frequently asked questions

What is the Clarisonic brush?  It sounds like a toothbrush!

In fact, the Clarisonic was designed by the same person who invented the Sonicare toothbrush. Using similar principles, this is a cleansing brush that oscillates 300 times per second as you cleanse your skin. We are using it to prep patients for skin treatments as we found it far superior than manual cleansing as far as removing makeup. Cleaner skin means less sebum, and diminished pore size. Skin care products penetrate better. In fact, one study indicated 61 percent greater absorption of Vitamin C products. Our acne patients feel that using the Clarisonic is helpful in their skin care regimen. It has also found favor when used on the arms by patients who suffer from Keratosis Pilaris, fancy term for dry itchy bumps. In short, the Clarisonic has found favor with us not as a fluff toy, but as a tool that has a place in our toolbox and helps us and patients in a variety of ways.

Is there anything you can recommend to treat sunburn?

Most people attempt to treat sunburn with a combination of therapies. Cool soaks/compresses plus anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or Aleve can help take some of the sting away. Aloe and other moisturizers can help healing skin feel more comfortable. Although hydrocortisone cream can be applied to sooth skin, it is not advised for young children unless recommended by a physician. Similarly, aspirin should not be given to younger teens or children due to concerns of causing Reye's Syndrome.  One promising treatment we have found is applying SkinCeuticals C&E. When used early and frequently on sunburns most patients report around an 80 percent reduction in discomfort. Important! Leave any blisters intact or you risk infection and slow the healing process!

Can fish oil help my skin?

There are studies out there that support the link between fish oil and skin health.  EPA, a component of fish oil, has been found helpful in reducing photoaging, thinning of skin, and wrinkle formation. It may be protective against some of the UV rays we are exposed to daily. Fish oil has been suggested to have many benefits for overall health. If you are considering adding a fish oil supplement to your daily regimen it is best to do a little research as to the source of the fish oil for any given brand. Look for those labeled to be free of PCBs and heavy metals.

What options do you have for Rosacea?  I am tired of turning red and sometimes it feels as though my face is burning!

Rosacea is a skin condition that cannot be cured; however there are some ways we can help control the symptoms.  First, education and strategies to avoid flaring of Rosacea are important. Laser treatments of the face and other involved areas help decrease the redness associated with Rosacea. This helps improve the flushing and also the burning that frequently accompanies the reaction. Most patients require 3 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Some require more than three, and definitely expect a maintenance treatment once or twice a year as the Rosacea is more controlled, not cured. Finally, we have been very happy with the Rosaclear skin care system from Obagi. It combines ingredients in a cleanser and moisturizer that are helpful in calming skin and also uses Metronidazole. Our patients have been very pleased overall with this combination.

I am noticing quite a bit of sun damage on my skin.  I have red-colored areas on my face and the brown spots keep getting more plentiful.  What can I do to get rid of them?

The effects of sun on skin are multiple. We lose elasticity, form patchy color changes, age spots, and yes, even small red vessels.  First of all, it is important to identify any precancerous or cancerous lesions on skin prior to beginning a treatment regimen by talking to your physician. Additionally you need to rule out other issues, such as rosacea, that may be contributing to the problem. Ideally, you would start by targeting the brown using a combination of broadband light to "shock" the pigment and bring it to the surface so it can slough off. Since brown has memory you would then need to use specific skin care to help keep the brown from reforming. Once the brown is reduced, you can then target the red vessels, which lie deeper within the skin, using a different broadband light filter. Daily application of sunscreen SPF 30 containing some form of physical sunblock is a must for best, long-term results. Make an appointment with me or one of our aestheticians for a free consultation by calling 218-824-6666.

What is a photofacial?

photofacial is a catch-all term for a light-based treatment that is applied to the whole face.  Lasers or Intense Pulse Light (IPL) devices can be used for photofacials. In general, a photofacial is designed to help improve skin tone and signs of aging along with sun damage. Depending on the device used, the preferred target for the photofacial can vary.  Some are better at brown spots, some are better for red spots. Interestingly, in the process of treating the patient for the above, collagen formation is often stimulated which results in better skin tone overall. One photofacial is helpful but a general rule of thumb is a minimum of three treatments for best visible results, especially if improving skin laxity is a goal. Due to the variety of treatment devices available and the variations in how they target specific issues, it is advisable for patients to do some research before deciding on a specific treatment plan. A good thing about photofacials?  Most of them require minimal to no downtime afterwards. Call us to schedule your free consultation at 218-824-6666.

I have several moles on my face and wondered if a laser treatment would be able to get rid of them or make them lighter?

Moles, unfortunately, are not candidates for light based treatments.  Moles can in some instances change over time and become cancerous.  Exposing them to laser or intense pulsed light could theoretically hasten such a change.  Surgical removal is an option, but one must consider the potential for scar formation after removal. Finally, remember to regularly have moles checked for changes in color and character that may indicate a developing melanoma. To learn more, call Soulstis Med Spa at 218-824-6666. For great specials, visit our website at www.soulstismedspa.com

I am 55 and have noticed what looks like white-head pimples on my face. Nothing seems to help. What might these be?

What you are describing may very well be milia. They are small white-colored cysts that can form in the skin. Triggers for milia include sun damage and trauma. Even skin care products can contribute to their formation. They are not cancerous, though they are often annoying to those that develop them. Milia are capable of spontaneously clearing on their own. Do not use harsh/abrasive scrubs on your skin in hopes of clearing them. One possible treatment is to have them gently incised and drained by an aesthetician or your physician. It is important to have your physician look at your skin to make certain they are milia, and not something that may need a biopsy. Soulstis Med Spa provides a comprehensive approach to fulfilling your aesthetic needs, specializing in advanced laser treatments, injectable therapies and professional cosmetics. For a free consult call 218-824-6666.

My skin is clear and looks good without makeup in most lights, but real bright lights make me look terrible with imperfections magnified 100 times. Why is this? And what can I do to look good in every light?

Lighting has a variety of effects on skin tone and texture. Depending on the type of lighting, you may see warm, glowing skin in the mirror, or you may want to quickly turn the lights off. Fluorescent light is one of the worst offenders. Without getting too technical, this phenomenon is related to the particular light's spectral composition and how the color components are balanced. In turn these variants have differing effects on perceived skin characteristics. One's best bet is to maintain healthy, well-hydrated skin. Makeup, when appropriate, should be of good quality and well-matched to the individual as well as applied in a room filled with strong, natural light for best effect. For those not blessed with overall clear skin tone and texture it is possible to consider laser/IPL/topical treatments to help target pigment, redness, tone and texture issues that are only magnified under poor light sources.

I have a friend who started to use Latisse for her lashes. It seems to be working, her lashes look great.  But what is Latisse and is it safe?

Originally used in an eye drop medication for glaucoma, the active ingredient in Latisse was found to encourage the growth of thicker and longer eyelashes.  Latisse likely affects the growth stage in lashes by increasing the number of hairs in growth phase and the actual length of time the lashes remain actively growing.  Used properly, the vast majority of patients reported dramatic improvement in the appearance of their lashes in several studies.  Latisse is applied just above the lash line once a day initially.  After 2-3 months, most users can maintain their lashes by continuing Latisse 2-3 times a week.  It also appears to be effective in encouraging thicker eyebrows. Patients with glaucoma or other eye pressure issues may not be able to use Latisse. As with any medication potential side effects exist but appear to be rare.  Anyone considering using Latisse is encouraged to come in for a consult to go over proper application techniques and have any other questions answered!

Can I have laser treatments during the summer?

One can have laser treatments at any time of the year. However, in the summer months you should take some extra precautions. Laser and other light-based devices use heat to treat patients, whether for hair, sunspots, wrinkles, etc. Treated skin has a higher risk of hyper-pigmenting (developing a darker, browner color) when it is exposed to the stronger summer sun. A proper sunscreen with physical block has to be applied diligently to treated areas faithfully, particularly for 4-6 weeks post-treatment.  A good hat and SPF provided by clothing also goes a long way to keep hyper-pigmentation at bay. Of course we recommend everyone put on daily sunscreen, laser treatment or not.  Preventing damage is much easier than trying to fix it down the road!

I have some small rough areas on my face.  Years ago I had similar ones frozen off at a doctor’s office.  They went away but one area is still lighter than the rest of my face since the treatment.  I am afraid to get these frozen in case it happens again.

Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin) frequently occurs after freezing skin lesions with liquid nitrogen.  In some cases hyperpigmentation and redness can also be seen. Usually, hypopigmentation is temporary, but in some cases it is permanent. It is difficult to predict who will have the permanent form, although it seems thinner, more sun-damaged skin increases the risk.  Anytime someone has lesions frozen there is a chance of this happening.  It would be best to have your skin evaluated by a skin specialist and discuss potential treatment options that might avoid further pigment changes. Stop in or call Soulstis Med Spa for your free consultation at 218-824-6666. We’re located in the Grizzly Center, Baxter.

How well can you treat hair?  Is it permanent?

Unwanted hair is a common complaint. Laser systems are used to reduce hair and the number of treatments will vary greatly depending on the patient. Darker hair responds best. Blonde or gray hair cannot be treated. For certain, patients should plan on around 6 treatments for best results. Unfortunately, hormonal influences and other factors may make patients more resistant to hair reduction and thus require more treatments. An 80 percent reduction in total hair is the overall goal when the treatment series is through. It is important to remember that periodic maintenance will be needed in most people. However, the treated area should have lighter, finer hair in the long run.

A few years ago I had laser hair treatment which worked great….but it hurt.  I would like to get another area treated but am afraid of going through that again. Has it gotten any better?

Whenever you try to treat hair with Laser or IPL, there is always some degree of discomfort. It HAS gotten better! One of the reasons we added the Sciton laser system to our arsenal was due to its ability to cool and protect the skin during laser hair treatments.  We found it to be about 70-80 percent less uncomfortable than other laser systems.  Additionally, it has a BBL device that also treats hair. We like to use BBL for lighter, finer hair, particularly in patients that have finished a series of laser hair treatments for coarser hair. The BBL handpiece has great cooling and is also much more tolerable than older systems.

What are your thoughts on sunscreen?  I know I should use it but I find them greasy and they make my face sticky.

This is one of my favorite topics!  I love sunscreen and have been using it daily since 1989. It is paying off now in the form of less wrinkles. One should use sunscreen EVERY DAY, even in winter. It’s the daily sun and light exposure that gets us in the long run. You can experience sun damage in the car, even inside buildings. We recommend a factor 20 to 30 SPF and prefer sunscreens that include a physical sunblock such as zinc or titanium. The best sunscreens are formulated to be non-greasy and don’t make you look like a ghost. A new favorite of ours is by Colorescience and is actually a powder that disappears into the skin. Also, we offer patients a chance to try before you buy, so you find something you like to use.

I have some areas of brown on my face, chest, and hands.  I have tried products from the store, and even had some special treatments at a doctor’s office and have not seen much improvement at all. Suggestions?

Brown discoloration is usually a result of cumulative sun damage we have experienced in our lifetime. Sometimes hormones and other factors complicate things.  It can be very frustrating to treat.  Even when sun spots/freckles improve with laser, IPL, or skin care, it is important to remember that there is memory down in the skin and if the area is exposed to light these same spots will return.  Because of that, we favor a dual approach.  For instant gratification, we usually recommend several treatments of BBL which helps toast the spots and get the pigment out of the upper layers of skin.  The addition of hydroquinone topically 2-3 times a week helps during the treatment process and afterwards as maintenance to keep the melanin controlled.  Smart sun exposure is a must after these treatments to maintain good results.  Maintenance treatments are to be expected but may not be required.

What exactly is BOTOX® and what results can I expect?

BOTOX® procedures treat the persistent lines between the brow and around the eyes and forehead. It is a natural, purified protein that is administered into the muscles that cause fine lines to form.

BOTOX® blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles, which results in relaxed muscles and younger, smooth, more natural-looking skin. BOTOX® does not freeze your skin, but allows you to frown, smile or look surprised with decreased furrows, creases and wrinkles. Unlike surgery, BOTOX® is minimally invasive and requires no downtime or recovery. Results last up to four months.

My skin looks dull and dreary.  I’m in my 30s and the aging process is starting.  What could I do to help myself look and feel better about myself?

One way is to start out with a chemical peel.  Peels are safe and effective exfoliation procedures that remove several layers of dead skin cells revealing new, healthier cells with little to no recovery time.  Peels reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve the texture of environmentally damaged skin, even out skin tone, help control acne, and minimize acne scarring.

 Remember you have to maintain a good skincare program at home using the correct products for your skin and wear a good sun block for best results.

I have facial hair above my lip and on my chin. I am on a fixed income and would like to know if removal of this annoying stuff is within my means. 

Hair reduction can be different for everybody. As a rule we know it will take at least 3 sessions, that’s why we offer a discount if you buy a pre-paid package of 3. It is not surprising though for it to take up to 6 sessions, maybe even more.  It all depends on how many hairs are in each follicle.

We know as women, how embarrassing it can be to have that unsightly hair growing on your face. Our goal is to try and help women afford laser hair removal on their face! 

Is there any scarring that occurs when a person has facial hair removed by a laser?

My friends are trying to get me to quit smoking cigarettes. They say it is causing my skin to look old and wrinkly. Could this really happen?

Your friends are right! Studies are showing that smoke is now considered more harmful to your skin than the sun. Cigarette smoking causes biochemical changes in our bodies that accelerate aging. Studies show that facial wrinkling, while not visible, can be seen under a microscope in smokers as young as 20. 

For those that already have visible skin damage from smoking, there are skin care procedures and products available to help get your skin in a more healthy state.

I have lines on the sides of my cheeks that I can’t figure out how and why they are there.  I wear moisturizer and sunscreen. Is there anything else I can do?

What you may be referring to are called sleep lines.  Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night for years on end also leads to wrinkles. These wrinkles eventually become etched on the surface of the skin and no longer disappear when the head is not resting on the pillow. Women, who tend to sleep on their sides, are most likely to see these lines appear on their chin, cheeks, and upper chest.  Men tend to notice these lines on the forehead since they are more likely to sleep face-down. 

The ultimate answer is to sleep on your back, but we can help you soften and plump up these lines with skin fillers and laser treatments.  

As a teenager, my husband suffered from terrible cystic acne. Our teenage daughter is now showing signs. Is there anything that can help?

Studies show that acne can be inherited. Levulon is a treatment now available for treating moderate to severe acne and sun-damaged skin. Levulon is topically applied to the skin and activated by our V-Beam laser. It is selectively absorbed into fast growing, rapidly metabolizing epidermal cells. Temporary stinging, itching, redness and edema are common with treatments. Excellent results are noted after several treatments.

Levulon is an alternative for those who have failed antibiotic therapy or those who wish to avoid long-term exposure to antibiotics. Patients treated usually have improvement in fine lines, acne scars, brown spots/pigmentation, and reduced pore size. 

What causes skin tags? Are they covered by insurance to have surgically removed?

Skin tags first may appear as a tiny soft bump on the skin. Over time, it grows into a flesh-colored piece of skin attached to the skin surface by a stalk. Located on various parts of the body, skin tags are generally non- cancerous. Skin tags typically appear during the aging process. They are more common in women, especially after pregnancy. With a tendency to run in families, there is no way to prevent them.

Doctors can remove skin tags easily; however, it is considered a cosmetic concern so most health insurance plans will not cover the removal of skin tags. 

I would like to know if laser hair removal is permanent or is it something you will have to do for the rest of your life.

There is NO hair removal method (including Laser) which can guarantee anybody “permanent hair removal”.  Due to hormonal stimulation it is possible after 2-3 years that there may be some hair regrowth in the treated area.

After 4 to 6 treatments the total amount of hair is greatly reduced-generally by 70%-90% and hair that grows is often much finer and lighter in color.  Most people are very pleased with this improvement.

We do know that stable, long term hair reduction commonly lasts for at least 2 years, and many patients who had their last treatment 6 or 7 years ago are still enjoying a high degree of hair reduction.

I have breast cancer and have just finished my chemotherapy and radiation treatments, how should I adjust my skin care?  There is so little information out there regarding this.

The major skin side effects after chemo or radiation treatments are dryness and sensitivity, so it’s very important that you keep your skin and lips well moisturized.  For a few weeks some people experience what is known as radiation dermatitis, when the skin is inflamed and sensitive to the touch. Avoid any kind of exfoliation and sleep with your head elevated, this can reduce puffiness in the face.  A good sun block is a MUST, no matter what the weather!

Chemo suppresses the immune system, so DON’T share makeup, skin-care products or tools. Mineral powder makeup is an excellent choice as it is preservative-free, and bacteria can’t exist in a pure mineral environment.  A topical antioxidant that protects the skin against environmental stress is also a good idea. 

My husband gets razor bumps and ingrown hairs on his neck from shaving.  It really bothers him. Is their anything you could recommend for him to do?  

We have helped a lot of men and women with these problems, it’s very common.  Our lasers, the new SCITON™ Profile® and our Gentle Yag are fast and efficient in helping to get rid of unwanted hairs from all parts of the body. A simple procedure requiring a few treatments is all you need.  Even after one he will be pleasantly relieved.  The big question is always “Does it hurt?”  The best answer is it feels like a rubber band snap.  We recommend a numbing cream which we can make available to you, or icing before procedure it really helps take away a lot of the tingling.

Over the weekend I saw an infomercial on a product that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and make you look like you have had a face lift, can this really work?

My husband has an extremely hairy back. Is there any help for him? He is very self-conscious and won’t even go swimming with the family if other people are around.

YES, there is help! We deal with this a lot, and with great results, resulting in many happy, hairless men. Best thing to do is come in for a free consult. There is no reason your husband shouldn’t be out enjoying activities along with everyone else! We provide laser hair removal in a very relaxed and confidential atmosphere.

Do you have a procedure that will help minimize adult acne?

YES, there are several different procedures depending on the severity of your acne. Vibradermabrasions  and chemical peels are both very effective. Laser, which can help with severe cases, along with the use of Levulon is most effective. And, as always, it is up to you to follow through with good skin care at home, by using the proper products for your skin. All of which we can help you with.

The last time I had laser done on my facial veins I had so much bruising I couldn’t go anywhere for over 2 weeks. What happened?

Laser treatments of blood vessels often cause bruising. Bruising varies depending on the individual patient and type of laser. At our center we use the Vbeam laser. By heating targeted vessels more gently, the Vbeam’s ultra-long pulse duration minimizes problematic purpura [bruising] without compromising the desired results. The Vbeam laser also works well on periorbital wrinkles (crow’s feet), various vascular lesions – such as angiomas (red marks) and scars, port wine stains and leg veins. Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser hair removal are also available.

I have been diagnosed with Rosacea when I thought it was just adult acne. Do you have any products or treatments that would help? I would love to come in for a consult if that is possible to discuss any options.

Rosacea is a chronic disorder of the skin which typically begins after age 30. You will experience redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. Over time the skin becomes ruddier and visible blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop. Our Vbeam laser has proven over and over to substantially reduce and often eliminate the redness and flushing that is so problematic. Rosacea should be treated as early as possible to help prevent progression of the condition and worsening of symptoms. We also have a wonderful skin care line to help maintain and protect your delicate skin. We offer a free consult to everyone, so call us now so we can get started on giving you healthier skin!

I have all sorts of little red veins on my face. Is there anything I can do to get rid of them? I also have veins on my legs that look very similar to the ones on my face.

What you’re referring to is called Telengectasias or facial and nasal spider veins. Similar veins are found on the legs called spider veins. These tiny broken veins in the face cause a persistent flushed look and have the visual effect of aging the face. They are worsened by heat, alcohol, tobacco and sun. With our Vbeam laser, we can easily and comfortably treat both areas. Skin that is prone to these broken vessels should be treated gently and cared for with mild skincare products that we also carry. Sunscreens and hats will afford a level of protection that will help maintain your cleared skin during and after treatment.

What is the difference between UVB and UVA rays that we are hearing so much about?

A good way to help you remember is UVB (burning rays) are responsible for sunburn.  UVA (aging rays) are long range rays that cause photoaging and are directly linked to skin cancers.  To protect your skin from both UVA and UVB radiation, you have to stay out of the sun, or use proper precautions like sunblock.  Remember, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the sun’s rays are strongest, so it’s important to limit your activity to shady areas whenever possible. Also, approximately one million new cases of skin cancer are reported annually in the United States. Some 40,000 cases will be diagnosed as Melanoma, so proper protection is KEY!  We carry SkinCeuticals sunscreens so you can still enjoy the nice weather and know you’re protected. 

Can you please explain what Mineral Powder Makeup is? Is it healthier makeup than you can buy in a drug store?

A true mineral powder like ours is all natural and has healing qualities that allows skin to breathe and is recommended for all types of skin, including acne, rosacea, hyper pigmentation, sensitive skin, distended capillaries, and post laser redness.  Also our powders are talc free, fragrance free, oil-free, dye-free, bismuthoxychloride-free and noncomedogenic.  We would love to help you out, please come in for a free consult.

What are the available options for removing facial hair? Does it work? I have tried over the counter products and my unwanted hair seems to be multiplying.

We now use two different lasers for hair removal. Depending on the size of the area will determine which laser we use. Hair has to be dark in color in order for it to be effective. We have had excellent results from the many happy patients we have treated. All of our consults are free so please give us a call so we can determine what your needs may be.   

I am almost 50 and have visited multiple med spas to see what can be done about the worsening wrinkles around my mouth. Every one of them recommends a different treatment plan. I am frustrated and wonder what to do.

First of all, most conditions we encounter can be treated in a variety of ways. What a particular clinic may recommend stems from their own experience, comfort level and what they have in their arsenal of treatment options. There is a tendency to encourage a patient to use services offered at that site, rather than referring to another site. We encourage patients to ask questions and independently research treatment options on their own to avoid such bias.

Secondly, perioral wrinkles are tough to treat. We now prefer to use our new SCITON® Profractional HC hand piece to attack these. Soulstis Med Spa is one of only two clinics in Minnesota to use the SCITON®. This laser stimulates deep collagen formation like no other fractional device we have tested. Juvederm® and Botox® may be used to find tune the results.