What to Eat for Glowing Skin: The Role of Diet in Skincare

by | May 29, 2024 | accent aesthetics, skincare colorado

At Accent Aesthetics, we believe that true beauty starts from within. While professional skincare treatments and high-quality products play a vital role in maintaining a healthy complexion, what you eat also significantly impacts your skin’s health and appearance. In this blog, we’ll explore what to eat for glowing skin, the connection between diet and skin health, and recommend foods and supplements that can help you achieve and maintain glowing skin.

The Connection Between Diet and Skin Health

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it reflects your overall health and well-being. Just as a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining your internal organs’ health, it’s equally important for your skin. The foods you consume provide the essential nutrients needed for cell regeneration, collagen production, and protection against environmental damage.

Nutrients Essential for Healthy Skin

Several key nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Here are some of the most important ones:

  1. Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant is essential for collagen production, which helps keep your skin firm and youthful. It also protects against damage from free radicals and UV exposure. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
  2. Vitamin E: Another antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect your skin from oxidative stress and supports cell repair. You can find vitamin E in nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocados.
  3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, keeping it hydrated and reducing inflammation. Omega-3s are found in fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
  4. Zinc: This mineral is crucial for skin healing and inflammation control. It also helps regulate oil production, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. Oysters, pumpkin seeds, and legumes are excellent sources of zinc.
  5. Beta-Carotene: This nutrient is converted into vitamin A in the body, which is vital for skin cell production and repair. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens are rich in beta-carotene.

Foods for Glowing Skin

Incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet can have a significant impact on your skin’s health. Here are some top foods to include for a radiant complexion.

what to eat for glowing skin, foods for glowing skin

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants that help fight free radical damage and keep your skin looking youthful.

what to eat for glowing skin, foods for glowing skin

Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and keep your skin moisturized from within.

what to eat for glowing skin, foods for glowing skin

Avocados: These are high in healthy fats and vitamins E and C, which help keep your skin supple and hydrated.

what to eat for glowing skin, foods for glowing skin

Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds are excellent sources of skin-loving nutrients like vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc.

what to eat for glowing skin, foods for glowing skin

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens provide a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants that support overall skin health.

what to eat for glowing skin, foods for glowing skin

Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, tomatoes help protect your skin from sun damage and improve its texture.

what to eat for glowing skin, foods for glowing skin

Green Tea: This beverage is loaded with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help improve skin hydration, elasticity, and protection against sun damage.

Supplements for Skin Health

While a balanced diet is the best way to get your nutrients, supplements can also help fill any gaps. Here are some supplements that can support your skin health:

  1. Collagen Peptides: Collagen supplements can help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce wrinkles.
  2. Probiotics: These support gut health, which is closely linked to skin health. A healthy gut can help reduce inflammation and improve skin conditions like acne and eczema.
  3. Biotin: Also known as vitamin B7, biotin supports healthy skin, hair, and nails.
  4. Vitamin D: Essential for overall health, vitamin D also supports skin cell growth and repair. Many people are deficient in this vitamin, especially in the winter months.

Hydration: The Key to Glowing Skin

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your skin looking its best. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, keeps your skin cells hydrated, and maintains skin elasticity. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and consider incorporating hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery into your diet.

Achieve Glowing Skin

At Accent Aesthetics, we understand that achieving glowing skin requires a holistic approach. By incorporating nutrient-rich foods and essential supplements into your diet, you can enhance your skincare routine and promote overall skin health. Remember, beauty starts from within, so nourish your body with the right foods and hydration to reveal your most radiant skin. For personalized skincare advice and treatments, visit us at Accent Aesthetics and let our experts help you achieve your skincare goals.

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Why MEDICAL GRADE Skincare?

by | Mar 21, 2024 | accent aesthetics, skincare colorado

medical grade skincare, cosmeceutical skincare

A solid skincare routine is a must in the quest for healthy, youthful skin. But when it comes to sifting through the myriad of different skincare products available today, there’s everything from your run-of-the-mill over-the-counter drugstore products to medical grade skincare, which stand in a league all of their own.

Medical grade skincare brands are growing year by year. As more attention is placed on this category of supercharged skincare replete with quality active ingredients, the conversation surrounding them widens. If you’re interested in dipping your toe into the medical grade skincare pool and what to know what makes them superior to other grades of skincare, consider this your ultimate guide to the best medical grade skincare options and everything you need to know.

Understanding Medical Grade Skincare

Medical grade skincare stands apart from other skincare products. Sometimes classified as cosmeceutical skincare, this more concentrated and scientifically backed skincare is designed to address a specific skincare need or issue, including pigmentation, wrinkles, acne, or laxity. Medical grade skincare contains far more advanced delivery systems and a much higher concentration of active ingredients, like peptides, antioxidants, and retinol, compared to over-the-counter skincare, making for more dramatic and visible effects and results in a faster period while improving both the aesthetic and medical benefits of the skin.

When selecting the best medical-grade skincare products for your skin, it’s important to pick dermatologist-approved and endorsed ones. Skincare products that boast a dermatologist’s seal of approval are of higher quality, have been put through a far more rigorous testing process, and often are accompanied by clinical data, too. Plus, medical grade skincare products that dermatologists recommend and sell meet their high expectations and criteria for what makes a skincare product excellent.

Although medical grade skincare may be superior to what’s available on drugstore shelves, their accessibility is far more limited. Most medical-grade skincare products are only available through a dermatologist, medi-spa, or licensed retail website, so always make sure you are buying your products through an authorized retailer.

Key Features of Medical-Grade Skincare

medical grade skincare, cosmeceutical skincare

Several features allow for medical grade skincare to stand on its own. For starters, medical grade skincare companies can source highly stabilized active ingredients that won’t break down or degrade as fast as other skincare ingredients. They are also formulated using advanced technologies to penetrate deeper and faster into the skin for better results without causing irritations or sensitivities.

Medical-grade skincare products may be more expensive than their less concentrated counterparts. However, that’s simply because the active ingredients, such as peptides, antioxidants, exfoliating acids, and retinol, are of a higher quality with clinical evidence. Most

dermatologists also find medical-grade skincare more effective than over-the-counter products. Some medical grade skincare products are even recommended to be used alongside in-office treatments and procedures to amplify and maintain the results.

Expert Tips for Optimal Results

Medical-grade skincare comes with more concentrated ingredients, so following your dermatologist’s instructions and never abusing these skincare products is essential. Since some of the best medical grade skincare products employ exfoliating acids, which help with skin texture, unwanted pigmentation, and even acne, it’s crucial to slowly introduce these products into your current skincare routine and use them every few days until you can work your way up to daily use to limit breakouts, skin purging, redness, dryness, and sensitivities.

Should any adverse skin effects occur, it’s best to reevaluate your skincare routine and see if any other products may be causing a negative interaction. If not, consult with your dermatologist and their team of professionals. 

While most skin types can benefit from medical grade skincare, some may find the more potent concentration of active ingredients too much for their skin, causing intolerance. To make sure a medical grade skincare product is a good fit for your skin, always consult your dermatologist or their aestheticians first.

It’s important always to follow the directions when using medical grade skincare brands and not overdo it. Consistency and patience with a medical-grade skincare routine are key to making the most of the products. But that also means not overdoing it or using more than the recommended dose.

Facial Balancing with Dermal Fillers

by | Jan 25, 2024 | accent aesthetics, Cosmetic Dermal Filler

Facial Balancing with Dermal Fillers

In recent years, “Facial balancing” has become a buzz phrase in the aesthetic industry. So, what is facial balancing? This practice refers to harmonizing facial features, ensuring that everything from your forehead to your chin are in the correct ratio. The concept on facial balancing started during the European Renaissance, when renowned artist and architects used an equation known as the “golden ratio” to map out their masterpiece.  Thousands of years later, scientist applied the “golden ratio” formula to beauty and facial symmetry to determine the true meaning of beauty.

The Golden Ratio States:

facial balancing with dermal fillers
facial balancing with dermal fillers
facial balancing with dermal fillers
  • A visually balanced face is 1.618 times longer than it is wide.
  • The distance from the hairline to between the eyes, from between the eyes to the bottom of the nose, and from the bottom of the nose to the bottom of the chin should all be the same distance.
  • The length of an ear equals the length of the nose and the width of an eye is equal to the distance between the eyes.

Facial balancing is most often performed with hyaluronic acid based fillers. As with anything in life there are pros and cons to this treatment.

Pros:

  • The results are most often immediate, with patients leaving the office with visible results.
  • Not a surgical approach so there is no scarring, anesthesia or extended downtime.
  • Most fillers used are reversible if patient is not satisfied with results.
  • Topic numbing is applied and there is numbing in the product, so, the treatment is virtually painless.
  • The in-office treatment takes anywhere from 1-2 hours with you being able to return to normal activities directly following the appointment.
  • Cost is much lower than any surgical approach to facial reconstruction.
  • Facial balancing is completely customizable and tailored to each individual patient’s need.

Cons:

  • The effects of dermal fillers are not permanent, with most fillers lasting anywhere from 1-1.5 years with minor touch ups needed.
  • While the fillers can offer great results, they cannot provide the kind of structural changes you would see from a facelift or nose job.
  • Typically, most filler and injectable side effects are mild to moderate. Patients usually experience minor bruising for 24 hours to several days. Other symptoms include rashes, swelling, and potential infection. Filler can migrate from desired area over time, or develop lumps under the skin, although extremely rare.

In conclusion, facial balancing is an art that requires skills, expertise, and understanding of facial aesthetics. Through these soft tissue fillers, you can correct issues of asymmetry while gaining natural results to increase your self-confidence. If you have been considering filler or learning more about facial balancing we would love to schedule a consult for you.

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New Year, New Skincare Resolutions!

by | Jan 22, 2024 | accent aesthetics, skincare colorado, Sun & Skincare

skincare resolutions

2024 Skincare Resolutions

I personally don’t like to make New Years Resolutions, feels like too much pressure. But when it comes to healthy, beautiful skin sometimes we need some guidance. So we’ve compiled a VERY FEW things you can do this year to make life easier but get some results!

1: Simplify your skincare routine

I know skincare is a hot trend right now, and I love that. But a lot of people are using way too many products due to so many being the trendy thing to try. If you are applying 5/6/7 products at one time, ask yourself, how much are these actually absorbing? You are most likely wasting your time and your money. Use 1-3 products that you love and are medical grade and corrective. For example:

Morning Routine:

Cleanse: IF not extremely dry. If you are like a lot of our Colorado clients and extremely dry, it is best to skip cleanser in the morning or use a creamy cleanser. You do not need to spend a lot of $ on a cleanser, it is on the skin for about 15-30 seconds. Use something basic and affordable such as Cetaphil or Cerave. Save your $ for the corrective products.

Antioxidant: This is a product you want to spend your $ on. Topical antioxidants fight free radical damage such as UV radiation, pollution, etc. all of which breakdown your skins’ barrier function and collagen and also create sundamage in the form of reds and brown spots in the skin. A high quality antioxidant will most likely contain Vitamin C. Not all Vitamin C’s are created equal, you want to look for THD, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. This is the most advanced form of Vitamin C.

Moisturizer: If your skin requires extra moisture after your antioxidant then apply. You don’t need to spend a lot on this product either as you have already put the correcting product on.

SPF: Apply your SPF last and use something you love. With all the choices out there these days, it’s very easy. Make sure to reapply mid day.

Nighttime Routine:

Cleanse: I always recommend a double cleanse especially when wearing sunscreen and makeup. This insures a clean, fresh slate for your very important correctives to absorb and work properly.

Retinol or Retinoid: These Vitamin A derivatives are the single most important part of anyone’s skincare routine aside from SPF! Retinoids are most likely prescribed from a doctor and tend to be more aggressive but definitly work. Retinols are mostly over the counter, but come in a variety of strengths and tend to be more time released so they are tolerated well by the skin and therefore can be used more consistently.

Moisturizer: A simple moisturizer will seal in water and prevent water loss. The corrective ingredient is on the skin so your moisturizer doesn’t need to be fancy.

2: Get consistent with professional treatments

Monthly treatments don’t have to break the bank. We offer several membership options to make it easy to be consistent. Treating your skin monthly with either a microdermabrasion, chemical peel, hydrafacial, dermaplane etc. allows us to stay on top of any skin concerns you have and improve them. Consistent exfoliation, extractions and collagen stimulation gets the skin in shape and keeps it there. Think of us as the gym for your skin!

3: Practice better sun prevention

Sunscreen can only protect your skin so much. Here in this Colorado elevation we absorb SO much more UV rays than those at sea level. In order to really prevent sundamage you need to apply spf every 2 hours when outdoors and wear a wide brimmed hat to keep the rays off your face as much as possible. A lightweight neck gator like the ones used for fishing are a great idea to prevent redness, brown spots and wrinkles on your neck and chest.

Simplify your skincare in 2024

Consider a simplified approach to skincare in 2024. Focus on quality rather than quantity, streamlining your routine to include essential steps like cleansing, a high-quality antioxidant with Vitamin C, moisturizer if needed, and reliable sunscreen. Consistency is key, both in your daily regimen and regular professional treatments. With a commitment to sun prevention, including frequent sunscreen application and protective accessories in sun-exposed areas like Colorado, you can look forward to healthier and more radiant skin without the burden of excessive skincare rituals.

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What is Ozempic Face and How Can it Be Prevented?

by | Sep 8, 2023 | accent aesthetics

What is Ozempic Face?

The Ozempic face hashtag is trending, with 4.5 million views as of mid-February.  The term “Ozempic face”, coined by Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a New York City dermatologist, refers to a side effect of the Ozempic drug, and of rapid weight loss in general: facial aging, including gauntness and skin sagging.

Significant weight loss in a short time period depletes the skin and body of essential nutrients and can disrupt the endocrine and GI system balance. The skin thins, and loses its elasticity and luster from sudden and rapid depletion of the essential fatty acids that make up the skin barrier function. Its collagen and elastin metabolism is also disrupted, resulting further in sallow, dull, thin skin. Loss of volume, or fat, in the cheeks — also follows rapid significant weight loss.

The skin changes are primarily from nutrition and vitamin depletion over a short period of time. Fat is reabsorbed and atrophies, furthering the aged, gaunt look.

One of the most common things we notice with any form of weight loss in middle-aged and older patients is we don’t all lose it in the areas we want. When we get older, the facial volume changes and shifts around. But when you lose weight so acutely and quickly … we’re seeing these types of changes in their face where it’s actually making them look older.

what is ozempic face

What Can be Done to Treat and Prevent Ozempic Face?

Prevention is always easier than treatment. So if you’ve just started your rapid weight loss journey, start preventative treatments ASAP.

Ultherapy

When a clients main concern is skin laxity and sagging, Ultherapy is at the top of the recommendation list. Ultherapy uses focused ulthrasound to stimulate collagen and elastin at very specific depths in the skin. Depths that typically only a surgical face lift can reach. As these proteins in the skin are created, over several months, the skin is lifted and tightened. Ultherapy is excellent  for both treatment AND prevention of skin aging.

INTRAcel RF Microneedling

INTRAcel™ Microneedling is a skin-tightening and rejuvenating treatment that combines two minimally invasive techniques: deep dermal micro-needling and radio frequency (RF) skin tightening.

INTRAcel treats sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen. The radio frequency doesn’t reach as deep as Ultherapy heat but is excellent for tightening and retexturizing the skin as well.

This innovative technology continues to improve the quality of your skin long after treatment. 

Fillers

Dermal fillers are one of the most effective and instant fixes for loss of volume as a result of facial weight loss. There are many to choose from and the outcome does rely on going to an experienced injector.

HA Filler aka hyaluronic acid filler will plump an area right away then continue to draw water to it to keep an area plump. These types of fillers can last anywhere from 6-18 months depending on the type used.

Biostimulating fillers such as Radiesse and Sculptra stimulate collagen over several months, 12-24 months.Though they do take some time, and a series of treatments for best results, they are producing your own, natural proteins, turning back your skins’ clock.

 

Dermal Fillers: Sculptra vs Radiesse

by | Aug 31, 2023 | accent aesthetics, Cosmetic Dermal Filler

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers have become one of the ultimate cosmetic solutions for anti-aging without going under the knife. Some fillers produce instant results, while others take time to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. Sculptra and Radiesse fall into the latter.

Both products initially came to market as a treatment for HIV patients to reclaim lost volume in their face due to lipoatrophy. With such great results in the HIV population, these products were then introduced into the aesthetics industry for age-related volume loss.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a thick injectable filler whose main component is synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral with the same chemical composition as the material found in bones and teeth. The injected calcium hydroxylapatite particles function as a scaffold for new tissue growth. Radiesse instantly volumizes the treatment area because the injectable consists of calcium microspheres that provide an immediate support structure beneath the skin. They dissolve after several months, just as the newly formed collagen and tissue appear, resulting in a smoother, rejuvenated look. Radiesse results typically last about one year, with some patients enjoying younger-looking skin for much longer.

Before & After

radiesse logo
Gallery, AdvaTx, Hyperdilute Radiesse dermal fillers, Intracel, Ultherapy, Neurotoxins, chemical peels, IPL, Genesis, microneedling

Sculptra

Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material that triggers the body’s inflammatory response and stimulates increased collagen production. It provides delayed but longer-lasting results. Sculptra provides gradual results because the PLLA particles act as a foreign body that stimulates increased collagen production. The effects become apparent after several weeks, with the skin’s tone and texture gradually improving in the following months. Sculptra provides the longest-lasting results of all dermal fillers – up to 24 months.

Before & After

sculptra logo
gallery, sculptra dermal fillers

In conclusion, both products are a phenomenal choice for volume restoration. Radiesse can provide immediately results, is safe and effective for most people, with results lasing around a year. Scupltra’s results are delayed and gradual, not an option for individuals with autoimmune diseases or take an anti-inflammatory medicine regularly, lower maintenance, and lasts about 2 years.