Can you do laser in the summer?

You’ll often hear us say that you can’t get laser hair removal done if you have a tan. This is generally true. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get laser in the summer months… let me explain:

If you have dark coarse hair, for example, we are still able to treat you with our YAG laser for your first few treatments, until your tan fades. If your hair is medium or light brown, we’ll need to use the Alexandrite laser, and in those cases, you cannot have a tan at all.

If you know you will not be in the sun much this summer, and you will be diligent with your sunscreen, summer may be the time to consider lasering your bikini or underarms or any areas that aren’t soaking up some rays!

Not having to deal with these key areas is life-changing! Once you start laser, you will be wondering why it took you so long! It’s a dream!

Upper thighs, lower backs, and bellies are also often safe zones as well, provided you won’t be exposing those areas to the sun very much. Plus, if you are a winter vacationer, summer is the ideal time to prep yourself for your upcoming winter holidays!

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, we are always here to answer – and we can let you know at your consultation and patch test if we think this is the right time to start laser for you.

2023 Sunscreen Report -- It's All About the Lips!

Do you wear lip balm with SPF?

Great!

 But, when was the last time you checked the ingredients?

 You may be surprised to learn there are some dangerous chemicals found in some lip balms that contain SPF. We certainly were. What’s scarier is we put these chemicals directly on our lips.

For the last few years, Freedom Medi-Spa has done extensive research on sunscreens, and offered various comparisons to our clients, followers, and fans.  Our goal is to educate you to make the best choices when shopping for sunscreen for yourself and your family. Our sunscreen reports have been shared hundreds of times and remain an excellent resource on sun safety. Read our reports from 2020, 2021, and 2022.

This year, we want to pay special attention to our lips. We do think it’s important to protect your lips against harmful UVA and UVB rays. But it’s also important to know what you’re putting on them.

We’ve pulled 10 popular lip balms that contain SPF and we’re ranking them. As in the past, our scale is as follows:

Low Risk: contains mild-risk chemicals like Avobenzone and Octisalate (Remember, there are risks with all chemical ingredients)

Moderate Risk: contains Homosalate and Octocrylene

High Risk: contains Oxybenzone and Octinoxate (please never use these products, especially on your children.)

Our favourite sunscreens get a Glowing Seal of Approval.

How do your favourites stack up?? SPOILER ALERT: they almost all fail.

 In the High-Risk Category:

 ·      Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0, Octinoxate 6.75%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 2.0%, Oxybenzone 5.4%, Petrolatum 31.0%

·      Banana Boat Sport SPF 15

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.0%), Octocrylene (10.0%), Oxybenzone (6.0%)

·      Blistex Medicated Lip Balm with 15 SPF

Active Ingredients: Dimethicone (2.00%), Octinoxate (6.6%), Octisalate (4.4%)

·       Carmex SPF 15

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate (7.5%), Oxybenzone (4%), White Petroleum (35%)

·      JB Moisture Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0% and Octinoxate 7.5%, Petrolatum 40.2%

·       Sun Bum Lip balm with 30 SPF 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.00%), Homosalate (15.00%), Octinoxate (7.50%), Octisalate (5.00%) 

·      EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate (7.5%), Zinc Oxide (7.0%)

In the Moderate Risk Category:

·      Coola Lip Luxe SPF 30

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 4.0%, Octisalate 4.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%

In the Low to No Risk Category:

·      Burt’s Bees All Weather Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (11%)

Did you know that we carry the Jane Iredale Lip Drink with SPF 15 and the ONLY active ingredient is Titanium Dioxide? You might want to pick one up the next time you're in.

Have you looked at the ingredients in your favourite sunscreen?

Purchasing sunscreen can be overwhelming, and many of us have favourites — from the price, to the fragrance, to how it’s applied, we all have preferences when it comes to the SPF we select.

As we all know, reading the ingredients on sunscreen labels is incredibly important. There are still some sunscreens on the market that contain harmful chemicals that no one should be putting on their skin. Also, certain sunscreens, like spray sunscreens, pose potential inhalation risks that need to be considered.

So, how does your favourite sunscreen stack up?

We’ve compared over 30 sunscreens and categorized them by GREEN — safe to use, AMBER — use with caution, and RED — STOP USING IMMEDIATELY.

NEW THIS YEAR, we’ve added a special chart for spray sunscreens specifically.

It’s important to remember that even sunscreens from the same company or brand contain different ingredients, so don’t be surprised if similar sunscreens are categorized differently.

So, without futher adieu, here is our 2022 Sunscreen Comparison.

Any surprises or sunscreens you’ll reconsider?

With school ending this week and summer camps on the horizon, be sure to stock your cabinets and knapsacks with quality sunscreen and safe ingredients.

2022 Sunscreen Report

It’s that time of year again for the Freedom Medi-Spa Annual Sunscreen Report.

If you are new to Freedom Medi-Spa, you will quickly learn we advocate for daily SPF use, regardless of the season or the weather. If you are a long-time Freedom fan, we appreciate you refreshing your sun and sunscreen knowledge to better protect your skin.

Remember: any single bad sunburn can increase your chances of developing melanoma by approximately 50%. That’s a pretty scary number. So, it’s imperative to remember just how important sun avoidance and sun protection is.

Read as much or as little of this report as you wish. We have tried our best to make it as simple as possible. Of course, if you have any questions, you can always contact us.

As you know, we recommend daily sunscreen on your face and neck -- no matter the weather, rain or shine, indoors or out! Our AlumierMD 40 SPF sunscreens are mineral-based and also protect against Ultraviolet-C Radiation, which comes from blue light from our screens.

Wearing a daily SPF will help keep our skin cells protected and our collagen intact. 

But with summer here, let's talk beach visits, sitting poolside, hanging out at the cottage or simply going for a walk on a beautiful day.

What do we use all over our bodies?

How do we protect ourselves and our kids from over exposure of UV rays?

 There are a few things we can do:

 ·       Try to avoid peak exposure hours of 12-4pm when possible,

·       Wear SPF protection clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and protective sunglasses at all times,

·       Look for the shade or bring an umbrella with you to a beach or picnic,

·       And of course, wear and re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours. 

And now for the sunscreens – which one to use?

Well, as we’ve said before, no two sunscreens are alike, and some sunscreens contain potentially harmful ingredients. The good news is, over the years, some sunscreen manufacturers have changed their formulas, and new brands are on the market.

All that said, it’s important to READ THE LABELS.

Our Stop, Caution and Go System will help you make the safest choice in the sunscreen aisle.   

The SAFEST sunscreens to use are ones that contain mineral ingredients. These ingredients are not absorbed into the skin. This sunscreen is often called “Mineral” or “Physical”.

Look for the Active ingredients section. If you see Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and/or Mexoryl, you are good to GO!

We understand that sometimes, the texture or experience of a mineral-based body sunscreen isn’t desirable. We have heard from our clients and tried many ourselves – some sunscreens will leave a white cast, go on thick or sticky – and we don’t all love that.

So, what do you do then?

There are a variety of sunscreens on the market that, while they contain some Active Chemical Ingredients, pose low or medium risk – and the benefit of wearing it outweighs the danger.

We suggest you use caution with these sunscreens as the ingredients pose a moderate risk. They may cause hormone disruption. I will also be putting sprays and powders into this category as you do need to be cautious during application. 

These ingredients include:

 ·       Homosalate: ideally should be no more than 5%. If it’s more than 10%, avoid it altogether.

·       Octisalate: may cause allergic reactions and contact dermatitis, also a possible hormone disruptor.

·       Octocrylene: high rate of skin allergies, new findings show this ingredient is easily contaminated with Benzophenone, a known carcinogen. It has been deemed safe in amounts under 10%. 

·       Avobenzone: low to moderate risk of endocrine disruption as well as testosterone.  

All sprays or powders: Due to the inhalation risk, we recommend holding your breath while spraying or applying. Do your best to avoid inhalation. Don’t forget to spread! To ensure even coverage, you still need to spread with your hands, otherwise, you’ll be sure to miss a spot or two.

If you see the following ingredients, OXYBENZONE or OCTINOXATE -- STOP. These active ingredients are known to cause hormone disruption and could be carcinogenic. They get an absolute red light from us. If you have sunscreen at home with these ingredients, toss!

We hope you find these reports informative and helpful. Thank you to Environmental Working Group and Cancer.org for help with our research.

Stay tuned for our sunscreen comparisons – coming soon!

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! 

Ingredients to Watch For When Buying Sunscreen

We have officially hit the first long weekend of the summer! Yahoo!

As you know, we ALWAYS encourage sun safety and for the last few years, Freedom Medi-Spa has provided an extensive sunscreen report, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence for when you’re out buying sunscreen.

We are currently working on our 2022 list, but in the meantime, we wanted to remind you of the INGREDIENTS TO AVOID when stocking up on sunscreen.

Firstly, it’s important to wear a 30+ SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and body daily, and to reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure, or after swimming or excessive sweating.

We recommend purchasing sunscreens with mineral-based ingredients ie. Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide or Mexoryl. Look for a minimum of 5% of each mineral-based ingredient. This will help the sunscreen to keep stable for a longer period. Some with lower percentages will degrade quickly - you'll need to reapply sooner than 2 hours.

Here’s the thing: we know it’s sometimes difficult to avoid all chemicals. That said, some chemicals are more dangerous than others and some are known carcinogens. 

That’s why it’s imperative to READ THE LABELS.

Here’s the quick and dirty:

On the good list – Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide or Mexoryl

On the mild-risk list – Avobenzone and Octisalate

On the moderate-risk list – Homosalate and Octocrylene

And on the PUT IT BACK ON THE SHELF list – OXYBENZONE and OCTINOXATE.

When shopping, if you discover your fave sunscreen has ingredients on the mild or moderate risk lists, look at the percentage of that particular ingredient – the lower, the better – and try and stay less than 10%. 

Protection from the sun still outweighs the risk in many cases, but it is a good idea to compare the bottles and find ones with the least possible risk.

Shopping for kids? Be mindful because sometimes, the kids’ sunscreens have MORE chemical concentration than the adult ones. 

Of course, at Freedom, we carry AlumierMD Sheer Hydration and Clear Shield which are 40SPF mineral-based sunscreen and safe for everyone, including babies 6 mos and up. 

Stay tuned for our sunscreen report and send us a photo of your sunscreen for us to assess!

Enjoy the long weekend!

2021 Sunscreen Report

Let’s get right to it, shall we? 

Not all sunscreen is created alike. As consumers, we must be diligent to research the sunscreen we are applying to our bodies, as well as our children’s bodies. As our skin is the largest organ, it will absorb what we apply – this is why understanding what’s inside our products is not only important but imperative for our safety. 

As more and more research is conducted on sunscreen, you are going to notice a real shift in what’s sold in stores and online. Just this week, studies in the US found Benzene in some popular sunscreens. We have already contacted Health Canada and will await a response to see if they will be conducting similar studies here.

As you have come to know, we will always remind you to apply sunscreen – every day – and if you’re exposed to the sun (beach, pool, park, golf, garden, etc), reapply liberally. While the safest way to reduce your sun exposure is to stay covered, it’s also a good idea to stay out of the sun during peak hours.

I’ll add a third rule here: opt for MINERAL or PHYSICAL sunscreens, not chemical ones. Mineral sunscreens sit on your skin. Look for active ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These may go on a bit thicker (although they have come a long way), but they are the safest and the only ingredients that get a Green Light from me this year. 

To complicate this even further, the SPF on the label may not be 100% accurate. Studies state a mathematical equation (I know!) needs to be used to accurately calculate the actual protection factor. Zinc percentage is equal to 1.6 % coverage and Titanium Dioxide is equal to approx. 4% coverage. (Chemical sunscreens also have to be calculated, but require an in-lab sunscreen test.) The moral here: don’t entirely trust the number on the label. The higher the percentage of Zinc and/or Titanium Dioxide = the better.

While there are many sunscreens that make the RED LIGHT or AVOID list this year, it’s important to know why. If you see ingredients like Oxybenzone or Octinoxate, PUT IT DOWN. These ingredients have been known to cause cancer, as well, they are hormone disruptors. Further, if certain chemicals have high percentages, stay away. (ie. 10%+ of Homosalate is too high)

And finally, the moderate risk or CAUTION category: these are sunscreens that are still chemically based, but do not contain the 2 mentioned above. It’s best to use caution with these sunscreens and try and purchase a mineral sunscreen instead. 

If you have a mineral-based SPRAY sunscreen, you get a pass on the ingredient list, but a warning on type – there are still many debates on the efficacy of application with a spray sunscreen, as well as the particles that can end up in the air and into your lungs. If using a spray, only spray your body and hold your breath when you do, move away from that area, and then rub in the product. 

Here is the 2021 Freedom Med-Spa Sunscreen Report:

It All Started With a Spot

Warning: Graphic Images Below

It All Started

with a Spot

In 2016, Angie Gallo had a routine check-up with her family doctor. There, her doctor noticed a small brown spot on her big toe and suggested she have it checked by a dermatologist. 

The dermatologist wasn’t concerned, though, and told Angie – then 44-years-old --  to monitor any changes. The following year, her family doctor once again sent her to the same dermatologist, who, once again, told Angie there was nothing to worry about.

Fast forward to Fall 2020: More spots began to appear on Angie’s lower legs and a new spot on the arch of her foot. The initial spot on her toe remained. She was referred to another dermatologist. 

Months later, in February 2021 – mid-pandemic – Angie finally saw the second dermatologist, who, like the other, said everything looked fine. 

Angie wasn’t so sure. 

She pressed the dermatologist to take a second look, especially at a dark spot on the back of her calf. The doctor confirmed it was fine, but also agreed to do a quick biopsy to put her mind at ease.  

One week later, Angie got a call from the dermatologist.

Angie had melanoma. 

Freedom: What did the doctor say about your melanoma?

Angie: Well, the good news was my melanoma was actually “ melanoma in situ”, meaning it was In the top layer of skin only – stage 0. She agreed that she should biopsy the arch of my foot and the original spot on my toe – and by the beginning of March, they, too, came back positive for melanoma. I was booked for surgery April 6 at Mackenzie Health.

Freedom: Did you know what to expect?

Angie: Not really. I knew they would be removing tissue from the right toe, right sole, and right calf (Melanoma In-Situ). I had no idea they were planning on removing a significant amount of tissue surrounding the spots. The spots were approximately the size of a pea, but the areas removed were 1.5 - 2 inches in diameter!

They needed to remove a large area around the spot to ensure any "root" that may have formed would have been removed. Luckily, the Pathologist tested the areas and all were negative – the melanoma did not spread beyond the surface of the skin.

Freedom: What’s the recovery like? 

Angie: I was eager to get back to work and determined not to let this change my life. I used crutches because I couldn’t walk. I was in a lot of pain. I followed all the instructions from my surgeon but was still in significant pain. After 2.5 weeks, I returned to remove the stitches.

At her two-and-a-half week follow-up, while removing the stitches, Angie’s surgeon noticed the wounds weren’t healing. She was sent back home to allow the wounds to continue healing before the stitches could be removed.

On May 1, Angie went to the Emergency Room. The pain and swelling were very intense and an infection was forming. Angie was placed on IV antibiotics and was referred to the Urgent Care Centre’s wound care department. 

Angie: I had to go every day to clean the wound, which was so incredibly painful. They use a syringe with water to clean and disinfect the wounds. Then, they wrap it with a mesh - similar to that of a burn victim. I’ve been going daily, since May 4.

Angie was also treated with IV antibiotics from May 2 - 13th to clear the infection. 

Freedom: How are you today? 

Angie: I am now on oral antibiotics and continuing my daily treatments at the wound clinic. I’m also waiting for a referral to a melanoma specialist. I also had blood work and a CT scan done at Michael Garron Hospital, which has come back negative, aside from a few spots on the lungs they are going to monitor. I’ll return on December 14, 2021, for a repeat CT scan. 

Freedom: What do you want people to take away from your story? 

Angie: I want people to know that they always need to advocate for themselves. If I hadn't pressed the dermatologist in February to double-check, these spots could have grown deeper and could have metastasized to other parts.

I also learned a predisposition to melanoma is hereditary, and so my mother, sister and daughter need to get checked and be continuously monitored. 

Freedom: How can people protect themselves from melanoma? 

Angie: As we’ve all heard before, be Sun Safe. Sit in the shade where possible, cover up when you can, and when you can't, put sunscreen on everything that sees the sun! I was pretty good at applying sunscreen, but not great at reapplying. 

In my teens and twenties – even in my early 30s — I was not good to my skin. I enjoyed tanning and even tanning beds — definitely bad habits that have likely contributed to my melanoma diagnosis. 

Melanoma likes to grow in areas we are least likely to apply or reapply sunscreen -- like the ones on the arch of my foot and my big toe. 

Angie is on the road to recovery -- we hope and pray for her health and well-being, and thank her for generously sharing her story. We will continue to follow Angie and keep you updated on her recovery and her journey.

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.