Glossary of Skin Care Terms
The world of skin care is evolving so fast that you’d have to be a dermatologist to keep up with all the terminology used at the spa these days. To help our clients, we’ve assembled a glossary of frequently used skin care terms. If you have further questions about your skin or you’d like to set up an NYC skin care consultation, contact Shizuka NY today.
Alpha Hydroxyacids (AHAs)
Alpha Hydroxyacids (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 Day Spa's Lunch Time Chemical 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
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 our NYC day spa are designed to promote collagen production, such as the GentleWaves Facial, and the Signature Anti-Aging Photo Facial.
Hyperpigmentation
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 an NYC skin care consultation to discuss treatment options.
Ionizing
Shizuka NY's Ionizing facial technique temporarily polarizes the skin, changing the balance of positive and negative ions to allow lightening agents, including Kojic Acid and Vitamin C, deeper into the skin. Ionizing is used in the Lightening Facial, Ionizing Facial, and Brightening Photo Rejuvenation.
Microcurrent Therapy
Microcurrent treatment at our NYC day spa can be effective in firming the skin, toning facial muscles, lifting the eyebrow and eyelid area, redefining the cheeks, reducing wrinkles on the face and forehead, and smoothing small wrinkles around the upper lip. The microcurrents (mild electronic currents) work in three phases:
- Phase 1 activates blood and lymphatic circulation while oxygenating the facial skin and boosting cellular renewal in the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).
- Phase 2 lifts sagging facial muscles while relaxing tight muscles to create a more relaxed and refreshed look. This phase stimulates collagen formation and has an overall tightening effect on the skin.
- Phase 3 delivers antioxidant agents deep into the skin, improving skin moisture and elasticity, and rebalancing the skin's pH.
Microcurrents are used in our NYC skin care treatments including the award-winning Lifting Facial, Microcurrent Facial, and Firming Photo Rejuvenation.
*Micro-Current and Ionizing therapies are safe and appropriate for all skin types. There is generally no discomfort involved. However, those who are pregnant and those with pacemakers, metal prostheses or implants, inflammation or open wounds, epilepsy, cancer, or HIV should consult with their doctors before having treatment.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses vacuumed jets of finely ground crystals to reduce hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, and create a smoother skin surface. When performed regularly, microdermabrasion facial treatments can also be an effective acne therapy. Shizuka's Crystal Peel Microdermabrasion Facial is most commonly performed on the face and back, but can be customized to virtually any area of the body. Microdermabrasion is also used in the Microcurrent Facial and Ionizing Facial, and can be added to many other facial treatments as an upgrade.
Photo Facials
Photo Facials at 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.
Sun Damage.
See Hyperpigmentation.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can enjoy quality facials in NYC.
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