Levisagewellness Blog

Holiday Gift Certificates Now Available

Gift certificates may be purchased in any dollar amount, single service or as a Le Visage spa package as listed below. Click Here to purchased your gift certificate online.

Classic Beauty Escape…………………………………..$189

• Essential Exfoliating European Facial
• De-Stressing One Hour Body Massage
• Paraffin Feet & Hand Treatment
• Traditional or Steam Sauna

Youth & Vitality Master Duo Treatment………….$250

• Advanced vita-cura skin treatment
• LED Photo-Rejuvenation treatment

Lost In Bliss…………………………………………………$230

• Exclusive Ultra Bliss Facial
• De-Stressing One Hour Hot Stone Body Massage
• Traditional or Steam Sauna

Men’s Favorite Duo Spa Treatment…………………$220

• Executive Men’s Skin Treatment
• De-Stressing One Hour Hot Stone Body Massage
• Traditional or Steam Sauna

Ultimate Facial Package of 6……………………………$495

A half-year facial supply!

Anti-Aging Duo Treatments…………………………….$320

The Alternative to Injections and Surgical Procedures

• Plasma Microdermabrasion
• LED Photo-Rejuvenation

Forever Young Series of Non-Surgical Face-Lifts…$2,400

Click Here to purchased your gift certificate online.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) sufferers in the Snohomish, Washington area, a great way to battle the Winter Blues is with a day at Levisage Wellness Center & Spa! The curative results of a sauna, a massage or any number of other treatments will leave you feeling much better. With the amount of daylight decreasing every day until December 21st, get a head start on fighting the doldrums of the season!

Exactly what is SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that is triggered by changing seasons. The most common season that triggers SAD is Winter, although some folks suffer from Summer, Spring and Autumn depression as well. It is estimated that up to 6% of Americans suffer from winter-onset depression. The symptoms of Winter-onset SAD are typical of depression:

• Noticeable change in appetite – some people crave high energy foods like carbohydrates or sugars as their body’s response to the decreased energy symptoms
• Decreased energy
• Fatigue
• Weight gain/loss
• Anxiety/Irritability
• Tendency to avoid social situations
• Extreme sensitivity to social rejection (real or imagined)

How Does Massage Help SAD?

Many available spa treatments can aid in the overall depression resulting from SAD, be aware, however that we in now way are supposing to replace medical treatment. Most spa treatments are to treat the symptoms of SAD, not the underlying issue. For example, lymphatic massage stimulates drainage of toxic build-up and stimulates your immune system. Additionally, taking a sauna on a regular basis can help remove toxins from your system as well. By scheduling (and following through) with at least one massage per week, however, can reap rewards that will help treat the underlying cause of SAD. While it is supposed that lack of sunlight is the trigger for SAD, other schools of thought believe it is diet related. It seems that countries that have diets consisting of large quantities of fish have a much lower incidence of SAD – talk about food for thought!

Specifically, massage can offer the following benefits to help allay the symptoms of SAD:

What Else Can I Do to Reduce the Effects of SAD?

Many sufferers of SAD seek relief through exposure to either bright white or green wavelength light for 30 minutes to 60 minutes a day. The key is to keep your eyes open during exposure, to process the light properly to reduce the symptoms of SAD. In severe cases, your physician may prescribe anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications. Again, Levisage Wellness Center & Spa offers adjunct treatment of the symptoms of SAD, but strongly advises that you visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition.

Looking for a safe way to rejuvenate your skin? Levisage Wellness Center and Spa offers the option of a Plasma Peel for Edmonds and surrounding areas. As the most current technology available, the expert Plamsma Peel estheticians at Levisage Wellness Center and Spa can help your skin by improving:

• Texture
• Pore Size
• Even Coloration
• Minimize Scarring
• Reduce Wrinkles and Lines (from fine to deep)
• Increase Collagen Production
• Increase Elasticity
• Tightening Surface

Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Treatments

Traditional laser treatments are considered to be ablative. This means that the surface of your skin is affected. Many laser techniques, all chemical peels and all microdermabrasion processes destroy the top layer of the skin (epidermis) to provide the desired affect. Ablative skin rejuvenation requires lengthy healing times and can be extremely painful. There are times when this is, however, the preferred method of treatment despite the disadvantages.

Non-ablative techniques, like Plasma Rejuvenation, focus on the layers beneath the epidermis. The epidermis is not destroyed or removed with a non-ablative process. With decreased down time, non-ablative techniques are often preferred over ablative procedures. Some patients return to normal activity immediately following treatment! This is dependent on how deep the treatment to achieve desired results.

It is strongly advised that you research every technique before deciding which process is best for you. The expert estheticians at Levisage Wellness Center and Spa can help you determine which technique is best for you.

What Exactly is a Plasma Peel?

Plasma Skin Regeneration (PSR), actually alters the structure of your skin below the surface. Using ionized inert nitrogen gas, PSR results in a controlled damage of the skin that results in continued regeneration of the damaged tissue. This regeneration improves the condition of the surface of your skin, improving:

• Wrinkles
• Pigmentation
• Texture
• Scarring

How Does Plasma Rejuvenation Work?

Radio frequency energy is used to form ionized plasma by stimulating molecular nitrogen. Oxygen is flushed from the treated area by the plasma; stimulating the area without actually burning the area. Unlike traditional laser procedures, with PSR, the epidermis remains undamaged, acting as a biological dressing. Risks of scarring and infection are greatly reduced because no open wound is produced with PSR. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, skin imperfections from abuse and aging are reduced.

Who Can Have PSR?

PSR is perfect for light skin damaged by overexposure to the sun, wrinkles, acne scars and pigmentation. PSR is excellent for tightening skin and wrinkles around the eyes. It can also be used for treating the neck and hands. PSR is not the most suitable treatment for darker complexions.

PSR is not recommended for treating rosacea, active acne, deep hormonal pigmentation or capillaries. Please discuss alternative therapies with the Edmonds Skin Rejuvenation Experts at Levisage Wellness Center and Spa.

PSR is not advised if you:

• are pregnant
• are breast feeding
• are immunodeficient
• have taken Roaccutane in the past year
• have a history of keloid scarring

Treat yourself to a non-surgical facelift duo treatment that will give you impressive results:

-Hydrating

-Firming

-Collagen boosting

-Pore refining

-Refreshing

Was $250.00 now only $199 in October at Le Visage Wellness center & Spa

(not redeemable with any other offers)

Save $50.00 on our Vita-Cura & Photo Rejuvenating Package.

$70 Savings On Our Micro Plasma Peel

This leading edge microdermabrasion treatment rejuvenates and achieves a more youthful appearance.

Here are a few benefits of our Micro Plasma Peel Treatment:

• Exfoliates the skin
• Reduces fine lines
• Tightens skin tissue
• Minimizes pores
• Lessons age spots
• Stimulates collagen

Our Micro Plasma Peel is valued at $225 and is now only $155 for the month of September at Le Visage Wellness Center!*

*Not Redeemable With Any Other Offers

Designed to cleanse and exfoliate your skin, a Snohomish Facial also leaves your face well hydrated. If you are unfamiliar with spa treatments, the facial is a great test run. Often, clients will indulge in a sauna (traditional or steam) to open their pores in preparation for the facial.

What to Expect

1. Cleansing – using a product chosen for your skin type (normal, oily, dry, etc.), your esthetician will thoroughly clean your face of any makeup or moisturizer
2. Analysis – using a magnifying lamp (extremely bright), your esthetician will examine your skin closely for condition. Your eyes will be protected during this examination.
3. Exfoliate – depending on both your preference and your esthetician’s recommendations, your facial skin will be exfoliated using either mechanical or chemical methods. Mechanical exfoliation is performed with microdermabrasion tools. Choosing a chemical peel may require subsequent visits to complete the facial.
4. Extract – using special tools, you may choose to have your esthetician extract black- and/or white-heads. If you have especially sensitive skin this could be painful. Additionally, sometimes, the extraction process can break capillaries or discoloration on sensitive skin. Your esthetician can help determine if your skin is conducive to extraction.
5. Massage – using classic (effleurage) massage techniques, your esthetician will massage your face and neck muscles. This relaxes and stimulates blood flow to the surface, increasing oxygen flow to your skin.
6. Mask – your esthetician will choose the appropriate mask for your skin type (aged, dry, oily, etc.). Please note: your esthetician should remain in the room, perform scalp massage, during the mask process. If she/he leaves – don’t return!
7. Moisturize – because your skin is freshly exfoliated and cleansed, it will be more receptive to retaining moisturizers, allowing them to sink deeper into the tissue. Your esthetician will apply toners and creams to protect your new skin.
8. Education – your esthetician will speak with you about home skin care and how often you should have a facial.

While cosmetologists are legally permitted to give facials, the most qualified is a licensed esthetician. Practicing estheticians giving facials should have special training in skin care. Verify the qualifications of your technician. Don’t be embarrassed – ask prior to making the appointment. It may cost a bit more to have a licensed skin care esthetician, but it is well worth the difference.

Tired of having to use one mascara for length and one for thickness? Then there’s the mess every night of removing multiple layers of waterproof gunk! Try Mukilteo Spa’s RapidLash Eyelash Renewal Serum.

The Growth Cycle of Eyelashes

Eyelashes are hairs, and like any hair on the human body, there is a growth (and death) cycle. There are three phases in eyelash growth:

1. Anagen Phase – is the active phase, and the only time lashes grow. Cellular division during  the anagen phase builds the shaft of the lash. As the cells multiply, the lash is pushed out of the lid. Most of the hair on the body is in the amagen phase at the same time, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
2. Catagen Phase – this transitional phase begins immediately after the anagen phase is ended. As the shortest of the three stages, the catagen phase is the period when the lash is moving from growth to rest. In addition to being the shortest phase, the fewest amount of hairs on the body are in the catagen phase at one time.
3. Telogen Phase – both the hair (lash) and follicle are at rest. There is no lash growth for the lashes in the telogen phase. Once the new lash begins to grow (anagen phase), it pushes the old lash out (shedding).

By stimulating the follicles to return to the anagen phase sooner, the lashes continue to grow. Unfortunately, even with an extended anagen cycle, the lashes still must eventually die. Reports of women losing large number of lashes after about 6-7 months is merely the natural life cycle, having been interrupted on the older lashes, finally completing with more lashes at the same time.

What is Eyelash Renewal Serum?

Polypeptides, a type of protein, are used in combination with vitamins, moisturizers and minerals to hydrate your eyelashes and strengthen the hair follicles. As the only over-the-counter product that offers results similar to the prescription Latisse, the RapidLash product:

• received approval from both US and European Union for safety and regulatory status
• passed skin irritation trials conducted by both Dermatologists and Opthomologists
• is paraben-, cruelty- and fragrance-free

The life span of the human eyelash is about 6 weeks. Apparently, the serum enhances eye lash growth and extends the lifespan. Always seek advice from your physician before trying a new product, especially around your eyes!

With use as directed, side effects were not reported in clinical testing. The product should be used on top lash line, applied like an eyeliner at the base of lashes. This allows the serum to stimulate growth in the follicles. Directions also indicate using on lower lash line as well, but be very careful with application. The product is also effective for stimulating eyebrow growth too!

With winter just around the corner, it’s time to prepare for the accompanying dry, flaky skin. There are measures you can take that will prevent itchy, flaky, scaly winter skin. An Edmonds Paraffin Wax Treatment is one sure way to help avoid (or remove) the drying effects of winter air.

Millions of Years in the Making!

Okay, maybe not the actual paraffin wax treatment, but the development of the paraffin took between 100-700 million years! A natural wax, paraffin is the remnants of the plant’s protective waxes that formed on the stems and leaves during adverse weather conditions. Over the millions of years of decay that formed petroleum, this wax was unaffected by the excessive heat and pressure that formed petroleum from the decaying plants. Hence the name:

parum (without) + affinis (attraction) = paraffin

Named this because the wax reacts with very few substances.

Considered an undesirable by-product of crude oil distillation, many petroleum companies refine the parrafin out as a clear liquid or a solid “milky white” block. The paraffin, as sold by petroleum manufacturers is inconsistent as to color, chemical composition and texture; the distinct properties from one batch to the next is determined by the exact composition of the crude oil from which it was processed.

The paraffin is often purchase and refined further by specialty wax processors. With a melting point between 115°-154°F (45° – 68°C), paraffin is an excellent material for storing heat. This is essential to the Edmonds Paraffin Wax Treatment.

What to expect

The paraffin treatment is exceptionally soothing and will likely be performed by an esthetician or a beautician. Please come to your treatment with clean feet! If this is not possible, be sure to have them cleaned prior to dipping (and by all means, tip your technician well!!!). The treatment will follow these general steps:

1. The paraffin will be heated to melting in a special vat for that purpose.
2. Once the paraffin has reached temperature, you will dip your hands and or feet into the vat, coating the surfaces completely
3. Often, you will be asked to dip your hands/feet several times to reap full benefits from the heat
4. The wax will be allowed to harden, transferring the heat into your skin as it cools
5. Once the wax has completely cooled (15-30 minutes), it will be peeled off 
6. The surface of your hands/feet will be completely exfoliated and the pores opened, leaving the surface smooth and moist

1. Diabetic patients can have problems when submersing feet in warm liquids, so it is best to avoid the paraffin treatment if you suffer from diabetes.

2.  Pregnant women, that suffer from swelling in heat, may find the treatment uncomfortable, and may choose to avoid hot paraffin wax to soften their skin.

3.  Should you have any chronic, contagious foot condition (fungus, athlete’s foot, etc.), please inform your technician! There are alternative methods of applying the paraffin in such cases to avoid contaminating the vat.

For any product, the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is determined with a very specific series of tests and algorithms set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Previously, sunscreen and sunblock were used interchangeably to indicate a sun protective lotion. With the action of either reflecting or absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays that your skin is exposed to, sunscreens contain one or more of the following:

• Organic Chemical Compounds – absorb UV light
• Inorganic Particulates – titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc. absorb UV light
• Organic Particulates – similar to organic compounds for absorbing light, but also have properties that also scatter UV light; the  ratio of absorption : reflection = 90 : 10

The Measure of UVB Protection

The clinical description of SPF:

The SPF is the amount of UV radiation required to cause sunburn on skin with the sunscreen on, as a multiple of the amount required without the sunscreen.

(Food and Drug Administration)

SPF is measured in a clinical setting (in vivo), applying the product to a volunteer’s skin, measuring the time it takes for sunburn to occur when exposed to artificial UV light. In some cases, the SPF is measured in natural sunlight (in vitro), using an instrument called a spectrometer to measure the intensity of exposure. With in vitro testing, the sunscreen’s transmittance is measured across all UVB wavelengths (290-330 nm).  The analysis includes a table indicating the effectiveness of various wavelengths for causing sunburn (the erythemal action spectrum) and the intensity spectrum of sunlight. With in vitro testing, the degradation of sunscreen when exposed to natural sunlight is also measured. Using a mathematical formula, SPF is calculated from the resulting data. The formula used proves that SPF is not the simple inverse of the transmittance in the stated UVB range. Were the calculation a simple inverse, combining products is always less that the combined values; specifically, using a simple inverse would be the product of the two product SPF factors – which is not the case. The true total combined SPF is always less than the resulting product of the factors.

Measure of UVA Protection

There are two methods of measuring the UVA protection of a sunscreen:

• Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) – similar to the process for testing UVB exposure rates, this method measures the time for UVA to cause a persistent tanning (darkening) of the skin. A UVA PF of 10 would allow you 10 times the UVA exposure as without the product.
• Star Rating System – used in the UK and Ireland, this system rates a product, using an in vitro method, offering a ratio between UVA & UVB protection.

The FDA recommends application of sun protection at least 15 – 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and re-applying every 15 – 30 minutes for the duration of exposure. Also, be warned that, although the SPF and UV PF may indicate that you can remain in the sun 5, 10 or even 50 times longer than without the protection, the actual safe exposure time is not calculated that easily. Because the intensity of the sun’s radiation varies throughout the day, the protection factors are not 100% accurate.

Every Mukilteo Mineral Makeup Product contains a natural, sun reflecting sunscreen – titanium dioxide. The products protect your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and blemishes. Contact the make-up specialists at LeVisage Wellness Center and Spa for your make-up consultation to determine the best products for you.

While both the steam room and the sauna reap similar benefits, there is often confusion concerning the differences. Often times, folks tend to use the terms interchangeably, which is actually incorrect. Preference for dry or wet heat therapy is determined by individual taste.

 Steam Room

Steam Rooms use externally produced moisture pumped into the room. Steam rooms are generally constructed of tile (glass, ceramic, etc.). With a humidity of nearly 100%, the temperature in a steam room ranges from 100°F – 130F.

Some experts believe that the moist heat of a steam room can reduce detoxification time by as much as 50%, as compared to a dry sauna. (Healthy Healing; Linda Page, PhD; 2004). The body retains more heat in a steam room than in a dry sauna. Specific benefits of a steam:

• treating respiratory ailments
• relieving joint pain
• improve skin texture
• improve skin tone

A Sauna uses dry heat therapy. With a humidity level of about 10%, the temperature ranges from 175°F – 200°F.  The walls, ceiling and benches are usually constructed of wood panels. Some dry saunas offer tiered benches to allow for personal comfort; with the heat more intense on the lower levels. In a “wet” sauna, clients can pour water over the heat source (if not electric!) to raise the humidity.

Because the body eliminates up to 1/3 of its waste through perspiration during a dry sauna, this is a highly effective method for detoxification. According to Page (2004), dry sauna can:

• boost the immune system
• stimulate blood circulation
• flush toxins from the body

Some folks prefer the quick results from a Steam Room. For clients that find the humidity uncomfortable, the best choice is a relaxing Sauna. Either choice is perfect to combine with a massage or other spa treatments.