Unique Verve Facials and Massage Therapy

Article from Improper Bostonian Magazine January 6-19, 2010:

Description: The facial and the LED treatment work to reduce fine lines and make skin healthier. A photostimulation process encourages collagen production without turning you into a Hollywood housewife.

Health Benefits: This isn’t a gimmicky facial that leaves you smelling like SunnyD. Vitamin A and C serums help reverse sun damage, while the LED light is rejuvenating without pesky UV rays.

Novelthy Factor: Electrical stimulation from a “galvanic machine” coaxes your skin to absorb the vitamins.

Account: Starting with the LED treatment, the therapist covers your eyes and moves a small light slowly around your face – like an eraser removing each, tiny flaw. Next your skin is coated with a fruit bowl’s worth of nutrients. After a few applications, it’s time for an upper-body massage.

Results: Clearer skin with fewer fine lines.

In A Nutshell: “I feel like I cheated plastic surgery”.

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Unique Verve is now offering Advanced LED Photofacial by Revitalight. Revitalight is FDA cleared that delivers pure, non-laser, light which is safer than daylight because there is no harmful UV. LED Light therapy is non-invasive with no recovery time, doesn’t generate heat, it will not burn your skin. 

Advanced LED light technology skin care treatments were developed by dermatologist for skin care professionals that can painlessly and without any discomfort…

• improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, rosacea, broken capillaries
• help your skin appear more radiant, plump and smooth
• help tighten unsightly poores
• help reduce Acne

40 years of independent research have shown that Light Therapy has powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissue. In the 1960’s in Europe it was noted that certain single wavelenghts had excellent therapeutic effect on tissues through a process called photo-stimulation. LED anti-aging technology was uncovered when US space program research examined the effect of gravity on cellular activity. Human cells need gravity to stimulate cell growth. LED-technology developed for NASA experiments in space show promise for delivering light deep into tissues of the body to promote wound healing and human tissue growth. LED enhances cellular growth.

Unlike laser technology that relies on high-powered coherent light to create heat energy which may result in harmful side effects, LED  Photopulsation triggers the body to convert light energy into cell energy without thermal injury to the tissue. This stimulates collagen production and regenerates ageing or sun damaged skin. LEDs, Light Emitting Diodes, are unique in their ability to produce the same specific light frequencies as lasers without damaging tissue. LEDs produce a diffuse and uniform light that penetrates more deeply than laser light.

Red LED Pulse Light Therapy – for the treatment of Rosacea, Anti-aging, Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage, also prolongs effects of other treatments – Botox and collagen fillers by working in harmony to naturally lift and tone the skin.

The recommended frequency of red LED light treatmnets is one (age and life style dependant) treatment every 7 to 10 days for 6 weeks. Maintenance treatments are recommended every 4-8 weeks.

General studies have shown Red LED light to:

• increase circulation
• convert light energy into cell energy
• stimulate the production of collagen
• helps to heal wounds and repair skin damage
• useful in skin rejuvenation
• stimulates human tissue just below the skin’s surface
• stimulates proteoglycans and fibroblastic activity (that produce collagen and elastin)
• increases lymphatic system activity

Blue LED light therapy has been FDA cleared for the treatment of acne.  To treat acne it is recommended to get 3 sessions per week for the first 2 weeks. Then the treatments are cut back to 2 per week for 4 more weeks. Maintenance treatments are recommended every 4-6 weeks. Professional exfoliation and Revitalight is an excellent combination and can accelerate the desired results.

As with any skin care procedure, clients need to be aware that there are no quick fixes or “miracle cures” with the Revitalight. LED light therapy has an cummulative effect, hence serious of 6 treatments (age and life style dependant) are recommended to see desired results. The long-term effectiveness of this or any other skin care treatment is only as good as the client’s adherence to a consistent home care program and lifestyle that are in keeeping with the desired results. Home care is incredibly important with LED and other therapies and facials. What client does to her/his face  24/7 greatly influences results.

If you have any questions or would like to book your appointment, please contact Unique Verve.

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There’s no such a thing as a quick fix when it comes to achieving healthy, beautiful skin.

Since ancient times, people have used cosmetics to try to improve their skin and to hide the effects of ageing. While offering the hopeful user the promise of being a “miracle in a jar”, until recently, most creams remained simple, old-fashioned moisturizers in progressively more modern and expensive packaging.

The introduction of vitamin A into skincare formulation was a groundbreaking moment, because it offered benefits to sun-damaged skin.  Prominent Cape Town plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes was a pioneer in this field. In the 1980s, he was one of the first to use vitamin A in high enough dose for a genuine, measurable effect on the quality of the skin.

Dr. Fernandes became interested in the mechanics of skin cancer and the skin following the ultimely deaths of two young patients due to melanoma. Through his research, he discovered the essential role of vitamin A in skin health and he became determined to create treatments that would maintain healthy skin, eapecially as the incidence of sun-related skin disorders grows worldwide. Out of this, the Environ range and company were born.

The cornerstone of Environ treatments is vitamin A. Extensive medical research and trials have shown that vitamin A has a corrective effect on skin, smoothing it and softening and protecting it from the effects of ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. Its most important activity is to normalise the skin. It promotes the production of healthy collagen and elastin and improves the skin’s natural moisture, leading to healthy, younger-looking skin.

Environ draws on cutting-edge technology, combined with proven botanicals, anti-oxidants and scientific principles to create skincare ranges that address different needs and problems for people of all ages. Environ is acclaimed by international beauty ediors, skincare therapists and dermatologists.

Unique Verve is proud to offer Environ products to it’s clients and to use Environ products during all facial treatments.

Because Environ is a medical skincare line, it’s not available for the purchase online. Please feel free to contact Unique Verve for any questions or product consultation.

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Natalie Maibenko (Unique Verve) was nominated Best of Boston Massage Therapist 2009 as a runner up by Boston Magazine.

“It was hard to find a bad massage – if indeed there is such a thing – in this year’s bunch. Natalie at Unique Verve put us quite pleasantly to sleep…”- Best of Boston 2009 edition, Boston Magazine.

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Unique Verve was nominated for Boston’s Best Facial 2009 by Improper Bostonian Magazine.

“Natalie Maibenko’s vitamin-enriched facial at Unique Verve (a South End gem) combine pampering practices with results-oriented techniques that not only feel good, but leave your skin vastly improved over the long term. Maibenko’s touch is light and her aromatherapy potions heavenly, so you can drift off while she does her work, efficiently, quietly and always with a smile.”

- Improper Bostonian Magazine, 2009 Boston’s Best issue.

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After a few months of voting by lots and lots of people, Unique Verve was voted 2009 Health and Wellness All Star Winner for Best Massage by CitySquares.

Thank you all who voted for Unique Verve!

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Introducing an innovative paraben-free eyelash renewal serum that helps promote healthy, natural lashes and brows and improve the overall appearance and condition of your lashes and brows. RapidLash is proven to transform each stand at the lash line from thin, brittle or short lashes into thicker, longer and healthier-looking lashes. By delivering essential proteins, vitamins and other moisturizing and rejuvenating ingredients to replenish the structure of lashes, while adding shine and elasticity. Beyond its proven ability to enhance the appearance of lash and brow growth, RapidLash is also great for improving the appearance of sparce eyebrows. RapidLash is transparent in color, hence can be used on women and men. This renewal serum is applied like eyeliner to your top lashes or brush on  your brows. It may increase the appearance of  thickness and length of your lashes and brows within 4 – 6 weeks.

Many who used it every night for about 2 weeks, believe to have seen a huge change in their lashes; they seemed longer than ever! But, for RapidLash to be effective, you must use just a small amount every day but don’t over due it, less is more. Once you have the results you want, you can reduce use to every second or third day.

RapidLash Key Benefits:

• Potent Polypeptides help increase the length, thickness and volume of lashes and brows! Powerful Polypeptides provide effective protection against breakage and naturally supports stronger, more voluminous lashes.
• Vital proteins and vitamins  help replenish and fortify. Panthenol combined with rich minerals help replenish and rejuvenate lashes with essential proteins and vitamins that provide strenght, shine and enhance the overall appearance of growth.
• Moisturizing and rejuvenating agents Allantoin, Pumpkin Seed Extract and Licorice Extract help add shine and flexibility! They also provide extreme hydration to lashes by locking in moisture while improving elasticity and durability.

To purchase RapidLash, click here.

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Antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidation damage to cells. The highest concentration of antioxidants in the body is contained in the epidermal layer (first layer; dermis is second layer) of the skin, forming a protective barrier for the living dermal layer and the internal body. With age and environmental damage, the concentration of antioxidants in the skin declines considerably. Without the protective capacity of this layer, damage to the skin increases. Antioxidants applied topically can help restore an effective barrier and help reduce further damage. By maintaining an ideal level of antioxidants at the skin level, we can control free radical and oxidation damage.  Some of the most well known antioxidants are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, Pycnogenol and Beta-Carotene.

Free radicals cause damage to cells, forcing the aging process into an accelerated pace. Free-radical damage occurs when atoms or groups of atoms have an odd (unpaired) number of electrons. Smoking, air pollution, and the sunlight stimulate free-radical damage to the skin. Simply by exposing skin to the sun, the level of vitamin C in the skin drops by 30%, and subsequently, free radicals are formed. Antioxidants couple with free radicals gto neutralize the unpaired electrons. Vitamin C is recognized for its strong antioxidant and photo-protective properties, although vitamin C is never recommended as a substitute for sunscreen. Why not just take oral vitamins to protect the skin?  Oral vitamins, whether from food or supplements, are not adequate to perform the necessary antioxidant tasks to improve the skin because the levels of vitamins required do not make it to the dermis. Only 1% of orally ingested antioxidants will arrive at the skin. The combination of topical antioxidants and sunscreen is a powerful and effective way to hinder free-radical activity.

Pycnogenol is a powerful scavenger of free-radicals as well as an antioxidant. It restores the strenght of capillaries and improves circulation, making it easier in treating the capillary fragility of aging skin. Pycnogenol enhances the effectiveness of both vitamin C and vitamin E. Ask Unique Verve about results-oriented products, including powerful serums with Pycnogenol.

Topical vitamin C comes in two varieties, L-ascorbic (water soluble) and esters (water and fat soluble). Vitamin C is needed to produce collagen, the skin protein.  If part of the topically applied vitamin C is consumed in antioxidant functions to reduce oxidative stress, eliminate free-radicals, and repair oxidative damage, then less vitamin C is available for collagen production. By adding Pycnogenol to formulations containing antioxidant vitamins, the Pycnogenol quickly performs the antioxidant functions, leaving more of the vitamin available to perform its therapeutic functions. By pairing these two antioxidants, the vitamin C performs more collagen generating functions, causing collagen production to be faster and more extensive, at the other hand Pycnogenol performs antioxidant functions. Ask Unique Verve about results-oriented products, including Super-C Serum with Pycnogenol.

Vitamin A acts by normalizing growth and differentiation in the keratinocytes (predominant cells in the epidermis). Vitamin A is truly the gold standard of skin-care products – it’s a must have product to help reverse the aging process. Vitamin A is absorbed through the skin, helping it to remain soft and plump, and improves the skin’s water barrier properties. Ask Unique Verve about results-oriented products including vitamin A.

Vitamin E, also called d-alpha tocopherol, has been shown to have two importanct benefits for the skin: protecting cellular membranes and inactivating free radicals. Ask Unique Verve about result-oriented products including vitamin E.

AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are also very important skincare ingredients. The samples of AHAs are: glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, acetic acid. AHAs may change the condition of the lipid barrier of the skin allowing a faster penetration of the product, like vitamin C or vitamin A, and other antioxidants or moisturizers. Glycolic acid are often preferred because of the small molecular size and easy penetration into the skin – it opens the skin by exfoliation of the top most layer. Glycolic acids smooth the way for vitamins, it penetrates deep into the skin, and prepares the way for vitamins. Certain vitamins, used in conjunction with glycolic acid, offer double protection agains free-radicals, and assist their antioxidant, bleaching, and firming effects. Ask Unique Verve about results-oriented products, including glycolic acid.

Unique Verve facials deliver visible results. All facials are results-oriented and include intensive serums. Unique Verve is located in Boston, on Tremont Street.

Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below. You may also contact Unique Verve via e-mail or phone.

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 Pigment melanin gives our skin protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. Melanin production can increase or decrease beyond normal, creating a change in the skin color.  The overproduction of melanin, or hyperpigmentation (dark spots), is related to sun exposure (direct sunlight and artificial sunlight), acne scarring, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiency or prescription drugs. The problem with hypopigmentation (white spots) is often associated with the disease known as vitiligo but can also occur as a result of injury.  

Hyperpigmentation results from the increased deposition of melanin, which causes the skin to become darker in patches. Melanin is part of skin barrier defence system in that it protects against exposure to UVR and pigmented blemishes are almost always the result of excessisve stimulation by sunlight. The pigmentation should be considered to be a warning sign from the body that the affected area has received too much sun damage. DNA damage by UVR is the major aggravating factor of excessive pigmentation. Although sunlight is essential for human life, daily exposure to the sun over a lifetime is a major cause of skin damage, including pigmentation, wrinkling and skin cancer. Sun exposure causes free radical damage to the cells, forcing the aging process into an accelerated pace. Simply by exposing skin to the sun, the level of vitamin C in the skin drops by 30%, and subsequently free radicals are formed. In addition, UVR inactivates the vitamin A receptors. Vitamin A is required for cell replication. Free radicals cause abnormal melanin production and impaired DNA/cell replication. 

How to Treat Hyperpigmantation:

• A conscious effort must be made to avoid all natural and artificial UVA & UVB, and a broad-spectum sunscreen including anti-oxidants, must be worn at all times (no exceptions).
• Topical antioxidants like vitamin A & C  are essential to use on daily basis to protect and rebuild the cells. Vitamin C and A is a power-house in treating pigmentation. Antioxidants couple with free radicals to neutralize free radicals; and boost collagen and elastin production. Vitamin C is recognized for its strong antioxidant and photo-protective properties, although vitamin C is never recommended as a substitute for sunscreen. Please contact Unique Verve about your skin analysis and product consultation.
• Use of  AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) products help to exfoliate dead and and hyperpigmented cells, and stimulate the production of new cell growth. AHAs accelerate cell turnover, thus increasing the production of collagen. Remember that each one of us has different skin type and skin condition, hence each treatment requires an appropriate treatment plan and an individual approach. Please contact Unique Verve about your skin analysis and product consultation.
• Lightening Agent, hydroquinone is used to lighten the visible appearance of hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone comes in various percentages (2%, 4% , 8%) and can be combined with other active ingredients. This product is not for all skin conditions and photo types, hence it requires an appropriate treatment plan and an individual approach. 2% is the most safest formula; anything higher is a prescription and requires caution. Sepiwhite is also used in controling melanin production. It’s not as fast acting as hydroquinone but it is much safer approach.
• Regular professional facial treatments that are based on antioxidants like vitamin C and A will help to improve skin color and texture, fine lines and boost elastin and collagen production. Galvanic machine is excellent to use in conjuction with antioxidants during facial treatment. This procedure ensures deep penetration of antioxidants/serums. Such facials are available at Unique Verve in Boston.

Appropriate homecare products, professional facial treatments and nutrition work in synergy to treat any skin condition, including hyperpigmentation.

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Dear guests and visitors, welcome to Unique Verve. My name is Natalie Maibenko. I launched Unique Verve in  2007. Previously I have worked in top salons/spas on Boston’s Newbury Street and downtown. Being fully certified and licensed in massage therapy, esthetics (and also in fitness) and creating my own line of organic aromatherapy blends, I decided to name my business in a way that would represent my passion, professionalism, and creativity towards my work. That’s how Unique Verve was born.

By nature I am a perfectionist, which is also why I pay huge attention to all the details in my work. It doesn’t only apply to actual hands-on work, but also reflects in my work environment, which you’ll find to be clean, peaceful, relaxing, warm and welcoming.

My philosophy is that of the golden rule: “Treat everyone else they way you would like to be treated yourself.” I hope my existing clients feel the same way about me. I sincerely try to create the best treatment that would apply to individual needs.

In my new website I will be posting blog entries that are related to massage, body, well-being, skincare, products, health etc. I welcome you to follow Unique Verve on twitter to receive updates on blog entries, specials, news, etc. Please feel free to let me know if you would like me to cover any particular subjects that are related to massage therapy and skincare.

Thank you for your time!

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