.

• Resume your normal skincare routine, but refrain from using AHAs, Retin A, or Renova until all signs of sensitivity and irritation have resolved.

• Skin lightening products (Koji-Lac Skin Brightening Pads or Cream) are recommended to assist continued lightening of pigmented skin.  However, do not use these products until all sensitivity and irritation has resolved completely.  Remember to use SPF-30 or greater sun protection while you are using these products.

EGF Gel

Please apply a small amount, about ¼ teaspoon, twice per day (morning and night) after gently cleansing your skin.  You may use your regular skincare regimen following this.  If you experience any irritation or discomfort from EGF gel, please stop using it immediately and notify our office.  Feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions or concerns regarding your Microdermabrasion treatment at Shizuka Day Spa in New York City.