Let's Talk About Retinol

Retinol is widely recognized for its benefits in promoting skin health.

A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol is a common ingredient in skincare products due to its ability to boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture. Retinol helps to stimulate cell turnover, which can lead to smoother and more youthful-looking skin.

Here are some ways retinol can be effective in your skincare regimen:

Treatment of Acne:

Retinol can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, help exfoliate dead skin and regulate oil production, leading to fewer breakouts and clearer skin.

Improving Overall Skin Texture: 

Retinol supports collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. By promoting cell turnover, retinol can help smooth rough and uneven skin texture, making it feel softer and more refined.

Evening Skin Tone:

Retinol can also help fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and other forms of skin discoloration, leading to a more even skin tone. Retinol should only be used as part of your evening skincare routine as it will cause the skin to be more susceptible to UV. 

It's important to note that while retinol offers numerous benefits, it may cause skin sensitivity, redness, and irritation, especially when first introduced to a skincare routine. It's recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage to allow the skin to acclimate. Retinol can also increase your skin sensitivity to sun, so SPF daily is so important. 

Do you have any other questions about retinol? Contact us!

Skincare While You Travel

If you’re planning an upcoming vacation, be sure to consider your skincare. We suggest keeping your skincare simple and consistent – use your regular products and avoid trying new things while you’re away:

Cleanser: A gentle daily cleanser will help remove any dirt and residual sunscreen on your face – use the same one in the morning and before bed. I like to bring my AlumierMD SensiCalm Cleanser; it’s great to soothe the skin in case I may have gotten more sun than I intended!

Eye Cream: With all the squinting and UV exposure, I’ll be damned if I am not going to bring my beloved eye cream and protect that thin skin around the eyes!

Moisturizer: It’s understandable if you really don’t want to pack too much, but Moisturizer is a MUST! If you're going to be in a hot place, your skin will need the added hydration, especially in the PM to replenish. You can bring your usual or you may want to consider a post-care cream like AlumierMD’s Recovery Balm or the Inno Skin Repair cream - so soothing and hydrating. 

Sunscreen: Like you didn’t know I was going to recommend bringing your SPF! A MUST on any holiday – we recommend bringing a couple, and keeping them on hand so you can re-apply when needed. If you are at the beach, look for a water-resistant, mineral-based, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or more. 

After-Sun: In the event you do get too much sun (ouch!), an after-sun product like Eucerin Sun Sensitive Relief, Inno Skin Repair or Recovery Balm are all great for soothing and calming irritated or red skin. 

Remember to take care of your skin on holiday – drink lots of water and wear a large brimmed hat and sunglasses for added protection. Choose shade where possible and re-apply your SPF often (at least every 2 hours in the sun). 

The sun is the number one cause of premature aging - just a reminder! :) Have a sun-safe vacation and your skin will thank you! 

HAPPY 9th ANNIVERSARY FREEDOM MEDI-SPA!

It’s our anniversary! And we want to give YOU a gift to thank you for being loyal customers and friends through these past 9 years!

For the ENTIRE MONTH OF JUNE, take 9% OFF every product, every treatment, every kit, everything!

No promo codes necessary, just shop online or in-clinic and your discount will be applied.

Our 9% sale is not valid on nurse services, packages, or pre-purchased treatment plans / laser guarantee.

Happy Shopping!

All About AlumierMD Facial Sunscreen

It’s going to be another hot and SUNNY weekend!

A few weeks back, we talked about all the sunscreen on the market and what to look for when buying sun protection.

The same rules apply for picking sunscreen for your face, but it’s even more important. 

It’s no secret we love AlumierMD products, and especially their sunscreen. The active ingredients are simply Titanium Dioxide and Zinc, so you know you’re getting excellent protection minus the harmful chemicals. They also pack in some anti-aging ingredients, so you’re really doing double duty. AlumierMD products are safe for children 8+ and enjoyed by men and women alike. 

There are 4 different products to choose from:

Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 (Untinted):  

This award-winning product is a silky and sheer physical sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It uses a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide while moisturizing with vitamin E. This formula is also packed with free-radical-quenching antioxidants, including a stable vitamin C, resveratrol, grape seed extract, and glutathione. 

In terms of spreadability, this formula is thin and easy to massage into your skin. No colour.

Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 (Versatile Tint): 

Similar to its sister (the Sheer Hydration Untinted), the Versatile Tint formula blends beautifully on the skin creating a sheer healthy glow. Similar to a BB cream, you can save time and use this product as your daily foundation for light coverage and glow. 

Clear Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42: 

Another award winner, Clear Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42 is a lightweight, non-comedogenic, quick-drying physical sunscreen. Niacinamide soothes and relieves redness and sodium hyaluronate hydrates. This is a favourite for every-day use. 

Moisture Matte Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 (Available in 3 shades: Ivory, Sand, Amber): 

An innovative, broad-spectrum tinted 100% physical facial sunscreen with a matte finish. It can also double as your daily foundation. Moisture Matte lightly moisturizes to smooth and hydrate, while absorbing excess oil to create a matte finish. Cutting-edge, color-encapsulated beads blend on the skin, creating a sheer tint and healthy glow. It has a somewhat gritty texture at first, but once you work it into your face, the grittiness disappears to reveal the tinted glow. Moisture Matte also contains Antioxidants like caffeine, silybin and knotgrass extract to protect skin from UV-induced free radical damage. 

All AlumierMD Sunscreens are dye-free, paraben-free, sulphate free, phthalate-free, animal cruelty-free and artificial fragrance-free. To learn more, or to order, contact us for our code to the Alumier Online portal.