What if you could visit a spa and rejuvenate your skin without the clinical atmosphere? You can. Medical spa services give you that youthful appearance in a relaxing setting. Here are some of the most common procedures you can expect from a med spa:



* Microdermabrasion

This is a milder and non-invasive version of dermabrasion which should be done in a medical facility. Microdermabrasion, however, is a very common procedure among medical spa services. Using a wand that blasts the skin with tiny bits of crystal and then vacuums them back up along with the skin cells. It slowly removes layers of skin and typically requires more than one session. This procedure is great for correcting dark spots and removing lines and mild wrinkles.

* Photofacials

This procedure uses pulse light therapy and heat to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It also works on other conditions like acne scarring and hyper-pigmentation. The heat and light work to promote natural collagen formation in the skin. Collagen is what gives the skin its elasticity and volume.

* Laser Skin Treatments

There are several types of laser treatments commonly used in med spas. Fraxel, CO2 and Erbium laser treatments are some of the latest technologies. These lasers penetrate the layers of skin and either kill or wound the affected area. The dead skin comes off, revealing fresh new skin layers. The type of treatment and laser used determines how deep and traumatic the results. Results are noticeable after one treatment, but if your wrinkles and dark spots are moderate to severe, it will take more than one session.

* Chemical Peels

This treatment's active ingredient is glycolic acid. It is applied to the face and allowed to sit and penetrate the skin. When it is removed, a layer skin is sloughed off.

* Injectable Fillers

These products should be administered by a dermatologist or the plastic surgeon on staff. Botox, Restylane and other fillers are commonly used at med spas and are a popular lunchtime fix for lines and wrinkles.

While these medical spa services are medical grade procedures, the staff makes every effort to disguise this fact by using soft lighting, warm colors, soothing music and scents. They also try to incorporate a little pampering because these procedures can be quite uncomfortable and maybe painful. A hand, arm and neck massage helps distract from the discomfort sometimes felt during the facials, peels and other procedures.

If you decide to partake of medical spa services, check out the facility and make sure there is a physician overseeing the facility and performing the more invasive procedures. Also make sure the dermatologists, nurses and aestheticians are licensed and trained on the equipment. Certificates and diplomas should be displayed, but if not, don't be afraid to ask. Do this and you can sit back, relax and enjoy your journey to a younger looking you.