IPL lasers direct heat energy towards pigmented areas. This means that in order to be a candidate for IPL hair removal, there must be a distinct contrast between your hair and your skin. If they are too similar in tone, the laser can't differentiate between the two. For folks who aren't candidates for IPL, we offer waxing services or local recommendations for alternate hair removal solutions.

Schedule your test patch or treatments at a time when you can allow at least one millimeter of hair to grow in. If you are taking any skin-specific medications or antibiotics there may be a waiting period for you to adhere to. Discontinue use of retinols & other intensive topical treatments. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should wait until they have weaned before starting or resuming treatments.

IPL for hair removal is 70-90% permanent. Hair can remain dormant for long periods of time, which prevents the inactive follicles from being treated. Many clients choose to keep a maintenance package on hand for any touch ups that may be needed beyond their final result. Hormones are also a major player in hair growth, and shifts in hormones play a role in regrowth/activation of dormant follicles.

Everyone's pain tolerance is different, but IPL is generally considered to be less painful than waxing. The sensation is something like a bit of heat followed by a "zap". There should not be prolonged discomfort as long as you follow aftercare instructions. More sensitive areas can be pre-iced which significantly decreases any sensation.

Results vary for every guest, and if you are treating multiple areas you may notice the speed of progress varies from area to area. It is possible to see results in as little as 3 weeks after your first treatment. You may see hair shed, a difference in thickness, or slower growth. As new growth cycles emerge, progress may appear to go backwards - this is normal. Reaching the stage where you are fully treated takes a significant amount of time - generally a year or more.

Yes! You can shave as soon as you leave if you would like. This also gives you an opportunity to monitor how fast your hair is growing so that you have an idea about when you should stop shaving prior to your next treatment. Do NOT perform any tweezing, epilating, or waxing in the treated area.

Yes! Modern microdermabrasion technology is much more gentle and customizable than it once was. Our estheticians have complete control over the level of grit and suction applied to your skin. We are familiar with the nuances of different skin types and tones, and will work with you to provide a careful yet effective treatment.

Everyone's skin is different, and will respond to resurfacing treatments in different ways. If regular exfoliation isn't a part of your routine, there can be all sorts of unsavory bacteria and impurities lurking beneath the skin's surface. When a professional exfoliation technique or an exfoliating product is introduced, your skin's cellular turnover increases, and what has been lurking deep beneath the surface is brought to light. This is sometimes called "purging". If you continue promoting cellular turnover with regular steam, cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration, your skin should improve within 1-3 weeks. The good news? In the long term, your skin will be healthier and happier. Ask your esthetician for home care recommendations if you experience a cycle of purging.

Avoid shaving the same day as your appointment. Individuals with facial hair will see best results if they shave clean the day before their treatment, or two days in advance for sensitive skin. If you're especially partial to your beard (or if shaving clean would scare the children) your esthetician will be happy to work around your facial hair.

Due to the gentle nature of our Level 1 peels, which contain fruit-based enzymes and hydroxy acids as the primary method of exfoliation, there is little to no down time after treatment and no peeling involved. You will leave glowing and ready to conquer the day!

We recommend monthly facials to keep your skin looking its best. Each visit to your esthetician is like a workout that strengthens and invigorates the skin, conditioning it and promoting better fitness. If you're hoping to see improvements to your skin's health, regular visits are a must.

Facials are a great way to prepare for injections and enhance your results. Unless your injection provider says otherwise, it's generally safe to receive a facial even the day right before your appointment. However, it's imperative that you wait 2 weeks after injections before receiving another facial treatment. Always comply with the aftercare instructions given by your injection provider.

Congratulations! While IPL, level 2 & 3 peels, and microdermabrasion are not approved for pregnant guests, there are plenty of other options! Oxygen facials, hydration facials, dermaplaning, balancing facials, and enzyme peels (like our ormedic peel or signature facelift) are all safe for you and your baby. We encourage all guests with medical conditions to check with their physician for further guidance if needed.

The number one starting point is basic skin hygiene - cleansing, nourishing, and protecting your skin morning and night. A regimen that promotes exfoliation while protecting the skin's barrier is key. We see many clients who have thrown too much at their skin - retinoids without sun protection, excessive use of acids and harsh ingredients... and the skin does not respond in kind. Keep it simple and consistent, and know that healing takes compassion and patience.

Identifying the underlying cause of acne is also important to create lasting results. Common triggers include hormonal changes, stress, diet, lack of exfoliation, and exposure to allergens/bacteria in the environment (think pillowcases, phone screens, towels, etc.)

An excellent regimen will vary from person to person, but there are a few basic rules everyone can follow.

Step 1: Cleanse (AM/PM) You can use the same gentle cleanser both morning and evening, or incorporate an exfoliating cleanser in the evening.

Step 2: Serum (AM/PM) A serum's purpose is to deliver vital nutrients to and promote visible change in the skin. Antioxidants and hydration are great in the morning, and anti-aging or exfoliating formulas should be used in the evening.

Step 3: Moisturizer (AM/PM) In the day time, your moisturizer MUST include broad spectrum SPF. This is a must for all skin types, all skin tones, all ages! In the evening, use a restorative moisturizer.

If your skin's barrier is healthy, exfoliating 1-3x per week will help promote cell turnover - which helps with blemishes, signs of aging, and overall texture!

Retinol... it's a Vitamin A derivative and a powerhouse ingredient that stimulates cellular turnover and supports collagen - one of the most important building blocks of the skin. But with great power comes great responsibility! Retinol can help address acne and signs of aging - but it must be used in a way that is appropriate for your skin. Ask a professional if you're not sure if Retinol is right for you.

Now, for guidelines!

• Apply retinol in the evening ONLY
• Wash your face in the morning
• SPF during the day is non-negotiable
• Start slow, 1-2x per week.
• Increase usage slowly over time - your skin needs to adjust and build up a tolerance.
• If your skin feels overly dry or sensitive, cut back on usage.
• Do not combine with pure actives like AHA's (think glycolic acid), vitamin c (also listed as L-ascorbic acid or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), BHA's (like salicylic acid) or Benzoyl Peroxide.

Of course it does! Skin health and gut health go hand in hand. We are all different, but some of the most common sources of gut-related breakouts are sugar, dairy, and alcohol. Fruits, veggies, and whole foods improve your holistic health - and they boost your glow and your skin's ability to repair itself. And perhaps most important is water intake. Every cell in your body relies on that beautiful H20 to function at full capacity - your skin included. Proper hydration plumps and detoxifies the skin.

Your membership payment will be billed on the first of each month. This way, no matter when your appointment is, you are covered. Several services, are fully covered under membership. If you opt for a premium service, you'll pay the upgrade fee at the time of treatment. Whether it's a premium service or covered under membership, you'll always save.

No worries! As a member, your services remain on your account for as long as your membership is active. You can use these at any time or gift up to three per year! If you choose to cancel your membership, you'll have 90 days to use any rollovers.

Absolutely! Let us know at your next visit or reach out via phone call or text at 616-466-7029. Your upgrade will take effect the following month.

Our membership is open to clients who are willing to commit to a year of Smooth & Glow payments & perks. After your first 12 months are complete, we ask for 30 days notice for your cancellation to take effect. If you move 25+ miles away, or a doctor requests that you discontinue treatments, you can cancel before the year is up without penalty. If for other reasons you must cancel before your 12 month term ends, there is a $200 cancellation fee.