synergy-aesthetic-laser

Irritation vs Allergic Reactions in Lash Extensions

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:23:34 GMT

Knowing the difference between an irritation and an allergic reaction is important!

An irritation can be annoying to deal with at the time but typically means that the eyes were irritated by the product.

What is an allergic reaction? It is the immune system responding to a normally harmless substance. Reactions can range from mild to severe. Cyanoacrylate is a main ingredient found in lash glues, it is often the reason why an allergic reaction happens.

The body replaces its cells every 7-10 years changing the way body reacts to certain substances. This means we can grow out of allergies as well as develop new ones. There is no magic cure for an allergic reaction, the body must decide to no longer identify the substance as harmful.

Let’s identify some common lash extension irritations:

Watering Eyes

One or both eyes may water, which is followed by a stinging sensation during the application process. Watering eyes is an irritation from the glue fumes due to the client trying to open their eyes during application. Some times the eyes will flutter open when clients talk or if they are not used to having people near their eyes and face. In these situations we recommend not talking and focusing on deep breathing and getting relaxed. Excessive eye watering during the appointment may result in red or dry eyes within 24 hours post application.

Red or Dry Eyes

One or both eyes may be bloodshot, with the feeling of sand scratching the eye. These symptoms clear up 12-24 hours post application.

Red or dry eyes are usually a result of the eyes being exposed to the glue fumes. Exposure to fumes can happen when the eyes flutter during application. It is important to keep the eyes relaxed and closed during the application process.

Corneal Abrasion

Corneal abrasion, also known as an ‘eye bruise’ is a rare issue that is generally harmless but can be visually alarming. The bottom of the eye or some times the whole eye will have visible ruptured blood vessels, it is not painful but can cause dryness to the eye, light sensitivity or a scratchy feeling. This is only an irritation and clients should see relief within 72 hours. Corneal abrasion happens when the eye pad moves upwards into the eye due to watering eyes or from improper placement of the eye pad. Clients should inform their lash technician if the eye pad feels like it is touching their eye after applying them or any time during their appointment.

Now let’s identify what a rare allergic reaction looks like:

Swollen Eyes

One or both the eyes may become puffy after the application process. It may start as mild puffiness but if the client continues to expose themselves it can become more severe with extreme puffiness.

Itchy Eyes

Swollen eyes happen due to the client experiencing itchy eyes. Rubbing itchy eyes causes temporary relief but actually in the end causes more swelling. The rubbing sends signals to the brain to release serotonin to relieve the itch, this activates neurons in our spinal cord which intensifies the itching sensation. The intensified itching causes more rubbing creating more swelling, resulting in a vicious cycle.

Allergic reactions should subside within 72 hours without medical attention. Ideal to start an anti histamine as recommended by your pharmacist. If an allergic reaction or irritation continues or worsens then medical attention should be sought out.

Spa Day at Home

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 08:06:55 GMT

Not able to make it into the spa? That shouldn’t stop you from treating yourself to a day of pampering. Anyone can transform their home into a spa for the day. We highly recommend you give this a try!

First, you will need to set the tone with some relaxing spa music. This can be done with the help of Spotify or Youtube. Both platforms have wonderful relaxing playlists you can enjoy in the background. On Spotify we recommend trying Stress Relief or Ambient Relaxation to give your space the spa atmosphere.

Next you will want to make your surroundings as comfortable as possible! Put on your coziest lounge wear, grab your robe, slippers and find the softest blanket to wrap yourself in. For optimal comfort and warmth we recommend using a heating pad.

Set the mood even more by lighting some candles. Burn your favourite scent to help relax the mind. If you plan on getting so relaxed you fall asleep, switch out the candles for low lit lighting and essential oils.

Ooooh, and don’t forget to make your favourite drink to sip on. An at home spa day is not complete without infused water, tea or a favourite glass of wine.

The mood has been set. This is your time to indulge in a face mask. This may be a home spa but our pharmaceutical/medical grade skin care is still the best option for your skin. We retail 3 different face masks for home spa days. Vivier Ultra-Hydrating Mask provides nourishment and hydration to the skin while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also from Vivier is the Purifying Clay Mask, which draws out impurities from the skin and absorbs excess oil. Finally, from Eltraderm there is the Hydrating Cucumber Mask, a calming and hydrating mask that leaves the skin feeling softer and rejuvenated.

While the mask marinates on the face, it is a great time to have a spa worthy snack. A cheese and fruit board is the perfect low maintenance spa day snack. Pick up your favourite cheese, crackers and fruit to create an at home charcuterie board. We recommend some chocolate too, just because… your worth it!

Now clear your mind and give into relaxation.

How to Care for Your Skin When Wearing a Mask

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 04:23:44 GMT

Since the beginning of March 2020, we have been wearing masks to some capacity to help protect ourselves and others during the global pandemic. Wearing a mask for a quick trip to the store isn’t likely going to cause damage to your skin but individuals who work in healthcare and essential service fields are wearing masks 8 to 12 hours a day and their skin is taking a toll.

Repetitive friction and limited airflow can cause a number of issues to the skin. Allow us to Explore how skincare products can help to treat these problems:

Congested Pores and Breakouts

By wearing masks daily our skin is confined to a tight space, which can increase the amount of impurities and oils that get trapped under the skin. If you are experiencing new breakouts or blackheads from wearing your mask, there are a few active ingredients you can incorporate into your routine to help.

We recommend using Vivier Medicated Wash, which includes 2% salicylic acid, to help clean out built-up impurities in the skin. Salicylic acid is a gold standard ingredient to keeping the pores clean and skin smooth.

While Medicated Wash is a great first step to keeping pores and skin clear, for additional targeted treatments of blackheads and breakouts, we recommend also using Vivier AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream. This powerhouse product is full of active ingredients such as; salicylic acid for clear pores, alpha-hydroxy acid for a smooth & youthful complexion, vitamin C and E for antioxidant and anti-aging support and peptides to help with collagen production.

Apply AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream morning and night, after serums but before other creams.

Dry & Dull Skin

Restricting airflow and trapping stale, oxygen-poor air against our skin can cause a general dry, dullness to the skin. Our skin, like the rest of our organs, performs better and is healthier when it’s hydrated.

One way to hydrate the skin is from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. We can also boost skin’s hydration from the outside in by incorporating hyaluronic acid.

Vivier Ulitmage™ is a revolutionary, medical-grade hyaluronic acid gel that delivers hydration to our skin, allowing the skin to function at its best. Ultimage™ also features neuropeptides, which smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Applied once or twice daily after serums but before lotions will improve the look, appearance, and health of the skin.

Chafing or Blistering Skin

Medical-grade and N95 masks are designed to keep all outside air away from the nose and mouth. This means keeping a snug fit of the mask against the face can cause chaffing, blistering, and rawness to the skin. This type of damage to the skin can not only be painful but can also cause long-term scarring. We recommend keeping the skin clean and treated with healing ingredients when the mask is off.

Vivier HEXAM® is a gentle, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory cleanser that works well to clean compromised skin. We suggest gently washing the affected area once or twice daily with lukewarm water, then patting the skin dry. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing.

In addition to keeping the area clean, we recommend using a moisturizer such as Vivier Lexxel.

This will help alleviate and protect against chapping, cracking and roughness, while also relieving itching due to dryness. Applying a thin layer of LEXXEL® whenever the mask is off and overnight during sleep will help to soothe, calm and repair the area. If your skin irritation becomes unbearable, there are bandages available at your local pharmacy designed for sensitive skin that can be worn as a barrier between the skin and the mask.

We also recommend avoiding active ingredients like retinols, vitamin C, acids, and exfoliants until the skin has healed.

Vivier & Eltraderm Products Available Online or In Clinic