“Beat the Tax-Hike” Spa Treatment Services Through June 30, 2011

GUILFORD, CT (June 1, 2011) – Don’t have your summer pedicure yet or looking to get rid of that annoying wrinkle with a little Botox® Cosmetic for less money?  No problem.  YOLO Laser Center and Med Spa in Guilford, Connecticut is reminding customers to get beach ready and wrinkle free by July 1^st before the new tax hikes go into effect around Connecticut.  As a surprise to most spa-goers, Connecticut is imposing a new 6.35% sales tax on all manicures, pedicures, skin-improving products and procedures like Botox® Juvederm® and cosmetic surgery as of July 1, 2011. ¹

Yolo Laser Center & Med Spa’s owner, Nikki Rasmussen, sends an invitation to the people of Connecticut “Beat the ‘Bo-tax’ in June!  This newly imposed 6.35% spa services tax will affect our clients and our full menu of services.  We want to remind everyone to get their Botox® treatments, pedicures, manicures and other spa services before the new tax goes into effect on July 1.  Essentially, customers who get their services now will be saving 6.35% versus the added tax to services during the second half of 2011.  We welcome all of our clients to live beautifully before they have to pay more for it.” 

As an additional incentive for this pre-tax day invitation, Yolo Laser Center and Med Spa is offering a free gift valued at $120 with every Botox® Cosmetic initial treatment. (Limited quantities available, please call for details.)

¹ http://blogs.courant.com/capitol_watch/2011/05/democrats-republicans-clash-ov.html

YOLO Laser Center & med spa is a full service day and medical spa located in Guilford, CT.  YOLO was voted Best New Business of 2009, by the Guilford Chamber.

The multi-center study focused on the treatment of the nasolabial folds that travel from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Doctors followed 233 people for 25 months during their treatments with either Sculptra or, for comparison, injectable human collagen (hyaluronic acid was not approved yet when this study was designed).

Among the group treated with Sculptra, a total of 106 out of 116 continued their treatments and remained in the study’s “long-term surveillance phase.” Their results indicate that Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) is superior to human collagen for treatment of nasolabial folds.

The initial results of both treatments were comparable, but after three months, the collagen group experienced a sharp decline in their results. Their “scores declined from 95.7 percent at week 3 to 15.3 percent by the month-13 follow-up visit, representing an 84 percent reduction from the maximum measurement of overall improvement,” write the authors.

The Sculptra group, however, saw results that endured much longer. At week 3, more than 99 percent of them reported “overall aesthetic improvement” in their nasolabial folds. These results were maintained for 90 percent of the patients at 13 months, and 81 percent of the patients at the 25 month follow-up visit.

Dr. Vinod Pathy is available to discuss Sculptra and other Cosmetic Surgery options at Yolo Laser Center & Med Spa

Hydropeptide

Hydropeptide SPF 30 Anti-Wrinkle Skin Enhancing UV Protection immediately enhances the look of skin while minimizing premature aging.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer. The disease contributes to thousands of deaths and surgeries every year. Luckily, there are steps that can decrease the risk of developing basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer or melanoma. One of the most important preventative measures to take is to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation. HydroPeptide SPF 30 Anti-Wrinkle Skin Enhancing UV Protection offers a physical barrier against UVA/UVB rays and free radical damage while making skin beautiful.

This SPF is not the average sunscreen. HydroPeptide SPF 30 self-adjusts to the color of your own skin tone, enhancing your complexion and offering smooth, flawless coverage with a rich blend of anti-inflammatories and antioxidant protection. HydroPeptide SPF 30 minimizes premature aging with the power of acai berry. Acai berries are full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. They contains ten times more antioxidants than red grapes and ten to thirty times more antioxidants than the anthocyanins of red wine.

“We wanted to create an SPF that protects skin and makes skin beautiful,” said Dr. Louise Peck, PhD and founder of HydroPeptide. “HydroPeptide SPF 30 isn’t greasy, it’s packed with antioxidants and it really gives your skin a sun-kissed glow! “

HydroPeptide SPF 30 will PURIFY, NOURISH, HYDRATE and PROTECT skin addressing many aspects of the Simply Ageless Skin Key. The Simply Ageless Skin Key is a stress free guide to looking ageless. The founder of HydroPeptide, Dr. Louise Peck, believes anti-aging products must tackle each aspect to effectively counter-act aging. HydroPeptide simplifies life by addressing as many elements as possible in as few steps as possible. Go to hydropeptide.com to learn more.

HydroPeptide SPF 30 Anti-Wrinkle Skin Enhancing UV Protection is available at Yolo Laser Center & Med Spa located in Guilford, CT. Hydropeptide Power 30 SPF is 1.7 ounces and retails for $40. Paraben free. Phthlate free. Formulated for all skin types

hair loss fact vs myth

1. Myth: Wearing a baseball cap or hats will cause thinning hair and loss of hair.
 Truth:  Hats off to this myth! No matter what your mother has told you, wearing a hat does not cause hair to thin or fall out.

2. Myth: Exposure to chlorine in swimming pools will cause hair loss.
Truth: Another dive in the truth department…chlorinated water can dry the hair shafts and make them more brittle, but does not cause hair to thin or fall out.

3. Myth: Applying sunscreen to the scalp will cause hair to thin and fall out.
Truth: No! Apply away; it is very important to use sunscreen on your scalp to prevent a burn and worse.

4. Myth: Swimming in saltwater will cause hair to dry out and fall out.
Truth:  You won’t turn into a merman or mermaid so easily, keep surfing! Genetics is the root cause (sorry) of 98 percent of hair loss.

5.  Myth:  Brushing hair will help it grow?
Truth: The idea of brushing the hair 100 times a day to stimulate the scalp circulation is a fantasy. In fact, if you brush your hair too much, you may end up injuring and losing hair.

6. Myth: Braiding your hair at an exotic beach stand will cause your hair to fall out.

Truth: Short term braiding is fine; it is true, however, that certain hair styles, such as long term, tight corn-row braiding can permanently destroy follicles and cause hair loss. This is a preventable condition called traction alopecia.  I would be more worried that the brushes and combs aren’t cleaned between clients.

7. Myth: Sexy summer activities cause less hair to fall out.
 Truth: Too bad for this one, huh?!?

8. Myth: Blow drying wet hair after a day at the pool or beach will cause hair to fall out.
 Truth: The truth is that there is no evidence that hair dryers cause thinning hair. However, too hot or too much drying may lead to brittle hair.  You can save on electricity though!

9. Myth: Smoking cigarettes causes hair loss.
 Truth: Cigarette smoking is medically BAD for everything, including your hair. Recent studies have found sufficient evidence to claim there is a significant link between smoking and hair loss. It’s still uncertain whether the connection is due to the effects of tobacco toxins, but it is probably due to the fact that nicotine constricts blood vessel throughout the body, including those directly affecting individual hair follicles.

10. Myth: Lack of Vitamins can cause hair loss.
Truth:  Think about this – if you were losing hair because of a lack of vitamins or minerals in your diet, why wouldn’t the back and sides of your head be affected? In actuality, vitamin deficiency results in an even distribution of hair loss all over the head.  However, steroids use can cause hair loss. Research has proven that anabolic steroids raise the levels of baldness-inducing male hormones. For those who are genetically prone to hair loss, this can speed up the loss in as little as 3 to 6 months. While this loss may be reversed, it can be permanent.

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Nikki Rasmussen, RN and owner of Yolo Laser Center & Med Spa, is setting the record straight on male and female hair loss.  Dr. Scott Boden, Connecticut’s only Fellowship trained Hair transplantation Physician and founder of Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine center, is available by appointment to discuss client’s hair restoration options at both the Guilford and Wethersfield locations.  www.yolomedspa.com  https://www.facebook.com/yolomedspa

There is no avoiding it. Every year, about this time in fact, the weather at least in the Northeast is frightful.  Blustery weather has a way of sneaking up on even the most attentive beauty addict.   One of the most frequently asked questions I get at this time of year is, “How can I treat my dry skin?”

Here are three things to avoid:

1. Hot showers-they will make your skin drier.  Try to bath/shower with tepid water for shorter periods of time.
2. Sun –yes, even in Fall and Winter the sun is strong, use sunscreen especially if you are a skier.
3. Alcohol based skin care products-they will dry your skin even more.

Ways to help dry skin:

1. See an expert-the basis of any reliable skincare routine is a visit to an expert, be it at a med-spa or a dermatologist.  This person, however, should not be a sales person at a product counter at a department store.
2. Change with the Season-the beauty products you use during the spring and summer may not meet your needs during the fall and winter.
3. Mosturize-For your face, during the day use lighter products, follow up in the evening with a moisturizer containing stronger active ingredients,  I prefer an extreme barrier cream by Epionce.  For your body apply as often as you can, especially after bathing.
4. Exfoliate-once a week should suffice during winter; excessive exfoliation can not only cause dry skin but make it worse.  For your body, use a scrub mitt or body brush, for your face consult your skin care expert.
5. Get a Hydrating Facial-if time and budget allows, a facial can do wonders to rehydrate your dull skin.

A few products that I love to moisturize with are

Honey House Naturals Bee Bars which contain Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Cocoa Butter, they are a lotion bar that is truly amazing.

Olive oil-heat in microwave for 30 seconds and rub on your body, feet and any rough spots.  Throw on a pair of white socks and wake up refreshed and moisturized.

Jergens Natural Glow self tanning moisturizer-nice moisturizer that adds a subtle glow to your skin.  Available at your Local supermarket or drug store.

Nikki Rasmussen, RN, owner of YOLO aesthetic boutique & med spa has over 16 years experience in the medical field.  Consultations are always complimentary.  203-533-4560 www.yolomedspa.com

Don't hide

We all have heard that rosy cheeks are great.  What if they are a little too red, and beyond rosy? Unless we’re working up a sweat, you probably  prefer to keep the redness on our face to little more than a healthy, rosy glow.  However, Mother Nature and our skin chemistry don’t always share our vision.  Your skin can appear red for many reasons, whether it be due to an allergic reaction, stress, Rosacea or another culprit, it is a nuisance.  Rather then attempt to cover it up check out these easy solutions to kick that redness to the curb once and for all. 

The first way to treat is first to determine the cause.  If it’s irritation, stop using the irritating cream, wash or product, and consult a skin care professional who can make correct skin care recommendations. 

BBL or a photofacial  can easily  resolve the redness and treat broken capillaries.  Cost $200-500

Next, avoid extreme temperatures, cover your face with a scarf if heading outside in the winter months. 

The Clarisonic brush is also a fabulous way to decrease redness and increase circulation in the skin that results in a decrease in redness and an increase in product penetration. Cost $150-250

Lastly, my favorite products:

Topix foaming antioxidant cleanser $23

The Power of 3 $68

3 Powerful antioxidants blended together to calm redness and smooth fine lines.

iS Clinical Pro Heal $100

Powerful serum to treat redness and acne.

These powerful products are available at YOLO.  Call for your complimentary “Look 5 years younger” consultation and skin analysis.

YOLO med spa is a full service day and medical spa specializing in the latest, safest anti-aging technologies.  Located in quaint Guilford, CT.  Your Plastic Surgery Alternative.

Get your own Glow on

Remember growing up, that picture of the girl in the Coppertone ad, the one with the tan-line showing as the dog pulled on her bathing suit? Boy things have changed, if you see a kid with a tan or without sunscreen you will have 10 Mom’s coming up to you waving sunscreen yelling child abuse! It seems as though we are more educated about protecting our children, however not so great about protecting ourselves.

Recently while researching self tanners I came across a campaign called, “Go with your own Glow”. It is the campaign for the Skin Cancer foundation. http://www.skincancer.org/Go-With-Your-Own-Glow/
In my line of work, I often have people who come in primarily with concerns of “aging”, however they are usually sporting a tan, and because I’m also a nurse, I try to educate that a tan by the sun or tanning bed is not a long-term beauty strategy. It ultimately increases the symptoms of skin aging, causing wrinkles, roughness, and brown spots. Sun tanning and tanning beds also increase the risk of eye diseases, immune system problems, and skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Trust me I used to LOVE the sun. I used to time my tanning as a teen to coincide when the sun was at the strongest. My friends and I used to rotate our chairs to get optimal sun and yes, I used baby oil and peroxide. I will also admit that I used to go to tanning salons as well. As I entered my thirties all that sun exposure started to show on my face, I had more freckles than skin showing and wrinkles developed around my eyes. I got rid of all that sun damage and now attempt to be diligent about wearing sunscreen and a hat. I still go to the beach, and I have a pool that I go in, however I’m protected with a good physical sun block.

As we enter into the colder months, it is still extremely important to wear sunscreen on a daily basis. The correct amount to apply is a Tablespoon to the face and don’t forget the hands! If you would still like to sport a “glow”, try a spray tan or a good self tanner.

Some self tanning tips are:
     Exfoliate well; use a body scrub, brush or mitt
     Don’t use any lotion or moisturizer prior
     Wear loose clothing after so you don’t rub off your tan
     Moisturize the next day and thereafter to maintain and extend the tan

If you don’t want to deal with self tanners, go to a spa for a spray tan, they last 5-7 days and are priced from $30.

Have a beautiful week!
Nikki Rasmussen, RN owner YOLO aesthetic boutique & med spa
http://www.yolomedspa.com1010 Village Walk, Guilford, CT 06437 203-533-4560

However, using products that contain collagen won’t change a thing, as collagen CAN NOT be absorbed by the skin to replace lost collagen.
So what are we supposed to do? There are a million choices in skincare, how does the average person decide which lotion or potion is the correct one? This guide will separate the Fact from the Fiction, based on the Science and Beauty of skincare.

Retin A/Vitamin A isn’t just for pimply teens, Retin-A or AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) can help generate collagen by changing the pH level of the skin. Retin A goes by many different names such as:
• Retin-A
• Renova
• Retin A micro
• Tretinoin

“Retin A is a powerful tool to combat wrinkles, however I’ve found most of my clients can’t tolerate using it, therefore they stop and all benefits are lost”, states Nikki Rasmussen, RN and owner of Yolo Med Spa. “At YOLO we offer a physician’s strength product that contains Retinol which is a “precursor” to Retin A that is gentler, yet clinically effective at smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.”

Most OTC products that contain Retinol aren’t nearly as strong or effective; therefore I recommend skipping them and asking your Dermatologist, or medi-spa which of their products contain Retinol in the correct strength and formulation to combat wrinkles so you don’t waste your money. If your skin can tolerate Retin A, ask your physician for a prescription.

Here are some tips:
Use Retin A or a Retinol at night only
Avoid application near the tender eye area
Use a sunscreen daily as your skin will be more sensitive
Discontinue use if going to be in direct sunlight
Tell your aesthetician or skincare specialist that you are using Retin A or Retinol as certain procedures cannot be performed during use
Avoid products containing salicylic acid as it may be too irritating to the skin

Be patient, it takes approximately 6-9 weeks for the body to acclimate to Retin A and at least 3 months to begin seeing the effect.

Nikki Rasmussen, RN is owner operator of Yolo aesthetic boutique & med spa located in Guilford, CT. YOLO is your Plastic surgery Alternative. 203.533.4560 www.yolomedspa.com

One hundred percent of donations went directly to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.
Spa Owner Nikki Rasmussen, who is also a Registered Nurse, says, “This day is was one of the most enjoyable events of the year for YOLO. To be able to raise awareness for such a worthy cause is really inspiring. The real beauty is the support it gives to Breast Cancer survivors”.

We are grateful for our community supporters such as, The Red Rooster Bakery, Elis on the Hill, Bellaperlina, The Stonehouse, The Garde Arts Center, & Beneath the Gown for their contributions.

Team up with YOLO; book a Massage during the month of October and a portion will also be donated to the TBBCF, as well as any donations received.

To book an appointment call 203.533.4560 or visit http://www.yolomedspa.com for more information.