If you’re a skincare guru, you’re probably no stranger to the many benefits of retinol, like getting rid of acne, smoothing lines and wrinkles, evening your skin tone and texture, and lots more. But there has been some confusion floating around about how to reap those same benefits for your body, not just your face.

There are a number of retinol body lotions available that are specifically formulated to use on your chest, back, arms, thighs, and other areas. But before you jump right in, take a look at the answers to some of the most common questions about how and when to use retinol for your body.

What’s the Best Type of Retinol to Use on Your Body?

You might be thinking, “What’s the big deal? Why can’t I just use the retinol cream I already have for my face on my body?” Not so fast! Not only is the retinol you use for your face probably on the pricey side, but it’s also super concentrated. Your face has more hair follicles and oil glands than anywhere else on your body, so it’s able to tolerate a higher concentration of ingredients like retinol, whereas your body might develop adverse effects like dryness, redness, and irritation if you were to use that high of a concentration.

The other advantage of using a retinol cream specifically formulated for your body is that you can custom-tailor that lotion to meet your skin’s unique needs based on skin type. For example, very dry skin can benefit from using a retinol lotion that contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. If you’re looking to treat sun damage or slow down the aging process, look for a retinol body lotion that contains antioxidants like vitamin C.

How Often Should You Use Retinol Body Lotion?

The key to seeing success with any retinol product is to gradually introduce it to your skin and find the “sweet spot” of how often you can apply the lotion without experiencing the negative side effects of retinoid dermatitis. Follow these general guidelines when beginning any new retinol product for your body:

• Start by applying a small amount to an inconspicuous area of your body, such as the inside of your arm. Once you know that your skin can tolerate that amount, you can begin to use it on larger areas of your body.
• Start by applying the retinol body lotion only once or twice per week to allow your skin time to adjust to the new ingredient.
• Slowly increase the frequency that you use the retinol product, working up to a daily application. If you have sensitive or very dry skin, you might only be able to apply retinol every few days, and that’s just fine!

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use Retinol Body Lotions?

Retinol body creams can be an excellent option for women and men alike, and virtually all age groups. Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center’s own Dr. Azza Halim explained to DermStore that not only does retinol help to treat existing signs of aging, but it can also prevent fine lines and wrinkles from showing up in the first place.

Whether you’re looking to treat “backne,” smooth rough, bumpy skin, or get rid of cellulite, a retinol body cream could be the perfect solution for you. That said, there are a few groups of people who may not be good candidates for retinol body products. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to avoid retinol products for the face and body.

Additionally, people with very sensitive or dry skin should talk with their skincare provider before starting a retinol body cream, since retinol can make dryness worse if not used properly.

Do Retinol Body Creams Tighten Skin?

Yes, retinol for your body can help to tighten skin and improve the appearance of cellulite, since retinol stimulates collagen production and the natural cell renewal process. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks or months to see visible results from retinol body lotion, so don’t give up if you don’t see an immediate improvement overnight!

However, if you are looking for more dramatic skin-tightening or cellulite reduction results, you might consider in-office treatment options like EMSCULPT NEO® or VelaShape™. These treatments are non-invasive, don’t require downtime, and can achieve excellent results in a relatively short amount of time.

For more information on how EMSCULPT, VelaShape, or other body contouring treatments work, or to book a consultation, please contact us online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office today at 561-462-0377.

When you think about chiseled abs, a tight butt, and toned arms, your mind automatically goes to hours and hours of time at the gym, sweating like a beast, and working your tail off, right? That’s the old way of doing things. While exercise and eating right are still very important aspects of life, it’s ok if you need a little bit of help here and there. This is where Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center’s newest technology, EMSCULPT NEO®, comes in.

What Is EMSCULPT NEO®?

EMSCULPT NEO® is a body-sculpting treatment that uses both radiofrequency and electromagnetic technology to intensely burn fat, build muscle, and tighten the skin. It is FDA cleared to treat the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms (biceps and triceps), and calves. This game-changing technology uses an applicator to emit RF and HIFEM+ energies simultaneously to warm up the fat cells in the areas that are being treated. These fat cells begin to die over time and are then naturally eliminated from the body.

Great for Men & Women

This revolutionary technology is great for men and women alike. Whether you go to the gym every day and need a little bit of an extra boost, or you’re looking to tone up just a little bit more, EMSCULPT NEO® can help. Most candidates have a personal goal of reducing fat, building muscle, and tightening the skin and are within 15 to 30 pounds of their ideal goal weight.

Other Fat Reduction Opportunities

At Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, we offer many other fat-reduction services in addition to EMSCULPT NEO® to help you reach the body of your dreams. From CoolSculpting® to UltraShape® to VelaShape® and more, our trained professionals are ready and willing to increase your confidence and help you achieve your goals!

For more information about the game-changer EMSCULPT NEO® at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, please call our office at 561-234-4026 or fill out our online contact form.

Whether you’ve recently hit a weight loss milestone, had a baby, or are simply dealing with the natural aging process, loose skin might be keeping you from living your best life. If this sounds like you, don’t panic! There are several cutting-edge nonsurgical devices now available that can help you tighten up loose skin and start enjoying your beach body again!

1. EMSCULPT NEO®

The latest skin-tightening device to hit the market isn’t merely for skin tightening. EMSCULPT NEO combines the muscle-toning power of traditional EMSCULPT with targeted radiofrequency energy to not only help you build muscle and reduce fat, but to also tighten loose skin in your abdominal area.

Most people see optimal results after a series for four EMSCULPT NEO treatment sessions, each lasting around 30 minutes. Because there is no downtime required after this non-invasive procedure, most men and women find that this body-sculpting option is a breeze to fit into their busy schedules.

2. VelaShape™

Maybe it’s not exactly loose skin that’s bothering you, but the lumps and bumps of cellulite that keep you from feeling like the most confident version of yourself. In this case, VelaShape might be the best nonsurgical treatment option for you.

VelaShape uses a combination of infrared light, bipolar radiofrequency waves and massage to release the tight bands of connective tissue that pull on your skin and cause lumpy cellulite. The result is a smoother, more even skin tone and texture and an overall slimmer look.

While you should see some visible improvement after a single VelaShape treatment, expect to get the best results after 3 to 4 sessions.

3. Laser Skin Tightening

If you’re not looking for secondary benefits like treating cellulite or toning muscles, laser skin tightening treatments could be for you. There are several options to choose from, including Pellevé, Accent Prime, and Arctic Glow. These treatments use radiofrequency energy to safely and gently heat the deeper layers of skin in the targeted area, stimulating collagen. This process helps the skin to rebuild and strengthen its structure naturally, resulting in a tighter and more toned appearance.

Which Skin Tightening Device Is Right for You?

Not quite sure which of these effective skin tightening options could be the best choice for you? Book a complimentary consultation to speak with one of our body sculpting experts about your unique needs and goals to create a customized skin tightening treatment plan just for you!

Call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office today at 561-886-0970 or fill out our secure online contact form to conveniently schedule your appointment!

Body image and body positivity are such huge topics of discussion nowadays, but things can sometimes get out of hand and a bit confusing. Can you love your body but still want to get a little bit of work done to tweak a few things here and there? Yes, you can. With CoolSculpting®, you can use it as a method to reduce those hard-to-reach areas of fat on your body while still staying true to your natural body contour.

What Is CoolSculpting®?

CoolSculpting® is an FDA-approved fat reduction treatment that is a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to reduce fat in the body. CoolSculpting® can eliminate stubborn fat in nine different areas of the body, including under the chin and jawline areas, thighs, abdomen, flanks, bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks, and along the upper arms.

This treatment is quick, as it typically only takes about one hour to complete. The CoolSculpting® device pulls the predetermined treatment area between the cooling panels and cools the fat cells to just above freezing, which causes crystals to form on the fat cells without actually freezing any healthy tissue.The fat cells are destroyed immediately, and they are naturally eliminated from your body over the next few months.

Does CoolSculpting® Hurt?

The CoolSculpting® treatment does not hurt, so patients should not feel any pain. However, there may be feelings of discomfort due to the cold panels and the pulling of the skin between the panels during treatment. Patients may feel numb in the treatment area for a few days, but there should not be any other side effects to the treatment. Regular activities may be resumed right away.

When Will I See My Results?

Results of your CoolSculpting® treatment will start to become noticeable after about two to four months. The body needs time to naturally eliminate those dead skin cells, so while it’s actively working from day one, you won’t be able to see a difference until a few months later. Depending on the treatment area, your clothes will start fitting better, your abdomen will begin to flatten, and you will feel more confident in your own skin.

So, whether you are comfortable with your body and need help in one area or nine, CoolSculpting® can help get you to the aesthetic you desire. Love your body the way you want it to be and let your confidence shine. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals with Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center.

For more information about CoolSculpting® treatments at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, please call our office at 561-234-4026 or fill out our online contact form.

Do you work out and eat right but still find that you have a thin layer of fat hiding your hard, toned muscles? If you feel that you want to improve the shape and tone of your body, then EMSCULPT® may be the treatment for you! Find out how men and women can strengthen and tone their bodies without putting on exercise clothes.

How Does EMSCULPT® Work?

EMSCULPT® works by using non-invasive HIFEM® (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology that induces supramaximal muscle contractions that cannot be achieved through normal, voluntary contractions. The procedure is non-invasive and does not require any pre/post treatment preparation or recovery time. Treatments typically last 30 minutes, with a minimum of four sessions scheduled two to three days apart. EMSCULPT® feels like an intense workout, except you can lay down, wear normal clothes, and relax during the treatment.

Am I a Candidate?

It is important to schedule a consultation with Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center to determine whether you are a candidate for EMSCULPT® or not. During this time, you will be able to discuss your body contouring goals and hear all of the options available to you, depending on your ultimate aesthetic physique. If EMSCULPT® is right for you, then you can set up your appointments to start your toning and sculpting sessions.

What Areas Can Be Improved?

EMSCULPT® is FDA cleared to sculpt and tone five body parts, including the abdomen, arms, buttocks, calves, and inner and outer thighs. Each treatment is tailored specifically to you so that you can target the treatment areas that need the most assistance. Results from treatment become available in a few weeks, and with continued sessions, your body can truly transform and be sculpted and toned to your ideal aesthetic appearance.

For more information about EMSCULPT® at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, please call our office at 561-234-4026 or fill out our online contact form.

Who doesn’t love to indulge in a refreshing Starbucks drink now and then? But if you’re working on weight loss or fitness goals, pesky coffee calories can get in the way. Luckily, there are some secrets to ordering healthier Starbucks drinks with 100 calories or less so you can satisfy your coffee craving without throwing off your diet.

10 Drinks Under 100 Calories You Can Order at Starbucks

Whether you’re looking for something simple or a sweet treat and yes, even the coveted PSL, there are surprisingly lots of low-calorie options you can grab at Starbucks. Here’s how to order your next low-cal drink:

Nitro Cold Brew: 1 calorie
What’s in it: Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen for a frothy texture

Caffè Americano: 11 calories
What’s in it: Espresso topped with water, available in hot or iced

Chai Tea Latte: 30 calories
What’s in it: Grande chai tea with almond milk, topped with cinnamon powder

Hibiscus Iced Tea: 35 calories
What’s in it: Freshly brewed hibiscus tea with a splash of lemonade

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: 75 calories
What’s in it: Grande cold foam cold brew, 1 pump of pumpkin spice, 2 pumps sugar-free vanilla syrup, splash of oat milk

Matcha Green Tea Latte: 75 calories
What’s in it: Tall almond milk latte with matcha powder and 3 pumps of vanilla syrup

Pumpkin Cinnamon Iced Coffee: 90 calories
What’s in it: Grande iced coffee, 1 pump pumpkin spice, 3 pumps sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup, splash of oat milk

Coffee Light Frappuccino: 90 calories
What’s in it: Tall frappuccino coffee blend, 1 shot of espresso, skim milk, blended with ice

Iced Pumpkin Chai: 100 calories
What’s in it: Grande iced chai with almond milk, 2 pumps chai, 2 pumps pumpkin spice

Skinny Vanilla Latte: 100 calories
What’s in it: Grande hot or iced latte with almond milk, 3 pumps sugar-free vanilla

3 Insider Tips to Cut Calories at Starbucks

Don’t see your favorite Starbucks drink on the list? No problem! Use these insider secrets to make any drink a little healthier and lower in calories so you can still indulge without breaking the calorie bank:

• Ask for fewer syrup pumps. Most Starbucks drinks come standard with 3 syrup pumps for a tall, 4 pumps for a grande, 5 pumps for a hot venti, and 6 pumps for an iced venti. An easy way to trim calories and sugar is to ask for fewer syrup pumps in your drink. You can also ask for sugar-free syrup options.

• Try a dairy alternative. Swapping standard 2% milk with almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk can save on calories and fat for just about any drink. Just keep in mind that the dairy-alternatives at Starbucks are still sweetened, so they will add some sugar to your beverage.

• Hold the whip. The whipped cream alone for a grande Starbucks drink adds a whopping 100 calories, so you might want to skip it altogether or ask for light whipped cream.

How Your Coffee Habits Support Your Body Goals

Making smart beverage choices is just one piece of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, we understand that wellness is about balance, enjoying life’s little pleasures while supporting your body goals.

If you’re working toward body contouring or weight management goals, pairing smart dietary choices with proven treatments can accelerate your results. Our CoolSculpting Elite treatments can help target stubborn fat areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise alone, while our comprehensive body sculpting programs offer multiple non-surgical options to help you achieve your ideal physique.

Ready to Take Your Wellness Journey Further?

Small changes like choosing lower-calorie coffee drinks add up over time, but sometimes you need additional support to reach your goals. Our team of board-certified professionals offers personalized treatment plans that complement your healthy lifestyle choices.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call or contact us online.

Find us at:

• Sanctuary Medical – Boca Raton

• Sanctuary Medical – Fort Lauderdale

At Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, we’re dedicated to helping you look and feel your best through advanced aesthetic treatments and lifestyle guidance. Visit our locations in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale to discover how we can support your wellness journey.

Pregnancy and childbirth are some of the most rewarding experiences for new and seasoned moms alike, but it’s no secret that having kids can change your body. If some of those changes ー like loose skin, cellulite, or stretch marks ー are keeping you from feeling like the best version of yourself, nonsurgical VelaShape could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

How VelaShape Works

VelaShape is a non-invasive body contouring device that uses a combination of infrared light, radiofrequency energy, and vacuum to deeply, yet gently heat targeted fat cells, connective tissue, and collagen fibers. The result is stimulated collagen fibers, localized fat reduction, and released bands of connective tissue, leading to smoother, tighter skin and noticeably improved cellulite.

You’ll likely see optimal results after several VelaShape treatments, but the good news is that most people describe this process as being pain-free and comfortable. In fact, some people describe VelaShape as feeling like a warm massage. Expect results to develop gradually and continue to improve after each treatment, with final results being visible around two to three months after your final appointment.

Common Questions about VelaShape Post-Pregnancy

How soon after giving birth can I get VelaShape?

It is best to wait until your body has fully recovered and has returned to your normal, stable pre-pregnancy weight. Generally speaking, this can take a minimum of four months, but may take longer for some women.

Can I get VelaShape while breastfeeding?

Because VelaShape has not been tested on women who are breastfeeding, it is best to err on the side of caution and hold off on treatment until you are finished breastfeeding.

Does VelaShape treat stretch marks?

In some cases, VelaShape has been shown to significantly improve the appearance of stretch marks in treated areas. However, your results will depend on the type and severity of stretch marks you would like to treat. You can book a complimentary consultation with one of our VelaShape experts to learn more about how VelaShape may be able to help you meet your specific goals.

Will VelaShape help me lose weight?

No, VelaShape is not a weight loss tool, but it can help you address localized trouble spots and dimples caused by cellulite. You’ll see the best VelaShape results if you are able to reach or come close to your weight loss goals prior to treatment.

Other Post-Pregnancy Body Contouring Options

Are tricky trouble spots like love handles, saddle bags, or a belly pooch keeping you from reaching your post-pregnancy fitness goals? Other nonsurgical body contouring devices like CoolSculpting or EMSCULPT may be able to help.

Like VelaShape, these treatments are nonsurgical and do not require downtime. Although CoolSculpting and EMSCULPT aren’t intended to be weight loss tools, they can help you trim away exercise-resistant fat in challenging areas and help you rebuild abdominal muscles.

For more information about any of these post-baby treatment options or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office today at 561-886-0970 or book online.

Summertime — filled with picnics, barbeques, and vacations — has a way of sabotaging a diet. But before you get off track in the name of convenience, take a look at these easy tips to help you eat clean and still have plenty of fun in the sun this summer.

One of the best things about summer is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available this time of year. Not only can in-season produce be a refreshing treat, but it’s also packed full of vitamins and other important nutrients.

Watermelon, for example, contains even more lycopene than tomatoes. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that offers protection against free radical damage and may help to prevent certain types of cancer. Other healthy summer produce to stock up on includes strawberries, peaches, cherries, green beans, cucumbers, broccoli, and basil.

If you’re able to grow your own garden or even plant a few vegetables in pots or baskets, consider canning, freezing, or fermenting any excess yield you have now so you have some healthy foods stashed away for the winter.

2. Grill Lean Meats

Nothing quite says summer like a hot grill on a sunny day. But if you’re trying to eat clean, traditional hotdogs and hamburgers can be an obstacle. Instead, throw some leaner meat choices on the grill, such as chicken, salmon, or shrimp. You can even go vegetarian and grill up hearty eggplant or portabella “burgers.”

3. Reach for a Refreshing Treat

If cold treats like ice cream cones and popsicles are part of what you love about summer, try substituting close seconds like frozen yogurt, fruit parfaits, or homemade frozen fruit bars instead. These options are generally lower in sugar than regular ice cream, but still pack a flavorful punch.

Keep in mind that fruit contains natural sugars, including a mix of sucrose, glucose, and fructose, as well as plenty of water and fiber, making a bowl of fresh strawberries or apple slices a much healthier sweet treat than processed desserts that are high in high-fructose corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners.

4. BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks)

Heading out to the beach or pool for the day? Bring your own healthy snacks so you’re not tempted to buy nachos or hotdogs from the concession stand. Nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, homemade granola, hummus, carrot sticks, and easy fruits like oranges, apples, and grapes make great on-the-go snacks to keep you feeling full and energized.

5. Stay Hydrated

Lots of times, we mistake thirst for hunger and end up looking for a snack instead of sipping some water. In the summer, it’s especially important to drink enough water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated, especially if you’re outside in the heat and sun. Bring along a refillable water bottle so you never run out.

Don’t love the taste of plain water? Try adding fruit slices like lemons, oranges, strawberries or even watermelon to add a burst of flavor.

To learn more about nonsurgical body sculpting options or to book a complimentary consultation, call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-886-0970 or request a complimentary consultation online today.