Age Gracefully…
OR So Slow Nobody Can Tell
UV damage is all but avoidable for most of us. Unfortunately, not only does sun exposure contribute to non-melanoma skin cancers, but photodamage is one of the leading causes of aging skin. To make matters more complicated, we begin losing the structural support of collagen at an average rate of 1-2% every year beginning in our mid 20s. Before we know it, skin is crepey, redundant, dull and dehydrated.
Fortunately, effective skin care regimens which involve collagen stimulating topicals, hydration, antioxidant support, and sun protection have been shown to slow the process, and when coupled with the right procedures, even turn back time. Schedule a consult for a customized anti-aging skincare regimen and add some of my tried and true favorites below to your arsenal.
Don’t Race Against the Clock.
When You Can Unwind It
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Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and represents 30% of your total body protein. It is found throughout the body, in ligaments and bones, as well as skin, hair and nails.
As we lose collagen through photodamage / UV exposure, and the natural process of aging, our skin loses elasticity and structural support. Skin becomes crepey, easily damaged, less hydrated and resilient, dull, and demonstrates slowed wound healing which can compromise quality of life.
While collagen is not absorbed as a whole molecule, the individual amino acids which are unique to collagen are broken down and then available for the body’s stores to reassemble as structural protein. Unfortunately, until genetically modified yeast or bacteria collagen products are perfected, all true collagen supplements are animal based and not vegan. Collagen is composed of specific amino acids which plants lack, so true collagen supplements are animal derived, often bovine. This product is specifically sourced from pasture-raised, grass fed cows.
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Clear & Balance Wash by Elemental Skin
Start your day with Clarity & Balance, a moisturizing, soap free cleanser utilizing 10% ultra pure crystalline glycolic acid to gently exfoliate, brighten and smooth the skin while encouraging collagen production. Studies demonstrate that Glycolic acid adjusted to pH 4 stimulates collagen production and epidermal renewal without causing inflammation.
Additionally, antioxidant rich base minimizes free radical-induced skin damage which otherwise accelerates aging.
Using Clarity & Balance at least once a day will support a healthier, more radiant complexion in a matter of weeks.
Cruelty Free & Vegan
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Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by a combination of internal and external factors. An impairment of the skin barrier function is often found in diseased and damaged skin and is sometimes evidenced by dry, dehydrated skin.
Cetaphil Cleanser is an accessible cleanser which I often recommend as a gentle makeup remover, and hydrating cleanser for more sensitive skin types. Oftentimes, antiaging regimens focus on exfoliation and cellular turnover while neglecting skin barrier health. Cetaphil Gentle cleanser is so gentle it can be used without water.
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Glow and Show by Elemental Skin
Glycolic acid is an effective way of reversing the signs of age and photodamage. This ingredient enhances desquamation of the stratum corneum and induces biological responses that can help restore skin's integrity.
Ultra-pure crystalline Glycolic Acid and antioxidants gently exfoliate and smooth skin, while deeply moisturizing and nourishing, hydrating skin cells.
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Red Light Therapy Home Spa
Light therapy has attracted medical interests as a safe, alternative treatment for photo-ageing and photo-damaged skin. Studies have demonstrated that low-level red & near infrared lights in combination, stimulate the production of both collagen and elastin. This is regulated through increased expression of the genes coding for these proteins in effected skin cells.
Quality red light devices are safe, non-invasive, and natural complements to any antiaging topicals and in-office procedures to increase collagen and elastin and reduce wrinkles, photodamage, irregular pigment, and dull skin.
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Brighten & Repair Serum by Elemental Skin
Triple duty antioxidant formulation supported by Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) to reverse DNA damage helps to brighten the complexion and support healthy collagen production. SOD is not only a powerful free radical scavenger, but an antiaging ninja capable of undoing DNA damage and promoting collagen production.
Skin is protected against free radical damage and HEV (blue light) with a controlled, time-released delivery system. This oil free formulation maximizes penetration and absorption and complements all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
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La Roche Posay Antihelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
Protect your skin from further UV damage, melanocyte stimulation (discoloration), and collagen breakdown with this chemical-free, 100% mineral, physical block.
Tinted minerals even out skin discoloration caused by photodamage and prevent further exposure. Remember to reapply every 1-2 hours. Try Colorscience SPF powder for easy, mess-free reapplication.
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Nourish & Protect Sunblock by Elemental Skin
All-mineral, broad-spectrum SPF50 tinted sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection in a soft, disappearing BB cream which blends with most skin tones to help blur imperfection. Soothing and nourishing antioxidants make it an excellent option for multiple skin types: normal to oily, acne-prone, hyperpigmented, rosacea and post-procedure skin. Antioxidants and high potency green tea polyphenols calm skin and reduce free radical damage from UV exposure as well as air pollution and environmental conditions. Regular use nourishes and protects skin against aging and hyperpigmentation.
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Skin Pen Microneedling
SkinPen rejuvenation treatments are minimally invasive and use 14 hair thin sterile needles to create thousands of intentional, controlled microinjuries in the epidermis. These punctures stimulate your body’s natural wound-healing process, releasing growth factors and boosting the production of new collagen and elastin. Because of that, microneedling is also known as collagen-induction therapy.
At least three SkinPen treatments are recommended for best results. Each treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Appointments are typically spaced three to six weeks apart.
The treatment boasts little downtime—and unlike some other microneedling methods, it can be safely used on all skin tones and skin types.
For best results, avoid Medspas and SkinPen treatments carried out by any professionals other than a Board Certified Dermatology PA, NP, or Physician. These are trained professionals in the science of skin who understand the 3 dimensional nature of the epidermis and are comfortable treating more aggressively for efficacious outcomes.
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Morpheus 8 by InMode
InMode Morpheus8 is a skin rejuvenation treatment that pairs microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. Using the FDA-cleared Morpheus8 device, a provider delivers RF energy heat into the skin via ultra-thin needles, creating controlled microinjuries. This triggers a natural healing response, promoting new collagen and elastin production that resurfaces and firms skin. The heat of the radiofrequency also causes the dermis and epidermis to contract, in addition to melting subcutaneous fat if so desired. The result over time is a shaping and firming of the skin in addition to increased luminosity from collagen and elastin stimulation.
If performed by a well versed provider, you can expect:
an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
firming and tightening of mildly lax skin, including that of the eyelids
reduction of the appearance of large pores
potential fading and restructuring of stretch marks.
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Sculptra Aesthetic Volumizer
Sculptra, also known as Poly-L-Lactic Acid, is a revolutionary tool used by expert Dermal Injectors to unwind the clock, revolumize where bone loss and fat pad displacement have occurred from the process of aging, and volumize and restore the skin’s collagen. The amazing thing about PLLA is that it stimulates your skin’s natural collagen production and integrates into these supportive tissues, for a natural fill that becomes your own, gradually, over time.
Sculptra can be combined with other procedures beyond the face to treat lax buttocks and breast tissue, or tighten the tummy in combination with radiofrequency microneedling.
With the hand of a skilled injector, patients look 10-20 years more youthful.
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Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a highly concentrated serum that is rich in growth factors and obtained from your own blood. These growth factors regulate and induce a number of remodeling and rejuvenating pathways wherever they are directed. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) rejuvenation can help turn back the clock for your face, hair, and complexion without surgery while decreasing downtime with any procedure.
The quality of the PRP isolate depends specifically on the type of system used to concentrate the growth factors. Inquire before you purchase any packages and specifically look for practices who tell you they use a ProGen or Emcyte system.
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Revision Skincare Nectifirm Neck Firming Cream
Address moderate to advanced aging of the neck and and décolletage, reduce crepey skin, lift and firm the jawline, and reduce fine lines & wrinkles with Dermatologist favorite, Nectifirm by Revision.
Nectifirm scientifically works with the skin’s own Microbiome to naturally brighten and even skin tone.
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Revision Nectifirm Advanced
All the best of Dermatologist’s favorite neck firming cream with additional power to clinically reduce the appearance of adipose tissue of the neck and décolletage. Nectifirm Advanced smooths the appearance of lines and wrinkles and enhances skin’s antioxidant system while working with the skin’s own Microbiome to naturally brighten and even skin tone.