Stem Cells - The Magic Potion

Stem Cells- The Magic Potion

  

The topic of stem cells has been shrouded in debate for well over two decades. The controversy surrounding this treatment type is largely focused on stem cells of the embryonic form and how they are collected. However, stem cells can be harvested from healthy adult donors, animals and even plants. We believe sustainable quality ingredients not only differentiate our methods, but also create long lasting results without the adverse side effects. At Body by Shae, we are dedicated to insuring all treatments are naturally sourced and ethically produced before introducing them to our clients. 

 

With Halloween upon us, I can’t help but reminisce on classic films like Hocus Pocus and Death Becomes Her. Entire Hollywood plots have been dedicated to aging women and the treachery they will resort to for the sake of youth. With the 90’s in our review mirror, I find it hard to believe these storylines are still viable in today’s beauty world. No need to make a deal with the devil or steal the souls of small children to get back the glow of your twenties. Besides, vanity always seems to get the last laugh in these plotlines. Little did you know, you’ve had the secret potion all along.

 

Many have dubbed stem cell treatments as the fountain of youth within, because of our bodies have untapped potential for renewal. Human stem cells are regarded as most effective, especially if they originate from the user themselves. The power of these cells lies in their undifferentiated state, allowing them to evolve and repair a variety of ailments and organ types. Renewal is a crucial term in the beauty industry because at a certain point our bodies slow down natural regeneration. But alas, where the sands of time jilt us, science prevails to keep your 29th birthday in rotation. 

 stem cells are now being use in a myriad of treatments in both the medical and cosmetic industries. SC hair restoration, “facelifts”, and numerous product lines tout their ability to revitalize appearance. While it seems most sources agree on the treatment type’s viable potential, one common thread links most professional opinion. Topical application alone is relatively ineffective without penetrating the dermis. At Body by Shae, we apply human derived stems cells after our advanced microneedling treatments in order to insure the best possible. For those that aren’t too keen on needling, we also offer an amazing stem cell facelift facial. Coupling these treatments also accelerates the natural healing response and shortens the associated downtime. Whether you’re looking to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation or scarring, this dynamic duo is sure to deliver maximum results.

Microneedling- “All Bark, No Bite”

 

For most cosmetic connoisseurs, the notion that “beauty is pain” is widely accepted as a harsh truth. After all, most effective treatments/procedures with lasting results, invasive or non-invasive alike come with their fair share of sting, Body by Shae specializes in corrective skincare and can help make even the most uncomfortable treatments bearable. In my personal experience, the short-lived pain has always been worth the desired result when working with the right cosmetologists or doctor. That said…the word needle alone is enough to shake many consumers and send them running to the nearest cosmetic counter for an over-priced night cream. Unfortunately, no amount of La Mar or rare melon extract from the south of France (sorry Cindy- you’re a freaking super model) is going to replace the natural cell regeneration your body creates in youth. Beauty may be guided by symmetry, but it is also largely defined by the fullness and lift bestowed on those too young to appreciate it. 

Body by Shae uses targeted ingredients to boost collagen and elastin production in all their skincare treatments. 

​If you’re needle phobic, the name of this treatment method may have already scared you off, but I would encourage our readers to also focus on the prefix. These needles are micro in proportion. I promise this is nothing like the dirty dirty conspiracy your pediatrician and mother hatched to divert your attention during vaccination season. In fact, it’s likely you will hardly feel the procedure as it happens. Body by Shae can use numbing cream on clients prior to beginning the process, so most facial sensation is dulled. The tool used by professionals is typically known as Dermapen or Rejuvapen. The device contains around a dozen miniscule needles designed for adjustment between .5 and 2.5mm to penetrate only the superficial layer of skin. 

​The term superficial typically denotes triviality to most people. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to your skin. This is where scarring, melasma, sun-damage and loss of definition rear its ugly head. There are many philosophies on how to treat these conditions. You can burn it off with lasers or peels. You can scrape it off with aggressive dermabrasion treatments. You can fill it up with foreign injectables. These are all valid methods, but the aforementioned practices do not provide the same multi-faceted result as microneedling. This form of induction therapy has a three-pronged effect: retexturing, adding fullness and allowing topical serums and creams to penetrate deeper for better results. Additionally, it is one of the best options out there for ethnic skin types that should avoid certain forms of laser/peel treatments. The effect is achieved through your body’s natural healing process. By creating trauma on a miniature scale, skin will react by generating collagen and new cell growth. In this way, it is a holistic option for individuals who prefer a natural approach to beauty, but also want lasting results.​

​The “natural approach” is exactly how I would describe my dear friend Sarah’s beauty regime. Nevertheless, after a brief battle with adult hormonal acne and an unfortunate horseback riding accident, she was left with lingering scars that left her feeling trapped in a makeup routine she desperately wanted to shake. The acne was gone, the scrapes and cuts from pavement healed, but everyday there was a constant reminder of these unpleasanttimes in the reflection looking back at her. All the lavender oil and colloidal silver in the world were not going to be the solution to this predicament. After doing her fair share of research, my friend took the route of microneedling and  never looked back. I can personally attest to the fact that homegirl never wears makeup anymore and has never looked better. 

​My first memory of this treatment being discussed in the pop culture sphere harkens back to Kim Kardashiancirca 2013. Back then, people were referring to this as a “vampire facial” and the images released were pretty gnarly. I remember seeing the footage on KUWTK and thinking to myself how drastic and gory it seemed. But that was then and this is now. I just hit 30 and the KardashianKlan has since experimented with some form of dark magic rendering them all unrecognizable head-to-toe. Microneedling now seems like child’s play in a post-social media world plagued by extreme beauty trends. 

My personal take on beauty has always been similar to my take on life- “be the best version of yourself without losing yourself.” If it makes you happy and you are working within a safe framework, little changes can make a world of difference. Microneedling embodies this effect by allowing your skin to rejuvenate itself from the inside out. At the end of the day, you don’t need to be a Kardashian or even wear make up to want to look your best and there is no shame in that!   

 

Once You Go Sugar, You'll Never Go Wax

SugaringThe 5 Ws for the sweetest option on the market

 

Sugaring is a natural process of hair removal and it’s A LOT sweeter than waxing. Haven’t heard of it?  Although Sugaring has gained a lot of recent attention with the organic movement, sugaring is the most ancient and gentle technique in the hair removal game.  

How ancient?    

Hair removal is a tale as old as time.  Did you know that in the 16th century, Turkish women often went into special rooms at public baths to get rid of unwanted hair?  These special rooms still exist at the public baths and hammams.   

In ancient Egypt, having smooth (and hair free) skin was a measure of beauty. Kings wanted and requested women clean and smooth.  The British Museum’s Department of Egyptology displays copper and bronze razors and tweezers from as far back as 1900 BC.  Sugaring to remove unwanted hair was used throughout Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Greece as well. History tells us that honey was the base of the formula.  

WHO? Anyone who has unwanted hair. 

WHAT? Sugaring is a natural form of hair removal – an alternative to waxing or lasers. During this natural and organic method of hair removal, a sugaring substance adheres to the follicl and removes the hair without attaching to the skin—making sugaring less painful than waxing! The sugaring substance is a paste made from sugar, lemon, and water. 

The sugar paste is spread over the area and lifts the unwanted hair from the follicle as it is flicked/rolled off the skin. Using one’s hands, an aesthetician smooths the paste onto the skin in the opposite direction of a client’s hair growth.  By applying it to the skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth, we're allowing the sugar to absorb in the follicle and coat the hair—making extraction of the hair more efficient and less painful.  Additionally, by molding the sugar into the hair follicle, it also helps improve the tone and texture of the skin. Then, the paste is flicked off in the direction of the hair growth (which prevents breakage—allowing the hair to pull out, rather than break at the surface as is the case with wax). No paper strips or any “utensils” are used. 

WHERE?  Any part of your body with unwanted hair.  How much hair must one have? Body By Shae recommends an 1/8 inch of unwanted hair—roughly the size of a grain of rice. (Shorter than what is recommended for waxing.)

WHEN? How often should you sugar?  Body By Shaerecommends every four weeks for optimum lasting results.  Since the human body has three cycles of hair growth, we have seen more permanency of stunted growth in clients who sugar every four weeks. 

The main stages of hair growth are anagen, catagen, and telogen.  (Was that English?!)  The anagen phase is the active growth phase. Removing hair during this stage removes the ‘food source’ and helps collapse the follicle wall--leading to permanency.  Sugaring every four weeks will ensure that you are removing hair in the anagen phase. 

What happens if you remove hair during later phases of hair growth?  When hair is removed during the catagen or telogenphase, there is usually another hair already forming within the follicle.  This results in regrowth more quickly than had the hair been removed during the anagen phase and is less likely to lead to permanency. 

Body By Shae finds that most clients see a reduction in hair regrowth and finer hair after just 3-4 treatments! 

WHY? Put on your body, what you would put into it!  Although our inner culinary minds wouldn’t recommend it, the sugaring paste is safe enough to eat!  Sugaring is organic and natural.  WHY is this better for you than waxing?  

- More sanitary.  The aesthetician uses a single ball of paste.  No dipping!

- Better for your skin. 

- Less aggressive and painful because it doesn’t stick to the skin. 

- Waxing sticks to the skin, causing a higher risk of ripping, burning, and hyperpigmentation.  

- The paste never hardens.

- Less likely to cause redness and irritation.

- Hair grows back slower and softer.

- No chemicals.

- No coloring.

- No fragrance.

- Hypoallergenic- great for sensitive skin.

- Price is similar to that of waxing. 

- You won’t leave the spa feeling sticky.

- Sugaring takes less time. Large amounts of hair can be removed at once—no use of strips. 

Now lastly, let’s address the elephant in the room--- the ouch factor.  Pain tolerance is personal, but most clients’ experience is less painful than waxing.   So say goodbye to your shaving, depilatory creams, and waxing,—and welcome something sweet! 

References:

"Sugaring: An Ancient Method of Hair Removal". Dermatologic Surgery. 27 (3): 309–311

"Sugaring vs waxing". thegloss.com. Retrieved 11 April 2009.

“What The Heck Is Sugaring, And Is The Hair Removal Treatment Better Than Waxing?” huffingtonpost.com 1 July 2015.