Is your Skin Barrier Compromised?
Let's delve into the fascinating realm of your skin's protective shield: the skin barrier.
As a skincare enthusiast and the proud owner of Raw Canvas Skin Clinic, I am continually reminded of the pivotal role our skin barrier plays in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. More than a mere protective shield, the skin barrier is a complex system deserving of our attention and care.
Visualize your skin barrier as your body’s frontline defender—its mission is to retain the good within your skin and repel the bad. This remarkable shield, known as the stratum corneum, guards us against external threats like environmental pollutants, UV rays, climate fluctuations, physical stressors, and chemicals. Its primary function is to shield us from external aggressors while locking in moisture for hydrated, supple skin. A robust skin barrier ensures a smooth complexion, minimizing issues such as dryness, redness, and sensitivity.
As our collective interest in overall skin health grows, we're recognizing the crucial significance of this barrier function. The stronger the barrier, the more luminous, healthy, and radiant our skin appears and feels.
However, unwittingly compromising this protective shield is possible. Harsh or abrasive products overwhelm the skin barrier; think of harsh soaps or aggressive scrubs (we all had our moment using St Ives Apricot scrub back in the day), culprits behind dry, irritated skin. Over-washing also contributes by stripping away natural oils, leaving the barrier compromised. While beneficial, excessive exfoliation and retinoids can disrupt the barrier. Environmental factors like UV exposure, pollutants, dry weather, inadequate sleep, smoking, poor diet, and skin picking also erode this protective layer.
Imagine this: damaged or depleted lipids in the skin create tiny cracks, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to infiltrate. With reduced water retention, the skin becomes more susceptible to irritants, leading to chronic inflammation. In simple terms, the skin struggles to protect itself.
Recognizing a compromised skin barrier is vital. Signs include redness, breakouts, rashes, extreme dryness, uneven texture, sensitivity, itching, and delayed wound healing. These symptoms may worsen without prompt action to restore the barrier.
So, what's the antidote for a weakened skin barrier? A gentle skincare routine is key. At Raw Canvas Skin Clinic, we recommend making a few adjustments. Bid farewell to harsh scrubs and stripping cleansers, and embrace gentler options like Zo Skin Health Gentle Cleanser or Balancing Emulsion Cleanser. Follow up with Zo Skin Health Complexion Pads or Acne Pads for replenishment, hydration, and antioxidant infusion. For barrier restoration and prolonged hydration, Daily Power Defense comes to the rescue, visibly reducing multiple signs of inflammation and accelerating the skin's barrier restoration. Additionally, exfoliate your skin 3-4 times weekly using an exfoliant polish for instant smoothness and brightness while replenishing hydration and healthy lipids. And finally, SPF—sun protection is non-negotiable. It's crucial to apply ample SPF daily, indoors or outdoors. Not all sunscreens offer the same level of protection, which is where Zo Skin Health SPF excels. Crafted to shield your skin from UVA/UVB, HEV, and IR-A rays, it provides comprehensive defense against the sun's detrimental effects. With six formulations to choose from, there's one you'll adore, I promise.
At Raw Canvas Skin Clinic, our loyalty to Zo Skin Health products stems from their commitment to using medical-grade ingredients, ensuring your skin receives the highest care. Incorporating Zo Skin Health products into your daily routine isn't merely about shielding your skin from sun damage; it's an investment in its long-term well-being and vibrancy.
Remember, prioritizing your skin barrier with a gentle routine and using recommended products isn't just a treat for your skin—it's an investment in its enduring health and brilliance.
Stay connected for further skincare insights and valuable tips from Raw Canvas Skin Clinic. Until next time, embrace and cherish healthy skin habits!
]]>Book your consultation today to find out if your mole can be removed.
]]>Enlighten III by CUTERA is an effective laser procedure that dramatically improves skin tone and reduces unwanted pigment. The Enlighten III skin toning device uses shorter pulse durations and higher peak power to effectively shatter pigment particles without causing damage to the surrounding tissue, resulting in clearer, brighter, more even looking skin.
We all want to even out our skin tone at some stage. The melanin in our skin sometimes occurs in high concentrations, resulting in uneven skin tone and brown spots. Our answer to uneven skin tone at Raw Canvas is the Enlighten III Pico FX Laser treatment. We use this non-invasive laser procedure to help patients treat:
When the Enlighten III skin toning device is gently swept over your skin’s surface, the unique multiple wavelengths of 1064 nm, 532 nm, and 670 nm are delivered in ultra-short pulses under your skin. This causes an intense photomechanical disruption that shatters the pigmentation, helping to induce the remodeling of your skin, which leads to a brighter, more uniform complexion.
The treatment is not painful and does not require any anesthesia or medication. When the device is passed over your skin, you feel a heating sensation common to most non-invasive laser treatments. The Enlighten III Pico FX treatment requires no more than twenty minutes. For most patients, full results are seen after three Enlighten III Skin Toning Laser treatments. Immediately following treatment, you may feel some mild redness and swelling.
Enlighten III by CUTERA is today's most advanced laser tattoo removal technology. It is a revolutionary treatment that is a laser tattoo removal procedure that works. The enlighten III laser's ultra-short pulses of energy target your tattoo's ink particles and shatter them without impacting the surrounding skin, clearing it of ink.
Many of us have one tattoo, and some of us regret them. The tattoo inked into our skin from our carefree days may not be something we still want today. In the past, tattoos became a permanent part of our skin. But with Enlighten III, we help our clients remove their tattoos completely.
The enlighten III laser offers the highest output energy in the industry using three wavelengths (1064 nm 670vnm and 532 nm) and the quickest pulse durations to provide a tattoo removal treatment that covers the entire spectrum of tattoo inks.
What was once a complicated procedure is now possible without surgical excisions or skin grafts. Enlighten III fires a beam of light through the skin into the lower layer of skin where the tattoo ink is inserted. The light is absorbed and breaks down the ink into tiny particles, which are then passed through the body naturally and removed.
Enlighten III uses an extremely short and high-powered laser that efficiently breaks down the ink particles in your tattoo. While the total number of enlighten III tattoo removal treatments varies based on your tattoo's composition, depth, and colour.
Permanent makeup tattoos respond very well to the treatment allowing for faster clearance in 3-4 sessions spaced four weeks apart. Other tattoos are treated 10-12 weeks apart, allowing the body to process the shattered ink naturally. In most cases, total clearance will be achieved. However, some ink colours are more difficult to remove than others. Amanda can help determine if enlighten III will work for your tattoo through a consultation and spot test.
The treatment can be best described as hot fast drops splattering as the pulse of the laser aims at your tattoo ink. On average, a three-inch tattoo laser removal treatment requires only a few minutes to complete. We use a Zimmer (chilling system) to keep patients comfortable. Options for numbing are also available in the clinic for an additional charge.
]]>PICO Genesis is a laser skin rejuvenation treatment that helps treat pigmentation and revitalizes the skin. It uses a different approach than conventional laser skin treatments by combining three highly effective wavelengths and providing them in ultra-short pulses. These intense pulses help to remodel your upper dermis to help remove unwanted freckles and age spots, improve skin tone and texture, and bring back your skin's youthful, healthy glow.
Many laser treatments available today are high-intensity, relying on intense heat energy to remove the pigment from your skin. These treatments are often painful and lead to redness and downtime. PICO Genesis uses a non-thermal laser (making this safe for melasma as heat can cause adverse effects on this condition) that does not cause damage to your skin and only destroys unwanted spots. Using ultra-short pulses in wavelengths unique to PICO Genesis, the lasers remove pigment while protecting your surrounding tissue, leaving your skin radiant without the redness or swelling experienced by conventional laser skin treatments.
A PICO Genesis treatment can be performed in just 20 minutes, and patients say that it's a similar sensation to static electricity. In general, there is no downtime from a PICO Genesis™ treatment, but you may feel some slight flaking or swelling following the treatment. Treatment sessions vary depending on the patient; however, many require up to six treatments to see results spaced two weeks apart.
]]>First, let's start with how your skin is different now than in your 20s. During your 30s, your hormone levels begin to decrease, and the collagen and elastin production rate lowers. Cell turn-over becomes slower during your thirties, and skin doesn't bounce back as it once did. How you took care of your skin up to this point will play a part in the aging process. Most of us will have some evidence of late nights and UV damage by our 30th birthday.
If fine lines weren't enough to deal with, you might also find that your skin is either newly dry or oily. However, all is not lost here - there are plenty of treatments and products to help restore and repair your skin. You can have great skin at any age, but you have to be a little better at looking after your skin as you age.
Using targeted products with active ingredients is a good idea in your 30s. While some products, such as retinol, need to be cautiously introduced (it can cause irritation and dryness in most complexions), they are the formulas that will do the best job regarding anti-aging.
Everyone's skin is different, so what suits one complexion may not suit another. Below is a breakdown of a good skin care regimen in your 30s.
Morning Routine
1. Cleanser
Cleanse in the morning with a gentle cleanser such as ZO Gentle Cleanser or for a more oily acne-prone skin type ZO Exfoliating Cleanser.
2. Toner
Toners are often left off people's lists but toners help tighten pores, eliminate toxins and rebalance your skin. Your toner also works to 'prep' your skin for your essential serum step, making it penetrate the deeper layers and work more effectively. Try ZO Complexion Pads or ZO Acne Pads. These reduce oils and help brighten the competition and minimize the pores.
3. Serum
4. BHA/AHA
Exfoliating acids help with skin texture and rebalancing. Try the Exfoliant Accelerator by ZO Skin Health. It contains glycolic acid to aid in texture and tone. Salicylic kills bacteria and dissolves the debris that can cause spots to form. Hyaluronic acid serums will plump the skin and tackle dehydration on the top layers of the skin. Add in hyaluronic acid to strengthen the epidermal barriers and support collagen production. We love HA5 by Skin Medica.
5. Moisturizer
Apply your creams in a system of the lightest fluid first. So serum, moisturizer and then SPF. That way, the most liquid formula will penetrate first, and the other layers will sit on top to nourish and protect. Our go-to for daily use is ZO Daily Power Defence and for those with dryer, more dehydrated skin types, try ZO Recovery Cream.
6. SPF
An essential at any age and imperative if you want to delay aging. You should be using an SPF daily, even if it's cloudy. Daily application, regardless of being inside or outside, is crucial. All ZO Sunscreens protect from HEV (learn more about HEV) UVA and UVB rays. Our go-to favourite is Smart Tone SPF 50 by ZO.
Evening Routine
1. Cleansing & Exfoliating
Pair your cleanser with a weekly exfoliator to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliating should be done about 2-4x times a week. For a gentle exfoliant, we recommend Zo Exfoliating Polish. Try ZO Dual Action scrub formulated with salicylic acid and an anti-redness solution for those with more acne-prone skin or oily skin types.
On other days, use a cleanser alone, choosing one that suits your skin's needs. It's important not to overload your skin. If you are using lots of actives like retinol, Vitamin C and acids, then it's a good idea to have a few days where you use gentler products. Listen to your skin, and give it what it needs.
2. Retinol
Anti-aging retinol is best used at night as it can increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays. You can get formulations of varying strengths, and the best one for you depends on your skin's sensitivity.
Try starting with something around the 0.25%, such as a Skin Medica retinol or a 0.5% ZO Wrinkle and Texture Repair. That way, you can build up slowly, reducing the risk of irritation. A 1% is one the strong end of the market.
3. Night Serum
The purpose of a night cream is to support your skin through its regeneration process and make it more efficient. Try Lumivive Night by Skin Medica. Nighttime sleep plays a crucial role in skin recovery and health. Your body uses the sleep cycle to repair and reverse daily skin damage. As you age, the skin has a more challenging time repairing itself.
Stress can also decrease the skin's ability to recover. Lumivive Night Revitalize Repair Complex helps enhance that critical sleep-repair cycle. Give your skin more power to resist the environment's attack during the day and heal itself overnight.
4. Eye cream
The skin around the eyes is the most sensitive part of your face and will be one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Incorporate a product specifically designed to be used in the area and treat common concerns, such as dark circles and crow's feet.
ZO Intensive Eye Cream works to combat visible signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, and dullness, with synergistic ingredients to take care of the super delicate eye area. If you're looking to add plumpness to the under-eye, ZO Growth Factor Eye Serum will be your best choice - it's also retinol free. We recommend ZO Eye Brightening Cream if dark circles are your primary concern. And if your looking for a cream with growth factors and retinol, Skin Medica TNS Eye Repair is our go-to choice.
5. Growth factors
We are born with all our growth factors, and as we age, these diminish over time. ZO Growth is formulated with a combination of plant and enzymatically derived growth factors, clinically proven to Improve the overall appearance of the skin. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restore hydration and reinforce the skin's protective barrier.
Aging is a natural thing and with the right products we can gracefully age from one year to the next. Book a in-person or video consultation with us to access your skin and find the right products for you.
Are you worried about aging? Do you think that you are doing everything you can to prevent it? Let's dive in to see if you know about HEV light (AKA Blue light)?
What is HEV?
High-energy visible light (HEV), also known as blue light, falls right between UV and infrared rays in the middle of the light spectrum. Unlike UVA and UVB rays, we can see blue light from the sun and our:
Blue light penetrates the skin more deeply than UV rays and damages collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin.
While sunlight is the primary source of blue light exposure, our devices only emit a small amount of radiation in comparison. However, our phones are much closer to us than the sun. These days, people are working from home and not applying any sunscreen when indoors. If you are a Millennial, you are most likely checking your phone approximately one hundred fifty times a day. Compared to older adults, who check their phones only about thirty times a day. Not to mention watching TV, working on your laptop, and being under fluorescent lights daily. Millennials get much more blue light exposure.
There is speculation that our digital devices could be releasing free radicals that can cause premature aging. Free radicals strip the skin of barrier lipids, which help retain moisture and keep out impurities. Losing this protection can result in skin damage, premature aging, increased sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. The best approach is to protect your skin. While you don't have to worry about blue light causing cancer, you should be aware of the signs of aging. There are all types of again.
These can show up in the form of:
Unfortunately, even if you wear sunscreen daily, many formulas don't protect against HEV. The key sunscreen ingredient required for HEV protection is a vegetable-derived form of melanin (the pigment that makes skin tan). This is showing up in new products designed specifically for tech rays, such as ZO Skin Health's Daily Power Defense and Lumavive day and night by Skin Medica and all of Zo Skin Health SPF.
So, what can you do to protect your skin? If you're concerned about your blue light exposure, use products with the following ingredients.
Vitamin C - found in many Zo products
Green Tea - found in our Glo Skin Beauty makeup and contained in Zo Skin Health and Skin Medica products
Vitamin E – Found in Daily Power Defence
Retinol - Some have a love-hate relationship with retinol, but it's a gold standard to help prevent aging.
If you've been following me for a while, you know I'm a huge fan of medical skincare and its benefits. I would suggest incorporating products to help fight against HEV and all the rays and environmental damage.
]]>The first laser I ever bought for Raw Canvas was a Cutera laser. Why did I invest in this device? I witnessed my daughter's results first-hand when she was treated for acne. Additionally, I had my rosacea, texture and tone treated and saw excellent results with Laser Genesis treatments.
Laser Genesis, is often confused by other treatment names like "Laser Toning Facial" or a "Laser Tightening Facial. The only way to truely ensure you are getting a Laser Genesis treatment is when the device being used is a Cutera. I always suggest that you research the brand of laser devices as well as I recommend that the person performing the laser treatment has been professionally trained.
Laser Genesis is a non-invasive and comfortable procedure that uses a laser to heat the skin gently. It can help smooth the skin and reduce fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. Typically, its primary use is to fade scarring, reduce redness, broken blood vessels, and improve the skin's overall tone. Laser Genesis works for people of all ages and skin types.
Laser Genesis works by heating the dermis directly under the skin; this stimulates collagen production, plumping the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The heat from the laser can also constrict blood vessels, which helps fight redness and rosacea. It can also help treat acne and scarring. The procedure itself is entirely painless. You will feel light heat on the face, and some people say it's pleasant, almost like sun on the face.
Laser Genesis is considered a very low-risk procedure. The most common side effect is redness after treatment that will typically clear on its own within a few hours. Recovery from Laser Genesis is minimal, and you should be able to resume normal activities immediately.
The best results will typically appear after six treatments, depending on your skin condition and what you're looking to address, and you will likely need a maintenance procedure throughout the year.
Laser Genesis is an elective cosmetic procedure, but because there's no downtime required.
Laser Genesis is a non-invasive procedure that uses a laser to gently heat the skin, resulting in the production of new skin cells and collagen.
Laser Genesis is a safe procedure with minimal side effects.
Redness is the most common side effect.
Sometimes called a "lunch break procedure," Laser Genesis takes just under 30 minutes per treatment.
In most cases, you will need at least four to six treatments, spaced two weeks apart, to see results, and then approximately every 1-2 months, you'll need a treatment to maintain results.
After one session, you will notice your skin looks brighter and more youthful, and your pores appear smaller.
Make sure it's a Cutera Laser Genesis!
Here at Raw Canvas a consultation is the first step we recommend when you’re seeking to achieve healthier skin. A consultation is a must in our clinic, and one we feel very strongly about.
The consultation allows you to gain insight on what is best for your individual needs and concerns. It opens the door to building a relationship with us and allows you to develop trust and confidence in our recommendations. You'll know why you are buying products. This is very important.
We often have new clients visit who have previously had treatments or bought skincare without really knowing why. Our goal is to provide education and understanding so when you leave you have a clear path and understanding as to what your skin health journey looks like.
We recommend skin consultations to every new client. It’s the only way we can provide you with our expert advice and help you achieve your desired results. It’s a crucial part to the foundations of achieving results.
A consultation is recommended even if you are only considering treatment. We won't try to sell you a boat load of products you don't need (promise!). Sometimes clients are so excited to get treatment, but after analyzing their skin we know that they could get better results from product. Other times we notice that the patient's skin may not prepped properly for treatment (won't get as good results).
In addition, if you express interest in treatment during your consultation it gives us a chance to spot treat you (if needed) so that we know your skin doesn't react negatively before a full treatment.
All in all, a consultation only benefits you. It is a chance for you to ask an expert all your questions and express all of your concerns. The consultation fee goes towards future purchases.
Step 1: Filling Out Consultation Form:
To save time, you are able to complete this form at home or on a mobile device.
Step 2: Photos
Once you arrive at Raw Canvas our Front End Coordinator will take picture of your skin for our records. We take photos of every new and existing client - it’s a great way to see the progression of your skin along your journey to skin health!
Step 3: The Discussion:
This step is the most important for us, this is where we are able to connect with you and learn what your goals are. We discuss your skin history, health, lifestyle, current skincare routine and several other factors that could be contributing. There is always a reason as to why the skin is in a state that has brought you through our doors.
Step 4: Visual Analysis:
This step allows us to visually see concerns such as pigmentation, rosacea, oil production, dehydration, acne, congestion, dryness and many more. Most patients suffer from trans epidermal water loss. This can happen from using products that strip the skin causing irritation, dryness, break outs, sensitivity...the list goes on.
Starting what we like to call "GSR" (getting skin ready) regimen often results in a visible difference 10-14 days after visiting us.
Step 5: Recommendations:
Skin consultations can be overwhelming with information, we always approach the skin with medical grade skin care which allows us to achieve the best results, but it can be a lot to take in on your first visit.
To make this process easier for you, we always email what has been discussed during your consultation along with your customized regimen. There should never be unanswered questions or confusion.
Helping you along during your skin journey is our passion. We connect with every client that visits and love bringing you towards your skin health goals. You have full access to email us anytime with questions or concerns and a follow up will be done 4 weeks after your initial consultation.
This is what makes Raw Canvas different. Here, skin health is accessible to everyone.
]]>You may also notice that your skin has become more dry with age - this is very common. No matter what your current skin concerns are or the given season, we have a solution for every type of dry skin.
One of the many questions we often get asked at Raw Canvas is "which moisturizer should I buy?". In this blog we'll discuss the moisturizers and hydrators that we carry at Raw Canvas, what the benefits are, and which one might be the best for YOUR skin type.
First thing's first, there are big differences between HYDRATOR's and MOISTURIZER's. We will keep it short and sweet for you.
A hydrator is a serum that you should use everyday, twice a day, to ensure your skin holds onto hydration. It's like a daily glass of water for your skin to keep it healthy. Skin that is hydrated from within looks healthier, plump, and has less visible fine lines and texture. Hydrators are your base layer.
Moisturizers work to add hydration when you are feeling especially dry. They work best when paired with a hydrator. The hydrator maintains a healthy skin barrier function so that when you use a moisturizer your skin can hold on to that added hydration. A moisturizer is an extra boost of hydration.
Daily power defense is our number one selling product at Raw Canvas. Every skin type can benefit from this product.
A hydrating antioxidant serum.
Daily power defense is rich in antioxidants that defend against signs of aging (wrinkles, texture, tone, laxity). It also helps with DNA repair, so it's a go-to for anyone who wants to age gracefully (everyone). It's "super power" is that it supports a healthy skin barrier by aiding in trans epidermal water loss. What does this mean? When your skin barrier is healthy then it maintains hydration, produces collagen and hyaluronic acid, and therefore has your skin looking clear and youthful.
Pros:
Cons:
Skin Type: All
What is it?
A rejuvenating hydrator.
What does it do?
HA5 supports your skin's natural ability to replenish hyaluronic acid. Why is hyaluronic acid so special? Hyaluronic acid (HA) binds to water molecules, so if your skin is rich in HA then it will keep your skin from drying out.
Pros:
Cons:
Skin Type: All
Renewal creme is our go-to moisturizer for all skin types, especially those that are acne and rosacea prone. It's gentle and easy to use twice a day. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy, making it perfect to wear under makeup.
A light weight moisturizer for all skin types (including acne prone).
Floods the skin with hydration to visibly improve dryness. Stimulates rapid moisture replenishment within the skin (not just a temporary bandaid) and locks that moisture in. Soothes and reduces redness. Includes a whisper of retinol which helps collagen production aka anti-aging benefits.
Pros:
Cons:
Skin Type: Normal to oily (especially safe for acne prone and rosacea). Not recommended for very dry skin.
Recovery creme is our rich, luxurious moisturizer recommended for very dry skin. It's heavier weight makes it loved by those who can't get enough hydration but don't have acne prone skin.
A rich moisturizer for very dry skin.
Recovery creme is great for protecting your skin barrier when you know you'll be exposing your skin to harsh conditions (like wind burn from outdoor activities). It works at the cellular level to activate hydration within the skin. It contains a whisper of retinol which helps improve the appearance of fine lines and texture. You'll notice it helps to firm, tighten, and lift the skin on the face and neck - making this moisturizer a favourite for mature skin.
Pros:
Cons:
Skin Type: Dry to normal skin only.
Our ambulance SOS emergency cream that instantly soothes irritated skin. Recommended for eczema and psoriasis. Can be used anywhere on the body. A go-to for anyone who has very damaged, inflamed skin due to retinol use, outdoor sports, accutane side-effects, or post-procedure.
A moisturizer that soothes and repairs.
Hydrating creme instantly soothes damaged skin. It rapidly repairs damaged DNA and reduces redness, intense dryness, retinol irritation, even bug bites and sun burns! It is safe to use anywhere on your body, even your eyelids. We often recommend it to pair with retinol for those who are just starting to use retinol or increasing the strength.
Pros:
Cons:
Skin Type: All
If you are unsure of which product is best for your skin type, we recommend booking a consultation with Amanda. Amanda will go over your skin concerns in depth, discuss your current regime, and make recommendations on how to achieve your skin goals. Consultations are $100 (redeemable with purchase). You can book online or in person consultations.
]]>Concern: Acne
Treatment Plan: Medical grade skincare and Forever Clear BBL
Treatment completed at time of photo: 9 Forever Clear BBL's
Concern: Acne scarring and skin clarity
Treatment Plan: Medical grade skincare and Laser Genesis
Treatment completed at time of photo: 10 Laser Genesis treatments
Concern: Acne
Treatment Plan: Medical grade skincare and Laser Genesis
Treatment completed at time of photo: 5 Laser Genesis treatments
Concern: Acne, Melasma, brown spots
Treatment Plan: Medical grade skincare and Laser Genesis
Treatment completed at time of photo: 2 Laser Genesis treatments
Concern: Melasma
Treatment Plan: Medical grade skincare
Concern: Melasma
Treatment Plan: Medical grade skincare
Concern: Pigmentation / brown spots
Treatment completed at time of photo: 1 Photo Facial + medical grade skincare
Concern: Sun damage and skin clarity
Treatment completed at time of photo: 1 BBL Forever Young
Concern: Pigmentation and skin texture
Treatment completed at time of photo: 1 BBL Forever Young
]]>
5 years ago I was a rep in the industry meeting some of the best dermatologists and technicians in western Canada. I worked with these clinics and their patients' skin and goals. The best part of my job was meeting with the patients and educating on the importance of skin health. It was when my daughter Taylor started to struggle with acne when the idea of helping her grew into a passion to start a business to help others.
I started Raw Canvas by designing a small but mighty studio in the basement of my home. This began by offering dermaplaning and microneedling treatments and expanded to include medical grade skin care like ZO and IS Clinical. I was starting to see dramatic results in my patient’s skin, and I didn’t want to stop there.
The next big step was to offer laser and light treatments. Skin care products are the base of lifelong skin health but I knew that technology would take my patients results to the next level. Just as it did for my daughter.
Throughout my years of working with clinics I saw first hand what type of treatments and technology provided the best before and afters. I didn’t just want to invest in any technology, I wanted to offer the best. I still hold to that standard today.
Investing in laser and light technology provided me with the ability to offer complete treatment plans. The best part - I have been able to join thousands of patients on their journey to beautiful skin that they love.
My dream with Raw Canvas was to simply provide patients with the means to get their skin to a place they love. A line I hear so often from patients is “I wish I invested in my skin earlier”. I love hearing this. Every product and technology I welcome into the clinic has this goal in mind - to get patients to a place where they love their skin again.
Being a small, local, woman-owned business means that every new consultation, return visit, and online order keeps us going every day. I cannot say thank you enough - thank you for trusting me and my team with your skin.
Amanda
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Sarah and Sam our the behind-the-scenes marketing gals, so naturally our techs used them as HALO guinea pigs. We knew they would tell us the real honest truth and not hold back.
No makeup was worn other than brow and eye makeup. Photos were not retouched.
I would rate the pain level 5/10 during the treatment. Post treatment you are definitely hot, and drove home with the AC on my face to keep cool.
Yes! Numbing before the treatment, cold cloth after and a fan for afterwards.
It was hot for two hours post treatment.
I would have worn makeup about 3 days after, however I let my skin breath for longer and started wearing makeup again 6 days after.
Yes, I went out in public the day after. You are just a bit red, but nothing a mask can't hide.
I went off my actives 5 days before, so that included my retinol, IS Clinical Active Serum and my AHA/BHA Skin Medica Cleanser.
After the appointment I was given Avene Tolerance cream and face wash, which I used for the next four days.
I was comfortable using my products again in the nighttime after day three. I however didn't start on actives right away. I slowly started using my ZO Gentle Cleasner, ZO Daily Power Defense, Sunscreen and then at night time ZO Growth Factor Serum.
I would 100% recommend this to a friend, and I have! Overall I have noticed small pores, overall smooth texture, it eliminated all my sun damage on my face and neck and reduced overall redness.
Photos are untouched and taken in the same location in natural light. No makeup was worn aside from mascara.
There were 3 areas I really wanted to tackle. I have some old, deep acne scarring from about 6 years ago when I was struggling with moderate-severe adult acne. I’ve since been able to control the acne and get rid of most of the scars, but there is a cluster on my right cheek where I can still see red dots and very mild ice-pick scarring. I have had Laser Genesis treatments in the past to help decrease the redness of the spots and it has definitely helped but I wondered if HALO would clear up the redness more aggressively.
There is also one annoying sun spot on my left cheek that I could not wait to part with and some small capillaries around my nose.
I went all in and opted for a BBL Forever Young treatment immediately before HALO. If I was going to do it I wanted to do it all. In training we learned that pairing a HALO with a BBL can make results more dramatic and decrease the chance of swelling afterwards. I really want that sun spot gone.
So Giulia did a BBL Forever Young on me, that took about 20 minutes. She popped some numbing cream on me and I waited about 45 minutes for my face and neck to numb. Sarah and I went to grab tea in the Fort while I waited.
Once I was all numb Giulia wiped off the numbing cream and started the HALO treatment. I could feel the HALO hand piece roll over my skin and it felt a little scratchy. You kind of hear the machine crackle as it goes along. When she was done one side of my face I was handed a handheld fan to keep the treated side cool. When she moved on to my forehead Sarah handed me a cold towel to keep the bottom half of my face cool.
The whole treatment took about 30 minutes. Afterwards my face was very warm.
In all honesty I didn’t find the treatment painful at all. There were areas around my cheek bones that were more sensitive after multiple passes and there were some areas by my hairline that weren’t as numb. I don’t think I cringed the entire time, I didn’t sweat or flinch much. When a treatment is uncomfortable I always get clammy and I felt none of that during or after HALO.
For me, I actually prefer the entire experience of HALO more than the BBL Forever Young. I don’t find either treatment overly uncomfortable, but BBL is a little bit more snappy (like a rubber band snapping on your skin) and I prefer the sensation of heat over snapping.
Just the fan and cold towel which I used during the treatment and for about 5 minutes after. I was still pretty numb for awhile after the treatment. I had a glass of wine when I got home (not technically recommended lol).
It was warm and tight. As the numbing wore off over the next couple of hours it became very hot. Like the worst sunburn you’ve ever experienced. At about 2 hours after the treatment the heat turns off and I felt a little warm for the rest of the night. I was able to sleep fine and I woke up the next day mildly swollen (you'll see in the photo above).
I had my treatment on a Thursday and on Saturday we had a family dinner I put on mineral powered makeup for. I probably would have been comfortable to put makeup on Friday.
I was comfortable, yes. I looked very sunburnt the next day, especially around my cheek bones. I saw lots of people the next day and nobody noticed enough to ask me about it.
I hadn’t used retinol for a few days prior. That’s about it!
Only the Avene products recommended through the clinic. It was a very gentle cleanser and cream. I had no discomfort using these products afterwards. I used them for about 3 days and actually enjoyed the simplicity of only having to use two products as opposed to my regular extensive skin care regime lol. I used ZO’s dual action scrub about 4 days after. This is probably too strong of a product to use this soon but my skin was very rough and I am impatient. It didn't sting at all.
About 5 or 6 days after my HALO. I was very careful with reintroducing my nightly retinol (daily power defence was fine). Retinol I started using after day 8 and only reintroduced it every 3 days or so.
My old red acne scarring looks nearly completely clear. The sun spot is a lot less apparent. The small capillaries around my nose have completely cleared.
I would recommend HALO to a friend and here’s why. I’ve tried quite a few treatments and HALO almost feels like a fast track kind of treatment. The results I got from one HALO probably would have taken other treatments multiple times to get to that level. Yes, it’s not a cheap treatment. If you are serious about getting results and you have some major pigmentation or textural issues, I feel like HALO could save you money overall as opposed to having 4-6 other less expensive treatments.
I would do HALO once or twice a year for anti-aging benefits. I really didn’t find it that uncomfortable, I was fine with the minimal downtime, and my skin is obviously more bright and clear...so yeah I’d do it again.
The industry can be overwhelming. Most people refer to “laser skin treatments” even when light treatments (IPL) are being used. So let’s quickly go over the difference between a light device and a true laser device.
A laser treatment uses a very narrow, specific beam of light, this is known as a wave length. A laser targets a specific area within the skin. We set the laser wavelength depending on the concern of the patient. Think of it this way, if you were to point a laser beam on the wall, it casts a very specific point of light on one target only.
When comparing lasers and light treatments, the laser is always going to be much more targeted than a light treatment (IPL). However, this doesn’t always mean that a laser treatment is better at solving your skin concerns. That’s why it’s so important to consult with a professional and ask questions prior to receiving treatment.
A light treatment (often referred to as “intense pulsed light” or “IPL” treatments or “ broadband light” “BBL” ) uses a spectrum of light (think of a rainbow, multiple colors target multiple depths and pigments within the skin (browns/reds/acne). Another example - think of a flashlight on a wall, it casts a wider spectrum of light illuminating a larger space. This means that a light treatment can cover more areas of the skin at once. Although light is not as strong as laser, a light treatment can offer beautiful results that resolve many skin concerns at once during one session.
Without seeing your skin, the short answer is usually “both” but I understand that this doesn’t fit into everyone’s budget.
Why is it often both skin care and treatment? Because the best laser results are achieved with a medical grade skin care regime. The skin is prepped, in tip-top shape, hydrated, and can soak in the benefits of treatment. This will also result in minimal downtime and faster healing. Lasers are attracted to water in the skin, so it is important for your skin to be hydrated and not have any trans epidermal water loss. Think of your cells as a tire. When your skin is hydrated the cells are like a full tire. When your cells are not hydrated they resemble a flat tire. Getting your skin cells hydrated is crucial to getting the best results from your treatment.
There are certain conditions that we find better results with a tailored, high quality, long-term skin care plan (for example, rosacea). However, there are other conditions that we get the best results from lasers (for example, veins).
And to make things a little more complicated (don’t worry, I will break it down for you in this blog) with some conditions I see incredible results from both a skin care regime and laser treatments (for example, pigmentation). However, more often than not if the skin is just in a state of emergency, suffering from environmental aggressors or the wrong products, skincare may be all you need. Again this is why I always suggest a consult. In the end you will save money and time.
Everyone’s condition is unique. This means every skin is best treated with a tailored plan. This is why I will not treat or put a laser to anyone's face without first booking a consultation. This is a place where we can speak openly and I can get to know your concerns, goals and lifestyle. I can then direct you to the best options whether it is skin care or both skin care and treatments and what treatments will be required to get you to your skin care goals the fastest. This is my goal, this is my passion.
Reminder: Consultations with are 30 minutes and can be done in the studio or via video. The fee is $100 and can be used as a credit towards in-store skin care or treatment purchases. Click here to book a consultation.
Acne scars typically represent either red/brownish spots or “ice pick” texture on the skin. Depending on what type of scars you have we often recommend a series of Laser Genesis or Halo Fractional Laser, keeping in mind your skin will be need to be prepped for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment starting.
For pigmentation in darker skin types, PIH (post inflammatory hyper pigmentation) or melasma (browns) or all skin types with rosacea (reds) we find the best results with Laser Genesis. Laser genesis targets redness on the skin and safely breaks up browns. It promotes skin health turnover which reduces the appearance of pigmentation/redness associated with acne scarring or pigmentation concerns.
Laser Genesis is one of our most popular treatments at Raw Canvas. It’s comfortable (I often hear clients say it feels like a nice warm sensation). The treatments are done in 20 minutes with zero downtime. We usually recommend 6 treatments, 2 weeks apart, and results can be seen in as little as 4 weeks.
For textured acne scars, Halo Fractional Laser is going to have you covered all around. It’s going to target the top layer of skin to clear the texture of acne scarring, as well as address deeper pigmentation.
What can you expect with a Halo treatment? We numb you for 30 mins before the treatment starts. The treatment itself will take another 30 or so minutes depending on the area treated. It can feel a little spicy (hot) during the treatment which we help cool with a zimmer (cooling air device) and cold compresses. After 2 hours the spiciness will subside. Some people experience swelling around day 2 but most find it manageable and get back to work and life within a few days post treatment.
Before and after 1 Halo Fractional Laser treatment
Not a laser treatment but microneedling is also one of those treatments that pack a punch! Client’s see drastic results and it soon becomes a treatment that they routinely book a few times a year to keep their skin looking fresh.
What can you expect when you book in a microneedling treatment? We numb the skin for 30 minutes before starting treatment. We gently run a “skin pen” over your skin which uses very tiny needles to create “micro-wounds” within the skin. Treatment lasts 30 minutes (after numbing) and results are typically achieved within 4-6 treatments.
First things first, active acne is one of those conditions that NEEDS a good skincare routine. Skin care products are like the acne’s “diet” and laser treatments are like acne’s “workout”. Laser and light treatments can speed up and significantly enhance acne results but a good skincare regime is the foundation of solving acne.
For client’s who are experiencing severe acne, Forever Clear is a BBL (broad band light) treatment that is our go-to treatment to clear the skin.
BBL Forever Clear attacks acne on all fronts. It uses a blue light to eliminate bacteria deep down in your pores. A yellow light reduces the inflammation and redness that are the most visible signs of acne. And finally, a red light pass is added in to stimulate the body to start healing those active acne “wounds” or scars. 6 treatments are typically recommended 2 weeks apart. Treatments are a relatively quick 30 minutes and downtime is minimal if at all.
For client’s who are experiencing moderate acne with a few very deep pimples, we often recommend our Active Acne treatment. Active Acne Treatment is a more controlled spot treatment. The laser uses controlled heat deep down to kill the “P acne” causing properties at its root deep under the skin. The result is a visible reduction of texture, redness, and scarring associated with acne. The treatment itself feels a bit like deep pressure on the spot being targeted. This treatment also encompasses multiple passes of Laser Genesis as well targeting the scarring and texture. It is quick and effective. Similarly to BBL Forever Clear, 6 treatments are often recommended 2 weeks apart. Treatments are a quick 20 minutes, and downtime is minimal if at all.
There are a few treatment options for pigmentation, depending on the type.
Halo Fractional Laser is going to give you the best results when you are looking to significantly decrease the appearance of pigmentation. If you really want to push the limits, you can combine Halo with a BBL Forever Young treatment and you will no doubtably notice clearer skin and a reduction of freckles, sun spots, and age spots. The benefit of Halo is the anti-aging aspect - you’ll also see more firm skin with less fine lines. Yes, Halo is a commitment, but you won’t regret it.
Before and after 2 Halo Fractional Laser treatments
If you only have mild sun damage, aren’t too freckly, or under the age of 40, a series of BBL’s might be just what you need. In this case, BBL Forever Young is usually the answer. The treatment is highly sought after and recognized worldwide for it’s consistent results. BBL Forever Young literally “turns back the clock” on your skin. Forever Young BBL not only removes age spots, sun spots, and freckles but also addresses small blood vessels, rosacea, and firmness. You’ll literally see the sun pigmentation come to the surface of your skin and slough off. We can confirm from experience, it is very satisfying!
Photo Facial is also another great option for pigmentation. What is the difference between a Photo Facial and a BBL Forever Young? Photo Facials strictly target brown pigmentation. BBL Forever Young treatments target browns, reds, veins, and angiomas. However, if browns are your problem, the results of a photo facial will be significant for you. All marketing jargon aside, it is all about what’s best for YOUR skin type and concerns.
Rosacea is another one of those treatments that needs a solid skin care routine to achieve and maintain the best results. Once that’s established (usually after a couple weeks) we recommend Global Genesis aka Green Genesis. A combination targeting deep redness and surface redness. Global genesis targets redness, inflammation, and vessels to establish an even-toned canvas. This treatment is like Laser Genesis’ sister, but to diffuse redness like rosacea. The treatment is similarly comfortable (like your face got nice warm healthy sun for 20 minutes). We often recommend 6 treatments 2 weeks apart to achieve desired results.
Laser Genesis is also a gentle treatment for rosacea. The difference between Laser Genesis and Global Genesis? Laser Genesis will help pull out deeper reds (for example, if you are also struggling with red acne scars) as well and change texture of the skin by promoting collagen deep within the skin.
Our Diffused Redness treatment is also commonly recommended to patients looking to calm the visible signs of rosacea/matting. It specifically targets surface level reds. I will assess your skin in a consultation and if I notice reds mostly on the top layers of the skin then the Diffused Redness treatment will take care of bringing down that redness and inflammation.
And last but not least, our fan favourite Forever Young BBL is also great for rosacea. BBL, short for “broad band light”, is just that. A broad band light that covers a larger area of the skin. So, as opposed to Laser Genesis and Global Genesis, the light itself isn’t as powerful as a laser but it will cover more area to target reds, veins, and browns as well.
Before and After 3 Forever Young BBL treatments
Our vascular treatments use our Excel V laser to treat veins such as: broken capillaries, spider veins, cherry angiomas, and more. These veins will appear as red, blue, or purple in colour. This treatment specifically targets the vein with the appropriate wavelength based on color of the vein. The body then naturally eliminates the veins to restore your natural skin tone. We often recommend 3-4 treatments to achieve desired results approx 1 month apart.
The best laser treatments to address aging and prevent future aging are Halo Fractional Laser and Forever Young BBL.
Both of these treatments are clinically proven to turn back the clock on aging. The best results are achieved when client’s maintain a routine of getting these treatments a couple times a year (we can advise how many treatments per year would do you best).
Halo Fractional Laser treatment is an anti-aging beast. The Halo laser treatment delivers ablative (removes surface layer of skin) and non-ablative (delivering heat to the underlying layers of skin) treatments to the skin all in one sitting. Yes, Halo is a commitment. It is not always known to be the most budget friendly or comfortable (just being honest!) but I have never heard anyone say it wasn’t worth the effort. Choose your treatments wisely. If you maintain a Halo treatment yearly, for example, you will age beautifully and maintain clear healthy looking skin.
Before and after 2 Halo Fractional Laser treatments
If you are really serious about ramping up your anti-aging game, you can combine a BBL Forever Young treatment with a Halo Fractional Laser. The BBL treatment takes place first, then the Halo. Seems intense but it’s really not - and the results can be shocking.
Let’s start off by saying… we’ve heard it all. Clients come in all the time saying “laser hair removal doesn't work. I tried it 5 years ago and all my hair is back”. These clients have almost always either been treated with IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal OR didn’t stick with their treatment plan.
Most people don’t know that there are different types of laser hair removal and the type of machine being used makes a very significant difference. “Laser hair removal” is the coined term for this treatment, but not all machines use an actual laser. At Raw Canvas our laser hair removal uses laser technology, not light (aka IPL) technology.
A laser cooks the hair at its root. A light essentially gets the hair very hot and bakes it, so to speak. A light will thin your hair and may decrease hair for a period of time. A laser will permanently remove the hair follicle. However, don’t forget that you must stick to your treatment plan of laser hair removal every 6 weeks. This is important to remove the different cycles of hair growth. If you don’t stick with it, your hair will grow back.
If you are interested in Laser Hair Removal, we have an option to book a consultation specifically for laser hair removal. They are super quick and easy and give you an idea of the budget and timeline.
And don’t forget, if you have any questions feel free to email, phone, or DM us, but it is always best to book a consultation. I pride myself on being the know-all of skin and can help build a treatment plan that fits into your budget and lifestyle.
]]>Chemical peels contain a unique blend of active ingredients to treat your individual skin concerns (such as acne or hyperpigmentation). In addition to a personalized skincare routine, chemical peels can accelerate your skincare results and provide an immediate glow.
Benefits include skin rejuvenation, reduction in lines/wrinkles, more even skin tone, and decreased blemishes and congestion. Chemical peels also provide a medical grade form of exfoliation…which every skin needs! Another main benefit is increased absorption of your medical grade home care products.
Everyone can benefit from a Chemical Peel because we can hyper-customize the strength to provide a level of results which cannot be achieved with only home care products.
Downtime varies depending on the condition of the skin and strength of the peel used. We can encourage minimal downtime or really accelerate the chance of visible peeling.
Typically, the day of the peel, your skin feels great! You will experience a glow on Day 1. Day 2 can feel tight and dry, this is because your skin is getting ready to shed! Days 3-5, you can see your skin start to shed/peel. Days 5-7, the shedding slows down to reveal your fresh, healthy, and glowing new skin!
Peeling/shedding of the skin may or may not be visible to the naked eye, again depending on skin type/condition/peel being performed. However, the same activity of cellular turnover is taking place whether visible or at a microscopic level. Most clients that experience peeling, see this take place in the centre of the face where they have expression and movement.
After 1 Power Glow Peel
After 6 BHA 20 Peels
For the month of September chemical peels cost $175 each or 3 for $475. Regularly, chemical peels start at $225.
We typically recommend the following chemical peels for acne. If you are unsure which peel to book, we will discuss your skin goals at the time of your appointment and can easily change the peel type.
BHA 20 Peel
Glow Peel
Triple Transformation Peel
AB Clinical Renewal Peel
Beta Clarity Peel
Glypro Resurfacing Peel
We typically recommend the following chemical peels for anti-aging. If you are unsure which peel to book, we will discuss your skin goals at the time of your appointment and can easily change the peel type.
AHA Duo
Glow Peel
Power Glow Peel
Triple transformation
Hydra Radiance
AB Clinical Renewal
With Rosacea, we have to be very careful due to the sensitivities associated with this condition. Thankfully, we have a well tolerated formula (Renew 30) that is very beneficial for this skin type.
We typically recommend the following chemical peels for rosacea, redness, and sensitive skin. If you are unsure which peel to book, we will discuss your skin goals at the time of your appointment and can easily change the peel type.
Renew 30 Peel
Hydra Radiance Peel
Stimulating Peel
We typically recommend the following chemical peels for hyperpigmentation and melasma. If you are unsure which peel to book, we will discuss your skin goals at the time of your appointment and can easily change the peel type.
AHA Duo Peel
Glow Peel
Power Glow Peel
Hydra Radiance Peel
Although you start to see improvements after just 1 chemical peel, we suggest a series of 3-6, depending on the individual skin being assessed.
Acne – every 2-3 weeks
Hyperpigmentation – 3 weeks
Sensitive/Aging/Maintenance – 4 weeks
It is very important to see a skin care professional for a safe and effective chemical peel treatment plan. You want to ensure the chemical peel is Health Canada Registered and being used by an educated professional, in a controlled environment. At home peels are not at the same quality or efficacy and can cause major damage. Always seek professional guidance for the best skincare plan.
These treatments can definitely compliment one another, but they treat the skin very differently. Chemical Peels provide cellular turnover (exfoliation), while also infusing beneficial ingredients for multiple skin concerns. While micro-needling, creates dermal wound healing by creating pinpoint openings. Both are great treatments and can synergistically provide excellent results!
It is very important that you do not expose your face to water or steam for the remaining day after your appointment. You can shower and wash your face the following morning. Avoid exposure to sun. Do not exercise for 24-72 hours post chemical peel. Diligently reapply sunscreen for the days following your peel.
We ask that you stop using all actives (Retinols, AHA/BHA, exfoliants etc.) 5-7 days prior to treatment. Additionally, some skin types will also greatly benefit from a pigment suppressing product for a period of time prior to their treatment. These details will of course be discussed with your skincare professional.
]]>This sunscreen is great for athletes and water lovers who find themselves sweating or swimming a lot. It is water resistant for 80 minutes, non comedogenic and oil free.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Enviroscreen Protection SPF 50 Body ShieldThe colorescience “body shield” line is the best mineral sunscreen if you’re looking for a sunscreen for your body that is water resistant. It is water resistant for 80 minutes. If you’re someone who likes a little colour in your sunscreen there is a bronze option available.
Looking for one sunscreen you can use for the whole family? The following sunscreens are untinted, sheer, and great for men, women, kids, and babies over the age of 6 months.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Enviroscreen Protection SPF 50 Body ShieldThis 100% mineral sunscreen is untinted and comes in a bottle big enough to use for the whole family, face and body if desired. It is non comedogenic, hypoallergenic and oil free. Covers all your bases! And if you’d prefer a slightly lighter version for your face, check out the Sunforgettable Enviroscreen Protection SPF 50 Face Shield.
Alumier Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 40 (Untinted)Simple, sheer, moisturizing and 100% mineral sunscreen. A great facial sunscreen but can also be used on the body. Packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, vitamin c and more - to block harmful sunrays and combat anti aging all at the same time.
ZO Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50This mineral sunscreen is great for those members of the family who have extra sensitive skin. It’s light-weight and non-irritating. It can be used on the face or body.
This sunscreen dries with a sheer matte finish for those who would like to combat their oily skin throughout the day. It’s also water resistant for 80 minutes making it a nice option for outdoor workouts.
Alumier Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42 (Untinted)Lightweight, non-comedogenic and 100% mineral sunscreen best for acne prone skin. This sunscreen works to soothe redness while hydrating at the same time.
This sunscreen is a favourite for those who struggle with acne. Available in a tinted or untinted option, Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen is oil-free, lightweight and silky. It calms and protects breakout and rosacea prone skin. Equipt with hyaluronic acid lactic acid, and vitamin B3.
Alumier Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42 (Untinted)Lightweight, non-comedogenic and 100% mineral sunscreen best for acne prone skin. This sunscreen works to soothe redness while hydrating at the same time.
The EltaMD goes on sheer, while providing the much needed protection in these warm months. It has hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention and diminish fine lines, worn alone or under makeup.
Alumier Sheer HydrationSimple, sheer, moisturizing and 100% mineral sunscreen. A great facial sunscreen but can also be used on the body. Packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, vitamin c and more - to block harmful sun rays and combat anti aging all at the same time. We love this versatile tint to wear alone or under makeup.
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50A broad spectrum sunscreen that has SPF 50 + protection with 80 minutes of water resistance. This sunscreen has a complex in it called SOL-IR Advanced Antioxidant Complex that helps rejuvenate the skin.
Simple, sheer, moisturizing and 100% mineral sunscreen. A great facial sunscreen but can also be used on the body. Packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, vitamin c and more - to block harmful sun rays and combat anti aging all at the same time. We love this versatile tint to wear alone or under makeup.
ZO Smart ToneThis is a lightweight sunscreen that has a self adjusting tint to match your canvas perfectly. This provides a healthy subtle glow that can be worn all day with a no makeup look! Protecting against all the sun rays and against high-energy visible (HEV) blue light which is found from our computer and phone screens.
Colorescience Face Shield GlowThis is the perfect sunscreen for the glow within, with a pearlescent, golden-champagne formula gives a healthy, lit-from-within look to any skin type. Wear it alone or under makeup for a dewy finish. Water resistance up to 40 minutes.
Available in three shades (light, medium and deep) this powder sunscreen is great to set your makeup, especially in your T zones or wear alone as the last step in your skin routine. This powder maintains hydration and absorbs surface oil to minimize shine. Re-apply throughout the day as needed.
ZO Sunscreen + Primer 30The perfect primer that protects your canvas from the damaging effects of UVA/UVB and IR-A rays and bluelight. This primer can be worn alone or under makeup, while it smooths the skin and appearance of fine lines.
]]>Commonly referred to as the Vampire Facial, we start the treatment at Raw Canvas with a light microdermabrasion to prep the skin. Next we start the microneedling which promotes tiny channels in the skin allowing for application and absorption of PRP (platelet-rich plasma). The PRP is derived from the serum portion of the blood, which contains platelets. The platelets contain high levels of growth factors (I know how much we all love growth factors), which when applied to the skin, will stimulate cell turnover. This is a non surgical facial that essentially uses your own blood to help promote the healthy activity of your skin cells. Blood is composed of red blood cells and serum, which contain white blood cells and platelets. Platelets are rich in human growth factors, which essentially act as energy boosts for our skin and is the best source of growth factor. Key benefits are skin function optimally, increasing everything from collagen to elastin, while also bringing antioxidant and hydrating properties.
You are properly thinking this sounds painful and while yes the treatment begins with venipuncture (a blood draw) to obtain the blood, it's relatively painless as blood is drawn through a Butterfly needle (the tiniest of needles).
Typically, the process includes the initial blood draw, then running the blood through a centrifuge to isolate the platelets. While your blood is spinning in the centrifuge you'll then receive a light microdermabrasion to prep the skin, then numbing cream is applied to the treatment area. After you are numb we will start the microneedling with our Skin Pen. As the tiny channels are created in the canvas the PRP is pushed into the canvas for absorption. This can also be performed with RF micro needling as well.
As for recovery, it might take a day or two of downtime depending on how aggressive the treatment was on your canvas. You'll emerge from treatment a bit red, almost like a sunburn, which means post-procedure sunscreen is highly recommended and applied. Applying makeup, though, is discouraged for at least 24 hours.
Now if you're wondering if this treatment is right for you? I would say if your concerns are premature wrinkles, high levels of environmental damage, or anyone who wants an even tone and fresher appearance to their canvas, is an ideal candidate for the treatment. Multiple treatments are needed for an optimal result and typically a series of 4 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart are recommended.
Now that I have educated you on PRP for facial rejuvenation aka the vampire facial, let’s dive into PRP for hair loss. If you are dealing with thinning hair or loss of hair in specific areas then PRP for hair loss prevention might just be the treatment to consider (or have your husband, boyfriend, partner, lover, friend, etc... consider). Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) hair loss therapy is a non-surgical treatment that involves microneedling a patient’s scalp and pushing into the micro channels a concentrated solution derived from their own blood just as we would in a facial rejuvenation (Vampire facial). There is growing evidence that this process can stimulate hair growth in many people, thus avoiding the need for a hair transplant in some cases and enhancing a hair transplant in others.
However, multiple PRP treatments are required to achieve optimum results. And unlike the Vampire Facial maintenance is also required for further growth.
So how many PRP treatments are needed for hair growth? Normally four treatments are recommended spaced 4-6 weeks apart. After the initial treatments are performed a single treatment is required every 4 to 6 month to maintain the positive effect of hair growth. Although PRP treatment has been shown to encourage hair growth and thicken hair in areas that have been treated, it will not prevent new bald areas from forming in untreated areas of the scalp. Response to PRP will differ between patients.
At Raw Canvas Skin Bar, we use the World PRP system and SkinPen microneedling which are both approved by Health Canada. As PRP treatment uses your own blood, there are minimal concerns for safety and no significant side effects have so far been reported. Some patients do experience discomfort in the immediate aftermath of the procedure, although most people do not report suffering any pain. It is possible that the procedure may cause some swelling and tenderness, but this should subside within one to three days.
If you have any questions about this new treatment we recommend booking in for a 30 min consultation to access your skin concerns and we will create a treatment plan specific for you.
]]>We all know the leading cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds increases your risk of developing melanoma. Limiting your exposure to UV radiation can help reduce your risk of melanoma.
The risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40. Knowing the warning signs of skin cancer can help ensure that cancerous changes are detected and treated before the cancer has spread. Melanoma can be treated successfully if it is detected early.
Melanomas can develop anywhere on your body. The most often areas it develops in are the back, legs, arms and face.Normal moles are generally the same in color — such as tan, brown or black — with a distinct border separating the mole from your surrounding skin. They're oval or round and usually smaller than 1/4 inch.
To help you identify characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers, think of the letters ABCDE:
Cancerous (malignant) moles vary greatly in appearance. Some may show all of the changes listed above, while others may have only one or two unusual characteristics.
Factors that may increase your risk of melanoma include fair skin, having a history of sunburns, excessive exposure to UV light and having a family history of melanoma.
You can reduce your risk of melanoma by avoiding the sun mid-day when the UV Rays are the strongest. The stronger rays can increase the risk of burning. Wear SPF! Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring. Avoid Tanning lamps and bed…period.
Now we all know the leading cause of skin cancer, but do we know one of the largest leading causes of premature aging and hyperpigmentation? You heard about UVA and UVB rays but have you heard about HEV? Does Blue light mean anything to you?
What about Blue light? What is Blue light? Since the coronavirus pandemic took over our lives, it has forced us indoors and in front of our screen of electronic devices even more than before. So, what exactly is blue light and what effect does it have to our canvas? Blue light falls under the blue-violet spectrum of light. This unique band has a high energy level and falls under the categories referred to as HEV light (high energy visible).
HEV is primarily found in the sun, but it is also admitted from our tablets, phones, computers and TV screens. Fortunately, energy levels from our devices are low and will not cause melanoma, however having long term exposure to them can cause havoc on your canvas.
While we may not be worried about HEV causing melanoma what we should be aware of is that it will cause premature aging and can also contribute to hyper pigmentation and melasma. Blue light also generates free radicals which cause our cells to produce enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. Say hello to older looking skin.
Now you may be wondering what to do? The world we live in demands to be in front of our screens for various reasons, that being business or pleasure. There are many products on the market that target blue lights but the best blue light blocking products is a mineral based sunscreen. Using a mineral sunscreen offers a broad spectrum against UV light as well as HEV. My go to is ZO Skin Health Smart tone SPF 50. Adding in a tint to a sunscreen containing iron oxide pigment also helps to block visible light. What I love about this sunscreen is the tint adjust to the color of your canvas. While I love Zo Skin health Smart tone, I will say all of Zo Skin health sunscreens protect from HEV rays. Not all sunscreen includes Blue light (HEV) protection, while then may protect against UVA and UVB be sure to always look for Broad spectrum that lists HEV protection. Broad spectrum will include a Zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide base. These product-based sunscreens will reflect some portions of HEV light. To ensure you are protecting from all the rays UVA, UVB and HEV be sure that the ingredients iron oxide is also listed.
We have always known we needed to wear SPF to protect but now I hope I have educated you that you must always wear SPF, regardless if you’re heading outside or having a lazy day scrolling IG and tik tok. Protect yourself from all the rays on all days.
Xo Amanda
]]>There’s two ways to multi-mask: divide & conquer or, layer them up! Dividing your face and applying multiple masks based on the concerns of each zone (think acne busting the lower half of your face for your maskne, while applying a brightening mask to fight pigmentation at your sideburns and forehead) is a great way to create bespoke skincare treatments at home. Layering your masks (always start with the lightest formula first!) makes for additional occlusion to help the active ingredients penetrate as deep as possible.
Why mask? Masks create a physical barrier for optimal absorption of concentrated active ingredients, making the right mask (or combination of masks) beneficial to every skincare routine.
How often can or should you mask? Is everyday too much? Not necessarily. Just make sure there are no exfoliating acids such glycolic-acid, which could irritate the skin if used too often. Masking everyday can boost hydration, but is not great for acne-prone skin as the physical barriers of masks can block pores, trapping bacteria in. One to three masks per week is optimal for most skin types. Let’s break down our favorite mask.
OUR FAVORITE MASKS
Glo Skin Beauty Charcoal Detox Mask:
The Charcoal Detox Mask is a two-in-one exfoliating treatment face mask that provides ultimate skin clearing. Ideal for drawing out impurities and combatting breakouts, this mask is suitable for most skin types and is especially effective for those with acne-prone and oily skin. With a filtering complex of Charcoal Powder, Kaolin Clay, and Bentonite Clay, powerful ingredients help draw out excess oil and impurities for a renewed, refreshed complexion.
We recommend using this mask 1-3 times per week, with improvements in skin clarity being achieved longer with regular long term use.
Glo Skin Beauty Phyto-Active Firming Mask:
The luxurious firming mask with platinum and pearl extracts infused Phyto-Active Firming Mask enriches skin with serum-strength firming and lifting. This mask helps repair skin’s moisture barrier improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restoring bounce and suppleness.
The phyto-nutrient rich antioxidants
and multipeptides via plant stem cells and superfruit complex work in synergy with skin’s natural renewal processes, repairing and refining elasticity and suppleness, revealing a softer, visibly more radiant complexion.
This mask is suitable for most skin types, although it is not recommended for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Glo Skin Beauty Soothing Gel Mask:
This soothing cucumber mask helps provide instant cooling relief to sensitive and post procedure skin. Soothes, hydrates and tones while reducing the appearance of puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles.
This mask is great for soothing skin after extreme weather- perfect for after a day on the slopes or in the hot sun; as well as post treatment (or post retinol!) to sooth skin after treatments such as micro-needling, laser genesis, or peels.
Pro-Tip: This product is also great if you place it in the fridge prior to add a cooling effect upon application. Place under the eyes to help deputy and rehydrate.
This mask can be used up to 3 times per week.
Zo Complexion Clearing Mask (Sulfur Mask aka):
This clay based mask purifies pores and absorbs excess oil, preventing future breakouts while hydrating the skin to combat dryness. With sulfur to treat and prevent acne, reduce sebum and calm irritation, glycerin to replenish hydration & restorer barrier function, and kaolin & bentonite to absorb surface oils and remove debris to keep pores clear this mask is a powerful tool in your skincare regime.
Pro-Tip: This product is also great as a spot treatment for blemishes!
We recommend using this mask twice a week.
Zo Skin Brightening Sheet Mask:
Ok let’s be honest, If we could use this mask every day, we would. This powerful little sheet restores skin clarity, reduces pigmentation and discoloration and ensures a radiant, more even skin tone and texture.Citric, salicylic and lactic acids diminish pores, while arbutin and green tea, help to minimize the production of excess skin pigment and supply ample hydration to the tissues.
We recommend using as often as desired.
]]>Today on the blog we will be breaking down the differences between using IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Laser for body hair removal. While both treatment types can be used effectively for the removal of unwanted hair, we are going to go into a little more detail about why we here at Raw use our Cutera 1064 yag or 755 Alexandrite laser devices exclusively for this type of treatment, over our IPL hand piece.
In case you missed our last blog post breaking down Intense Pulse Light and how it works, we will begin by giving a little information on what exactly IPL is. IPL is actually not a laser at all, and uses broad spectrum light at multiple wavelengths to target the melanin in the hair follicle. Because the wavelengths emitted from IPL are more scattered, the heat & energy needed to target the follicle is less focused. A laser is more selective with a singular light source directly targeting the follicle and not the skin around it.
Both methods emit a light source which target the melanin in the follicle, damaging it to prevent future hair growth. Because the laser finds the follicle by targeting pigment, hair removal treatments using either method are most effective on combinations of darker hair and lighter skin, although quality lasers can be quite effective on most skin types. While the laser does effectively damage the follicle preventing future hair growth, laser hair removal is not always permanent and may require annual touch ups. Hormonal changes such as age and pregnancy can affect the regrowth of hair.
What is BBL?
Let’s start with the basics. BBL stands for BroadBand Light, and it is actually not a laser treatment; but an intense white light, commonly referred to as IPL (intense pulsed light). Here at Raw Canvas we use the Sciton JOULE™, famous for being faster, safer and more effective than traditional IPL treatments. This intense light is filtered to different wavelengths based on which skin condition is being treated. The light is then absorbed by the target (veins, age spots etc.), destroying it and restoring skin to it’s natural tone and producing collagen resulting in a much more youthful appearance. BBL is used to treat a wide range of age-related concerns such as sun spots, age spots, fine lines & wrinkles, spider veins and uneven texture, as well as acne, rosacea and skin tone, making it an incredible course of treatment for a wide range of clients.
Ever watched an episode of Housewives and noticed how many necks and chests don’t match the baby-smooth well lasered faces residing above them? This is a major pet peeve of mine, and one of the reasons I always recommend clients pull their retinol and active ingredients down their neck and decolletage. Luckily, this skin-rejuvenation technology and the HERO handpiece can be used not only on the face, but to treat signs of aging on the neck, chest, and arms as well (goodbye wrinkly cleavage!).
About the treatments:
Forever Young BBL
BBL treatments are performed monthly, and most patients will require four treatments for best results. From there annual seasonal maintenance is encouraged to correct, prevent and stimulate the skin. Studies have shown that with yearly repeated treatments the DNA in your skin cells can actually be altered to represent a younger DNA profile, actually reversing the aging process. In a blind study of patient photos, dermatologists rated patients who had received regular Forever Young BBL treatments on average 9 years younger than their actual age.
Forever Clear BBL
Forever clear BBL is a unique three step process that destroys acne causing bacteria, and reduces inflammation & redness leaving clear, healthier skin. The treatment process uses BLUE BBL light to eliminate acne bacteria from deep in your pores, YELLOW BBL light to reduce inflammation & redness, and INFRA-RED light to promote and stimulate the body’s healing process. We recommend six treatments, two weeks for best results.
Skintyte BBL
SkinTyte BBL uses INFRA-RED technology to deeply heat the dermal layers stimulating new collagen, while using a sapphire cooling handpiece tio cool and protect the surrounding tissue. The rapid, gentle energy pulses delivered heat soft tissue and lead to a more youthful appearance. The combination of heating and cooling makes this revolutionary procedure one of the safe and cost effective.
BBL HERO
HERO (HIgh Energy Rapid Output) is the world's most powerful IPL device on the market. Itr delivers Intense Pulsed Light at 4x the speed, 3x the power, and 2x the cooling allowing for larger areas such as the chest, arms, legs and back effectively and, because of the power and speed much more affordably due to the time reduced in treating large areas compared to a traditional IPL handpiece.
Many of the hormonal changes we experience are due to small glands called the sebaceous glands, which produce and secrete an oily substance called sebum. These glands increase in size starting around puberty and continue to secrete the most sebum up until the age of 35. Changes to hormones can increase the production of sebum creating noticeably oilier skin that can lead to acne. But, teenagers aren’t the only ones dealing with hormonal acne; studies have shown that sebum production increases during both the week preceding menstruation, as well as during menstruation, causing acne or skin changes that cycle monthly. This is thought to be due to lower levels of estrogen in the body at this time, and is the reason doctors often prescribe a one-a-day birth control pill to increase estrogen and combat hormonal acne associated with your period. As skin can be acne-prone in the ten days leading up to your period, incorporating products like IS Clinical Active Serum and keeping pores clear with Zo Acne Treatment Pads can help battle hormonal acne.
Estrogen levels can also play a huge role in the appearance of your skin. Not only have low levels of estrogen around the time of menstruation been linked to increased production of sebum (and thus oily skin), but estrogen is also associated with increased collagen production, skin hydration, thickness and improved barrier function. Decreased estrogen also plays a huge factor in how your skin’s appearance can change during and after menopause. One of the most common complaints in perimenopausal women is dry, itchy skin. Estrogen stimulates the formation of collagen & oils, and many women notice lack of skin hydration and elasticity to be one of their greatest concerns as menopause approaches between the ages of 40 and 58. Products that stimulate collagen production such as topical retinoids (we love Zo Wrinkle & Texture repair) and quality clinical skincare such as Zo Firming Serum & IS Clinical Youth Intensive Creme can play a huge role in protecting and maintaining the integrity of your skin during this time.
Here at Raw Canvas, education is just as important as treatment in battling the hormonal effects of acne, pigmentation and aging. With one-on-one skin analysis and consultations Amanada and her team develop bespoke treatments plans to not just combat your current concerns, but provide skincare education and resources to ensure you never have to worry about your skin's cycles again. We got your back girl!
]]>During the winter months dull skin stems from lack of humidity in the cold, dry, winter air. Since the water content of your epidermis tends to directly reflect the level of humidity around it, and we all know how harsh the cold winter air can be; our Skin Master Amanda Massey is sharing a few expert tips and tricks to glow year round.
1 - The first step in getting your glow back is some quality exfoliation. You shed millions of skin cells a day, and unless you are doing something to actively get rid of them, they sit on your skin like a layer of dust; leaving you with a dull, greyish complexion. Treatments like dermalplaning, dermal infusion, and chemical peels remove the top layer of dead skin, and leave your canvas bright and fresh underneath. Combine a monthly treatment or medical facial with a 3x weekly at home exfoliating polish and there is no way Jack Frost can dull your sparkle!
2. Calm & soothe inflamed skin. Dry skin is damaged, and loss of hydration can lead to itchiness, redness and inflammation. Make sure that alongside your exfoliation regime you are treating damaged, inflamed winter skin. Products like Pro-Heath (a staff favorite!) can help repair and soothe your canvas for optimum glowey goodness.
3. Moisturize!! While this may seem like the most obvious step in hydration, it is important to note that not all moisturizers are created equal, and hydrated skin is not as simple as slapping some cream on! While any Raw Canvas junkie knows that Daily Power Defense is our daily go-to (hello, the name says it all!), products like Growth Factor Serum and Youth Intensive Creme provide powerful hydration and antioxidants to keep your complexion radiant. Trust us, the ‘I woke up like this’ glow of slathering on some Growth Factor before bed never ceases to wow us!!
4. No vacations? No problem! Ok well we might have a few problems with the current lack of Vitamin D, but we are faking our way though it over here. Personally we recommend quarantine self care in the form of slathering our entire being in an ample amount of Glow the second we step out of the shower! *home made Pinja Coladas encouraged with this step*
5. At home spa? Don’t mind if we do! Now that your skin is on that Jlo level glow treat yourself to some evening TLC. A hydrating mask or bedside humidifier will have you feeling like a whole new type of stay at home goddess!
Xo Amanda
]]>So how do they work? The molecules in Retinoids improve cellular regeneration, stimulate collagen and elastin, as well as exfoliate and fight free radicals. Sounds pretty great, hey? But what does that all mean? Let’s break it down. Collagen production in our skin starts to slow around age 25. Collagen is what makes your skin firm and plump, and a lack of it as we get older, combined with the natural loss of skin elasticity as we age, is what creates a loss of firmness and tightness in our skin, as well as wrinkles. Because it is lacking in elastin, mature skin has a tendency to wrinkle, crease, and mark more easily and for longer. By stimulating collagen production and cellular turnover Retinoids fight all those pesky signs of aging and help keep our skin looking and feeling firm, young, and supple.
While fighting signs of aging retinoids stimulate cellular turnover, clearing and reducing the appearance of pores, as well as battling acne and smoothing the skin. So we’ve got anti-aging, and smooth clear skin. That’s pretty great, right? But there’s one more pretty awesome benefit we can’t leave out. Retinol is also a powerful anti-oxidant, fighting the effects of stress, sun, and pollution on your skin.
Because the effects of retinoids on your skin can be so powerful, there is an adjustment period, and it is recommended that you integrate them into your skincare routine gradually. This period is often referred to as “The Retinol Uglies” as your skin can appear dry and irritated as it adjusts. Check out our tips below for how to integrate a Retinol into your routine!
Our favorite Retinol products at Raw Canvas are Zo Skin Health Wrinkle + Texture Repair, and Radical Night Repair. While both are .5% Retinol, Radical Night Repair is Anhydrous meaning it is going to be a bit more aggressive on the skin due to a lack of buffing agents. For this reason, we usually start patients on Wrinkle + Texture and move towards Radical Night repair as the patient's skin has become accustomed to a less harsh Retinoid. Due to the strength of Radical Night Repair, it can also be used as an at-home peel, and/or incorporated into your routine 1-3 times monthly for optimal cell turnover.
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Dermaplaning is a treatment that uses a tool to gently exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells and remove fine facial hair commonly known as “peach fuzz”. Dermaplaning can be used as an alternative to laser treatments and microdermabrasion, or along with them for an enhanced result. This procedure will give your canvas a more radiant appearance. Following the treatment, makeup application is smoother and other skincare products are able to penetrate deeper in turn making hem more effective.
Am I a good candidate?
The ideal candidate for Dermaplaning has aging, dry, rough, or uneven skin tone. Dermaplaning can also help with concerns of acne scars, fine lines and superficial hyperpigmentation. The procedure is not ideal for over active oily skin, or active acne.
Will it make the hair on my face grow back thicker and darker?
No. There are different types of hair that grow on the body; vellus hair and terminal hair. Vellus hair is found on most areas of the body, whereas terminal hairs are found on the scalp, underarms and pubic region. The soft and fine vellus hair grows back at it's original rate and texture.
Is the treatment safe?
This treatment is extremely safe. There is also no downtime associated with this procedure.
Does it hurt?
Dermaplaning is effective by performing a gentle scraping motion along the skins surface. It feels like gentle scraping and should not be painful.
What is the benefit of adding a chemical peel with Dermaplaning?
Hyperkeratosis is a build up of dead skin cells on the skins surface. By removing this initial layer, a chemical peel is able to penetrate deeper into the dermis resulting in a more effective treatment. The conjunction of dermaplaning and a chemical peel leaves the skin refreshed and rejuvenated. Promoting healthy new skin growth and targeting problems such as aging, sun spots and environmental damage.
How long is the treatment? How often can I have it done?
Dermaplaning takes anywhere between 15-20 minutes and should be performed every 4-5 weeks. The treatment itself removes approximately 21 days worth of dead skin so it is important to let your skin rejuvenate before your next appointment.
What if I have more questions?
Book in for a consultation!
]]>What are you looking most forward to in the new space?
Honestly, we are looking most forward to having our very own space and to giving that amazing experience to our clients. We want you, our clients to experience the end to end experience. You can come in early before your service and relax in our seating/waiting area, take a look at our new retail section and enjoy the views of beautiful Fort Langley. It's you, the clients who have helped build this dream, and it’s our chance to give back to you, with the experience of this incredible new space.
What are your hours for the new space?
Will there be a retail section?
Yes! We are so excited to display all of our amazing product lines that we carry at Raw Canvas. From iS CLINICAL, ZO Skin Health, to Luna Bronze. We will have all our products on display to allow you to test them all out.
Are you bringing in any new brands?
Yes, we are! New brands in the space will include: Woo More Play, Olaplex, Chelsea King scrunchies and Zensa numbing cream.
Is there a waiting area?
The new waiting area is a dream! Come early before your appointment and hang out on our beautiful blush couch surrounded by all the tropical plants, and treat yourself to a speciality coffee served to you by yours truly, Nicole!
Where do I park?
There are a few options to park near our new location. Behind the Young building right off Glover Rd, there is dedicated spots for you to park, with 2 hr time slots. Second place is there is excess parking at the Church across the street (please note do not park in the reserved spots), but feel free to park in the open spots!
What is the new address for the space?
The new address is 205-9084 Glover Rd, Fort Langley. We are located on the second floor unit 205.
Is the new space wheelchair accessible?
Will there be any exciting events hosted in the new space?
Once we get settled in the new space, we will be hosting bi-monthly evening education nights. These will look like a night of education, inspiring women in topics related from skin to nutrition to fashion. We are passionate about growing this amazing community around us. We will be promoting all our events on our social media (@rawcanvasskinbar), so stay tuned!
Are you going to be offering any new services?
Is there going to be any price increases?
We can't wait to see all of your beautiful canvases in the new space, and if we missed any of your questions comment below and we will be sure to answer them!
]]>As a young mom my first priority was my daughter. However, I always had a passion for skin. I was that friend when you were growing up who did everyone’s hair and make-up, and would play around with making my own masks and body scrubs. It all started with a love of beautiful things, which came natural to me as a libra. This lead me to a love for beauty, inside and out.
When my daughter was 1, I decided to go back to school to study aesthetics, to pursue my love for skin and make-up. After I finished the program I worked in various spas. I realized that the industry was not very customizable to an individual's needs, and was very robotic to an aesthetician performing the treatments. It would be a go-to of the same protocols no matter the age or the concern. It placed clients in stereotypes that would be the path of your treatment and home care. I believed there was more to it, so I started my first at home studio called “Taylor to You- Customized Spa Treatments” (named after my daughter Taylor). I performed customized treatments to each individual need, and use a pharmaceutical grade skin care line to create changes in the skin.
I eventually transitioned to medical aesthetics in a dermatologist office part time (while still having Taylor to You) to grow my education further. That is where my passion grew even stronger seeing the changes that medical skin care and devices could have on the canvas. As time went on I ended up becoming an educator for a company based out of Colorado, and decided I would focus on educating clients on the importance of mineral makeup and medical skin care. I stopped working at the dermatologist clinic and decided to close Taylor to you. I worked part-time doing what I love to do: being a mom and educating women and men on skin health.
In 2014 I went through a divorce, and having two children (12 years old and 15 months old) was forced to go full-time into a career that lasted 5 years in medical sales. I had the advantage of working alongside top plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and medical level spas and salons. About 2 years into my medical sales career I discovered that there was such a hole in the industry. There was so much confusion for clients on all the options available to them for treatments and skin care.
In July of 2016 I was sitting on my couch, burnt out from working 60-80 hours a week, trying to be the best mom possible. Believe me, being a single mom while having a demanding career, running kids to sports, and keeping in shape is like Martha Stewart or Michelle Obama on speed. I was forced to stay home due to shingles caused from extreme stress. But, from all bad things comes good things. Laying there that afternoon I started to think… there has to be more to this life! I always knew one day I would start something again and knew I needed to to maintain a life for my children and I. I had zero work life balance, I was stressed, on anxiety medication. and on the verge of a breakdown. I started to think... What is Beauty? What makes someone feel beautiful? What does every woman or man strive for when it comes to skin or feeling beautiful? Raw... what is Raw? "Raw is a natural state”, ok so everyone strives to be natural, have no makeup, look their best in the raw. I looked over beside me at canvas photos of my babies and thought, HOLY SHIT!- That’s it! Raw Canvas, a place of natural beauty. A place where first comes education, having an understanding of why. Having empathy and compassion for understanding the individuals needs, and finding the right solution with NO Bullshit. That is what I wanted Raw to be.
With all guts and glory I quit my full time job (and actually told my CEO to go F himself), and went full force in to starting this business. Three months later I was broke. I realized I needed more time to grow Raw. With my tail between my legs I went back to the company (thank god they took me back, as I was damn good at my job) and ran Raw in my spare time. In April of 2018, just two years after starting Raw I came to a crossroads, where I again was burning out. I was spending hours after work and weekends working in the studio, while travelling the province in my executive sales roll. I needed to make a decision. My clientele had grown exponentially and I was turning new clients away, and if you remember what happened last time I left my full time job.... I was scared shitless. What if I didn't make it? What if I failed? I had a family vacation planned to go to Cabo for two weeks. I told myself I would find my clarity there, and when I returned home I would have my answer. It was the most stressful vacation I had ever been on. Sleepless nights, praying to god to help me find my answer, checking my horoscope daily, trying to understand numerology...anything to give me what I was looking for. Holy shit was I terrified (but I must say it was a great way to stay slim on vacation).
It's needless to say, as I sit here 3 years later writing this blog and reflecting back on starting a business that had its challenges and bumps in the road. I did quit my full time job when I returned home, and gave Raw Canvas my heart and soul. I have never looked back, and I am so grateful for this journey and every single one of you that has been part of it along the way.
After more than ten years of being a stay-at-home mom it must have been a pretty dramatic transition to founding such a large business. What was the most difficult part of that transition, or the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
That’s a tough one. As I look back and reflect to when I was married to my first husband, I remember thinking how badly I wanted something of my own, to call my own. Something to brand me, as my own identity instead of just a stay-at -home mom. What I would give some days to be lazy with my babies (although they are not babies anymore at 18 and 7), and just have the luxury with waking up and in the moment, deciding what we do that day, or simply to be able to do nothing at all. I totally took that for granted in the past. I look back now and I’m not sure how I balance it all. I would say the biggest challenge is trying to find that balance. Trying to find those days to do something yet nothing, trying to be the best mom, wife, friend, sister, aunt, boss ... the list goes on. But there is one thing I know that keeps me grounded and that is I am humble. It’s funny, as far as we’ve come I still don’t see Raw Canvas as a large business!
In only a few short years you go from a home based business, to purchasing and building such an impressive studio space. Tell us a little about your growth during those home-business years, and why you decided to move the studio.
Working from home has truly been a blessing. It made me a little bit of a hermit, as I really never leave home (lol), but over all it has been a blessing. Growing the business didn't mean having to grow in to a new space that was a choice I made. I made the decision to move the studio in to Fort Langley to give back. Give back you may think? How? I wanted to create a beautiful space for clients to enjoy, just as much as I enjoy creating a beautiful canvas. The space in Fort Langley may be bigger, but the one-on-one care stays the same. This new space is very organic, natural and raw in design. This space tells a story, just as every canvas tells a life story. The story of one women who has a dream and this dream became a reality. And no matter what never gave up.
What happens next?
Next? Wow, it really is hard to believe in just five short weeks the doors will be open in the new space. As for next, I'm going to take some time to just enjoy this new chapter before I share what's next... and that's a whole other blog post! :)
Purchasing, designing, and developing the new studio must have been a pretty large undertaking on top of maintaining your current business and client list, what has been the greatest joy and the greatest hurdle in this project?
Each step has had it hurdles from the financing, to the design, to the build out. I really couldn't have done it without the help of my banker at RBC, Karin from House Of Bohn for the design, and my contractors Steve Hanzlick and Chad Swash. It has taken a small village to make this happen and I am ever so grateful for their help. I have to say the greatest hurdle and joy through this has been my husband Mike. He has watched me day in and day out go through every emotion with this journey, and has been my cornerstone. On days where I wanted to give up and was ready to have a break down he would hold me, and on days where I was beyond excited he was right there celebrating with me. On the days I was unsure if I could do this, he was there. He has been my biggest fan and biggest support. It has challenged our marriage, and there were times where I thought we wouldn't make it through but he has never given up on me or allowed me to give up on myself or this project.
Is there anything else about this journey, from teen mom to owning such a successful business and brand that you share with your Raw family?
Trust in God.
]]>In one form or another, pigmentation will affect over 80% of us at some time in our lives. Like almost all of the skin concerns we work to correct daily here at Raw, we offer both products and services to treat and correct pigmentation, and best results are usually achieved with a custom combination. Depending on the type, cause, and severity of your area of concern, treatment can take days, weeks, or even months. Some sun spots and areas of damage have occurred over years of exposure and will take a little time and TLC to reverse or repair. It is a common myth that these areas of discolouration can be scrubbed away with harsh exfoliation methods, however these can often make the spots worse, as they are inflicting trauma or irritation to the skin, a common cause of hyperpigmentation itself.
This October we're focusing on the Laser Photo Facial, an advanced laser treatment that safely provides colour correction while rejuvenating your skin. This 30 minute treatment can be done on your face, hands, décolleté, or any other exposed area you may have sun damage.
A great skincare system can help not only to treat pigmentation, but to protect & prevent future damage. Products like the Zo Skin Lightening Program, as well as iS Clinical Active Serum & White Bright Complex can be worked into a power packed custom skincare routine to fight any signs of pigmentation. We also recommend a retinol product such as Zo Wrinkle & Texture Repair, or Radical Night Repair to stimulate cell turnover and improve the skins colour tone.
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Cleanse
Cleansing is always the first step in both your daily and nightly routine. The best cleansers will wash away oil, dirt and make-up, without stripping your skin of it's lipped barrier (which helps protect your skin by keeping moisture in and the harsh elements out). We love the Zo Skin Health line of cleansers, which remove dirt, oil and impurities with a gentle foaming formula, leaving the skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
Tone
Both the Zo Calming Skin Toner, and Oil Control acne pads are our go-to for toning the skin after cleansing. The oil control pads are a crucial part of our acne-treatment program and work to remove oil, normalize pore size, help smooth skin’s surface and reduce irritation. For those without acne concerns we love the calming, Ph balanced toner which removes impurities and invigorates weak and sensitive skin.
Hydrate
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know what moisturizer does for your skin (hello, moisturizes it!). But understanding why it's so important and what product is right for your skin type and concerns just might be the most important thing you can do for your canvas. The right product will hydrate your skin, lock in moisture, and reinforce your skins protective barrier. While we strongly recommend a consult with our Skin Master Amanda Massey to determine which products will give you the best result, the Daily Power Defence by Zo Skin health is a staff favourite here at Raw Canvas.
PROTECT!
Protect, protect, protect. We can't say it enough. Sunscreen should be used daily to protect your canvas from the suns harsh rays year round. UV rays penetrate the clouds easily, making the cause of visible skin damage and cancer ever-present, even in the cold winter months. For more information about what types of sunscreen are best for your skin check out our blog post on Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens.
So now that you're following our first four Back to Basics steps daily, what's next? There's two more very important steps you don't want to miss out on!
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and debris that can clog your pores and leave you with dull looking skin. Your skin cells have a natural turn-over; as they continually generate new cells we are left with older cells on the surface that take longer to slough off. The process of exfoliation removes these, leaving younger, fresher looking skin below. There are many types of exfoliant, starting with chemical vs. physical. Chemical exfoliation includes treatments and products like acids & peels that chemically remove the top layer of the dermis. A physical exfoliant is when an actual tool is used to slough off the dead skin cells. a few examples of this are the magnesium crystals in our favourite Zo Exfoliating Polish, or the surgery-grade blade used by our Skin Master for dermalplaning all those dead cells away.
Correct
The last step in our back to basics routine is the one that often yields the most dramatic results in our clients: Correct. Correct encompasses all of the products used to target your specific skin concerns such as anti-aging, acne, rosacea and age spots. Products like iS Clinical Active Serum, which is touted by physicians as "remarkable", and "phenomenal", diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces uneven skin tone and blemishes, and gives the appearance of smaller pores (alongside a host if additional skin smoothing benefits). And then there is Pro-Health, also by iS Clinical with Vitamin C, D, A as well as powerful anti-oxidants to improve the appearance of compromised, blemish-prone, and aging skin.
Want to know more about what products are best for your personal "Back to basics" skincare routine? We offer both in-person, as well as phone consultations so you can schedule a custom consult with our Skin Master Amanda Massey wherever you are!
* The products recommended in this blog post are based on highlighting some of our favourite products and not intended as a custom plan for your specific canvas. Please schedule a consult to discuss your treatment plan with our Skin Master.
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