Electrolysis Treatment - Before and After

How Long Should Electrolysis Take? What to Expect from Your Sessions

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Presently, hair removal is no longer limited as a lifestyle choice. Some individuals believe hair removal is necessary for hygiene, and others take it as a cosmetic procedure. Whatever your reason may be, you must know that new and advanced scientific hair removal methods like Electrolysis are better than the traditional techniques. Electrolysis is emerging as a popular choice as people are gaining awareness about alternatives to temporary hair removal methods, such as laser, which is permanent hair reduction. 

As an individual opting for the electrolysis treatment, you must understand that every cosmetic procedure is two-way. It involves your body, which is in treatment, and the professional providing services. Furthermore, every treatment has an ‘effect time,’ under which the procedure must occur to show the best results. This blog aims to cover all this information so you can shed all your fears and confidently complete your electrolysis treatment within time.  

A Brief About Electrolysis 

While doing the procedure, a professional electrologist completely damages the hair follicles sending a current through them. Here are key takeaways:

  • It is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA.. 
  • It is economical. The average cost per session costs $55. 
  • It works for all hair and skin types.
  • It can treat the area near the eyes. 

When you know key points about Electrolysis, the next step is to delve into details like how much time does it take? Or how many sessions do you require? 

How Many Electrolysis Sessions Do I Need To Take?

In general, it can take between 8 and 12 sessions of electrolysis treatments if you want permanent hair removal. The number of sessions can differ from person to person. Usually, when you go along with the treatment, you get an idea of how many sessions it will take you for permanent hair removal. A consultation is always recommended.

 On average, the total time for treatment, from start to finish, is 12 months. For some, the time may exceed because Electrolysis varies from person to person, like any other cosmetic procedure. It depends on the area in treatment or the professional who is doing the treatment. It can take a period ranging from 8 months up to 2 years in some cases. However, a sure shot reward is – hair once gone is gone forever. 

Let’s now explore how the professionals prepare a treatment schedule for you. 

Electrolysis Treatment Schedule: Factors to Consider For the Face

 

The size of the area to be treated has a significant impact on the duration of the electrolysis treatment. An area that many electrologists have to treat most is face. It may take 4-6 months of regular visits with your electrologist to take control of the problem of excessive hair growth. You can notice that the treatment demands consistency. 

The frequency of “regular” appointments varies depending on the amount of hair treated, although it is usually every 10-14 days. It is essential to catch each hair as it emerges from the skin because the roots can regenerate to some extent if not treated regularly. 

Allowing long periods between treatments will slow down your progress and make you believe Electrolysis is ineffective. We may feel that this appears to be an extensive time frame, but it is impossible to be more exact due to significant differences in treatment response. In addition, many things come to a transparent structure only during the treatment, so you have to be patient to see the results. As the hair growth slows, thins out, and eventually is eliminated.

For The Body

In terms of the period between electrolysis visits, you have a little more liberty with your body than your face. An electrologist can clear a considerably broader region of the body than the face during an appointment. So, the treatment tends to be quick because it is easier to work on the body (less contoured surface, which increases speed), as well as the fact that the hair tends to be spaced widely apart, allowing you to notice results much faster. 

The body also has some tricky areas like the bikini line. Working on the underarms or a bikini line for two or three hours will result in a noticeable improvement in that specific area. Note here that working on the face for two or three hours is often just the beginning. You may easily wait 10-12 weeks for another treatment after clearing an area like the arms or legs once. It keeps as much hair as possible on the skin’s surface, resulting in more effective treatment.

If you go into your electrolysis visits to finish your treatment, you should be able to finish in around 18-20 months at most. But, again, commitment is the key for the treatment to be effective.  

Making sessions on a monthly or bi-monthly basis will halt your progress indefinitely because you will undoubtedly shave, tweeze, or wax in the meantime. In addition, these methods may undo some of the prior work that an electrologist has done on your body. 

You should notice improvements in a matter of months when you consistently follow the professional’s advice.

What Other Factors Affect The Number Of Electrolysis Sessions? 

The points mentioned above inform you about the treatment time according to specific body areas. Furthermore, here are some other technical factors that decide the duration of the electrolysis treatment. 

  • Your Skin Type — Skin type and skin sensitivity are crucial factors influencing the result. Consequently, they also affect the number of treatments. 
  • How Hydrated Your Skin Is — An electrologist can smoothly treat hydrated skin. Electrical current is conducted more swiftly and readily in moist tissue than in dry. Moisture is important for effective electrolysis treatment. The moisture molecules must vibrate to generate heat and cause friction. Therefore, if the amount of moisture is less, it generates less heat.
  • Hair Thickness — Thicker hair takes longer to treat.
  • Quantity Of Hair — It takes longer to remove hair with close placement than those further apart.
  • Location Of The Hair  — Different body areas has varying growth cycles. For example, bikini hair takes more time to clear than facial hair because of its long growth cycle.
  • Hormonal Balance — Various biological changes (puberty, illness, emotional upset) can lead to hormonal change that alters vellus hairs to terminal hairs. These changes also activate previously sleeping hair follicles. Estradiol can act as a brake on hair follicle cycling by delaying initiation of the growing stage and prolonging the resting stage’s duration. Some individuals are susceptible to changes in hormonal levels. It affects the number of treatment sessions. 
  • Your Capacity For Discomfort— The higher your capacity for discomfort, the longer a professional can continue the treatment. You can use topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort. The electrologist can carry out more prolonged treatment with more intensity when topical anesthetic is used.
  • Hair Removal Techniques You Tried In The Past — It can distort your follicles if you have had epilation or waxing before. In addition, it makes inserting the probe more challenging. It is also worth noting that hair removed through plucking, waxing, or threading may not regrow for months. The time it takes for a plucked hair to recover varies by body location, but on average, regeneration takes 2 to 4 months following plucking. So overall, it makes the process difficult.
  • The Shape Of Your Hair Follicle — Curved hair is more difficult to remove as it hinders the insertion with the probe.
  • How Consistent Are You (Scheduling)? — A professional always advises a fixed time interval between treatments – ranging from 1-2 weeks at first to a month or more once your hair is trained to grow in the proper hair growth cycle.
  • Safety Margin — Remember that when it comes to electrolysis hair removal, the goal is to strike a delicate balance between delivering just enough destructive energy to destroy the hair follicle while avoiding unfavorable side effects. Even if this means some regrowth, we always err on the side of caution.

Final Word

We always recommend that you zero in on the process only after having a consultation. Secondly, your cooperation is the crucial part. Finally, it is your treatment and your responsibility to be consistent with it. 

Lastly, as an individual or a client, you must consider that Electrolysis combines art and science. Some would say more art. Interestingly, professionals learn the science side, but they gradually have to develop the artistic side. For example, no technique teaches them to manipulate the probe or the right time to cut the current. It takes ample hours and sometimes years to develop that kind of intuition. Hence, always choose an experienced and certified professional.

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skincare

How To Figure Out Your Skin Type And The Skincare Services

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We all want to flaunt healthy and glowing skin. A radiant face gives us the confidence to step out and be in the spotlight on every occasion. That’s the reason why many of us engage in a regular skincare routine and partake in skincare services. 

Regular skin care can help keep your skin away from aging signs like wrinkles, marks, spots, etc. Maintaining a skincare routine is also an excellent way to get rid of acne and pimples. But, most individuals find it an enormous task to take care of their skin. Sometimes, they lack time, and other times, they do not know the accurate solution for their skin. 

The first step to skin care starts with knowing your skin type. When you know about the texture of your skin, you can easily figure out what it needs to be healthy. Understandably, many individuals often confuse their skin condition with their skin type. Furthermore, they adopt skincare routines that never work for them. 

You should refrain from false skincare routines and follow those that suit your skin. Let’s start by exploring different skin types. 

 

What are the different skin types for skincare services? 

There are four types of skin – dry, oily, combination, and normal skin. You can identify each type by set characteristics, explained below. 

Dry Skin

The term – ‘dry’ refers to skin that generates less sebum than normal skin. Due to the lack of sebum, dry skin does not have sufficient lipids. These lipids retain moisture in the skin and form a protective layer against external influences.

Lack of sebum results in an impaired barrier function. Dry skin can exist in varying degrees of severity. It could be there in different forms, not always clearly distinguishable.

A higher number of females suffer from dry skin than males. Unfortunately, all skin gets dryer with age. Dry skin problems are quite common, and interestingly, about 40% of visits to dermatologists are because of it. 

How to identify – 

  • You can see dry skin signs like dull & rough complexion, almost invisible pores, red patches, visible lines, and less elastic skin. 
  • The skin can also crack or peel. 
  • It tends to become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. 
  • Very dry skin can be rough and scaly, specifically on the backs of your arms, hands, and legs.

Oily Skin

‘Oily’ skin type is the one with heightened sebum production. You can also understand it as the opposite of dry skin. If you have oily skin, you may notice comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and different types of acne. 

Light acne formation may lead to a large number of comedones appearing on the face. You may also notice some on the chest, neck, back, and shoulders. 

Individuals with moderate and severe conditions may have to deal with papules – tiny bumps on the skin with no visible black or white head. Pustules also appear at times. They are medium-sized bumps with a yellow or white dot in the center, leaving the skin red and inflamed. 

How to identify – 

  • If you have oily skin, you may notice a few or all things mentioned above. The oil may seem excessive, so much so that you can feel it on wipes or fingers when you touch your face. The frequency of acne and pustule formation may vary for individuals. 
  • Along with that, the symptoms include enlarged pores, dull or shiny, or thick skinned complexion. 
  • There could be blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes.
  • Please consider that oiliness in the skin depends on the weather and a particular time of year. 
  • Stress, puberty, or other hormonal imbalances can affect the oiliness in the skin. 

Normal Skin

Normal skin is well-balanced, and its scientific term is eudermic. This kind of skin involves T-zone (forehead, chin, and nose) that may be oily. However, the sebum and moisture quantity are balanced in the skin. So, overall, the skin is neither too dry nor too oily. 

How to identify – 

  • If you have normal skin, you may not see many imperfections
  • There is no severe sensitivity
  • There are barely any visible pores
  • Individuals with normal skin types have mostly a naturally radiant complexion. 

Combination Skin Type

Individuals often confuse combination skin type with normal skin. The difference between the two may reflect in T-zone and the cheeks. T-zone can significantly differ for both the skins – starting from a slim zone to a large area. 

As the name suggests, the skin combines oily and dry zones. T-zone and some other parts can be excessively oily & while the rest is dry. 

How to identify – 

  • If you have combination skin, pores look slightly larger than usual as they are more open, especially on the nose.
  • You may notice blackheads and shiny skin. 

The Case of Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin and Skin Sensitivity are two different things. However, you may notice that generally, people refer to sensitive skin as a skin condition. 

Sensitive skin is easily affected by various factors that other skin types tolerate. The factors involve the usage of skincare products, cosmetics, etc., or a change in weather. 

Sensitive skin is a permanent condition for some individuals. For other individuals, specific internal and external factors trigger sensitivity. In scientific terms, it occurs when the skin’s natural barrier function is compromised, leading to moisture loss and allowing irritating elements to enter the skin. 

If you have skin sensitivity, you may notice itching, inflammation, and redness in your skin very quickly when you step into the sun or apply a cosmetic. In this case, you have to consult a dermatologist who can suggest reliable skincare products to use. 

Skin Type Vs. Skin Conditions 

You know about the different types of skin. Now, let’s learn about multiple skin conditions. 

The major difference between skin type and skin condition is – skin condition can significantly vary throughout your life, unlike the skin type. Common skin conditions are dehydration, aging signs, rosacea, and frequent acne formation. 

Our skin type tends to change during our lifetime. For example, some may have oily skin in teenage days that may turn dryer during later stages. Fine lines and wrinkles also surface on the skin, & pigmentation may evolve. You must notice these changes and understand your skin condition to take the necessary measures. 

Certain internal and external factors determine skin conditions. 

  • Internal factors can be hereditary when genes pass a condition onto an individual. Wrong medication can also lead your skin to develop a condition. Hormonal imbalances are also responsible for some skin conditions such as pain-causing pustules.
  • Climate change, pollution, and stress are external factors that may result in a skin condition such as dehydration. 

If you notice any such problem in your skin in severity, consult a trusted medical professional. 

Choosing a skin treatment is a viable option if you do not have a severe skin condition that requires a doctor’s attention. However, before choosing a course of skincare services, you must keep in mind that getting in touch with an experienced aesthetician is essential. This is the point where Charene Beauty Services come in.

More About Charene Beauty Services for Skincare Services

Imagine a wide array of beauty services by an experienced professional at highly-reasonable prices – that’s Charene Beauty Services in a nutshell. 

Charene provides beauty solutions that anyone can opt for, except for oncology patients. We offer oncology specific facials with a doctor note allowing service. The list of services includes new-age and advanced skin treatment facials like LED facial, ultrasonic facial, etc. 

If you prefer traditional skincare solutions, you can choose spa or deep cleansing facial and oxygen facial. What more? There are customized options available for a deep cleansing facial. 

You can select from relaxing, therapeutic services like facial massages (gua shu/Kansa/CBD/aromatherapy), infusion jelly mask, etc. 

Charene offers advanced skincare services to address different skin conditions for individuals looking for a specific treatment. The service selection involves the wow anti-aging treatment, acne buster, firming peptide treatment, hi-frequency to sanitize and reduce acne & inflammation, chemical peels, sculplla h2 topical facial filler treatment, and microdermabrasion. Modern and highly-effective skincare services starting from $10. 

Charene Beauty Services do not think of these services as just services. For us, these services are a union of therapy and science. Hence, we aim to provide you with an experience like never before. So book an appointment today!

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LED Facial

Benefits of LED Facial

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The progressive path of science has touched every field: lifestyle, apparel, personal care, or beauty. As a result, today, we have innovative solutions for all our care and maintenance needs. LED light facial treatment is one such solution that can help you get smoother and healthier skin. 

However, so many facial choices in the market can confuse you. Some individuals also ask why they should go for LED facial or which LED light color will suit them. It is understandable for people to ask these questions before finalizing a facial treatment course for themselves. We aim to answer your queries with this blog, which highlights the benefits of LED facial skincare. 

What is the LED Facial Treatment? 

According to Medical News Today, “LED light therapy is a popular non-invasive skin treatment for acne, sun damage, wounds, and other skin problems.” 

Web MD states, “LED light therapy is a skin treatment that does not use ultraviolet light. Instead, it uses skin-safe, low-level light in different wavelengths and colors.” 

The first definition can help you understand the basic meaning of LED light therapy or facial. The second definition brings it a level ahead with terms like skin-safe, low-level light, and wavelengths. 

History

Interestingly, NASA developed this technique originally to conduct plant growth experiments on shuttle missions. However, in its development stage, the scientists found experiments promising for wound treatments. 

For Beauty Solutions

The LED facial treatment uses different wavelengths of light than can cure the skin. Hence, beauty professionals and aestheticians use light therapy to regenerate your skin from aging, reducing acne and skin damage. Here are some key points:

  • Unlike other treatments, light therapy with LEDs does not involve cancerous ultraviolet rays. Therefore, experts consider them safe for regular use. 
  • LED light therapy does not usually cause burns, unlike other anti-aging treatments like dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser therapy. 
  • The best part – it is a safe beauty treatment method and has shown promising results. The treatment is getting popular with individuals who like to try scientific skincare methods with a brilliant safety profile.  
  • You may see rare or no side effects with LED treatment. The side effects can include mild redness, inflammation, and rashes.

How does each LED light affect your skin?

Various LED colors – red, infrared, green, blue, and yellow – have different skin impacts. It is beneficial to know how each color interacts with the skin and helps to eradicate other problems like acne, aging signs, etc. When you have complete information about LED treatment, you can decide which treatment is ideal for your skin type and specific issues. Let’s explore how each color affects the skin. 

  • Red Color

Red-colored LED light is mainly known for its anti-aging effects. It acts as a healing hero for your skin by increasing collagen and elastin production. The red LED can also be practical to lessen fine lines & wrinkles. In addition, it stimulates circulation that helps the skin to glow. Red LED works on fibroblasts, which are skin cells that play a role in the formation of collagen. Collagen is a protein that forms a substantial percentage of connective tissue in the skin and aids in the recovery of damaged skin.

  • Infrared Light

Infrared light is divided into three categories – near-infrared levels, middle-infrared levels, and far-infrared levels. Near-infrared light is ideal for wound healing and improved immune function. The middle-infrared levels can work best to stimulate & increase circulation and can promote muscle relaxation. Finally, far-infrared levels are used for detoxing.

  • Blue Light

Blue LED light is known for its strong antibacterial properties. It can stand powerful against the harmful bacterias that damage the skin. Blue light can reach and destroy bacteria that settles deep in follicles and pores. It is beneficial for congested skin, prone to breakout. You can notice a visible improvement in your skin after this treatment. 

Treatment-providing professionals commonly use blue LED light to treat acne. The light treats acne by lowering sebaceous gland activity, causing them to produce less oil, which can clog hair follicles and cause acne. Blue light also works effectively against Cutibacterium acnes, an acne-causing microbe.

  • Green LED Light 

The research suggests that green light works to reduce the production of melanin. It also lightens and diminishes existing pigmentation. It is also effective in tackling skin itching, irritation, and redness. 

The relaxing impact of green light is due to its absorption into the skin. Green LED helps lighten the hyperpigmentation patches, resulting in a more radiant complexion. The anti-inflammatory characteristics of the relaxing effect help to soothe the skin’s surface. Green LED therapy can treat Dilated capillaries, sagging skin around the eyes, under-eye circles, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots.

  • Yellow Light

Yellow LED light helps to rejuvenate the skin and works well for various skin problems. The therapy can also fast-track wound healing and improve blood circulation to the skin tissues. It can also visibly reduce the signs of aging, including fine lines or wrinkles. 

Yellow light has the ability to enter deep within the skin. Therefore, it can trigger the lymphatic system, helping remove toxins from the concerned skin area. Moreover, it can be effective for skin hydration. 

How does the procedure work?

You need to know how the LED procedure works so you know what to expect in a light therapy clinic. 

Various wavelengths of light in LED lights – blue, yellow, green, and red – penetrate the skin at varying depths. The reach of every LED light is different, and their penetration may trigger biological processes to rejuvenate and heal the skin. 

The treatment uses these different wavelengths to help you achieve glowing skin and cure conditions like acne. 

If any symptoms like redness, inflammation, or itching occur, your doctor or dermatologist can provide you with immediate solutions. 

How safe is blue light for skin?

Generally, blue light therapy treatment is a fast process. It almost always takes place as an outpatient procedure. The photodynamic therapy on high-risk areas for cancer treatment is excluded from this. 

Every individual loves their skin and wants the treatment to be in the best manner possible. When you visit a trusted clinic for LED skin treatment, the professional takes care of everything. For instance – 

  • They apply the medication topically to the treatment area if they use photosynthesizing drugs.
  • The professional may also advise you to stay out of the sunlight to achieve quicker and better results. Exposure to sunlight after treatment can also lead to side effects for some individuals. 

Please note, photodynamic therapy with Blue LED requires you to wear goggles if near eyes or avoid the eye area. 

Relevant Studies

Based on various scientific research, experts believe that blue LED light can significantly reduce activity in the sebaceous glands, small oil-producing skin glands. 

Blue light can also prevent the bacteria that leads to acne formation by causing inflammation. Animal research also suggests blue light can work towards healing third-degree burns.

Generally, LED light treatment is an effective cosmetic procedure, as per studies. Furthermore, these studies indicate that light therapy can be effective for a broad range of skin conditions, such as psoriasis and mild-to-moderate acne. If you have had any allergies in the past, you can always ask your doctor for advice. 

As the American Academy of Dermatology states, most individuals with acne can notice refinement in their symptoms through LED light therapy. However, it is essential to take multiple treatment sessions before seeing the results. The professional may also recommend some follow-up sessions for maintenance. 

Other Treatment Specifications

The treatment sessions can take from 15 to 90 minutes long. The time depends on the area on which treatment takes place – how large it is and other things. Individuals with depression or depression with a pattern can opt for their own light therapy devices for use at home. 

Personal Vs. professional LED devices 

Both personal and professional LED light therapy devices are reliable to use. However, one must consider their convenience while deciding which option they want to choose. If you are a busy professional, who cannot attend sessions dedicatedly, you can opt for a home-use device. There are trusted personal care brands like Celluma that provide safe, proven, and effective products. Celluma light therapy is FDA approved to treat acne, wrinkles, arthritic pain, and muscle spasm. You can easily use the device at home. 

On the other hand, you cannot deny that a professional’s experience and skills can be highly beneficial for your skin. Clinic sessions can produce faster results. Just ensure that you consult a trustworthy service provider like Charene Beauty Services. 

At Charene’s, you can find various services to choose from. Working with only experienced professionals, Sarah aims to provide superior quality services that are economical. For example, anti-aging, calming LED light therapy treatment starts at just $15. 

So, wait no more, consult your doctor and book an appointment today to get a radiant skin and confident look. 

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beauty tips on enzymes for better skin

Enzymes our Little Exfoliating Helpers, Time to Fight those Free Radicals! – Insights by Charene Beauty Salon

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What are enzymes?  How do they help my skin?

Enzymes are proteins, biochemical compounds or macromolecules, that increase the rate of chemical reactions by acting as catalysts.  Created through various processes within plants, animals, and marine and human life, these are crucial life processes. There are over 3,000 enzymes in our bodies.

Enzymes protect the skin against the effects of free radicals and they enable the skin to generate new cells.  Less specialized cells join together to form specialized cells such as skin cells. Atoms, the basic unit of matter, have become unstable when their structure is changed due to at least one unpaired electron is free radicals.  The unstable atoms cause a chain reaction. Atoms stealing electrons on and on causing a radical reaction damaging the skins cells.   Protease enzymes are used for skincare.  They are able to break down the proteins holding dead skin cells together.  This aids in the accelerated renewal of healthy cells causing cell turnover by breaking down keratin, the main protein of the epidermis, the top layer of skin, thus exfoliating the skin.

By adding an enzyme mask to your skincare routine once a week or every other week if you exfoliate with a facial scrub or use Retinoids or Alpha Hydroxy Acids.   You can not only help exfoliate your skin you can accelerate cell renewal and turnover and decongest the skin and help soften it for extractions.

Cells stained for keratin and DNA: such parts ...

Cells stained for keratin and DNA: such parts of life exist because of the whole, but also to sustain it (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

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Juicing to Cleanse & For Your Skin: Good or Bad? – Insights by Charene Beauty Salon

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I started incorporating more cleanses and juices into my diet, and the difference is noticeable—my skin looks and feels better! Drinks with sherbet or sorbet aren’t my go-to; instead, I usually ask for ice or substitute with yogurt. Green drinks used to seem disgusting, but now they’ve become a favorite.

To help you decide if juicing is right for you, I’ve gathered three articles: one highlighting the cons, one focusing on the pros, and a balanced piece presenting both sides.

 

Balanced

Article by: AIMEE BLANCHETTE, Star Tribune

Juicing is big business, thanks to adherents who swear by its cleansing characteristics. But some health experts say the glass is half-empty.

 The thought of consuming nothing but the juice of green leafy vegetables for five days terrified Jamie Hickok, but she couldn’t ignore the promise of more energy, weight loss and a glowing complexion.

“The first day I was like, ‘Oh, dear God,’ because the green juice tastes like what you smell when the lawn has been mowed,” Hickok said. “Now I call it liquid gold.”

Since Hickok’s first “cleanse” in April, the 37-year-old Minneapolis woman has sipped 19 gallons — more than $1,600 worth — of “liquid gold.”

Pulverizing stalks of kale and bunches of spinach into juice is nothing new. Remember Jack LaLanne’s infomercials? But juicing is seeing a resurgence.

Green smoothies are the new Starbucks for celebrities in New York and Los Angeles, where juice bars are a dime a dozen. Wall Street investors are pouring money into companies that promise to take the guesswork out of juice detox programs. Even right here in our own back yard — where new businesses hawk the fresh-pressed nectars by the bottle — juicing is the diet du jour.

Yet some health experts aren’t convinced.

“The intense interest around juicing is concerning,” said Cassie Bjork, a registered dietitian (www.dietitiancassie.com). “There are a lot of good nutrients in the juice, but the problem is, it’s not balanced.”

But supporters are legion, pushing the practice into the mainstream.

“It’s blown up,” said Arturo Miles, who oversees the Juice Bar at the Wedge Community Co-op in south Minneapolis. “People want to detox, prevent cancer, and juicing is a fast way to absorb nutrients.”

While the juicing industry’s worth is hard to gauge, sales are surging. More than $215 million worth of home juice extractors were sold in 2012, up 71 percent over the year before, according to market-research firm NPD Group. BluePrint Juice Co. grosses more than $20 million a year by delivering prepackaged juices to your doorstep. Individual bottles cost between $8 and $10 at stores such as Whole Foods.

Who’s juicing? Everyone from parents who sneak carrots into their kids’ apple juice to extremists who undergo juice-only detoxes for several days at a time. Proponents claim that when juice is extracted from fruits and vegetables — leaving behind the fibrous pulp — the vitamins, minerals and enzymes are more quickly absorbed. Juicing fanatics claim the benefits include weight loss, elimination of toxins, clearer skin and increased energy.

The Daily Detox with Juice

“Some people think it’s kind of a hippie thing, but I feel better when I’m drinking my veggies rather than eating them,” said Michele Kamenar, 44, of Eagan, who makes a juice for breakfast four days a week, especially when local produce is available. “I get a great boost — feel more alert, less bloated and more satiated.”

Juicing can be a good way to get fruits and vegetables into a diet, but there’s no sound scientific evidence that it’s any healthier than eating whole fruits and vegetables, said Jennifer Nelson, director of clinical nutrition for the Mayo Clinic.

Other nutritionists worry that juicing is being promoted as a quick way to lose weight.

Juicing too much can send a rush of sugar into the bloodstream, Bjork said, which spikes blood sugar levels and is destructive to metabolism. Vegetable-only juicing is a lot better, but Bjork still prefers a balanced smoothie with healthy fat, like avocado.

Skepticism aside, juicing fans continue to replace certain meals — especially breakfast — with green juice.

Tracy Tabery-Weller has given up her usual morning coffee and scones. The 40-year-old Minneapolis woman said juice and smoothies are a good way to mix vegetables into her kids’ diets. When she’s traveling for work, juice bars save her from having to dine out.

“I feel good about putting real nutrients in my body instead of taking vitamins or pills,” she said.

The New Era of Juice

Despite the warnings, new companies are getting into the juicing frenzy, each claiming that their juice is better than the others.

Mike Haugen quietly started his Eden Prairie juice delivery service, the Juice Works, in 2009 for people who want the benefits of juicing but don’t want to do the work themselves. His business has quadrupled and Haugen is now in the process of starting a mobile juice bar to serve his recipes at local health fairs and fitness events.

The newest player in town is Truce, a juice-only store in Uptown started by friends Blaire Molitor and Allie Pohlad. Truce sells six bottled varieties of fresh-pressed juice from its storefront.

At both the Juice Works and Truce, produce is slowly pushed through an industrial-sized masticating juicer. The resulting juice is often referred to as “fresh” or “cold-pressed.” Most home juice extractors are centrifugal, using quick-spinning blades to extract the juice. Some say the heat generated by these more traditional juice extractors destroys nutrients and live enzymes.

“Produce that goes through a centrifugal juicer begins to break down faster — within 45 minutes — versus our fresh-pressed method, which lasts for three days,” Haugen said.

Minneapolis rapper Malik “MaLLy” Watkins is a new convert. For 15 days in April, the 27-year-old drank concoctions of cucumbers, spinach, kale, and pineapple for breakfast and dinner, but ate a regular lunch. His lifestyle change earned him a few razzing from his buddies.

“What rapper do you know who juices and works out every day?” he said.

But Watkins said he feels great while juicing, so he’s not giving it up.

“I’ve turned a whole new leaf,” he said. “I feel inspired. It’s strange — like a new part of my brain has been turned on.”

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