Come to the light: therapy for skin

Staff Writer

For those interested in a way to boost their self image without pain and discomfort, Aesthetic Skin Spa, LLP in Williston is using state of the art technology for today’s most sought after dermatological concerns. They could be the answer to addressing those unsightly imperfections.

Owners Deb Bensen and Sharon Stenson, both registered nurses, have been operating the spa out of Creative Elements located at 703 Main Street for over a year. The spa was the first in North Dakota to offer the latest and greatest application. They had previously seen patients from an office in the Landmark Building but felt it was not a good setting.

“We needed to be around the beauty-spa (clientele),” Stenson said.

However, many are unaware of what they’re able to do using SpectraQuattro - a sub-zero intense pulsed light system. The machine is the newest introduction to hair removal, skin rejuvenation, small spider veins as well as treatments for acne, psoriasis and rosacea. Bensen said that women and men alike spend a lot of money on makeup and skin care products to alleviate such problems. And then there’s people who just want to pamper themselves.

“This is a way of non-invasive techniques,” said Stenson.

The broadband light therapy can help eliminate age or brown spots too. She said the light is made of sapphire crystal, which is the toughest stone next to a diamond. It magnifies the light to produce a rubber band type snap to the skin. In order to regulate the amount of light that comes through, different filters are used for the various treatments according to skin type. It is also equipped with thermo cooling for the patients comfort.

“The only thing you’re going to get is a little redness,” Bensen said, noting that side effect would go away within one to two hours.

The patients eyes are covered to avoid damage from the flashes of light during the treatments. They must remove makeup before the process can begin. To treat acne, the light penetrates the infected area and kills the bacteria that causes acne. The light treats spider veins by breaking up the small ones, making them disappear over several visits. The light pulses hair on the face, underarm and legs for permanent removal. However, several treatments are needed since hair grows at different rates. It can also be used to tighten sagging skin as the light dries up and shrinks the collagen with the skin eventually tightening.

“Everybody’s skin is different,” Bensen said, noting there is not an exact number of visits needed to remedy the specific condition.

Before treatment can begin, they will consult with a patient as to what can be done. For example, the use of light therapy for spider veins works better on younger people. A typical visit lasts 10 to 15 minutes. They chart what is done for each patient and document what treatment is scheduled for the next visit. The spa also sells skin care kits, which both technicians encourage patients to purchase.

“You have to do good skin care for the treatment to work,” Stenson said.

The light therapy may not be cheap but how can you put a price on beauty? For more information, contact Aesthetic Skin Spa at (701) 572-4137.