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Hydrating vs Moisturizing: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Your Skin

by | Mar 12, 2025 | accent aesthetics, Aquagold Fine Touch, Dermaplaning, HydrafacialMD, Microneedling

If you’ve ever shopped for skincare products, you’ve likely come across the words hydrating and moisturizing—often used interchangeably. While both are essential for healthy skin, they are not the same. Understanding the difference in hydrating vs moisturizing can help you choose the right products for your skin type, prevent dryness, and achieve a glowing, youthful complexion.

At Accent Aesthetics, we’re all about helping you build a skincare routine that works. So, let’s break down the difference between hydration and moisture, how to tell what your skin needs, and the best treatments to keep your skin nourished year-round.

Hydrating vs Moisturizing: What’s the Difference?

What Does It Mean to Hydrate Your Skin?

Hydration refers to increasing the water content in your skin cells. Think of it like giving your skin a big drink of water. Hydrated skin looks plump, smooth, and radiant because it retains enough water to maintain elasticity and function properly.

Key Ingredients That Hydrate the Skin:

  • Hyaluronic Acid – Attracts and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water
  • Glycerin – A humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin
  • Aloe Vera – A natural hydrator that soothes and replenishes skin
  • Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – Helps bind water to the skin and improve hydration

Who Needs Hydration? If your skin feels tight, looks dull, or has fine lines that appear more noticeable, it may be dehydrated. Dehydration can happen to any skin type—including oily skin—because it’s a lack of water, not oil.

What Does It Mean to Moisturize Your Skin?

Moisturizing focuses on locking in moisture and strengthening the skin’s barrier. It prevents water from evaporating and keeps your skin feeling soft and smooth. Moisturizers contain emollients and occlusives, which create a protective seal over the skin’s surface.

Key Ingredients That Moisturize the Skin:

  • Ceramides – Strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture
  • Shea Butter – A rich emollient that nourishes and smooths the skin
  • Squalane – A lightweight oil that mimics skin’s natural lipids
  • Petrolatum & Beeswax – Occlusive agents that prevent water loss

Who Needs Moisture? If your skin feels rough, flaky, or irritated, it may be dry—meaning it lacks oil. Dry skin often feels tight, especially after cleansing, and benefits from thicker, more nourishing moisturizers.

Hydration vs Moisture: How to Tell What Your Skin Needs

Not sure if your skin is dehydrated or dry? Here’s how to tell:

Signs of Dehydrated Skin (Needs Hydration)

  • Feels tight but also oily in areas
  • Dull or tired-looking complexion
  • More noticeable fine lines
  • Skin drinks up products quickly

Signs of Dry Skin (Needs Moisture)

  • Feels tight and rough all over
  • Visible dry patches and flakiness
  • Prone to irritation and sensitivity
  • Skin doesn’t absorb products well

Can You Have Both? Absolutely! Many people experience dehydrated and dry skin at the same time, meaning their skin lacks both water and oil. That’s why using a combination of hydrating and moisturizing products can be beneficial.

How to Properly Hydrate and Moisturize Your Skin

To achieve healthy, balanced skin, follow these steps in your skincare routine:

Step 1: Hydrate

After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum or toner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients attract water into your skin, restoring plumpness and glow.

Step 2: Moisturize

Seal in hydration by using a moisturizer with ceramides, shea butter, or oils to prevent water loss and keep skin smooth.

Best Hydrating & Moisturizing Treatments

Skincare products are essential, but professional treatments can supercharge your results. Here are our top recommended facials and treatments for boosting hydration and moisture:

skincare treatments, hydrating vs moisturizing

1. HydraFacial MD® – The Ultimate Hydration Treatment

The HydraFacial MD® deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses skin with ultra-hydrating serums, instantly restoring a radiant glow. It’s perfect for dehydrated skin and can be customized for all skin types.

  • Delivers deep hydration
  • Reduces fine lines and plumps skin
  • Leaves skin glowing with no downtime
skincare routine, hydrating vs moisturizing

2. Aquagold Fine Touch – A Luxury Skin Boost

Aquagold Fine Touch is an innovative treatment that uses microchanneling technology to infuse hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and customized serums into the skin, improving hydration and refining texture.

  • Smooths fine lines and enhances skin tone
  • Provides deep hydration without heavy products
  • Gives a dewy, radiant finish
DERMAPLANING, DERMAPLANING TREATMENT, hydrating vs moisturizing

3. Dermaplaning – Boost Your Skincare Absorption

By removing dead skin cells and peach fuzz, dermaplaning allows your hydrating serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeper, maximizing their benefits.

  • Instantly smooths skin and removes dullness
  • Improves hydration absorption
  • Enhances the effectiveness of your skincare routine
hydrating vs moisturizing

4. Microneedling with PRF – Hydration from Within

Microneedling combined with PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) stimulates collagen production and helps skin retain hydration for long-term improvement in skin texture and elasticity.

  • Improves hydration and firmness
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enhances skin’s ability to retain moisture naturally

Find the Right Balance for Your Skin

The key to healthy, glowing skin is knowing when to hydrate, when to moisturize, and how to combine both effectively. By understanding what your skin needs, choosing the right products, and incorporating professional treatments, you can maintain soft, radiant skin year-round.

At Accent Aesthetics, our skincare experts can help you customize a routine that keeps your skin balanced, hydrated, and nourished. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, dehydration, or both, we’re here to guide you to your healthiest skin yet.

Ready to give your skin the hydration and moisture it craves? Book a consultation today and discover the best treatments for your skin type!

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Winter Glow Up: The Best Facials & Peels to Refresh Your Skin

by | Jan 29, 2025 | accent aesthetics, Aquagold Fine Touch, Dermaplaning, HydrafacialMD, Microneedling, Peels, skincare colorado

Winter can be tough on your skin. Between the dry indoor air, chilly winds, and reduced humidity, your complexion might feel dull, dehydrated, or even flaky. That’s why the colder months are the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your skin for the best winter glow up. At Accent Aesthetics, we offer a variety of skincare treatments designed to hydrate, brighten, and smooth your skin—so you can glow all season long.

Why Winter Is the Best Time for Facials & Peels

During the colder months, your skin is more prone to dryness, redness, and uneven texture. Additionally, because sun exposure is generally lower in winter, it’s an ideal time to indulge in deeper exfoliating treatments like chemical peels without the risk of excessive UV damage. Investing in professional skincare during winter can help reverse summer sun damage and prepare your skin for spring.

Top Facials & Peels to Try This Winter

winter glow up, facials, chemical peels

1. HydraFacial MD® – Instant Hydration & Glow

If your skin is feeling dry, dull, or congested, a HydraFacial MD® is the ultimate reset. This multi-step treatment deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates your skin using a vortex-infusion system that delivers antioxidants and nourishing serums. It’s gentle, non-invasive, and perfect for all skin types—even those with sensitive skin.

Benefits:

  • Deep hydration
  • Instant glow with no downtime
  • Reduces fine lines and uneven texture
Gallery, AdvaTx, Hyperdilute Radiesse dermal fillers, Intracel, Ultherapy, Neurotoxins, chemical peels, IPL, Genesis, microneedling

2. INTRAcel RF Microneedling – The Winter Skin Savior

Winter is the perfect time to book a microneedling session, especially when combined with radiofrequency (RF) technology. This treatment stimulates collagen production, helping to firm the skin, reduce fine lines, and improve texture. Unlike summer, when excessive sun exposure can interfere with the healing process, winter provides the ideal conditions for your skin to recover and regenerate.

Benefits:

  • Tightens and firms the skin
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improves skin texture and minimizes pores
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3. Chemical Peels – Reveal a Fresh, New Layer

A chemical peel is one of the best ways to shed dead skin cells and unveil a smoother, brighter complexion. During winter, we recommend opting for a medium-depth peel, such as a TCA or glycolic acid peel, to target hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne scars. Since these peels increase skin sensitivity to the sun, winter’s lower UV levels make it the ideal season for treatment.

Benefits:

  • Stimulates cell turnover for fresh, new skin
  • Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation
  • Reduces fine lines and smooths rough texture
aquagold fine touch, aquagold facial, skincare treatments, winter glow up

4. Aquagold Fine Touch – A Luxury Skin Boost

For a true winter glow up, Aquagold Fine Touch is a must-try. This unique microchannel device is designed to comfortably and effectively infuse small droplets of customized treatment solutions like hyaluronic fillers and neuromodulators into the skin, ensuring deeper absorption of active ingredients and more noticeable results. It’s a red-carpet favorite for achieving that dewy, glass-skin effect.

Benefits:

  • Provides deep hydration for winter-dehydrated skin
  • Minimizes fine lines and pores
  • Leaves skin glowing with no downtime
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5. Dermaplaning – The Secret to Baby-Smooth Skin

Winter is the perfect time to gently exfoliate and remove peach fuzz with a dermaplaning facial. This painless treatment removes dead skin cells and vellus hair, allowing skincare products to penetrate better and makeup to apply flawlessly. It pairs beautifully with other facials and peels for enhanced results.

Benefits:

  • Instantly smooths and brightens skin
  • Enhances skincare absorption
  • Leaves a flawless canvas for makeup

Winter Skincare Tips to Maintain Your Glow

After your treatment, keep your skin hydrated and protected with these simple tips:

  1. Use a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration.
  2. Apply SPF daily (yes, even in winter!) to protect against UV rays.
  3. Avoid hot showers that can strip your skin’s natural oils.
  4. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside out.

Ready for Your Winter Glow Up?

At Accent Aesthetics, we’re here to help you achieve radiant, healthy skin all year long. Whether you’re looking for deep hydration, anti-aging benefits, or a complete skin refresh, our expert team can customize the perfect facial or peel for you.

Book your winter skincare treatment today and step into the new season glowing!

SkinPen Microneedling – Transformation from the Inside Out!

by | May 22, 2023 | accent aesthetics, Microneedling, skincare colorado

We LOVE microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy. In fact, we love it so much that if we HAD to choose just 1 treatment to have for the rest of our lives, THIS would be it! It is an amazing treatment with big results and little downtime.

We use the SkinPen Microneedling device. Over the years, we have tried many and SkinPen is the most effective, most reliable and has the least downtime.

How SkinPen Microneedling Works

Essentially we stamp millions of tiny microchannels through the skin at varying depths creating tiny little wounds. This signals the skins’ wound healing process. Through that process the body stimulates new cells and new collagen and elastin in an attempt to heal the wounds. With all of that new collagen the dermis (lower level of the skin) thickens, smoothing out the top layer of skin. This process is known as dermal remodeling.

SkinPen microneedling is safe for ALL skintypes and helps treat so many skincare concerns such as lines and wrinkles, acne scarring and texure issues such as crepeyness or bumpiness. It helps to lighten hyperpigmentation spots and even out skin-tone. It helps your skin to act and therefore look..younger.

Most people need several SkinPen Microneedling treatments to see results, depending on their concern. We recommend starting with 3 session 4-6 weeks apart.

skinpen microneedling

SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen Microneedling

How to Prevent Neck Aging: Age-Defying Secrets

by | Sep 16, 2020 | accent aesthetics, Microneedling, Peels

Neck aging is a common concern that many of us face as we grow older. The delicate skin on our neck is prone to the same aging effects as our faces, yet it’s an area that’s frequently overlooked in our skincare routines. In this guide, we will delve into the causes and effects of neck aging, and most importantly, explore effective strategies to prevent and combat these telltale signs, helping you maintain a youthful and graceful neck profile for years to come.

Causes of Neck Aging:

1. Constant Sun Exposure

The sun breaks down the skin’s collagen and elastin and inhibits it’s ability to produce them, so it’s the WORST factor for aging. In Colorado, we absorb much more UV Rays than at sea level so we see dramatic aging here. Most people do not understand the need for daily spf use and daily sun prevention. It is of utmost importance here and something we educate every client on before starting any treatments.

2. Tech Neck

This is a huge factor in the last decade. The constant looking down at our devices causes the skin to crease leaving lasting lines and wrinkles deep in the skin.

3. Forgotten Skincare Regimen

The neck is often forgotten morning and night when putting on anti-aging skincare products. We always tell out clients “whatever you do to your face, do to your neck and chest.”  This will keep all of the skin that is constantly exposed to sun and elements, looking and feeling young and healthy!

4. Thinner Skin

The dermal layer on the neck is thinner than that of the rest of the body, often compared to the thinness of the eyelids. It also contains less active sebacious glands. These factors make it a prime target for dryness, crepey texture, sagging and wrinkling. This is why we recommend a specific anti-aging neck product such as Revision Nectifirm. It contains ingredients specific to treating and preventing these issues.

how to prevent neck aging

How to Prevent Neck Aging:

1. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are excellent for exfoliating, brightening and, over time, smoothing and plumping up the skin. Often in-office chemical peels are quick and painless with minimal downtime such as peeling and flaking. Chemical peels are placed on the outer layer of the skin, so they take time and consistency to achieve results.  Most clients should expect 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

2. Microneedling

One of the best treatments for texture issues such as crepey-ness, lines,  wrinkles and scarring is microneedling! Very little downtime and thanks to numbing cream, very little discomfort. Tiny micro-channels or wounds, are stamped into the dermis stimulating the bodies wound healing process. New cells, collagen and elastin are produced to heal these wounds resulting in firmer, smoother, healthier skin. These treatments are also sold in packages and require commitment and consistency to achieve results.

3. Radio Frequency Microneedling

Radio Frequency creates bulk heating deep in the dermis creating collagen and elastin. Add that to the benefits of microneedling and you’ve got a stellar treatment for all skin issues, especially the delicate neck area!

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Radio Frequency Microneedling

by | May 8, 2020 | Microneedling

Radio Frequency Microneedling is absolutely, hands down, one of my favorite treatments. Microneedling ALONE is fabulous for almost all skin concerns but add in the heat and energy of radio frequency and you’ve got a treatment that smooths lines and wrinkles, pore size and scars, helps reduce acne, inflammmation and sebum AND  lifts and tightens the skin! Here at Accent Aesthetics we use INTRAcel, the Ferarri of RF Microneedling devices.

How Does Radio Frequency Microneedling Work?

Put simply, through microneedling and radio frequency technology (bulk heating), Intracel works to introduce a controlled trauma to the skin, which in turn reduces oil and bacteria at the treatment site, but also, and most importantly, promotes collagen repair and renewal.

It does this by using ultrafine needles, 49 needles to be exact, to puncture the skin creating a wound at an exact depth in the skin. The device’s tiny insulated needles then effectively heat the tissue to the desired temperature within microseconds. This wound triggers the body’s natural wound healing process and the bulk tissue heating triggers the skin to constrict and tighten. As the skin heals from these wounds, your body’s collagen production soars, resulting in taut skin.  Surface scarring is eliminated and fine wrinkles are softened, if not erased!

Radio frequency Microneedling
Radio frequency Microneedling
Radio frequency Microneedling

As you can see from the pictures the results are extremely exciting! The treatment is typically used for general firming, skin tightening and wrinkle reduction on the face, neck, jaw, upper lip, around the eyes, mouth and jowls. However, it’s equally effective when applied to other areas of the body such as the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and knees.

Not only is this the treatment we recommend for all signs of aging but also an incredible treatment for anyone dealing with chronic, inflammatory acne and the scarring it leaves behind.

How Many Treatments are Needed?

Much depends on the location and general condition of the area to be treated. Typically, however, patients need between 2 and 5 treatments for best results. The treatments are usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, although this is relatively flexible.

Right after the first treatment most patients report their skin starting to feel smoother and tighter, but the results will continue to improve for a period of up to six months. As with many cosmetic procedures, the final results tend to vary from person to person and are at least partially determined by the overall health of each patient’s skin and the degree of damage that needs to be addressed.  

As it takes years to decades for the skin to lose its firmness and structure, acne to cause scarring, etc., it will take time to rebuild your skin’s layers, but by combining these 2 technologies, your skin has no choice but to “shape up” and look and act young and healthy!

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have about this amazing treatment! You can also check out several videos of INTRAcel on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/accentaesthetics1

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The Essential Skincare Correctives You Need in Your Regime

by | Feb 10, 2020 | accent aesthetics, Acne Facial, HydrafacialMD, IPL Limelight, Microdermabrasion, Microneedling, Peels, skincare colorado, Sun & Skincare, Uncategorized

skincare correctives

Skincare Correctives: What Do We Mean When We Talk About These?

You’ve got your basic skincare products: cleanser, maybe a toner, moisturizer, and SPF. But what skincare products do we all need to really see a change in our skin? To see a healthier, clearer, younger-acting skin? These are our essential skincare correctives for almost all skin types and skin concerns.

Retinol

Vitamin A derivatives are a must for almost every single person who walks through our door. Retinol is the only clinally proven skincare ingredient shown to actually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and if you’re a retinol junkie like us, you know it does that and then some.

Our skin cells naturally regenerate every 28 days when we’re young, that slows down significantally as we age, leading to a build up of dry, dead skin, dullness, dark spots and crepey texture. Acne can also be caused by this build up of dead skin in the pores, forming a “traffic jam” with our sebum leading to congestion. This is why we see so many clients with dry yet acneic skin.

Consistant retinol use keeps the cell turnover going at an excellerated rate. This allows for better absorbtion of other skincare products, a decrease in unwanted pigmentation (sundamage), fewer fine lines and wrinkles, less congestion of blackheads and whiteheads, more hydrated skin, more even skintone, less scarring, production of new collagen and  prevention of collagen loss that we already have and want to keep! That’s pretty fantastic! We joke around here that if you have wrinkles: retinol, acne: retinol, boyfriend dumped you: retinol, and on and on! It really does help EVERYTHING!

The sun can deactivate the vitamin A so it is always recommended to use at night. This also encourages us to cleanse and prep the skin before bed which we all know at this point is crucial for healthy, beautiful skin!

Vitamin C

An absolute must for any Colorado skin, Vitamin C does so many things. Our bodies don’t store or produce Vitamin C and it’s essential for collagen production. It’s also great for lightening hyperpigmentation or sun spots, or just overall brighteing of the skin. Vitamin C can also help reduce chronic redness in the skin as it acts as an anti-inflammatory. Acne is often improved with Vitamin C use as well, as inflammation is a key coomponent of acne.

Hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries and diffuse redness can all be signs of sundamage and that’s important to know living in a state with an elevation like ours.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent and reverse oxidative damage caused by UV rays. The sun, especially at our elevation, causes so much more oxidation (free radical damage) on our skin than that of sea level. We recommend this important ingredient to every person and skin concern we see, even if it’s preventative.

Eye Cream and Neck Cream

These are often at the bottom of the priority list for people and they should absolutely be at the top! The signs of aging on the neck and around the eyes are not only some of the hardest to treat but some of the most common concerns we hear.

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest skin on the body and often lacks active oil glands, combine that with constant motion from smiling, etc. and fine lines, wrinkles and laxity show up quickly!

The neck will often show signs of aging from “tech neck” or the constant position of our heads and necks looking down at out screens all day, everyday. Sleeping also causes creases and wrinkles on the neck and chest from prolonged postitions. The skin on the neck is often neglected when it comes to basic skin care products such as moisturizer and spf leading to a quick onset of lines and wrinkles. The neck and chest are thin and need not only the basics but the corrective skincare treatments just as much as your face. Trust us. You’ll thank us later.

Scheduling a consultation is the best way to learn what medical-grade skincare products are best for you.