7 Worst Place to Get Tattoos

Tattoos are a great way to express yourself. Aside from the endless designs to choose from, tattoos are also placed on different parts of the body. But it’s important to remember that they are a lifelong commitment which is why you should carefully consider their placement.

So what are the worst places to get a tattoo on the body? Areas like the feet, hands, stomach, chest, elbow, lips, and inner ear are not good tattoo locations. It’s essential to consider a few things when choosing a proper placement, such as pain intensity, practicality, and visibility.

7 Worst Places to Get a Tattoo on the Body

Tattoos are the oldest form of body art with the earliest examples dating back to 6000 BC. Despite the discomfort caused by the process, tattoos are still the most common form of body art until now. According to a published study by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2010, around 38% of people aged 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo on their body.

However, it’s important to carefully consider where to place a tattoo. Some parts of the body are considered bad locations because of several reasons. Most people consider the pain intensity when getting inked, but practicality and visibility should also be taken into account – especially if you work in a place that prohibits tattoos.

Here are seven of the worst places on the body to get inked:

1. Feet

Tattoos located on the foot are always awesome to look at. However, they are likely to fade quicker because of the friction between the foot’s skin and socks or shoes. Tattoo maintenance for this area requires several touch-up sessions to keep the design clear.

Many tattoo artists find it difficult to paint a good image at the side of the foot because the thick skin in that area makes it hard for the ink to seep well. The top of the foot isn’t a good spot either because the thousands of nerve endings in that area cause sharp pain during the procedure.

Another popular tattoo spot near the foot is the ankle. Regardless of their size, ankle tattoos are bound to be painful because there isn’t much fat and flesh there. When the needle pierces the skin in the ankle area, the nerve endings in the bones pick up the vibrating sensation that causes extreme discomfort for the client.

2. Hands

Like the feet, hands are also bad spots for a tattoo. The thick skin in the palm makes it hard for the tattoo needle to penetrate deep into the skin. This area also moves a lot so the tattoo fades quickly without a frequent touch-up.

Another thing to consider when getting a hand tattoo is its visibility. Tattoos in this area are nearly impossible to cover unless you wear gloves. Tattoos are frowned upon by many employers so check the company’s policies first to confirm if visible tattoos are allowed in the workplace.

3. Stomach

Most people think that their stomach is a great place for large tattoos because of its large surface area. However, the skin in the abdomen is elastic, which allows it to stretch easily according to different factors, such as weight changes. Tattoos on the stomach aren’t recommended for female clients who have plans to get pregnant soon. Since the abdomen stretches during pregnancy, it distorts the image of the tattoo.

4. Chest

Like the abdomen, a chest is also an attractive place for a large tattoo. However, getting inked in the chest requires several sessions depending on the size of the tattoo and the artist’s patience. Unless there is enough fat in the chest area, clients are bound to experience sharp pain and severe discomfort once the needle starts piercing the skin.

5. Elbow

The skin on the elbows and knees are close to the bone which is why they’re bad locations for a tattoo. The vibrations from the tattoo tattooing device used over the bone cause sharp pains. The elbow is also frequently creased and stretched which distorts the image of the tattoo. These movements also cause the tattoo on the elbow to fade sooner.

6. Inner Ear

Tattoos in the inner part of the ear look cool for most people, but it’s actually one of the worst places to get one. Aside from the extreme pain experienced, the skin in this area also can’t handle ink well. It needs regular touch-ups from the same tattoo artist to last for several years.

7. Lips

Lips tattoos are only recommended for people who want to get permanent makeup. The skin on the lip area is thin and has over a million nerve endings. This means that getting a lip tattoo is definitely painful compared to other areas of the body. This area is also prone to bleeding, bruising, and swelling after the procedure.

Lip tattoos are also likely to fade quicker since the mouth is always in contact with saliva, food, and drinks. If you want the lip tattoo to last longer, you might need frequent touch-up sessions at the tattoo shop.

Why is Tattoo Placement Important?

Tattoo placement is one of the most important considerations for people who want to get inked. The location says a lot about an individual’s personality. It also determines how well the tattoo design turns out and how long it stays on the skin before fading.

Here are some of the most important considerations when choosing a location for the tattoo:

Pain Intensity

Different parts of the body experience different levels of pain. Locations like the lips, hands, foot, and groin area experience more pain because they have more nerve endings. Areas with thin skin and near the bone also feel more pain than fleshy parts of the body.

Since tattoos are usually drawn on the skin without anesthesia, clients must find a good body part with fewer nerve endings for their tattoo. This allows them to experience less pain and tolerable levels of discomfort.

Practicality

Tattoos in the areas exposed to friction and wetness are likely to fade quicker than other inked parts of the body. If you choose to get a tattoo in the areas like the lips, soles, hands, and waists, be prepared for regular touch up schedules with the tattoo artist. It’s also important to take aging into account. Avoid parts that easily sag or form wrinkles because they affect the appearance of the tattoo.

Visibility

Tattoos draw attention if they are placed in visible areas. They also highlight different physical assets of a person. If getting inked is frowned upon in the workplace, it’s better to place the tattoo in an area covered by loose clothing.

Sun exposure is also another thing to worry about when choosing a tattoo location. UV rays that are absorbed by the tattoo break down the ink on the skin. If you must be under direct sunlight with visible tattoos exposed for a long time, make sure to apply sunblock.

But more than the tattoo’s placement, it’s also crucial to choose a professional tattoo artist. The tattoo parlor must always sterilize their needles and other instruments to prevent the transmission of different health risks, such as hepatitis, HIV, and other blood-borne diseases.

Remove Unwanted Tattoos at Ethos Spa

If you want to remove an unwanted tattoo on the body, Ethos Spa offers laser tattoo removal that works on all ink colors. We utilize the PicoSure laser system that sends ultra-fast light pulses to the skin to break the tattoo pigments into tiny particles. This allows the body to naturally get rid of the tattoo pigment.

Experience safe and accurate tattoo removal here at Ethos Spa. Visit our website or email us at  info@myethosspa.com to learn more about our tattoo removal services. You can also call us at (908) 273 – 5400 to book an appointment.

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How to Trim Eyebrows for Men

Eyebrows that are too bushy or have a bad shape hurt men’s appearance which is why it’s a good habit to keep the eyebrows neat. Whether it’s to score a date, land a promotion, or feel more confident about your appearance, eyebrow grooming should be an important part of your regimen.

So what’s the right way for men to trim their eyebrows? Before trimming the brows, it’s essential to gather the right products and find the appropriate shape for the face first. Once these things have been prepared it’s time to groom the brows by looking for the endpoints, cutting the stray hairs, using an eyebrow trimmer, and plucking isolated hairs.

Men’s Guide to Trimming Eyebrows: A Step-by-step Guide

Eyebrow grooming is a rising trend among men with around 63% of American males regularly trim their brows, ears, or noses. Thanks to the influence of television shows, magazines, and social media, more men are realizing the importance of keeping well-trimmed brows to improve their appearance.

Groomed eyebrows are more than just plucking away the stray hairs in between brows – the end result should highlight a man’s facial features to create a neat and younger-looking appearance. Aside from trimming the eyebrows, waxing is also another great option to groom the brows. It involves applying wax to remove the excess hairs outside the brow line.

If you prefer DIY grooming over professional services, you’ll find a lot of videos on Youtube and other websites about men sharing tips, tricks, and other different information on how to groom their own “guybrows” at home. But we also prepared a step-by-step guide for you:

1. Gather the Right Products and Tools

Like any grooming process, it’s crucial to have the right tools to get the best results. High-quality tweezers with slanted tips grab the finest hairs better than a cheap one. The scissors should also be specially made for cutting facial hairs. If you prefer electronic trimmers, there are devices created specifically for the eyebrows in the market.

For daily maintenance of the brows, a fine-tooth mustache comb is also perfect for brushing the brows. But if the hairs are thinner than usual, it’s better to use disposable mascara applicators to comb the eyebrows.

2. Find the Right Shape for Your Face

Finding the right eyebrow shape is an important part of eyebrow grooming. They hide flaws, such as small eyes, huge space between the eyes, and hooded eyes. Eyebrow shapes also affect a person’s overall look – the right shape makes the person look younger and their eyes seem wider.

As a general rule, most men only need to trim their brows according to the natural shape. These eyebrow shapes also offer a more flattering look for men:

Face Shape	Best Eyebrow Shape
Round	Angular
Oval	Flat
Heart	Slight bends
Square	Round

3. Look for the Eyebrows’ Start and End Points

Once you’ve gathered the grooming tools and picked the right eyebrow shape, it’s time to start the process by finding the start and endpoints of each brow. Place the fine-tooth comb vertically in the middle of the nostril to identify the starting point of the brows. Trace each eyebrow from its starting point to the outside corner of the eye to find the endpoint.

4. Cut the Eyebrow Hairs that are “Too Long”

Comb the eyebrow hairs upward and trim the longer strands that go over the eyebrow’s natural topline. Make sure to use eyebrow scissors for precision. Avoid trimming the brows in the middle of the brow because it creates awkward bald spots in the eyebrow. Just follow the natural eyebrow shape to create a uniform eyebrow shape that’s not too bushy.

5. Use an Eyebrow Trimmer

Most of the time, scissors are enough to trim excess hairs and create a clean look. But for brows that have thicker hairs and a bushy appearance, an eyebrow trimmer might be necessary. Your eyebrows and beard shouldn’t share the same trimmer because it may shave off the entire brow. Slowly move the eyebrow trimmer across the brows until each strand is at the desired length.

6. Pluck Isolated Hairs

Even with a less bushy brow, some stubborn eyebrow hairs still remain near the brow line or in between the two brows. Pluck these isolated hairs with a tweezer. This tool works better than razors or trimmers because it targets solitary strands. You might end up shaving more hair than necessary if you utilize razors or trimmers instead of tweezers.

7. Optional Step: Apply Brow Gel

One of the best grooming investments to make is the eyebrow gel. You don’t have to be a beauty expert to use this because it’s easy to apply. This makeup only secures the brows in place while filling the sparse spots in the eyebrows to elevate the look. However, it’s important to watch how much gel is used in the brows – apply too much and the brows might look too dark and distracting.

Get the Perfect Eyebrow Shape with Ethos Spa

As much as eyebrow grooming is important to maintain a good appearance, most men just don’t have the time to stand in front of the mirror every few days to trim eyebrow hairs. While it doesn’t necessarily erase all the signs of aging on the face, having groomed brows help men achieve a younger-looking appearance.

For a more permanent solution, try out our expert laser hair removal for the eyebrows at Ethos Spa. Our state-of-the-art hair removal technology works on individuals of all skin colors. Call us now at (908) 273 – 5400 to book your first laser hair removal session.

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What Causes Chin Hair in Women?

Chin hair in women typically appears as thin and faint strands that some people call “peach fuzz.” But sometimes, a rogue chin hair that’s thick enough to belong in a man’s beard appears. While the occasional appearance of thick chin hair is normal, it’s better to consult a physician if this happens too often.

So what are the possible causes of sudden chin hair appearance in women? While the appearance of coarse chin hair because of male hormones is normal most of the time, there are also underlying causes for the hormonal imbalance in the body, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal or ovarian tumors, Cushing syndrome, diabetes, and pregnancy.

5 Possible Reasons for Chin Hair Growth in Women

Hirsutism is a common condition that causes women to develop dark and thick hair in their face, chest, and back. According to a study published in August 2020, around 10% of American women suffer from this condition.

The main cause of hirsutism is the body’s overproduction of androgen and testosterone. Cases of hirsutism vary widely because the reason for hormonal imbalance in women may have underlying causes, such as the following:

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects around 10% of women in their childbearing age. It refers to the growth of cysts in the ovaries that prevent the egg cells from maturing, which leads to different fertility issues.

Aside from affecting a woman’s chances of getting pregnant, PCOS also impacts the body’s hormone levels. This causes a woman to gain weight, have irregular periods, develop acne, and experience coarse hair in androgen-dependent areas, such as the chin, abdomen, butt, upper thighs, and low back.

Treatments for PCOS include lifestyle changes and several medications for menstrual cycle regulation, ovulation, and excessive hair growth reduction.

2. Adrenal or Ovarian Tumors

The appearance of ovarian tumors also increases the body’s production of androgen. Although they are often asymptomatic, some patients with ovarian tumors experience irregular vagina bleeding and pelvic pain. Regular checkups are necessary for the early detection of ovarian tumors. The good news is that most ovarian tumors are benign and removable through surgery.

Aside from the ovaries, tumors may also grow on the adrenal glands found at the top of each kidney. Like ovarian tumors, adrenal growths are also asymptomatic most of the time. If these tumors are responsible for the production of excess hormones in the body, a person may experience weight gain, bruising, acne, high sugar level, high blood pressure, and many other symptoms.

3. Cushing Syndrome

Cushing syndrome (also called “hypercortisolism”) occurs when the body is exposed to high cortisol levels for an extended period. Cortisol is an important hormone in the body that regulates blood pressure, assists in heart and blood vessel function, and reduces inflammation. But overproduction of cortisol in the body leads to Cushing syndrome which is accompanied by several symptoms and complicated health risks.

Aside from the appearance of stray thick hair in women, patients with Cushing syndrome may also develop the following symptoms:

• Fatty hump between shoulders
• Rounded face
• Purple stretch marks on the skin
• Bruises
• Acne

Treatment for Cushing syndrome helps the body return to its normal appearance, but it must be done early to achieve better recovery chances. This condition is treated using medications that control the adrenal glands’ cortisol production.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition caused by the body’s resistance to insulin – a hormone that converts sugar into energy. Insulin resistance also raises the body’s testosterone, resulting in the development of more facial and body hair. Some symptoms of diabetes and insulin resistance also include body weakness and fatigue.

Treatments for insulin resistance and diabetes include exercise, a healthy diet, and medication. Since hirsutism is only a symptom of insulin resistance, additional treatment won’t be necessary – hair growth automatically returns to normal when the body’s insulin levels are controlled.

5. Pregnancy

Hormonal imbalance is normal for pregnant women. During this time, the testosterone levels in the body increase. But an increase in the estrogen levels balances out the male hormones which is why some pregnant women don’t experience unwanted hair growth.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that pregnancy-related hormonal changes are difficult to predict. Always ask the ob-gyn about the changes in the body during pregnancy. This allows you to ensure that the coarse chin hair is another pregnancy issue and not a symptom of a health complication that requires a different treatment.

8 Effective Ways to Remove Chin Hair

Picking the right way to remove chin hair is crucial because facial skin is a lot more delicate and sensitive than other parts of the body. The best way to get rid of coarse chin hair for women is to address the underlying medical cause, but simple solutions also help remove the chin hair without affecting the person’s health.

Here are eight effective ways to remove unwanted chin hairs:

	Pain Level	Is it DIY-safe?
Tweezing	Low to Medium	Yes
Waxing	High	Sometimes
Shaving	Low	Yes
Threading	Medium to High	No
Depilatory Creams	Low to Medium	Yes
Epilation	Medium to High	Yes
Laser Hair Removal	High	No
Electrolysis	High	No

1. Tweezing – Plucking the stray hairs using tweezers is an easy and familiar way to remove unwanted facial hair. This method works best for smaller areas like the chin. Tweezers are also a lot cheaper than other tools and products used for hair removal. Just make sure to wipe the tips with alcohol before and after every use.
2. Waxing – Another common method of body hair removal is waxing. It utilizes soft or hard wax to pull off the unwanted hair from its roots. A trained practitioner removes chin hairs quickly and safely, but it’s alright to try it at home if you’re familiar with the process. However, it’s also important to remember that wax may irritate sensitive skin in the facial area.
3. Shaving – In addition to eliminating unwanted facial hair, this hair removal technique is also useful for exfoliation. But unlike waxing and tweezing that removes the hair follicle, shaving only cuts the stray hairs in half. The skin might feel prickly a few days after shaving because the hair is starting to regrow.
4. Threading – This option is another great choice for removing hairs in small areas. Unlike tweezing that deals with solitary hairs, threading removes rows of hairs at once. This method utilizes a thin cotton thread pulled taut over the treatment area. However, this practice requires training so it’s better to head to a salon that offers threading services.
5. Depilatory Creams – If you’re looking for a gentle way to remove unwanted chin hairs, depilatory creams might be the best choice. These creams are created with potassium or calcium thioglycolate that weakens the hair. Just apply the cream over the chin and wipe it clean. You’ll notice the unwanted hairs gone from the chin instantly.
6. Epilation – This process utilizes a device that plucks multiple hairs in an area at once. Epilation is a lot more painful than tweezing but not as bad as waxing. Most women who try epilation eventually get used to the sensation. Aside from the chin, this device also works well in other areas like the underarms and the sides of the face.
7. Laser Hair Removal – If you have the money for a more permanent hair removal solution, intense pulse light therapy is the right choice. This technique utilizes lasers that destroy the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. This method should only be performed inside a clinic – laser hair removal at home leads to serious complications, such as hyperpigmentation, burns, and scars.
8. Electrolysis – Another permanent hair removal option is electrolysis. Like laser hair removal, this method also utilizes heat to damage the hair follicles in the treatment area. Instead of working on a larger surface area, electrolysis focuses on one follicle at a time. What’s great about electrolysis is that it works well for women with light-colored hair.

Explore Hair Removal Options at Ethos Spa

Looking for a safe and permanent hair removal option for unwanted chin hairs? Here at Ethos Spa, we provide laser hair removal services that eliminate chin hair without damaging the skin. We only utilize the latest technology that works on all skin types and colors.

If you’re tired of frequent tweezing, shaving, and waxing sessions, it’s time to consider laser hair removal at Ethos Spa. Call us at (908) 273 – 5400 to schedule an appointment.

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Laser Hair Removal and Skin Types: What You Need to Know

According to a survey by Statista, around 385,000 laser hair removal treatments were performed in the United States alone in 2018. It’s a relatively straightforward procedure for most patients, and you’re far more likely to find long-term hair removal and management easier if you go through laser treatments. But before you get any kind of laser treatment, you need to make sure that your skin is compatible with the procedure.

But why should you make sure that your skin type matches your laser treatment? Laser hair removal is more efficient and has fewer complications if you use the correct laser with your skin type. This is usually determined by whether you have fair or dark skin.

How Skin Types and Laser Hair Removal Interact

Your dermatologist will often base your laser hair removal on the Fitzpatrick Scale, a measurement tool that’s used to classify your skin type based on your ethnicity, tanning ability, and overall pigment (or melanin content) of your skin. The Fitzpatrick Scale has six levels of classification for different skin types:

	Ethnicity	Skin color(melanin levels)	Reaction to tanning
Type 1	Albinos and redheads	Very pale, white, ivory, always has freckles	Burns and peels very easily and doesn’t tan
Type 2	Most Northern Europeans	Pale white	Usually burns and peels, rarely tans
Type 3	People from the Meditteranean or the Middle East	White, light brown, or beige with golden undertones	May sometimes burn and gradually tans
Type 4	Most East Asians, Indians, and Pakistanis	Olive or light brown	Rarely burns but tans easily
Type 5	Most Africans, South East Asians, and people from Latin America	Dark brown	Burns and tans easily
Type 6	Some Africans and dark-skinned Asians	Deep brown	Rarely burns and never tans

Before you get any type of laser hair removal, it’s important to establish your skin type first. The laser used in hair removal is attracted to color, which might damage darker skin. Because lasers are directed to pigments in the hair follicle, any pigments in the skin can be affected if the laser is powerful enough. This may cause complications like:

1. Burning

Because of the high heat generated during laser hair removal, people with darker skin can experience burns if the laser is too strong and starts burning away skin pigment. This may cause discoloration, hyperpigmentation, or general skin irritation that can affect the results of the procedure. However, this complication is relatively uncommon.

2. Skin infection

If a strong enough laser is used on the skin, the exit point for removed follicles can get infected with bacteria. This can lead to serious skin complications and may require intense post-operative care to treat or manage. Because of the ablative nature of some laser treatments, even low-wavelength laser hair removal can cause significant wounds in the skin.

3. Increased or decreased hair growth

With some rare cases (usually with people with darker skin), the hair that grows around the laser-treated area may be thicker or return at a faster rate. Because the laser treatment damages the hair follicles so they fall out easier, the intensity may affect the skin around the laser treatment. This can cause visual changes to the hair around the area and may affect hair growth.

Even if the intensity of the laser used in hair removal isn’t anywhere close to other commercial-grade lasers, it’s best to make sure that your skin type can tolerate the treatment. Most dermatologists will check their patient’s family history, reaction to sunburns, and overall melanin levels before recommending the specific type of laser to use with their hair removal.

Types Of Laser Hair Removal

There are four types of lasers usually used in laser hair removal:

Ruby lasers

Ruby lasers excel at removing light patches of hair, but they need prolonged contact with the skin to remove all the pigment and detach the hair follicle. They’re excellent treatment options for people who don’t want a lot of pain during laser hair removal, since the pauses between each laser pulse are slower to minimize discomfort.

However, this type of laser hair removal will require multiple sessions to make sure that all the hair is removed, and is best suited for smaller treatment areas.

Alexandrite lasers

The Alexandrite laser is the most popular option for laser hair removal since it covers sizable areas in a short time. However, this efficiency also makes it one of the most uncomfortable laser treatments, since the laser pulses have almost no delay and repeat rapidly. This laser also penetrates the skin better, which allows for more hair removal.

Alexandrite laser treatments usually last for one to three sessions, depending on the area and the patient’s pain tolerance.

Diode lasers

Diode lasers are highly concentrated and reach deeper into the hair follicle, which helps them target the pigment more effectively compared to other lasers. It’s one of the most versatile laser treatments available since it’s able to remove most types of hair regardless of their texture or color.

However, diode laser treatments can be relatively expensive, with most cosmetic practices lacking the tools or expertise to operate the machine.

Nd:YAG lasers

Most lasers used for hair removal don’t penetrate the upper layer of the skin, since their wavelengths cannot pass through the melanin without damaging it. However, Nd:YAG lasers can target pigments deep within the dermal layer which allows for efficient removal of coarse or tough hair.

Nd:YAG lasers are relatively new technology, and you may have to check if your local cosmetic practice offers it as an option.

Here’s a table summarizing which type of laser works with which skin types:

Laser	Compatible Skin Type/s
Ruby	Types 1, 2, and 3
Alexandrite	Types 2, 3, and 4
Diode	Types 4, 5, and 6
Nd:YAG	Almost all types of skin

While patients may use the Fitzpatrick scale as a baseline for the specific laser treatment to consider, dermatologists have the final say in what laser type to use.

Personalized Skin Treatments At Ethos Spa NJ

Confirming your skin type is a necessary step to make sure that you’re a suitable candidate for laser hair removal. This will lead to a better outcome after your laser hair removal and will make you less likely to suffer from any complications and aftereffects from undergoing laser treatment.

At Ethos Spa, we have extensive experience in laser hair removal treatments and other skincare improvements, delivering fast results with excellent customer service. Our staff is highly trained with all the tools and equipment required, ensuring you get the results you want.

For more information about our services, schedule an appointment with us today.

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Can You Use Laser Hair Removal Over Tattoos?

Compared to waxing and shaving, laser hair removal is a long-term solution that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. Most people go through laser hair removal with no problems, but the process gets more complicated if you have a tattoo.

Is it possible to have laser hair removal on or near tattoos? Not really. Most dermatologists would advise that you look for alternatives for hair removal since lasers and tattoo ink are a volatile and potentially dangerous combination.

How Do Tattoos and Laser Hair Removal Treatments Interact?

Laser hair removal works by firing a specific wavelength of concentrated light at a location on your body. This light targets and weakens the pigment found in your hair follicle, which weakens its structure and removes it from the skin. There are different medical lasers that cosmetic treatments can use, which are tailored to specific types of hair and skin color.

Since most cosmetic lasers remove hair by targeting pigments, they cannot tell apart the pigments found in your skin and the ones used in your tattoo. If a medical laser is applied on a location that has a tattoo, it will remove both the hair and the tattoo, damage the tattoo, or cause serious skin conditions depending on the type of laser used.

Most dermatologists will usually dissuade patients from getting laser hair removal if they have tattoos in the same location. The closest that most cosmetic practices can do is to laser the skin around the tattoo. This can be a problem for people who have tattoos on areas like the arm or leg since these locations often have the most hair on the body.

Risks of Getting Laser Hair Removal When You Have Tattoos

There are three significant risks of applying a medical laser to a tattooed area:

Fading

Since the laser removes pigments, tattoos will most likely fade or even disappear with enough laser treatments. While it is possible to shield the tattooed area during laser treatment, this can reduce the efficacy of the procedure. This usually means more treatments will be required for complete hair removal.

Blistering

High-intensity lasers can burn the pigment on the skin, which can cause blisters and scar on the affected area. Unlike the natural pigment in the skin, artificial pigments used in tattoos react more violently to laser pulses, even if they’re on the lowest setting.

Nerve Damage

A rare complication of laser treatments is nerve damage in the affected area. This usually occurs if a commercial laser (the type you can buy online) is used on the area around the tattoo. Because these lasers don’t conform to the same safety standards, they can cause more damage to the skin and the nerves underneath the dermal layer.

Electrolysis as an Alternative to Laser Treatments

People with tattoos aren’t completely locked out of hair removal options: electrolysis, or permanent hair removal, is the best option to remove any hair on a location that also has a tattoo.

Electrolysis works by sending electrical currents straight to the center of your hair follicle, which destroys the growth center via chemical reactions and heat. Since this method doesn’t affect pigments, tattoos won’t fade or blister.

And unlike laser treatments, electrolysis is a more permanent solution for removing hair. It’s the only permanent solution to hair removal that’s recognized by the FDA and the American Medical Association, with a 100% efficacy rate with repeated treatments. Not only does this allow you to keep your tattoos, but it also improves their appearance once the hair is removed.

Safe and Effective Hair Removal Treatments At Ethos Spa NJ

While it’s a fast, reliable, and accessible solution, laser hair removal should never be used over tattoos. Any laser treatments near tattooed areas should always be cleared with your dermatologist to avoid serious complications. Other cosmetic treatments like electrolysis are a much safer alternative and provide better results.

Our staff Ethos Spa has extensive experience in providing safe and effective hair removal treatments for every patient while reducing any long- and short-term complications. As a leading cosmetic practice in New Jersey, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service, paired with innovative cosmetic tools and products.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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The Difference Between Juvederm and Botox

Injectables are some of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the United States, with an increase of 39% in procedures performed in the past five years. Injections that treat facial lines and wrinkles are the preferred method of treatment, like Juvederm and Botox.

But what’s the difference between Juvederm and Botox? While these products treat the same issue, they work in different ways. Juvederm is a dermal filler, while Botox blocks nerve signals in the muscle that cause wrinkles. Patients looking to treat their facial lines should keep these differences in mind to better benefit from each procedure.

Juvederm vs Botox

Patients with no experience in cosmetic treatments may think that Juvederm and Botox are the same procedure, but there is actually a fair amount of difference between the two. Here is a quick table for comparison and contrast:

Juvederm	Botox
Active ingredient is hyaluronic acid	Active ingredient is botulinum toxin
Works as dermal filler	Works as a neurotransmitter blocker
Results are instant and last up to one to two years	Results take several days and last for months
Average cost is around $600 for one injection	Average cost is $10 to $30 dollars per unit depending on the region
Long treatment sessions, may need reapplication once a year	Short treatment sessions, may need several reapplications a year

Juvederm and Botox are effective at treating lines and wrinkles on the face, though there may be some slight variation depending on the exact area that needs to be treated. They can help improve your appearance better than makeup, and are both FDA-approved as preventive or active treatments to smoothen out lines and wrinkles.

Both cosmetic products are relatively painless, non-invasive and require little to no recovery time, which makes them preferable treatment options for people who don’t want to go through cosmetic surgery. In addition, maintenance and upkeep of these treatments are fairly minimal, with each treatment session lasting an average of thirty minutes to one hour.

Why Use Botox?

Botox is one of the leading cosmetic injectables used to treat facial lines and wrinkles, with a tried-and-tested history of efficacy. Here are the considerations you need to keep in mind when using it:

1. How it adds volume

Botox works by freezing the nerves that usually cause wrinkles to form in your face. It prevents muscles from flexing, which is the primary cause of wrinkles. This helps your skin appear smoother and any wrinkles less apparent after the injection.

2. Where it’s used

Botox can treat a wide variety of lines and wrinkles like glabellar lines, crow’s feet, and lines around the eyes, brows, and forehead. It excels at treating fine lines in the skin like bunny lines. It’s also used as a non-cosmetic injection for conditions like migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), muscle spasms, and eyelid twitching. 

3. Why use it to treat lines and wrinkles

The two advantages that Botox has over cosmetic dermal fillers are cost and minimal side effects.

Botox injections are charged via the number of injections required, or units. This makes it a more cost-effective option if you don’t need to treat a lot of wrinkles. While pricing may vary depending on where you get it, it’ll always be a more affordable option than Juvederm.

Because Botox has been around and developed for so long, the risks of developing any side effects are minimal. Most patients report minor bruising and swelling which go away after a day of rest. Most dermatologists are also familiar with administering Botox injections, which further decrease the risk of complications occurring during and after the procedure.

Why Use Juvederm?

Juvederm is one of the leading cosmetic dermal fillers, which are usually seen as long-term alternatives to treatments like Botox. Here are the considerations you need to keep in mind when using it:

1. How it adds volume

Juvederm is a gel that contains a generous amount of hyaluronic acid, which is inserted into the skin underneath your wrinkles. This “fills in” the grooves and lines in skin, giving it a smooth and supple appearance.

2. Where it’s used

Juvederm has several formulas that add volume to deep lines and wrinkles around the face like the lips, cheeks, around the nose, and lines around the mouth. It’s particularly effective at addressing lines like marionette lines and laugh lines. Unlike Botox, Juvederm has no applications outside of cosmetic treatments.

3. Why use it to treat lines and wrinkles

There are two major advantages to using Juvederm: efficacy and duration of the results.

Since its active ingredient is hyaluronic acid, it’s extremely effective at keeping water inside the skin. This helps it fare better against factors like ultraviolet radiation, smoke, and other environmental triggers that contribute to skin aging and wrinkle development.

Juvederm also lasts longer than Botox and requires minimal upkeep and follow-up sessions. On average, you can expect results to last around one to two years, though that may change depending on the area that received the treatment.

Professional Cosmetic and Skin Rejuvenation Treatments At Ethos Spa

Ultimately, the decision of using Juvederm or Botox will rely on your consultation with your dermatologist. Each injectable has its distinct advantages depending on how much and where it needs to be applied. You should also take into consideration factors like your capacity to commit to a treatment schedule and the potential cost of the overall treatment.

As a leading provider of skin treatment in New Jersey, Ethos Spa has extensive experience with administering injections like dermal fillers and Botox. Our staff is highly trained and well-equipped to provide you with amazing results with either treatment, along with providing premium customer service.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out more about our services.

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What Cosmetic Treatments Are Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can have many effects on the body, but one of the most apparent changes will show up in the skin. Because of the shifting hormone levels, stress, demands of the fetus, and other pregnancy-related concerns, women will often experience a decrease in their general appearance, especially in the latter half of their pregnancy. As a result, some pregnant and breastfeeding women look for skin treatments that can revitalize their looks.

But are there any cosmetic treatments that are safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women? Skin treatments that don’t penetrate the dermal layer or are minimally invasive are excellent choices, but data and clinical trials with other procedures like laser treatments are more uncertain. Patients should always consult with their doctor and dermatologist for further clarification.

Are There Safe Cosmetic Treatments For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women?

Because of the increased sensitivity that women experience during pregnancy and breastfeeding, most clinical skin treatments are usually not allowed. While skin treatments differ somewhat from most clinical treatments that involve drugs, they can still have considerable effects on a woman’s body, which can affect a developing fetus.

However, most dermatologists and doctors will usually allow skin treatments that aren’t too invasive or use drugs that can flow into the bloodstream. Based on research and experience, only one skin treatment safely falls under this category: certain chemical peels that use glycolic and lactic acid. Here are the considerations to keep in mind when using them:

How this skin treatment works

Products and serums that contain glycolic acid are very popular with clinical and skin treatments since it’s an effective exfoliant that can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your face. They’ve also shown some efficacy in treating acne – a common side effect of pregnancy – in clinical trials, since they contain powerful antioxidants and antibacterial compounds.

Lactic acid is a naturally-occurring compound that helps treat skin pigmentation and wrinkles. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and doesn’t linger after application, which reduces the likelihood that it’ll penetrate the dermal layer. These peels are also relatively safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, though most patients are advised against long-term treatments.

Why this skin treatment is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women

Most scientists agree that glycolic acid is safe for pregnant women to use since the compound limits itself to the skin and doesn’t penetrate the bloodstream. It’s also a safer choice than most chemical exfoliants like retinoids and salicylic acid. Products that have a concentration of less than 10 percent have exhibited the best results, though further research is needed to establish the safest dosage.

Your dermatologist would recommend that you start with a small dosage (typically with a cleanser first) to see if your skin can tolerate glycolic acid. Since every woman’s skin reacts differently to pregnancy, initial results may vary.

Other skin treatments have little to no data that can prove their safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women, primarily because of the ethical considerations in clinical trials that involve pregnant women. As a result, most dermatologists and doctors will not clear a pregnant or breastfeeding woman for any other type of skin treatment like dermal fillers or Botox.

Why Most Cosmetic Treatments Can Be Dangerous to Pregnant Or Breastfeeding Women

Even if the skin treatment itself is fairly harmless, the risks they pose to pregnant women and the developing fetus can be very dangerous. Some problems from cosmetic treatments may include:

1. Exposure of the fetus to toxins

Cosmetic treatments that use toxins like Botox can leak their contents into the woman’s bloodstream, which travel to the placenta and into the developing fetus. These chemicals may affect the growth of the baby or cause serious complications that can cause birth defects. Studies and data about the interaction of cosmetic drugs and developing fetuses aren’t common, and most doctors and dermatologists will refuse to administer the treatment on principle.

2. Additional strain on the body

While it’s tempting to think that physical treatments like microneedling cause no harm to the fetus, they can drain resources and nutrients away that are critical to their development. When you undergo clinical treatments like microdermabrasion or even laser surgery, your body has to allocate resources and nutrients to heal from the strain of the procedure. This can lead to malnutrition and underdevelopment for the fetus.

3. Incompatible function with the body’s changes before the birth

Even if the patient has somehow gone through the skin treatment, there’s no guarantee that the results will be what they expect. Since pregnancy changes so much in the body (bloating, puffiness, acne, and weight loss in particular) the treatment may not have a discernible effect or may be exaggerated as the pregnancy progresses.

4. Rare complications of skin treatments

Even though most cosmetic treatments have minimal downtime and post-operative aftercare, patients are always at risk of developing serious complications from otherwise routine skin treatments. Conditions like botulism, blood loss, infection, or nerve damage can have a disastrous effect on pregnant and breastfeeding women, and may likely turn into life-threatening situations if not attended to immediately.

Because of the unknown and untested risks of cosmetic treatments on a developing fetus or a breastfeeding woman, most doctors and dermatologists would rather act with caution and dissuade their patients from getting one. And because women’s bodies have distinct reactions to pregnancy, even safe skin treatments need to be monitored closely by the patient and their doctor.

When To Resume Cosmetic Treatments After Giving Birth

So when exactly can women get cosmetic treatments after pregnancy or breastfeeding? This question is particularly relevant for women who have already started skin treatments like Botox injections or were interrupted in the middle of their regular dermal filler application. If they wish to resume treatment, there are three general guidelines that they can follow:

Dermatologist/doctor’s advice

Above all else, any skin treatment a patient is considering must be cleared by their doctor and dermatologist. Aside from the previously discussed effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on the body, skin treatments are also a great strain on the overall well-being of the patient.

 A patient may feel less satisfied with their skin treatment results even if they’ve had a discernible effect, which they may mistakenly label as the fault of the cosmetic practice rather than the natural changes brought about by pregnancy. Conditions like postpartum depression can amplify these feelings, which can cause more stress.

Setting expectations is also crucial when a patient starts their skin treatments again. Your body has gone through massive adjustments during pregnancy, and it will take some time for it to return to pre-pregnancy conditions. A lot of factors can affect how fast and how well this process takes, which limits the efficacy of skin treatments soon after pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

While your doctor and dermatologist can give you a reasonable idea of what to expect, there are too many variables that can affect the results of skin treatments. As a result, most medical professionals will advise their patients that the results of their skin treatments may not be the same pre-pregnancy.

Patient and provider’s comfort level

Even if the patient is medically cleared to start skin treatments again, their comfort level – especially their pain tolerance – plays a significant role in deciding when treatments can resume. Some mothers may choose to delay skin treatments because they need to concentrate on the baby, even if it’s a regularly scheduled procedure like Botox. In these cases, dermatologists will have to agree to their patient’s demands.

On the other hand, dermatologists and doctors may also refuse to administer skin treatments to patients who they feel are high risk for developing problems during breastfeeding or to expectant mothers. Again, the unknowns of applying cosmetics and/or drugs to a pregnant woman are just too dangerous for clinics to risk.

It ultimately comes down to the relationship you have with your doctor and dermatologist. Because there are so many things that may affect the mother and their child, you likely need to go through extensive medical checks and clearance before you get the go-ahead to resume skin treatments.

After breastfeeding or pregnancy

Most medical professionals generally agree that the safest possible time for women to resume cosmetic treatments is after they finish breastfeeding or recover from pregnancy. While data and clinical trials on the exact time frame required for your body to acclimatize to both activities differ, most doctors and dermatologists agree that you can safely resume skin treatments one year after you’ve given birth.

Safe and Personalized Beauty Treatments at Ethos Spa

While some cosmetic treatments are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients should always consult their doctor and dermatologist before they get one. Predicting the side effects of cosmetic treatments during pregnancy or breastfeeding can be complicated, and your dermatologist would likely recommend that you wait after that period has passed before getting any work done.

Our dermatologists and staff at Ethos Spa have plenty of experience with recommending skin treatments to women and specialize in offering long-term and safe results. If you want to know what skin treatment options are available to you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, visit our New Jersey clinic today.

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