Journey to the Crown: Supporting Miss Washington’s Inspiring Quest

Journey to the Crown: Supporting Miss Washington’s Inspiring Quest

by | Aug 11, 2023 | Beauty Routines, Miss Washington, Personal Interest, Skin Care

We are beyond thrilled to share with everyone that Camas Medspa has been chosen by Miss Washington, a beacon of strength and beauty, to be her Official Medspa Sponsor.

As she embarks on her journey to the prestigious Miss America Pageant, we are honored to be by her side, ensuring she feels radiant both inside and out.

Hailing from Prairie High School in Battle Ground and currently serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Miss Washington, also known as Vanessa Munson, has a story that is truly inspiring. Recently featured in The Reflector, Munson’s journey from Miss Clark County to Miss Washington showcases her relentless spirit and deep desire to make a positive difference in the world.

“…It’s a very surreal feeling to now be able to represent an organization that has completely formed me into the woman I am today… It’s a tremendous scholarship organization and it’s super empowering for young women.” – Vanessa Munson, as quoted from The Reflector.

 

Camas Medspa official sponsor of Vanessa Munson Miss Washington

An Elegant Warrior

Miss Washington Vanessa Munson

Vanessa Munson’s commitment to community service is evident in her initiative,

“Beauty and beyond: What is your beautiful?”

Partnering with impactful organizations like Girls Incorporated and Dress for Success, she strives to empower women and young girls from the inside out, a message that resonates deeply with our ethos here at Camas Medspa.

Along with this, her effort to donate hearing-impaired Barbie dolls at a statewide level showcases her dedication to making beauty inclusive and accessible to all.

What makes Munson’s journey even more remarkable is her dual representation –Vanessa embodies the spirit of the Miss America Organization while also serving our country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army.

With a continuous zeal for learning, Munson is pursuing her bachelor’s in business management with a minor in marketing, all while planning to further serve her nation as a program management analyst with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On The Road To Miss America

As we stand alongside Vanessa on her road to Miss America, our campaign,

“Radiant Journeys with Miss Washington,”

will provide you exclusive behind-the-scenes access, expert insights, and highlights of the treatments she chooses to enhance her natural beauty.

We invite you to join us over the next few months, cheering for a woman who not only dreams big but relentlessly pursues those dreams. In Munson’s own words,

“…truly believing in yourself is the best thing that you can do.”

Together, let’s champion that spirit and belief.

To know more about Miss Washington’s journey, visit misswashington.org/.

Citation: Excerpts and information sourced from Munson’s feature in The Reflector.

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One Month to Radiant Skin: 5 Essential Skin Care Treatments for Brides-to-Be

One Month to Radiant Skin: 5 Essential Skin Care Treatments for Brides-to-Be

by | May 20, 2023 | Beauty Routines, Wedding

bridal facial

One Month to Radiant Skin: 5 Essential Skin Care Treatments for Brides-to-Be

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As a bride-to-be, you want to look and feel your best on your wedding day. That means paying extra attention to your skin care routine and considering professional skin care treatments to help you achieve a glowing, radiant complexion. Here are 5 skin care treatments our brides-to-be (and their MOB, MIL, Bridesmaids and more) love to ensure they have smooth, even, glowing skin on the big day!

RF Microneedling

RF Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. The microneedles create tiny punctures in the skin, which stimulate collagen production and trigger the skin’s natural healing process. The RF energy heats the skin, helping to tighten and firm the skin. RF Microneedling can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun d,amage.

The Potenza RF Microneedling treatment is by far the most popular girl in the school here at Camas Medspa. Unlike other RF Microneedling machines that I won’t name here (however, just ask next time we meet) the Potenza by Cynosure won’t make you running for the hills in pain.

The Potenza technology allows for a pain free treatment with little to no downtime while still enjoying the RF Microneedling benefits and results! As with most RF treatments, 3 rounds are suggested, however even after just 1 you will see great results!

 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have a scary name, but there are different levels peels so it is important to choose the one that is right for your skin, time-frame, and comfort level.

Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin to remove the outer layer of damaged skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin. There are different strengths of chemical peels available, depending on the level of exfoliation needed. Chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. However, they may require some downtime, so it is important to plan accordingly.

  1. Superficial or light chemical peels: These are the mildest form of chemical peel, which use a mild acid, such as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), to exfoliate the outer layer of skin. Superficial peels are often used to treat mild acne, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and sun damage. They usually require little to no downtime, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately.
  2. Medium chemical peels: These peels penetrate deeper into the skin than superficial peels and use stronger acids, such as glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), to remove the outer and middle layers of skin. Medium peels are often used to treat more severe acne scarring, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. They may require several days of downtime, during which patients may experience redness, swelling, and peeling.

It’s important to note that the type of chemical peel that’s best for you will depend on your skin type, concerns, and desired results. The Advanced Estheticians at Camas Medspa can discuss which treatment is best for you during your initial consultation.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a non-invasive procedure that uses laser technology to stimulate collagen production and resurface the skin, improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. It is a great option for brides who want to achieve more dramatic results and have some downtime to recover (1-10 days depending upon the treatment).

Below are our most popular Skin Resurfacing Treatments:

  1. Fraxel Laser Resurfacing
  2. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
  3. Laser Genesis
  4. IPL/LG Combo

Each of these treatments uses lasers to address the outer layer of damaged skin, stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells for a smoother, more even complexion. It’s important to consult with a licensed and experienced provider to determine which treatment is best for your specific skin concerns.

Dermaplaning Facial Treatment

Dermaplaning is a non-invasive facial treatment that uses a sterile surgical blade to gently exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face. This results in a smoother, brighter complexion and allows for better absorption of skin care products. Dermaplaning is a great option for brides who want to achieve a more even skin tone and a flawless makeup application on their wedding day.

This would be a great treatment to get about 2 weeks before your big day!

wedding prep
Hands, hands, hands
Amidst all the wedding preparations, brides often overlook one important detail—their hands. On your wedding day, your hands will be prominently featured in countless photographs, especially when showcasing your beautiful wedding ring. To ensure that your hands look as radiant as your smile, consider medspa treatments add-ons specifically designed for hand rejuvenation. Light peels can be an excellent option to improve skin texture and tone, diminishing any signs of sun damage or aging. Additionally, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments can effectively target and reduce sunspots or age spots, leaving your hands looking youthful and even-toned. Another fantastic treatment to consider is Laser Genesis, which stimulates collagen production, tightens the skin, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles on your hands. By including these medspa treatments in your bridal beauty regimen, you can confidently show off your stunning engagement ring with hands that match their splendor.

The Flawless Finish Facial

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All of our consultations are complimentary so if you are unsure as to which treatment you need to get ready for your special day, sit with one of our providers and they will guide you in the right direction based upon your needs!

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6-Month Countdown to the Big Day: A Skin Care Plan for Brides-to-Be

6-Month Countdown to the Big Day: A Skin Care Plan for Brides-to-Be

by | Jan 18, 2023 | Beauty Routines

Congratulations on your engagement!

Whether you are inviting 10 people or 1,000 (do people do this?) to CELEBRATE YOUR BIG DAY one constant is that…

every bride,

groom,

bridesmaid,

and even MOB

wants to have perfect skin to compliment what is sure to be A PERFECT DAY!

As you start planning for your wedding, it is imperative to include a comprehensive skin care plan in your countdown. This will give you time to clear up your skin, smooth out your wrinkles, maybe plump up the lips a bit or even add in a body sculpting session or two.

Everyone has different skin care issues, however if you start early you can take the skin stress out of the equation and show up to your day with glowing skin (and no zits please!)

Here’s a 6-month countdown to help you achieve the perfect bridal glow:

 

6 Months Out: This is the time to get a Consultation and Skin Analysis!

Meet with a Master Esthetician to evaluate your current skin condition and determine any specific concerns or issues that need to be addressed.

A Master Esthetician will have all of the tools, experience, and skills at her disposal to handle all skin issues. More extreme concerns such as acne, scarring, rosacea, etc. can often only be addressed with treatments such as lasers, Aviclear, or microneedling – all of which are outside the scope of facialists, estheticians, and even some dermatologists.

A personalized skin care plan will be developed based on the consultation that will start you on the Road to Glow!

5 Months Out: Facials, Peels, Microneedling, Aviclear – Begin a regular schedule of facials and peels to exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten the skin. This is also the time to address any specific concerns such as acne, pigmentation, or fine lines.

More serious skin conditions such as Cystic Acne, Acne Scarring, Chronic Redness, and for older Brides or MOBs – lack of collagen, wrinkles etc can be fixed with skin resurfacing, Aviclear™ and Sculptra or Fillers.

If you haven’t already started Laser Hair Removal, this is the time to begin!

4 Months Out: Laser Treatments – Depending on your specific concerns, laser treatments such as IPL, Laser Genesis, Fraxel or other laser treatments may be recommended.

3 Months Out: Injectables – Consider injectables such as Botox or dermal fillers to help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the overall appearance of the skin.

2 Months Out: Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels – Begin a schedule of microdermabrasion and chemical peels to further exfoliate and brighten the skin.

1 Month Out: Final Touch-ups – Schedule a final consultation with the esthetician or dermatologist to ensure that your skin is looking its best on your wedding day. Any last-minute touch-ups or maintenance treatments may be recommended.

BONUS 1 week before the BIG DAY: A final facial treatment with a Dermaplaning is a great idea right before your wedding. Dermaplaning is a type of exfoliation that also removes the vellus hair on your face which will enable your Wedding Day makeup to sit beautifully on your skin!

It’s important to note that this is just an example plan and that the actual plan may vary based on your individual skin condition and the treatment recommended by your Master Esthetician and Injector.

Remember to always listen to your skin and adjust your plan accordingly. Happy planning!

Schedule your Wedding Prep Consultation at Camas Medspa
weddingwire.com
Mack’s Chemical Romance – Answering Your Questions About Peels

Mack’s Chemical Romance – Answering Your Questions About Peels

by | Oct 31, 2021 | Beauty Routines, Chemical Peels, Mackenzie Dodson

Mack’s 

CHEMICAL ROMANCE

BOOK CHEMICAL PEEL

chemical peel love: A conversation with Mack

Mackenzie Dodson is an Advanced Esthetician who joined Camas Medspa in 2020. A graduate of one of the PNW’s most well-known and respected Aesthetic Training  Institutes, Spectrum Advanced, Mackenzie was described by Executive

Director Mary Nielson as “One of the top 5 students that has every been through the Specturm program.”

Mack and her counterpart, Lillie Ballard, are passionate about skin care and are dedicated to the development and execution of the lastest in skin care treatments to provide the best to their clients.

 

You asked and Mackenzie answered. Below Mack answers our client’s questions about Chemical Peels.

I always thought peels were for just old people. Is this true and if not who should get a Chemical Peel?

NO!!! 

Everyone can benefit from peels, especially if they have moderate to advanced concerns that could include; aging, acne, scarring and pigmentation.

Peels can even help superficial concerns like dullness and balance your complexion (dryness – oiliness).

 Okay, but why a Chemical peel?

Peels are beneficial to help keep your cell turnover regulated and maining the results that were achieved for previous services.

When should people start getting peels?

I recommend starting to peel when you’re younger to help prevent moderate to advanced concerns and maintain youthful and healthy skin.

It’s a great idea to begin slowly with a very superficial or superficial peel as soon as 15-20 years of age depending on the consultation and recommendations of an esthetician.

What issues do peels address besides pigment and spots?

Peels can help address a variety of concerns, depending on the active and key ingredients of the peel.

For example, salicylic peels are a staple for oily and acne prone skin types, while lactic peels are great for dry and aging skin.

Peels can help with any number of concerns including; scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, dull, dry or oily skin.

Nowadays you can even cocktail peels together to create a customization for any and all clients and their wide range of concerns.

What’s the downtime? Am I going to peel like crazy?

The downtime is adjustable! 

With so many different peel depths (very superficial, superficial and medium) you can really customize your down time.

I love to refer to very superficial peels –  like our Oxygen or Client’s First Peel  – as lunchtime peels because you can get one done during your lunch break and return back to work with no problems!!

Even superficial peels have minimal social down time, you’ll get a light sloughing but you won’t be peeling in layers or sheets.

Medium depth peels – like a TCA – will have some more downtime and that’s where the crazy peeling comes in with shedding and flaking that can last up to 14 days!!

I love to start and end peel season (Fall and Winter) with a medium depth peel to erase summer damage and then really get a good fresh start heading into Spring. For the Spring and Summer months maintaining with one or two superficial or very superficials peels will help prevent too much damage from the warm weather activities and increased sun exposure.

Do peels hurt?

 Peels don’t hurt at all, they do give a “sting” or heat sensation as some may describe it but they don’t hurt at all!

We have at least 10 peels here at Camas Medspa, maybe more. How would someone know which one is right for them?

I always recommend a consult with a licensed professional, of coure, but I think it is good to do your own research as well. This way you and your esthetician can collaborate and work together on your skin care goals and the best treatment to attack issues you are most concerned about.

Okay, so now I would like you to do something for me. Pick one Very Superficial, one Superficial, and one Medium Depth Peel that you feel would be good for anyone no matter what their skin type or Fitzpatrick type, and with no prep work. 

I would say the Oxygen for Very Superficial – it really is a beautiful peel that everyone loves and gives you glowing, hydrating and smooth skin.

For the Superficial it has to be the 5 Berry Peel. It is such. a versatile peel that can be used in conjunction with other treatments like microneedling or can be layered up to really dig into pigment and lines and wrinkles.

TCA 15% is an awesome Mediium depth peel. You don’t get the sheets of skin peeling, but more of a managed peel that cleans up the skin and reveals gorgeous, almost baby-like skin, that is hiding underneath.

 Begin your own love affair with Chemical Peels the first week in November with $50 off our Red Berry, TCA and Oxygen Peels.

Macks Chemical Romance

oXYGEN pEEL

Very Superficial Peel
BOOK OXYGEN PEEL

5 Berry Peel

Superficial Peel
BOOK 5 BERRY PEEL

TCA 15%

Medium Depth Peel
BOOK TCA 15% PEEL

My Daily Skincare Routine

My Daily Skincare Routine

by | Dec 15, 2020 | Beauty Routines, Camas Crew, Shelly Snodgrass, The Good Skin Lab

I have been a bit hesitant about sharing my daily skincare routine (even though you all have been asking…a lot) because I wanted to avoid the “all for one, one for all,” temptation that is so common in the skincare industry.

While there are a few baseline products that suit almost everyone’s needs (can you say Daily Power Defense!) please remember that there are over 150 different skin types which means that what works for me doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you.

So, keeping that in mind, I am here to share my morning and nighttime routine with my favorite (and only) skincare products, ZO Skin Health.

morning routine

MY MORNING ROUTINE

My skin tends to be on the drier side, and even more so during the winter months. I use this time to attack any damage the summer sun has caused, such as changes to pigment.

I’m always on or in the water, at the beach, biking, hiking, or just relaxing near the water, however, no matter how often I apply sunscreen or wear one of my many big-brimmed, floppy hats, the sun seems to find a way – so winter is the best time to reverse any damage.

 

Products I use in the morning

cleansing

1. Cleanse

I wash my face every morning before I jump in the shower. The Gentle Cleanser from ZO provides antioxidants and anti-irritants to help protect skin and it is never drying.
exfoliates

2. Exfoliate

Twice a week I use ZO’s exfoliating polish to help remove dead, dry skin. This stuff is absolutely a favorite of my client’s, and while you may want to use it more often it is best to limit to 2-3x per week.

daily power defense

3. Daily Power Defense

Daily Power Defense is a mainstay and one of those products that is necessary for all skin types. Think of it as your daily moisturizer so this is a morning staple in my skincare routine no matter what time of year
daily sheer

3. Daily Sheer

Sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen. Even in the winter months – which tend to be cold, rainy, and a bit gloomy here in the PNW – sunscreen is and should be a daily part of everyone’s skincare routine. I apply non-tinted Daily Sheer after my DPD and before applying any makeup.

suncreen powder zo

4. Sunscreen + Powder

A new product, ZO’s Sunscreen and Powder is a great addition and acts as a nice way to set my makeup. It comes in different shades that do tend to be a little on the light side, so if you are medium complexion consider using the dark one.

My Winter Addition To Attack Summer Damage

Pigment Control Creme

To combat summer skin damage, during the winter month’s I reintroduce ZO Skin Health’s Pigment products. Every morning, I apply Pigment Control Creme before my usual products. Paired with the nighttime routine, this will help fade browns.

evening routine

My Nighttime Routine

My nighttime routine always begins with the Gentle Cleanser, however because of the winter dryness and pigment issues, I have added a couple more products.

Products I use in the evening

cleansing

1. Cleanse

Every evening I wash my face. One of the practices that drives me crazy is the use of makeup remover wipes to clean the face. This cleanser will easily remove your makeup while doing good for your skin. If you must use makeup wipes, please use a good cleanser afterward to remove all the chemicals and film those wipes leave on the skin.
exfoliates

2. Serum

This serum is so silky and feels so good on the skin you will want to use it every day! A little goes a long way and it is great for boosting collagen. In the winter months I use this a couple of times a week in between Pigment Blending Creme days.

My Winter Additions To Attack Summer Damage
I introduced Refissa and Pigment Control and Blending Cream recently just twice a week to attack that summer pigment. There is a ramp-up period and the skin gets flaky during the first few weeks, however, once my skin is used to these new additions,  will up it to 3-4 times per week once my skin is ready. I will use these for about 4-5 months.
pigment control blending cream

Final note: In addition to my regular skincare routine, I also include laser treatments such as IPL during the winter months to further hit any browns or pigment issues from the summer.

I will also add in an Enzymatic Peel in the evening sometimes and maybe a Pore Refiner in the morning. 

If you have any questions about skin issues, drop me a note at info@camasmedspa.com, shoot me a text, or call 360-335-4951. I also do virtual consultations but my favorite way to consult is with hands-on skin.

My 30for30 is a quick (30 min) and inexpensive ($30) facial consultation where we can talk about your skin concerns while getting a facial customized for you. This lets me get my hands on your skin and see how it reacts to medical-grade products and generally allows me to offer an educated approach tailored just for you!

Book A 30for30 with me

Move over Vampires, Semen Facials are the latest celebrity trend!

Move over Vampires, Semen Facials are the latest celebrity trend!

by | Jun 25, 2019 | Beauty Routines, Skin Care

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] New month, new weird skin care trend. And this trend actually may even been odder than baby foreskins we heard about last year and it is not from Korea. Straight from the UK, facialist to the stars Chelsee Lewis is revealing one of her latest beauty tricks for her clients that include Stella McCartney and Gwyneth Paltrow… and it is sperm. Lewis tells the DailyMail semen is full of the compound spermine, an antioxidant which she claims helps reduce wrinkles, smooths skin and treats blemishes. This is not the first time we have heard that sperm is good for the skin. The show Nip/Tuck talked about the wrinkle reducing, skin tightening benefits years ago and Tracy Kiss shows her semen facial routine to millions of viewers in her YouTube video. It is an interesting video, and while there may be some validity to the smoothing effects Tracy claims she gets from semen (because of the protein in semen), that is where the logic ends. From a health perspective, semen is not the best idea. “Being exposed to other people’s body fluids could have potential health risks because of the possibility of transmitting STI’s,” remarks Dr. Karen Gaskell from Camas Medspa. Even though Kiss does claim she gets her semen donated from a friend who doesn’t do drugs, drink and is of “good sexual health,” and the components of semen (amino acids, enzymes, potassium, zinc) aren’t necessarily bad for you, this is definitely not a “magic pill,” for great skin. There are numerous other ways to achieve beautiful skin, none of which involves walking around the house with body fluids drying on your face. “If you are looking for items around the house for a good facial, try some eggs for tightening or a baking soda scrub,” says Dr. Gaskell “but if you are considering the “man moisturizer,” for anything other than personal reasons I wouldn’t bother.” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]