Meet Amanda Alvarado, PA-C & Carina Mendoza, BSN, RN – Trusted Aesthetic Experts at Our Palo Alto Medspa

At Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care, we believe that the best aesthetic care combines advanced technology with personalized treatment. That’s why we’re proud to introduce two of our highly skilled providers: Amanda Alvarado, PA-C and Carina Mendoza, BSN, RN. With years of hands-on experience, a passion for patient care, and expertise in top treatments like microneedling and laser hair removal, Amanda and Carina help patients look and feel their best with confidence.

Carina Mendoza, BSN, RN

Blending Science, Art & Compassion in Aesthetic Medicine

Born and raised in nearby Redwood City, Carina Mendoza, BSN, RN, is proud to serve the community she knows so well. After graduating from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017, Carina discovered her passion for aesthetics and began her career as an Aesthetic Nurse. She quickly became known for her ability to make patients feel comfortable, heard, and empowered through thoughtful, personalized care.

Carina specializes in crafting custom treatment plans that combine skincare, injectables, and device-based treatments to address signs of aging and skin concerns. Whether you’re exploring options like microneedling, laser hair removal, or skin tightening, Carina is committed to achieving natural, beautiful results tailored to your unique needs.

Her specialties include:

• Laser Hair Removal
• Clear & Brilliant
• Microneedling
• IPL, Vbeam, and PicoWay
• Thermage
• Botox & Juvederm
• CoolSculpting, Vanquish Me, and Emsculpt

Patients choose Carina not only for her clinical expertise, but also for her warm, approachable style. Her goal is to help you feel confident in your skin, using the safest, most effective treatments available at our Palo Alto medspa.

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Amanda Alvarado, PA-C

Aesthetic Precision with a Patient-Centered Focus

Amanda Alvarado, PA-C, brings a well-rounded background in both medical and aesthetic care. Originally from California, she earned her undergraduate degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before completing her Physician Assistant studies at Midwestern University in Phoenix, Arizona. With extensive training in primary care and dermatology, Amanda offers a well-informed, results-driven approach to aesthetics.

Amanda is passionate about helping patients feel confident and naturally beautiful. Her patient-centered care focuses on enhancing your features—not changing them. She’s especially skilled in laser hair removal, gentle microneedling, and skin rejuvenation with Clear & Brilliant Touch.

Her specialties include:

• Laser Hair Removal
• Botox and other Neurotoxins
• IPL & Clear + Brilliant Touch
• Microneedling

Amanda’s calm demeanor, attention to detail, and ability to truly listen make her a favorite among patients seeking trusted providers in Palo Alto. Whether you’re new to aesthetics or looking for long-term care, Amanda will guide you through your options with clarity and care.

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Why Palo Alto Patients Trust Amanda & Carina

In an ever-growing world of aesthetic providers, Amanda and Carina stand out for their integrity, expertise, and dedication to personalized results. Their reputation is built on trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of what patients want from a modern medspa in Palo Alto—natural-looking results, cutting-edge technology, and a team that truly listens.

From microneedling and laser hair removal to body contouring and injectables, Amanda and Carina offer a wide range of services to help you look and feel your absolute best.

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Discover Personalized Aesthetic Care in Palo Alto

If you’ve been searching for a trusted medspa in Palo Alto with experienced providers who specialize in laser hair removal, microneedling, and more, Amanda Alvarado, PA-C, and Carina Mendoza, BSN, RN, are here to help. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward glowing, confident skin.

The post Meet Carina and Amanda appeared first on Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care.

One of the most popular treatments that dermaplaning is added onto is the HydraFacial. HydraFacial is a 3-in-1 treatment that exfoliates, extracts gunk from pores, and infuses the skin with hand-selected medical-grade boosters/topicals. However, HydraFacial doesn’t remove peach fuzz, which can get in the way of topicals doing their best work. If you dermaplane before you HydraFacial, you get rid of that facial hair so that skin is even smoother and softer than what is achievable with HydraFacial alone. Plus, it doesn’t add much time onto the appointment so you’re still in and out in under an hour.

Who is Dermaplaning For

Dermaplaning is an effective treatment for most men and women of any skin tone. Of course, for those who grow coarse facial hair—such as men—dermaplaning is not going to be most effective in areas where this coarse hair grows. Since it’s an exfoliant as well as a peach fuzz remover, it can be used anywhere on the face including the temples, forehead, and around the nose and eyes. Dermaplaning results, of course, are not permanent. Most people schedule a monthly dermaplaning sessions to keep the results they love.

You might also notice dermaplaning tools available in stores and online. These are not professional-grade tools and will not give you the same level of results. You may have heard that shaving your face in the shower is similar to dermaplaning, and while it isn’t usually dangerous (unless you nick yourself) it’s also not the “same” as dermaplaning. You might be able to remove facial fuzz and hair, but you’re not getting the same degree of exfoliation. In short, skip the DIY and home dermaplaning options and stick with in-office treatments that are safe, effective, and prone to give you the best results.

Dermaplaning isn’t for Everyone

Those with certain conditions may not want to dermaplane because it can make skin issues worse. This can be discussed during a complimentary consultation because severity varies person to person. However, some of the most common conditions that are not good matches with dermaplaning include PCOS, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and those with hyper-sensitive skin. Depending on your condition and its severity, a “test area” may be conducted. If you have open wounds or lesions, as well as bleeding disorders, dermaplaning might not be the solution for you.

However, don’t worry. There are plenty of in-office treatments that can work well to treat these and a myriad of other skin conditions, and even improve them! Dermaplaning might not seem like it’s removing much superficial material, but it’s deceptively effective. That’s why it’s only recommended once per month in most cases. You don’t want to remove too much superficial layers too often or you’ll risk making your skin red, irritated, and vulnerable.

Dermaplaning in the Summer

Some people like to avoid more aggressive therapies in the summer months because of the increased exposure to UV damage. Dermaplaning is still much gentler than other treatments, such as medium-depth peels, making it a fantastic option for the summer months. Treat yourself to skin that is smoother and softer than ever before, and with dermaplaning you always leave your appointment with a glow. There is no downtime and you can immediately apply topicals (sunscreen is a must). You’ll notice your at-home skin-care regimen goes on smoother and perhaps even performs better now that the fuzz and debris isn’t in the way.

To find out more about dermaplaning or to book your consultation or appointment, call Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today or complete the online contact form now.

The post Who Should—and Shouldn’t—Dermaplane appeared first on Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care.

There have long been various methods for removing the hair from the face, and all yield different results. It’s also not uncommon for women to use the same razor on their legs to quickly get rid of their moustache. You’ve also probably noticed that when you do that, the hair grows back quickly. Simply put, the razors you use on your legs and underarms cannot get as close to your skin as dermaplaning (and that’s a good thing). If you were to use a professional dermaplaning tool on your legs, the risk of nicks and more serious cuts would skyrocket. Plus, dermaplaning does a lot more than remove hair.

The History of Dermaplaning

What we call dermaplaning today is a bit different than dermaplaning from years’ past. In mid-century, “dermaplaning” was a surgical procedure to help with acne scarring. About 15 years ago, scalpels became the primary tool to “dermaplane.” This is the dermaplaning we know, a technique to remove both peach fuzz and dead skin cell’s from the skin’s surface as a means of exfoliation. Some may call it facial shaving, but it’s much more precise than that. However, dermaplaning as a concept is nothing new. Facial shaving using tools specifically designed for this area in women has been the norm in various pars of Asia and northern Africa for centuries.

The quality of your results is going to depend on the skill of your dermaplaning professional (and the tools they use). Dermaplaning can remove terminal hair (thick, coarse hair like a moustache), vellus hair (peach fuzz), debris, and dead skin cells. When all of that is removed, skin is left baby soft, smooth, and glowing. Of course, the results of dermaplaning aren’t permanent and many people opt for monthly dermaplaning appointments. It’s also common to book a facial right after dermaplaning because topicals absorb much better when you get rid of hair and dead skin cells in the way. One popular option is to combine dermaplaning with a HydraFacial appointment.

Why Dermaplane?

Dermaplaning is a kind of exfoliation, which means it can also help reduce the appearance of acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. If you want a more aggressive approach to getting rid of these common issues, chemical peels, microneedling, or laser skin rejuvenation may be a better choice. Dermaplaning is typically considered safe with no contraindications regardless of your skin tone and type, but if you are prone to acne, cold sores, or rosacea, dermaplaning does come with a risk of triggering a flare-up. Talk to your provider during your consultation or prior to your appointment if this is a concern.

And if you are tempted to shave your face at home (using a traditional razor), at the bare minimum use a fresh blade every time. This is also what your aesthetician will do with a professional-grade dermaplaning scalpel. Dull blades are a leading cause of nicks, and nicks on the face have a high chance of scarring and/or hyperpigmentation because of the constant UV exposure. A much safer solution is to stick with dermaplaning from a professional where you can get the best, safest results.

Get Summer-Ready

Dermaplaning can be performed year-round, but is especially popular in the summer months when you want your skin to be at its best. Unlike some other treatments, like lasers, you don’t have to avoid the sun any more than usual post-dermaplaning. Always wear medical-grade sunscreen, of course, but otherwise feel confident booking your dermaplaning appointment whenever, as there is no downtime. Add on that HydraFacial for an extra boost of glow and rejuvenation.

We look forward to helping you create a customized skin care regimen just for you, your skin, and your goals. Consultations are complimentary for all procedures and treatments. Contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or filling out the online contact form.

The post Why Dermaplaning and Shaving Your Face Aren’t the Same appeared first on Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care.

The first step, exfoliation, is critical for removing dead skin cells and debris. Although skin is cleansed before your treatment, the transparent chamber of HydraFacial will show you exactly how much more debris hides on the face. Extracting the pores is a deeper kind of exfoliation, and something that typically cannot be safely and fully achieved at home. Instead of the “extractions” that you might be used to during a facial, which can be painful, HydraFacial sucks out pore debris quickly and comfortably. This makes pores clean, clear, and appear smaller. You can’t actually change the size of your pores, but they are made of skin—which stretches. Clean, clear pores that aren’t clogged look smaller and help skin look smoother.

The final stage of HydraFacial, the infusion of medical-grade skin care products, is going to be different every time. Your skin is an organ, so it (and its needs) are always changing. Your provider will go over the state of your skin and your goals before the treatment. Then, hand-selected products will be added as the finishing touch to your facial. This is also a great way to try out new-to-you topicals without committing to an entire bottle.

The Importance of Medical-Grade

If you don’t exclusively use medical-grade products at home, you’re doing a disservice to your skin. Only medical-grade products can legally contain the best, strongest ingredients in the highest doses. They simply can’t be compared to OTC products, even high-end department store serums. From moisturizers to sunscreens and everything in between, going medical-grade will help you keep in-office treatment results longer. Right now is a great time to update your at-home regimen, too, as the seasons shift.

Every HydraFacial includes the application of a sunscreen in order to protect your skin. You may also benefit from a skin brightening serum or a topical especially designed for trouble areas like wrinkles around the eyes. Your provider will go over the products with you before and during the appointment.

Upgrade with Dermaplaning

Increasingly, more and more clients are starting their HydraFacial appointment with dermaplaning. Technically, it’s also a kind of exfoliation but different than what you enjoy with a HydraFacial. Dermaplaning does remove debris from the skin’s surface, but it also removes peach fuzz. Peach fuzz is not taken off during a HydraFacial treatment, and although it is very light on most people, it still gets in the way of a totally smooth face. Dermaplaning, when done professionally, is relatively gentle. Many people opt for monthly dermaplaning and HydraFacials in order to keep the incredible, baby-smooth results.

You might have noticed dermaplaning kits online or in stores. These are not professional-grade tools and should be avoided. Although dermaplaning is safe and gentle when performed by a professional, it can be either pointless or dangerous when used as a DIY approach. Ultimately, dermaplaning is an exfoliant that requires a scalpel (although many people try shaving their face to achieve a similar result). Removing too much of the skin from a delicate area like the face can cause trauma. It’s always best to work exclusively with aestheticians for any treatment that is typically in-office.

You can book back-to-back dermaplaning and HydraFacial appointments to take your results up a notch. There is no downtime for either treatment, and many clients schedule these treatments the day of a big event. Skin will look younger, more supple, feel incredible, and for those who wear makeup it goes on much easier. To find out more, schedule a consultation, or book your appointment, contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or filling out the online contact form.

The post Should You Dermaplane Before a HydraFacial? appeared first on Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care.

According to a recent article in Harper’s Bazaar, removing the face’s vellus hairs can be a key part in your monthly beauty routine. Some people have more visible hairs than others, and having baby-smooth skin can help topicals like medical-grade skin care products do a better job. As an added bonus, those who wear makeup often find their products go on smoother with routine dermaplaning. Even though dermaplaning requires running a sharp blade across the face, it’s actually a very safe and fast procedure when performed by a professional. However, those who don’t know what they are doing or who use low-quality tools can cause injuries to the skin. “It’s best to go to the pros,” urges the article.

Who’s a Fit for Dermaplaning?

Most people are good candidates for dermaplaning. The majority of clients are women, since men will require more than dermaplaning for facial hair removal. However, anyone with psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, or very sensitive skin may want to be careful with dermaplaning. It can exacerbate these conditions. A consultation will help to determine if dermaplaning may be safe and effective for you. How often you dermaplane will also play a role in whether it’s right for you. Anywhere from once per month to once per week may be suitable for you, but do not dermplane more than once per week. Otherwise, the top layer of skin will not have the necessary time to rejuvenate and heal.

If you’re thinking about dermaplaning, a little preparation can help give you the best results. You might want to avoid certain acids (lactic, glycolic, and salicylic), retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide one week before your treatment. Talk to your prescribing dermatologist if you are using prescription topicals. You may be able to get matched with a different option that isn’t as aggressive so that both medical-grade Rx’s and dermaplaning can fit into your skin routine. If you have a cold sore, active (open lesion) acne, or certain infections like staph impetigo, you will probably be asked to wait until it clears up before being approved for dermaplaning.

Post-Treatment Care

After dermaplaning, keep hydrated (your skin needs it) and avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Anytime you exfoliate the skin, it is immediately more vulnerable and susceptible to UV damage. The article urges, “It is also very important to avoid excessive heat, intense workouts, steam rooms, and saunas for 48 to 72 hours after treatment to avoid the risk of hyperpigmentation.” Dermaplaning might seem and feel quick and easy, but it’s actually a very effective treatment that needs a little TLC.

Starting a dermaplaning routine is also a great time to upgrade your moisturizer approach. Try a medical-grade product with a thick emollient that can serve as a skin sealant. This will keep water on the skin to amp up hydration. Once dermaplaning has removed that top layer of skin, it needs added protection. A moisturizer with peptides, or a peptide serum, can help calm skin down, too. We can recommend a moisturizer and other products for you based on your skin type and goals during your dermaplaning appointment.

Starting Dermaplaning

Not only does dermaplaning give you smooth skin and a brighter complexion, routine treatments continually help the penetration of your products’ active ingredients—offering cumulative benefits. If you’re ready to try dermaplaning, call Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today or fill out the online contact form.

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With in-office treatments, dermaplaning can go a little deeper without damaging the skin or resulting in a recovery period. Most clients get dermaplaning every 4 – 6 weeks to maintain results. Some people dermaplane once per week, but any more than that and you risk negatively disrupting the skin’s barrier, leading to irritation. The Cleveland Clinic reports that dermaplaning has a myriad of benefits, including getting rid of fine hairs, reducing acne scar appearance, and overall rejuvenating the skin through exfoliation. When you get rid of the very top layer of skin, you remove surface impurities, debris, and reveal more youthful skin that’s below the surface.

Dermaplaning for All

Dermaplaning can work for just about everyone, with the exception of those whose skin is currently irritated with open lesions or active psoriasis or sunburns. Bear in mind that if you try “dermaplaning at home,” which many people (women) try to mimic by shaving their face or using an eyebrow razor, you can actually irritate your skin and trigger some conditions. If you use a blade on your face that isn’t designed for dermaplaning—or a DIY tool that is of low quality—injury can occur. All dermaplaning effects the stratum corneum, or top layer of skin, so it’s critical that when you intentionally compromise this area you are doing so safely and with the help of a professional.

While there is no real “prep” for dermaplaning, it’s a good idea to only use gentle products before treatment. Try to avoid retinoids and acids like lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid at least one week prior to your appointment. After dermaplaning, avoid the sun as much as you can and for at least 48 – 72 hours avoid excessive heat as well as intense workouts. Step up your moisturizer game during these few days, using a thick but gentle emollient that can help “seal” the skin. This amps up hydration and protects the skin while the top layer is gone. Medical-grade skin care products are always better and we can recommend the best one for you.

Dermaplaning Perks

You’ll immediately notice a baby-smooth face, brightness, and more hydration. However, dermaplaning has the added benefits of increasing the effectiveness of topicals, too. Without peach fuzz and debris on the surface, serums can better delve into the skin. That’s why so many people opt for a facial after dermaplaning or upgrade their at-home medical-grade skin care regimen.

There are few risks associated with dermaplaning, but keep in mind that this procedure is ultimately a kind of exfoliation. Support that skin barrier before and after treatment by following best practices. Know that if you dermaplane skin that is very dry or flaky, risks increase—but a great aesthetician will tell you if your skin isn’t ready for dermaplaning and how to prep it for a future session.

Scheduling Your Dermaplaning Appointment

Consultations are not necessary for dermaplaning. During your appointment, you can discuss your goals and concerns with your provider, perhaps adding on a treatment to maximize results. Dermaplaning is a great solution for all skin types year-round and can help you achieve your goal of better, healthier, more beautiful skin in 2023. If you prefer a gentler form of exfoliation with no downtime and immediate results, dermaplaning might be for you. Also remember, Zuzana Likar personally trains all staff aestheticians to the highest standards so you get gorgeous results every time. Learn more about all your options for exfoliation at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care by calling the office during business hours or completing the online contact form right now.

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Everyone has peach fuzz but, due to hormonal shifts and aging, we tend to grow more of it as we get older. Peach fuzz creates an unnecessary barrier over the skin, trapping bacteria and debris. It makes our skin have a poor texture, tone, and interferes with topical treatments. Routinely removing peach fuzz and other unwanted surface materials, usually once per month, not only improves the look and health of your skin but also helps you look younger. However, one of the most overlooked benefits of dermaplaning is how it is a fantastic precursor to other treatments that rely on topical applications—like the HydraFacial.

HydraFacial for a Monthly Glow

The HydraFacial is also a non-invasive, fast treatment recommended monthly to dramatically improve the look and health of the skin. It is a 3-in-1 treatment that takes just 30 minutes and requires no downtime. As the name implies, HydraFacial depends on moisture to yield results. It is suitable for men and women of all ages and with all skin types.

The first step in a HydraFacial is cleansing and exfoliating. This can be done immediately after dermaplaning (no down time is needed between treatments). Although dermaplaning also exfoliates, it is a different type than what the HydraFacial offers. Together, they maximize the effect so you get better results than either can achieve on their own. After the HydraFacial portion of exfoliation, it’s time to get down to serious business.

Steps 2 and 3 of HydraFacial

HydraFacial also removes debris from pores using a proprietary wet vacuum device. Clogged pores lead to skin having poor texture, looking older, and of course can harbor bacteria that trigger acne breakouts. Clean pores simply make your skin look clearer and younger, but it’s a process that needs to be repeated on a regular basis. This is why HydraFacial is recommended monthly. Pores can get clogged again thanks to topicals like sunscreen, makeup, and daily exposure to pollutants.

Finally, once the skin is completely clean and clear thanks to dermaplaning and steps 1 and 2 of the HydraFacial, your provider infuses your skin with medical-grade topicals specially selected just for you. Medical-grade products make a world of difference because only they can carry the best ingredients in the highest doses. After a HydraFacial, your skin is best prepared to really soak up these topicals so you can experience their full effect.

Combination Treatments

Of course, if you skip the dermaplaning, HydraFacial is not going to remove peach fuzz. This means that the topicals that cap off your treatment are not going to be able to penetrate as deeply as they could. If you want to make the most of your HydraFacial treatment, it’s always best to start your appointment with dermaplaning. Your session will still be under one hour and can fit into the busiest of schedules.

You can also pair dermaplaning with other types of in-office facials, though most clients prefer HydraFacial for its immediate results and serious glow. At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, providers are personally trained by Zuzana Likar to the highest of standards—so you always know you’re in the best hands. Regardless of the treatment, remember that the skill of your provider is just as important as the treatment or procedure itself. This goes for Botox, fillers, dermaplaning, and HydraFacial. If you’re ready to experience the next level in skin care, get in touch to find out which combo treatment is best for you. Connect with us today by calling the office or, for an even faster response, complete the online contact form.

The post Why Dermaplane Before a HydraFacial appeared first on Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care.

Chemical peels come in three depths: superficial (or light), medium, and deep. We exclusively carry an array of light and medium peels, as deep peels require intensive downtime and should only be used for the most severe of conditions. Light and mediums peels are comprised of a myriad of ingredients used to peel away the top layer(s) of skin. The benefit is two-fold. First, superficial imperfections like some types of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles are instantly removed. Next, this type of controlled trauma is a form of collagen induction therapy. As the skin heals, it kick-starts collagen production at the treatment site so that skin will continue to look better in the weeks following your treatment. Light and medium peels are suitable for summer because they don’t make the skin too vulnerable for UV rays, but you should still avoid direct sun contact as much as possible for two weeks after the treatment.

The HydraFacial Difference

The HydraFacial quickly became a celebrity favorite when its proprietary 3-in-1 technology was revealed—but it’s an indulgence that fits every budget. This treatment simultaneously exfoliates the skin, extracts debris from pores, and bathes the skin in custom-selected medical-grade skin care topicals. Going well beyond what any typical in-office facial can achieve, HydraFacial is equal parts powerful and gentle so there is no downtime. In fact, the best time to get a HydraFacial is the day of a big event or night out.

Every HydraFacial treatment is also unique because our providers match you with the best skin care products for your concerns in real time. This makes it a fantastic way to test out products before committing to upgrading your regimen and purchasing an entire tube or bottle. You’ll leave your HydraFacial with skin that is baby soft, glowing, radiant, and more youthful. Of course, one of the medical-grade products used at every appointment is sunscreen so you don’t have to worry about damaging your fresh skin.

Dermaplaning Complements Any Procedure

Dermaplaning is an in-office treatment that uses a specialized scalpel to remove the peach fuzz and debris from the skin’s surface. There’s no way to get rid of these light hairs permanently (neither laser hair reduction nor electrolysis works on them as they are so fine), but they can make us look older than we are, dull the skin, and trap debris on the skin’s surface that can cause issues like acne breakouts. Routine dermaplaning is a fast, easy, and non-invasive way to instantly make skin look younger, healthier, and revitalized.

Although dermaplaning is a great standalone treatment, it also pairs well with a myriad of other procedures and treatments—including chemical peels and the HydraFacial. When you have a dermaplaning treatment first, this clears the skin so that other treatments can best do their job. Peach fuzz can get in the way of optimal exfoliation, extraction, and can keep applied topicals from best penetrating the skin. Plus, removing this fuzz makes your face feel silky smooth.

Scheduling Summer Sessions

We offer complimentary, no-pressure consultations on all treatments and procedures so that you have full confidence in your skin care regimen. Whether you’re getting ready for summer vacation plans or simply want to look and feel your best this season, we have a variety of treatments and procedures to help you achieve your goals. This time of year is also the perfect time to reassess your at-home skin care routine, upgrade products like sunscreens and serums, and make sure your skin is as healthy as possible.

We are more than a medical day spa, and Zuzana Likar personally trains her staff to the highest of standards. If you would like to schedule a consult or appointment for dermaplaning, HydraFacial, chemical peels, or other treatments, get in touch with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or completing the online contact form right now.

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