A Guide to Acne Scars at Any Age

Acne is incredibly common, affecting an estimated 85 percent of people between 12 and 24 years of age. However, while it’s easy to assume that acne will clear up by the time you’re well out of adolescence, it can affect adults at any age too.

And the scars it leaves behind may become a persistent problem.

Fortunately, modern techniques can treat acne scarring effectively. Certain technologies have the power to reduce its visibility and cultivate clearer, smoother skin.

But what causes acne? What types of acne scarring affect adults? And what treatments are available?

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when pores or hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil (produced naturally by the body). The face, forehead, upper back, chest, and shoulders may all be affected.

Why these areas? Because these have the most sebaceous (oil) glands, which remove old skin cells and lubricate the skin.

This causes various types of breakout, depending on the type of blockage affecting the pores or follicles. These include:

• Pimples (or pustules): spots with pus at the tips

• Nodules: big, hard bumps beneath the skin

• Papules: smaller bumps which may be tender

• Cystic lesions: uncomfortable bumps beneath the skin, filled with pus

• Whiteheads: blocked pores that remain closed

• Blackheads: blocked pores that remain open

One or more of the following can trigger acne in people at any age:

Hormonal fluctuations

This is a common cause of acne in people going through puberty. A particular type of hormone, androgens, increases in males and females, which causes the sebaceous glands to grow bigger.

These produce more sebum (oil) — and too much can cause pores and follicles to become clogged. Adults may experience acne breakouts as their hormones fluctuate with age or certain physical changes, such as pregnancy.

Eating habits

It’s believed that certain foods can contribute to, and exacerbate, acne. These include those high in refined carbohydrates (such as bread and white rice), dairy products, and junk food.

High stress

Stress can make acne worse, though it’s not believed to be a cause.

Medications

Drugs which contain testosterone, corticosteroids, and lithium may all contribute to acne.

Genetics

A family history of acne could lead to acne, particularly if both parents had it.

What causes acne scarring?

Acne leaves two types of traces in its wake: red or brown marks, and scars.

The former type of trace will usually improve and become less visible over time, with no need for treatment.

But acne scars are different. These are permanent changes to skin resulting from severe forms of the condition, in which acne cysts or nodules burst and destroy tissue. This remains unreplaced, even after healing, and leaves a clear indentation in the skin.

This is likely to become visible scarring that stays with the individual affected for the rest of their life.

Acne scars may also be caused by picking and squeezing pimples. It’s crucial that you keep your hands away from affected areas as much as you can: if you give in to the temptation to try to pop your spots, especially painful ones, you could leave your skin in worse condition for years to come.

People affected by acne scars may feel self-conscious, particularly in extreme cases. Make-up can help to conceal it as a temporary solution, though certain treatments are designed to reduce the visibility of acne scarring permanently.

What types of acne scars do I have?

There are multiple types of acne scarring:

Ice pick

Ice pick acne scars are small holes deep in the skin’s surface. As the name suggests, affected areas will look as if they have been pricked with a narrow-tipped instrument.

Boxcar

Boxcar scars have a shallow to medium depth, and tend to occur on the temples or cheeks. This type of acne scarring often responds well to treatment.

Rolling

Rolling scars look like depressions or dips, so the skin appears uneven. This is the result of scar tissue forming beneath the surface.

A skincare specialist will be able to identify the type of scarring affecting you following a close examination.

What treatments are available for acne scars?

Astra Medicare’s team offers multiple treatments to minimize the visibility of acne scars:

Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant is an innovative laser treatment that rejuvenates the skin from the inside out. It forms microscopic treatment zones in the skin’s upper layers and replaces damaged cells with healthy ones. This leaves skin looking younger and healthier overall.

As Clear + Brilliant reduces the size of pores and balances pigmentation, it can improve the appearance of acne scarring on the face.

The Perfect Derma Peel

The Perfect Derma Peel is packed with such powerful ingredients as:

• Phenol

• Vitamin C

• Glutathione

• Kojic Acid

• TCA

• Retinoic Acid

• Salicylic Acid

This is formulated to treat a number of skin disorders, including acne scars. The skin will be visibly smoother, refreshed, and healthier overall.

Results are typically noticeable after just one week, but this can vary from one patient to another.

Glutathione IV treatment

Glutathione is a natural antioxidant present in the human body, and it’s crucial for regulating the production of melanin (which gives skin its color).

Introducing extra glutathione to the bloodstream intravenously via Glutathione IV therapy can cause the skin to become brighter and healthier.

This may help to improve the appearance of areas affected by acne scarring and boost the general health of your skin.

How can I book a consultation for acne scar treatment?

Astra Medicare’s team is here to help treat your acne scars through one of our cutting-edge treatments. We’ll examine your skin thoroughly to determine the right option for you, based on the condition of your acne and/or scarring.

We’ll also recommend any other treatments we believe will benefit your skin and health overall. For example, Astramed Skincare products are designed to cultivate beautiful, clear skin with lasting results.

If you’re ready to start your journey to healthier skin, book your consultation with one of our experienced skincare experts in Brampton now!

Conquer Your Fear of Skin Disorders in 3 Simple Steps

Skin disorders can be difficult to live with, to say the least. And they affect millions of Canadians every year:

• 1 million Canadians have psoriasis
• 2 million Canadians have rosacea
• 20 percent of Canadians have acne

These (and numerous other) skin disorders have the potential to transform your appearance in drastic and unwelcome ways, particularly when they affect the face.

Sadly, people will notice issues (rashes, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, acne breakouts, severe dry skin, etc.) on your face immediately. This could leave you feeling self-conscious and reluctant to interact with people, even those you know well.

But if you’re worried about developing certain skin disorders, there are steps you can take to improve your skin’s condition and cultivate a healthier appearance overall. And below, we’ll look at three simple options with the power to achieve incredible results.

Clear + Brilliant

Astra Medicare has helped hundreds of patients with the revolutionary Clear + Brilliant treatment. And it may just work wonders for you too.

One of our experienced skincare specialists will apply a gentle laser to target areas on the face. This creates microscopic treatment zones in the skin’s upper layers, and causes healthy tissue to replace damaged skin.

Clear + Brilliant uses the patented Intelligent Optical Tracking technology: this ensures proper skin contact to achieve uniform application to target areas.

This treatment utilizes innovative technology but is still amazingly simple. A single Clear + Brilliant session will last just 15 to 20 minutes and will leave you with skin that looks both healthier and younger.

We’ve found that patients report an improvement in the overall appearance of their skin, specifically its texture and tone. The appearance of pores and fine lines can also be improved significantly.

Clear + Brilliant is generally recommended as a treatment to combat the signs of aging and prevent the development of fine lines/wrinkles. However, its ability to reduce the size of pores means it may help to enhance the appearance of skin affected by acne, particularly the scarring left in its wake.

Clear + Brilliant is also recommended for patients living with hyperpigmentation. This is a common condition manifesting as dark patches across the skin, which may occur on the face, the arms, or other areas of the body.

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• excess melanin production resulting from prolonged exposure to sunlight (as UV radiation stimulates melanin production)
• hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, which may affect melanin production
• taking certain medications

When hyperpigmentation develops, the skin will start to look significantly different and could cause concern. But multiple Clear + Brilliant sessions may help to reduce the visibility of dark patches and create a more balanced skin tone.

Glutathione IV therapy

IV therapy has become a popular type of treatment in recent years, even among A-list stars like Madonna and Brad Pitt.

It’s a fantastic way to introduce nutrients and antioxidants into the body without taking oral supplements. Why?

Because administering the formulas intravenously enables them to bypass the gastrointestinal system and enter the bloodstream directly. Oral supplements and foods, even those packed with vitamins and minerals, can be stripped of much of their good stuff as they’re digested.

A wide range of IV therapy treatments are available, but one of the most effective to help you conquer your fear of skin disorders is Astra Medicare’s Glutathione IV option.

This is formulated to help your skin become lighter, brighter, and healthier overall. It’s an ideal solution if you have an uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation, whether caused by hormonal fluctuations or sun damage.

Glutathione is an antioxidant that’s naturally present in the human body, that inhibits the production of melanin. As melanin is responsible for skin pigmentation, too much of it can create dark patches on the face and elsewhere, but introducing extra glutathione to the body will help to create a more balanced skin tone.

Our Glutathione IV therapy may also help to improve the appearance of blemishes and freckles, as well as reducing the visibility of liver spots. If you spend a lot of time outdoors and worry about developing hyperpigmentation, a course of glutathione IV therapy sessions could leave you with healthier, clearer, brighter skin overall.

The Perfect Derma Peel

The next step in conquering your fear of skin disorders is the Perfect Derma Peel.

This amazing treatment includes numerous powerful ingredients, such as:

• TCA
• Kojic Acid
• Phenol
• Vitamin C
• Glutathione
• Salicylic Acid
• Retinoic Acid

We recommend the Perfect Derma Peel for a range of skin conditions and disorders. It’s known to help improve the appearance of acne scars, reduce the visibility of sun spots, and revitalize a dull, aging complexion brilliantly. It’s effective for all ethnicities and skin types.

The Perfect Derma Peel is almost entirely painless: there’s no skin preparation required ahead of the treatment, and little downtime is required. It’s also the only peel featuring glutathione.

This treatment can reduce or eliminate hyperpigmentation, melasma (a skin disorder similar to hyperpigmentation but caused by hormonal changes rather than sun exposure), and sun damage. It can leave acne scars less visible and reduce the appearance of pore size.

While the Perfect Derma Peel is effective at treating skin disorders, it also works to boost the overall texture and tone of your skin.

It stimulates collagen production to encourage more youthful, firmer skin too.

The Perfect Derma Peel could help you to fend off common signs of aging and minimize the visibility of specific skin disorders you may be living with.

How can you start taking these steps to combat skin disorders?

If you have acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, blemishes, or any other skin disorder, or you’re afraid of developing them, these three straightforward treatments may be just what you need.

Astra Medicare’s dedicated team will assess your skin and discuss your goals during your pre-treatment consultation. This is vital to understand the condition of your skin, and to ensure we provide you with the most effective treatment to achieve the best results.

Book your consultation with Astra Medicare’s experts now!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Astra Medispa Announces Name Change to Astra Medicare

Focusing on Medical Treatments to Support Patient Wellness & Longevity

Brampton, Ontario, January 26, 2021 Astra Medispa, a luxury, award-winning spa located in the heart of Brampton, announced today that it has changed its name to Astra Medicare.

Founded by Svitlana Blesko in 2017, the business quickly rose to winning prestigious Top Choice Awards in both 2020 and 2021. The goal has always been to provide the best patient care, products and services.

Over the past couple years with the increasing demand for additional medical services and products our management team decided to shift the focus from a traditional medical spa to a comprehensive medical centre embracing longevity and wellness. Our name change will reflect our core values and value proposition for our patients more accurately. 

Astra Medicare will focus on services such as IV Vitamin Therapy, Lipotropic Injections, Cosmetic Injectables and Fillers, including Intimate Injectables, Treatments for Hair Loss, Migraines, and Hyperhidrosis, Body & Face Contouring, Shaping and Skin Tightening, as well as Massage Therapy, Facial Treatments, Laser Hair Removal and CoolSculpting.

We are excited to be able to offer a wider variety of medical non-surgical services and look forward to further enhancing the quality of care for our patients with our incredible growing team of medical doctors, registered cosmetic nurses, estheticians, registered massage therapists, and medical reception staff.

“Our goal is to help patients look and feel their best inside and out, and our new name accurately reflects that”, said Ms. Blesko.

About Astra Medicare:

Located in the heart of Brampton, Ontario, Astra Medicare is an upscale Wellness and Medical Centre. We conveniently feature a full range of longevity, rehabilitation and non-surgical medical aesthetic services delivered by expert medical staff.

Media Contact:

Svitlana Blesko

Founder and CEO

Email: info@astramedicare.ca

Phone: (905) 497-7744

Melasma and Hyperpigmentation: Causes and Treatment Options

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition causing dark patches to appear on the skin.

Its appearance may be subtle in some cases, such as freckles or liver spots. But in others, the contrast between the darker patches and the surrounding skin will be more extreme.

Melasma is one of the most well-known forms of hyperpigmentation, though the root of its development is slightly different.

Fortunately, numerous effective treatment options are available for both hyperpigmentation and melasma.

Let’s take a closer look at the causes and solutions to help you find the right treatment for your skin.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

The term “pigmentation” refers to the skin’s colouring, which is related to a pigment known as melanin.

When the body produces too much melanin, this can cause hyperpigmentation in different degrees of visibility. As mentioned above, hyperpigmentation can manifest as freckles or dark patches across the skin.

This condition may affect the whole body or specific areas only. For example, liver spots can appear on the face, scalp, and hands in older people.

However, it appears, hyperpigmentation can cause a noticeable balance issue in the skin’s pigmentation. This may lead to self-image problems, particularly when the contrast between skin colors becomes more visible than the individual affected would prefer.

Hyperpigmentation occurs in all types of skin, though it’s likely to be more visible in people of darker coloring. This is because skin pigmentation in dark skin is stronger than in paler complexions.

Hyperpigmentation may be linked to:

Acne scarring

In the case of acne, trauma to the skin can trigger hyperpigmentation. This may affect different areas of the face, though it’s commonly seen on the cheeks.

This type of hyperpigmentation is also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can also be caused by other skin issues (such as eczema).

Medications

Certain drugs are known to cause hyperpigmentation. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarials, antipsychotics, and more.

Exact causes vary from one drug type to another. Specific drugs can react with melanin or other substances within the skin to change coloring in one or more areas.

Sun exposure

Excessive exposure to sunlight is another common cause of hyperpigmentation.

Why? Because sunlight stimulates production of melanin, which absorbs UV rays to defend the body against the sun’s harmful effects. That’s what creates suntans.

The longer you spend in the sun without protecting yourself with sun block, the more likely hyperpigmentation formation may be.

Sun-related hyperpigmentation could appear as a modest cluster of freckles, large age spots, or bigger patches of discoloration in areas exposed to UV rays frequently. These include the hands, face, arms, neck, and legs.

It’s crucial to protect your skin from potential sun-related damage, but not just to reduce your risk of developing hyperpigmentation. Skin cancer is, sadly, another well-known effect of excess time in the sun.

And cases in Canada have increased significantly in the past few decades, so it’s vital to be sensible with your skin care.

What causes melasma?

Melasma looks similar to other forms of hyperpigmentation, but it’s actually caused in part by hormonal changes. Pregnant women are likely to develop melasma — that’s why it’s known as the “mask of pregnancy”.

Typically, melasma manifests as patches of dark, blotchy skin on the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead.

Why does it affect pregnant women? Because hormonal shifts within the body trigger excess production of pigment. Melasma can be exacerbated by frequent exposure to UV rays and heat too.

Melasma may start to develop during the first trimester of pregnancy and remain until after the birth. Generally, dark patches will begin to fade, though treatment may be required if they persist.

What treatments are available for hyperpigmentation and melasma?

Hyperpigmentation and melasma can both be treated. But melasma may require a little more work as it’s related to hormones.

A comprehensive assessment of your health and lifestyle may be needed to identify the most effective treatment in the long run.

The Astra Medi Spa team offers three innovative products designed to treat hyperpigmentation in its various forms. We’ll invite you to discuss your skin condition with us during a consultation ahead of your treatment. This ensures we choose the right option.

The Perfect Peel

The Perfect Peel is a high-end skin treatment formulated to achieve real results for diverse skin types and ethnicities. It contains such powerful ingredients as:

• Phenol
• Vitamin C
• Glutathione
• Salicylic Acid
• TCA
• Kojic Acid

Glutathione is a crucial antioxidant with anti-aging properties. This penetrates the skin deeply to help combat premature wrinkles and oxidation. While glutathione occurs in the human body naturally, it depletes as we age.

Kojic Acid is known for its power to lighten the skin and boost the production of collagen and elastin. This brightens and tightens target areas.

All of these ingredients work to reduce or remove sun damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and create more balanced skin.

Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant is a powerful laser treatment that rejuvenates the skin from the inside out. It targets the skin’s upper layers to replace damaged skin with healthier tissue, creating a more youthful look across multiple treatments.

Clear + Brilliant is designed to enhance skin tone, texture, and appearance overall. It’s also effective at reducing the visibility of fine lines and pores.

Quality skincare products

Astra Medi Spa’s expert team offers a wide range of skincare products that can help reduce the visibility of hyperpigmentation.

Eltraderm Advanced Native Collagen + HA is formulated to hydrate, soothe, and improve the appearance of damaged skin.

Astramed Skin Perfect is an antimicrobial cleanser to revitalize the skin, remove dead cells, enhance skin texture, and cover imperfections. It can create a clearer, cleaner complexion, particularly for people affected by acne.

Hyperpigmentation and melasma may cause significant changes in your appearance, but Astra’s team is here to help!

Each treatment we offer is undertaken by an experienced professional, and we’ll take the time to understand your condition carefully during your pre-treatment consultation.

To learn more about our skin treatments and schedule your consultation, get in touch now!

Glutathione Health Benefits for Your Body and Mind

Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the human body.

This antioxidant is vital to keep you feeling and looking healthy. If your glutathione levels are lower than they should be, you could be at higher risk of experiencing several serious medical conditions.

Such as?

• A glutathione deficiency can cause red blood cells to break down too quickly and prevent new cells from replacing them. This may lead to fatigue, breathing difficulties, and more.

• In more extreme cases, a deficiency could contribute to neurological issues, particularly in children.

That’s why it’s crucial to ensure your glutathione levels remain at a healthy level. And in recent years, countless people have turned to glutathione IV treatments to take advantage of this antioxidant’s many health benefits.

But just how does glutathione help your body and mind?

Give your skin a healthier, brighter glow

Glutathione can help to transform the appearance of your skin in exciting ways. For example, if you struggle with hyperpigmentation, glutathione IV treatments could create a significant improvement in the condition of your skin.

Hyperpigmentation is an aesthetic issue: patches of dark skin form on the different areas of the skin, including the face. These may be noticeable enough to cause self-image difficulties, particularly in severe cases. Typical causes include hormonal changes and sun damage.

But glutathione injections can help to inhibit melanin production and reduce the visibility of your hyperpigmentation. As a result, your skin tones may appear more balanced and lighter overall.

Even liver spots, a common sign of aging, can become less visible with glutathione injections.

Fight inflammation

Glutathione can help to combat inflammation, even chronic cases.

High inflammation levels occur in many chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Specific autoimmune complaints, such as celiac disease, can lead to chronic inflammation too. This will cause serious discomfort (stiffness, swelling) and redness.

But glutathione has an amazing ability to stop the formation of inflammatory cytokines and encourage a healthy response to inflammation within the body.

Assist brain health and memory

Caring for your body is crucial, of course, but you need to consider your mental health too. Certain processes within the brain can cause severe cognitive issues as we age, due to neurodegeneration. This occurs when brain neurons are damaged, in some cases so badly that they die.

This can cause brains to shrink and struggle to perform at the same capacity they may have before. For example, Alzheimer’s is a powerful neurodegenerative condition with devastating results. While its actual cause is still unknown, one of the biggest factors in its development is believed to be oxidative stress.

As glutathione is a major antioxidant within the body, it’s known to be lacking in people affected by neurodegenerative conditions. Research has shown that taking glutathione supplements can have a positive impact on memory, by fighting oxidative stress.

Strengthen the immune system

Glutathione is vital for helping the immune system remain strong and prepared to resist infections affecting any part of the body.

It’s believed to empower white cells (such as T cells) to fight infections effectively, with research showing that taking glutathione supplements helps to increase the body’s Natural Killer (NK) cells significantly after several months.

You can also help to improve your immune system’s healthy by:

• exercising on a daily basis (walking, running, cycling, etc.)
• staying at a medically healthy weight
• getting around seven to eight hours of sleep per night
• adding more vitamin B12 or C to your diet
• eating more vegetables and fruit for a healthier lifestyle

It’s also important to try to avoid or manage stress as much as possible, which is easier said than done for many of us. But physical and emotional stress can both have a negative effect on the immune system, so explore any options for alleviating stress available to you.

Reduce fatigue and improve energy levels

Fatigue is a common problem, but it can have a stronger impact on the body and mind than you may realize. Typical symptoms of fatigue include:

• headaches
• aching/sore muscles
• reflexes/responses slow down
• irritability/low mood
• feeling dizzy
• difficulty making decisions

Fatigue can be caused by too much physical exertion, a lack of restful sleep, experiencing emotional stress for long periods, feeling bored, taking specific medications (e.g. sedatives), or being clinically obese.

If you feel fatigued, this may inhibit your ability to work, study, care for your family, and lead the life you want to. That’s why it’s best to address it as soon as possible.

Fortunately, glutathione has been shown to help combat muscular fatigue and aid psychological factors connected to fatigue.

This should be used in conjunction with other known methods of combating fatigue, such as losing weight, reducing stress, drinking less alcohol, and trying to partake in more physical activities.

The benefits of a professional glutathione IV treatment

It’s clear that glutathione plays a critical part in maintaining good physical and mental health. While it exists within the human body naturally, glutathione levels may be lacking in some individuals, which means supplements will be necessary to reduce the risk of potential medical issues.

One quick, simple way to get more glutathione into your body is an IV treatment. Astra Medi Spa’s treatment is designed to take advantage of glutathione’s ability to improve the appearance of skin and achieve a more even tone.

This has been formulated carefully to reduce the visibility of hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of melanin. Your skin may start to look noticeably better over time, following a course of our IV treatments, especially if you’re affected by dark patches.

Our glutathione IV treatment is injected directly into the bloodstream, unlike oral supplements. This means it bypasses the stomach and digestive process, enabling your body to absorb more of the glutathione than it would from a pill. The number of treatments required to achieve lighter skin may vary from one patient to another.

Other services available include:

• Vitamin C IV treatment
• Laser peels
• Clear & Brilliant treatments
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

To learn more about Astra Medi Spa’s Glutathione IV treatment, contact our team today.

Amazing benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy

As any mother will agree, pregnancy can be a beautiful but uncomfortable journey. Aches and pains throughout the body are common, along with enlarged breasts, hormone fluctuations, morning sickness, difficulty sleeping — the list goes on.

Pregnant women can try various options to ease their discomfort and tend to their wellbeing, including prenatal massage therapy.

This is a fantastic way to treat aches, pains, and more during pregnancy. Research shows regular massage sessions can help pregnant women in a number of ways, physically and mentally.

Let’s take a close look at the most important benefits.

Reduce back pain and sciatica

Back pain, particularly in the lower region, is common among pregnant women. That’s understandable when you consider the major change the body undergoes when carrying a baby.

The body posture changes as the fetus grows, affecting the mother’s center of gravity and the musculoskeletal system over time.

This can lead to sciatica: the muscles compress the sciatic nerve while they adjust to the mother’s new posture. Pain may start to travel from the lower back down through the leg, making movement more difficult.

But massage helps to loosen the muscles contributing to sciatica and eases the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

A qualified, experienced therapist will know exactly how to apply pressure to the body to ease back pain safely, and cultivate a more comfortable pregnancy.

Ease leg cramps

Leg cramps during pregnancy have the power to disrupt mobility significantly. Pregnant women may find their legs becoming uncomfortable whether sitting, lying down, or walking.

This is believed to be caused by a number of factors, including:

• lack of blood flow to muscles when sitting or lying down for long periods of time, due to the pressure placed on blood vessels by the baby

• extra load on the leg muscles and bones

• low intake of calcium, magnesium, and other key minerals may contribute

Massage therapy is ideal for helping to reduce leg cramps during pregnancy. Concentrated pressure and manipulation on the leg muscles stimulates circulation. It also stretches muscles, relieving discomfort in affected areas.

Regular leg massages performed by an expert therapist can help pregnant women feel more comfortable, both when active and still.

Decrease depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety during pregnancy can make this journey even more of a challenge. Whether this is a pre-existing condition or one that develops during pregnancy, women experiencing depression or anxiety should speak to their doctor immediately.

Medical professionals may recommend a number of treatments for combating mental health issues affecting pregnant women. And massage therapy has been shown to help ease symptoms.

Studies have found that pregnant women receiving regular massages experienced lower depression and anxiety: cortisol levels decreased and serotonin levels increased. 

Another study found that women undergoing massage therapy twice per week across a three-month period experienced reduced depression and cortisol levels after giving birth too. Women in this study were also less likely to give birth prematurely.

Making time for regular massages during pregnancy is a terrific way to relax, focus on feeling good, and enjoy being pampered.

Increase immunity for you and your baby

Massage therapy increases circulation. This helps oxygen and essential nutrients to move throughout the body. Toxins are also flushed out more effectively.

Active blood flow ensures the mother and baby receive the nutrients they both need to stay in good health during pregnancy. The immune system will be strengthened, too, as certain blood cells transmitted through the bloodstream can help to combat infection. 

Encourage better sleep

Pregnancy can leave women exhausted but unable to sleep, due to fluctuating hormones, unbalanced energy levels, and physical discomfort. Finding the right position may be particularly tough, especially as the bump gets bigger and bigger.

Lack of sleep can contribute to emotional and mental difficulties. Fortunately, a pregnancy massage stimulates production of serotonin (a “happy hormone”) melatonin (the “sleep hormone”).

With higher melatonin levels, you’ll feel more relaxed and ready to sleep. Hopefully, this will contribute to a more restful night’s sleep, and prepare your body and mind for the next day.

It’s important to speak with your doctor or midwife if you’re experiencing significant sleep difficulties. They’ll be happy to offer additional solutions. 

How is a prenatal massage performed?

Astra Medi Spa’s experienced therapists will help you to lie on your side before they perform your prenatal massage. Special cushioning is used to keep you comfortable and safe throughout your massage.

Your therapist will be happy to answer any questions you may have before, during, and after your massage.

All treatments are performed in a relaxed, soothing atmosphere, with the latest facilities to maximize your comfort.

What other massages are available for after your pregnancy?

Prenatal massage is just one of the treatments available at Astra Medi Spa. Whether you want to book yourself in for a massage after you’ve given birth and you’re adapting to life as a new mom, or you’d like to schedule a pamper session for a friend or loved one who helped you reach this point, our extensive selection of massage options includes something for everyone.

A Swedish massage is just the thing to chase stress away, stimulate your circulatory system, and relax. You can even book this as a couple for a precious thank-you treat.

And our Hot Stone Massage uses volcanic rocks to encourage healthy circulation and help you unwind. It’s a luxury treatment for when you deserve to feel better than ever.

Book your prenatal massage with Astra Medi Spa

A prenatal massage is a wonderful way to relax, reduce the physical discomfort of pregnancy, and enjoy some time to yourself in our luxurious spa.

Whether as a one-off or a regular treatment, our prenatal massage has helped many moms-to-be relieve the aches, pains, and stresses that come with this exciting journey.

We’ll provide you with a free consultation to talk you through your pregnancy massage and make sure you know exactly what to expect.

Book your prenatal massage with Astra Medi Spa today!

How to Cure Sport or Work Injury with Physiotherapy?

Injuries related to sport and work are, sadly, common. During a single year, more than 17,600 Canadians were hospitalized with sports-related injuries, the majority of which were due to cycling incidents.

And workplace injuries accounted for more than 251,600 lost-time claims in 2017 (a substantial increase on the previous two years).

Injuries can stop you going to work, caring for your loved ones, socializing, and taking part in the sports that mean so much to you (and your health). If left untreated, these injuries can lead to ongoing physical issues and complications that cause further disruption.

That’s why it’s so important to treat them and get back on track as quickly as you can. Physiotherapy is a popular treatment for sports and work injuries, but how does it work, and why is it so effective?

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy (also known as physical therapy) is a form of treatment focusing on various physical injuries and conditions.

Physiotherapists can help with issues related to the entire body and its functions, from the bones and soft tissue to circulation. They can play a part in enhancing your physical activity, treating injuries, and helping to prevent others in the future.

Some injuries may be easier to treat than others. For example, if you sprain your ankle severely while playing basketball, a physiotherapist will be able to aid with swelling and tenderness.

Or if you fall off your bike while cycling on concrete, a physiotherapist will focus on helping you recover and avoiding subsequent injuries.

Other injuries demanding a physiotherapist’s attention might develop over time. For example, people who work in environments where heavy lifting is required frequently (warehouses, factories, etc.) may experience extreme discomfort with sprains or pulled muscles.

You could be referred to a physiotherapist by a doctor in some cases, though that’s not necessary most of the time.

How will my physiotherapist assess my injury?

A qualified physiotherapist will take the time to assess your injuries and identify the proper treatment to cultivate your recovery. This is essential to make sure every minute they spend with you is valuable and helps you get where you need to be.

They will start by analyzing your history and your current condition carefully. A good physiotherapist has to understand how you became injured, how it affects you physically and mentally, and anything else they feel is relevant.

You should feel comfortable speaking with your physiotherapist and providing them with the information they need. The more they know, the better they can identify the right treatment for your unique situation.

Next, your physiotherapist will perform a number of physical examinations to assess your flexibility and range of motion, though the extent of movement you’re capable of could be extremely limited depending on the specifics of your injury.

Your physiotherapist will take their findings and build a custom treatment plan to help you recover in the safest, most efficient, and most comfortable way.

How will my physiotherapist treat my injury?

Your physiotherapist will treat your injury in the way they consider the most effective, based on their training and their professional & personal experience. Physiotherapists can treat injuries, relieve pain, and encourage recovery in a variety of ways.

These include:

• massages focusing on one or more areas of the body

• stretching exercises to help improve flexibility

• personalized exercise programs to suit your physical capabilities and goals

• manipulation and mobilization of joints

• supportive taping to ease or prevent injuries, relieve pain, and aid function

• acupuncture to assist muscle function and relieve pain

• a change in your environment and potential removal of any barriers that might inhibit your function or disrupt your recovery

• applying support braces

• applying protective devices or equipment as required

Other treatments can be performed when necessary and appropriate. Our registered physiotherapists will discuss any treatments they consider to be in your best interests and ensure you feel comfortable with the work involved.

This will bring you the peace of mind you need to trust your physiotherapist and follow any guidance they offer related to pain medication, independent exercises, and more.

Your Astra Medi Spa physiotherapist treatments will be tailored to your work or sports injury, recovery goals, and other crucial factors. They will be performed in a welcoming, comfortable environment in which staff adhere to all Covid-19 regulations to maintain personal safety.

What physiotherapy treatments are available at Astra Medi Spa?

At Astra Medi Spa, we’re proud to embrace both traditional and cutting-edge techniques in our physiotherapy treatments.

These include:

Shockwave therapy

During this innovative treatment, a specialist device is used to apply acoustic energy to the injury area(s) of your body. These are mechanical, not electrical, and aim to boost blood flow.

Shockwave therapy can alleviate pain immediately and encourage better circulation, helping to accelerate the healing process.

Cupping therapy

This has become an increasingly popular physical therapy technique. Your physiotherapist will apply suction cups to injured areas of the body, which lift the targeted tissues. This process creates space within those tissue layers, helping to relieve tightness, stimulate better circulation, and alleviate pain.

We also offer lymphedema therapy, pelvic health therapy, and kego exercise treatments.

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need to treat my injuries?

The number of treatment sessions required depends on the type of sports or workplace injury you experience, the severity of its physical impact, the techniques required, your physical condition, and more.

Our physiotherapists will perform a comprehensive assessment of your injury and your history to determine the best treatment for you. They will provide you with a clear plan and arrange your appointments to ensure you understand your road to recovery.

Physiotherapy can help to cure your sport or work injury over time, through one or more techniques. Astra Medi Spa’s registered physiotherapists offer a number of treatments to suit different injuries occurring in any workplace, on any playing field.

To book your physiotherapy assessment and treatment, or to ask any questions you might have, contact Astra Medi Spa now!

How Does the Perfect Derma Peel Revitalize Your Skin?

The Perfect Derma Peel has become a popular cosmetic treatment for men and women looking to revitalize their looks — and with good reason.

It’s a simple treatment with the power to combat acne scars, signs of sun damage, wrinkles, and other common skin-related issues.And the Perfect Derma Peel can even brighten the skin to create a fresher, lighter complexion unlike any you’ve had before.

If you’re thinking about trying a face peel for the first time, you’re bound to have questions. What ingredients does the Perfect Derma Peel contain? And what does it actually do to your skin?

In this post, we’ll answer both these and other questions to help you make an informed choice.

What’s in the Perfect Derma Peel?

The Perfect Derma Peel is known as the only medical-grade peel to include glutathione as one of its core ingredients. As you may or may not know, glutathione is a powerful peptide typically utilized for its brightening capabilities and to reduce inflammatory reactions within cells.

Glutathione penetrates skin deeply to reduce the presence of wrinkles and oxidant damage. It also can turn dark skin pigmentation (known as pheomelanin) into light pigmentation, ideal if you’re affected by hyperpigmentation. This condition is caused by a rise in melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of your hair, eyes, and (of course) skin.

Astra Medi Spa also offers a Glutathione IV treatment, which can be combined with the Perfect Derma Peel to maximize the results. We’ll come back to this later.

Other key ingredients in the Perfect Derma Peel include:

• Salicylic acid

• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

• Phenol

• retinoic acid

• vitamin C

• kojic acid

Vitamin C plays a big part in helping the skin’s natural regenerative capabilities and repairing damaged cells. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is known for its anti-aging effects, as is retinoic acid, and both can reduce the visibility of wrinkles/fine lines.

The Perfect Derma Peels other ingredients are included to help address other skin problems, such as scarring and/or hyperpigmentation. The main reason the phenol is present in the formulation is its ability to numb the skin slightly, which helps patients to stay comfortable during the Perfect Derma Peel treatment.

The peel is administered by a member of our expert team with the training and experience to provide you with total peace of mind from start to finish.

What Does the Perfect Derma Peel Do to Your Skin?

We’ve covered the Perfect Derma Peel’s ingredients and the reasons they’re included. But how does the peel actually work with your skin to achieve its amazing results?

Applying the Perfect Derma Peel

Undergoing the Perfect Derma Peel is a fairly long process, though the peel can be applied to the entire face in only 15 minutes (exact timing may vary from one case to another).

This is a safe treatment, and you’ll be invited to discuss any concerns or ask any questions you may have before it starts. We want you to feel relaxed and aware of each step of the process.

Once the peel is applied to your face, you’ll leave it on for around six hours. Yes, that might seem like a particularly long time, but the peel has to remove the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis) to reveal the fresh layer underneath.

First-timers might find this description gruesome, but it’s generally a comfortable experience leading to incredible results. Again, the phenol in the Perfect Derma Peel formula helps to minimize any potential discomfort. Some mild tingling may accompany the early stage of the process, once the peel has been applied to the face.

The peeling and rejuvenation process

After the application, you’ll be provided with a care kit to take home with you. This includes a moisturizer and towelettes to help ease any itching, tightness, or redness that could occur once the skin is ready to start peeling away.

The epidermis will begin to peel across the following three or four days, and the skin will become resurfaced gradually across a variable period (usually one week to ten days). It’s crucial that you avoid trying to pick the skin as it’s being shed, as hard as that can be.

Many of us have experienced peeling skin at one time or another, typically as the result of sunburn, and it can be satisfying. But make sure you leave the skin alone as it peels, without sloughing or pulling at it (even gently).

This treatment is designed to be safe and effective on all types of skin, creating noticable results that last. You can follow your usual routine after the treatment and while the skin is peeling, though it’s best to avoid any activities that could cause you to sweat excessively.

That means no strenuous exercise, and you should try to keep cool if you undergo the treatment during summer.

Multiple treatments will be required to maintain the results. We recommend three spaced every four weeks apart (or longer, if necessary) initially, for the best outcome. After this, one peel every four or five months should help to combat the signs of aging and the effects of environmental damage.

Complementary Treatments to Maximize Your Perfect Derma Peel Results

We recommend combining the Perfect Derma Peel with our Glutathione IV and Vitamin C IV treatments to maximize the results.

The Glutathione IV treatment encourages the skin to become healthier and lighter, easing uneven skin tones and hyperpigmentation resulting from excessive exposure to UV rays or hormonal changes.

As vitamin C aids the body’s healing capabilities, it can help to promote the skin’s rejuvenation during the peeling process.

The body is unable to produce vitamin C on its own, but our intravenous treatment delivers it into the bloodstream directly. This enables the vitamin C to bypass the digestive process, so your body can absorb more of it.

Our experts have also put together some top tips to help you care for your skin after your Perfect Derma Peel.

Want to book your own Perfect Derma Peel treatment to achieve younger, refreshed, brighter skin? Contact Astra Medi Spa’steam now!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Guide to Symptoms and Treatment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to show support for anyone affected by breast cancer and to raise awareness of the work being done to aid treatment.

Here in Canada, it’s believed that around 26,900 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. It accounts for approximately 25 percent of new cancer cases, and 13 percent of all cancer-related deaths among Canadian women.

It’s crucial that every woman knows the warning signs of breast cancer, and understands what treatment options are available. We’ll cover both, and more, below.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

The most common warning signs of breast cancer include:

• The formation of a lump in the breast or armpit

• A dimpling or irritation of skin on the breasts

• A discharge from the nipple (not milk), possibly even blood

• The breast becomes thicker or starts to swell

• Pain in one or more part of the breast

• The skin around the nipple or on the breast becomes red and/or flaky

• Pain in the area surrounding the nipple

• The nipple becomes ‘pulled in’

• A change in the shape or size of the breast

One or more of these signs may indicate the presence of breast cancer. But they could be related to other conditions and do not necessarily mean that a woman has developed cancer.

Remember: there is no ‘typical’ breast. What has always been normal for you might be considerably different to another woman’s standard of normal. Your breasts may start to look and/or feel slightly different due to a number of factors, e.g. changes to your weight (gaining or losing), giving birth, and even taking specific types of medication.

Breast lumps are often caused by non-cancerous conditions, e.g. fibrocystic breast disease. This is a noncancerous condition that causes the breasts to become lumpy. However, even though fibrocystic breast disease isn’t harmful, it can still cause some discomfort.

If you start to notice one or more of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately. It can be terrifying to speak to a medical professional about such a life-changing condition. But it’s best to make an appointment as soon as you can, even if just to set your mind at ease. 

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Research has shown that a number of combined factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. These include:

• Advancing age: The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women who are aged 50 and above

• Prolonged exposure to hormones: Women whose menstrual periods started before they turned 12 years old and experienced the menopause after turning 55 may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, due to having been exposed to hormones for longer

• Mutated genetics: Certain genetic mutations/changes could create a higher risk of breast cancer in some women, specifically the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2

• A history of breast or ovarian cancer in the family: Women may be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer if anyone on their mother’s or daughter’s side has been affected by breast or ovarian cancer; this may be a mother, daughter, or sister

• Breasts with denser tissue: Breasts described as “dense” feature more connective tissue than fatty tissue; as a result, potential tumors may be difficult to see on a mammogram

• Previous experience of breast cancer: Women who have already experienced breast cancer may be at higher risk of developing it again; non-cancerous diseases (such as atypical hyperplasia) could also be a risk factor

• Undergoing radiation treatment: The risk of breast cancer may be increased for women who have undergone radiation therapy for the chest area before they turn 30 years old; this could be a treatment for a condition such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma

The following are also risk factors, but can be changed:

• A lack of physical activity

• Being obese or heavily overweight

• Drinking alcohol to excess frequently

• Undergoing hormone replacement therapy for a period of five years or more

Breast Cancer Treatments

A number of treatment options are available to women affected by breast cancer. Specific treatments may be recommended depending on the stage to which the cancer has developed, and more than one type of treatment could be offered.

Surgery

Breast cancer surgery is an invasive treatment in which the cancerous tissue will be removed.

Mastectomy

While surgical breast cancer treatment may involve removing just part of the tissue, a mastectomy is full removal of the breast. Women who believe they may be at higher risk of cancer (due to their family history) may elect to undergo a mastectomy before any symptoms develop.

Hormonal therapy

Hormonal therapy involves preventing the cancerous cells from receiving the hormones required to grow.

Chemotherapy

This is one of the most well-known treatment options for breast cancer. This revolves around administering medicines designed to reduce and ultimately kill cancer cells in the body.

Chemotherapy may be administered intravenously through a drip, in pill form, or even both in some cases.

Radiation therapy

High-energy rays (similar to those used in X-rays) are applied to the breast(s), with an aim to destroy the cancer cells.

Biological therapy

This treatment option is designed to work with the immune system to combat the cancer, or to control the side effects from alternative treatments for cancer.

Life after breast cancer treatment

All breast cancer treatments can have a traumatic effect on the body, but may help to destroy the cancer cells successfully.

For women who have undergone a unilateral or bilateral mastectomy, adjusting to the breasts’ new form can be extremely difficult. Breast reconstruction is one option, in which a cosmetic surgeon utilizes an artificial implant and/or tissue from another area of the body to create new breasts with natural results.

Alternatively, some women may choose to wear a mastectomy bra. These feature fabric pockets within the cups, designed to hold a prosthesis securely in place. For women who have undergone a mastectomy, Astra Medi Spa offers custom mastectomy bra fittings in conjunction with Amoena.

To learn more about a custom bra fitting for yourself or a loved one, please contact our team.