Who can resist popping a zit? Many of us do it, we just won’t admit to it. I have a magnifying mirror no less, so I can get rid of every last one of them. Those blackheads are unsightly too and are begging to be gone!
And I have the acne scars to prove it.
I am 55-years-old and I have had acne since I was a teenager. Seriously, there is no justice to be post-menopausal and having acne at the same time! When I was young, my mother sent me to a fancy dermatologist who put me on a skin regime. It worked for ten years, but then it stopped working. Could it be because as I aged, my skin changed? Duh. Then I had two children and spent the next 20 years raising them. Without a doubt, I neglected myself. What Mother doesn’t?
So I made up my mind to start taking care of my skin again. I was in need of a facial pick-me-up. Literally. Not only do I have acne and acne scarring, but my fine lines and wrinkles are no longer fine – they are crevices.
I did a lot of research before I decided on a place. I asked my friends who live in New Market for their opinions. Bradford Skin & Medical Spa came highly recommended. Now I know why.
The name “medical spa” scared me off at first. I figured I would be walking into a sterile environment like when you go to a doctor’s office. However, their lobby is warm and inviting – it almost envelopes you in a cocoon of security. And with their free consultation, they sit down with you and do a thorough analysis of your skin. Here’s what I liked best:
They didn’t preach at me like when I go to the dentist. They merely explained that when you pop your zits, the bacteria spreads all over your face. Yuck! I never thought about that. When you squeeze a pimple, you may inadvertently force the debris from the pore deeper into the follicle.
They don’t hard sell you. The aestheticianstruly care. It’s not all about the money to them and they don’t try and hard sell you. I explained to them that my budget was limited, and they suggested a program where I could do it in steps. They asked me what bothered me the most – my acne or my wrinkles. Without a doubt my acne and acne scars are the most embarrassing. So we’re going to tackle that first.
It’s not a one size fits all approach. Some medical spas only offer one type of treatment. .. They offer it all! For acne alone, they have three treatments — Laser Photorejuvention and chemical peel. And for my not so fine lines and wrinkles? There’s always Cosmetic Injectables!
They cleared up my misconceptions. I never use moisturizer because I have such oily skin. Unfortunately, the variety of acne products I was using on my face were making my acne worse. My regime of cleansing, scrubs and exfoliating products were making my skin even oilier than before! No matter what type of skin you have, a moisturizer is essential to hydrate your skin. They have a variety of products from the Dead Sea and the Priori and Obagi line.
They have awesome before and after pictures. It helps that the owner – Mia Liefso –is a walking advertisement for good skin care. She looks ten years younger than she actually is! And they have real life pictures of people they have helped. People like you and me who have numerous flaws, not young people who were gorgeous and flawless to begin with!
They have the latest technology. Every day, we read about improvements in skin care. There are always new dermal fillers coming out, and advanced technologies that are an improvement over prior procedures. Bradford Skin Clinic & Medical Spa purchased the UltraPlus Variable Pulsed light laser machine that is the most powerful one on the market.
When I walked out of my appointment, I had a huge smile on my face. I’m going to start with the laser treatments and slip a few chemical peels in between. And maybe my husband will get the not so subtle hints I have left him about getting Cosmetic Injectables for the holidays!
I’ll keep you informed about how it goes. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to at least get a free consultation. You’ll be amazed at what you learn about your skin … even old dogs like me can learn new tricks!
I have acne. You may have unsightly veins, cellulite that won’t budge, or hair on your face that you would like gone permanently. Call them at 647-333-6805 because that is within their expertise. Treat yourself. Pamper yourself. And don’t wait as long as I did!
P.S. That’s not my picture but I wish it was!
About The Author
Mia Liefso is a professional medical skin therapist and the owner of Bradford Skin Clinic & Med Spa in Bradford, Ontario. She has certifications in IPL, laser and ultrasound technologies, as well as body contouring and medical facial peels. Her professional interests include difficult skin conditions—premature aging, skin care for the elderly, endocrinology, and helping people love the skin they’re in. Her diverse personal interests include history, animals, roller derby, fast cars and gourmet cooking.
