Best Sun Damaged Skin Treatments When You Live in Colorado

As we finally say goodbye to summer in Colorado (you can never know when), it’s the perfect time to address all of the glorious sunshine that has accumulated on our faces, necks, chest, hands and arms. These are some of our favorite sun damaged skin treatments to get your skin looking healthy, smooth, even and bright!

sun damaged skin treatment

Chemical Peels:

Peels are one of the easiest and most cost effective treatments you can do. Here at Accent Aesthetics, we offer many different types of peels from light to deep. We can custom blend them to treat all kinds of issues: acne, scarring, hyperpigmetation and sun damage and texture issues such as fine lines, crepiness and wrinkles.  Social downtime (redness, dryness, peeling and flaking) ranges depending on the peel we choose. But most often it is anywhere from 1-5 days. A small price to pay for skin that is more even toned and smooth and all around healthier.

IPL:

Intense Pulse Light. Such a great, tried and true technology. The light sees the melanin (pigment) in the brow spots and the hemoglobin in the red vasculature of the skin. Most sundamage is a mixture of these 2. Our IPL device is amazing at targeting and shutting down these issues.

Social downtime can range anywhere from 2-7 days and generally appears as redness and mild swelling then coffee ground scabbing which literally looks like tiny little coffee grounds where the browns are. These fall off within a few days to reveal noticably more even skin! The IPL does produce collagen and kill bacteria due to the thermal technology but we really use it as a color correcting treatment. But the reduction of acne and improvement in skintone is a nice side effect.

HydraFacial:

The clear choice if dryness is your main concern.  We’re convinced this was created for Colorado skin! This relaxing treatment uses varying degrees of physical and chemical exfoliation combined with hydrating peptides, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. The exfoliation removes built up dead skin, allowing hydrating moisturizers and serums to absorb better. The alpha hydroxy acids brighten stubborn pigmentation and loosen clogged pores. There is no downtime with HydraFacials and they can be done right before an event for a beautiful glow!

AdvaTx:

AdvaTx combines 2 lasers in 1 treatment for full dermal health. The more superficial wavelength is similar to that of the IPL, focusing on breaking up the reds and browns in the skin, but delivered in a different way, allowing for less trauma to the skin. The second, longer wavelenth focuses on bulk heating deep in the dermis to stimulate collagen reducing unwanted textures such as fine lines and large pores. It also helps shrink oil glands that can cause acne and lesions such as sebacous hyperplasia. There is little to no downtime with AdvaTx, and you leave the office looking smooth and refreshed!

Call or go online to book a consultation!

accentaesthetics

 

sun damaged skin treatment sun damaged skin treatment sun damaged skin treatment sun damaged skin treatment sun damaged skin treatment 

Colorado Fall Skincare Tips

It’s getting cooler, and DRYER!

If you’ve lived here forever or even for just a little while, you know the change of seasons here in Colorado can be extreme. It’s 96 degrees and sunny one day, 29 degrees and snowing the next. Welcome to Fall in Colorado! It comes in quick!

These changes often wreak havoc on your skin. But luckily there are a few fall skincare tips and simple changes you can make to your skincare routine that will ease your skin in without any issues!

Fall Skincare Tip #1: Switch up your cleanser

fall skincare

This is an easy and inexpensive way to help your skin adjust to the seasons. If your using a foaming cleanser with anti-acne properties such as Salicylic Acid or Benzoyle Peroxide, start using a more gentle, foaming, fruit enzyme cleanser such as Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser. This cleanser uses Papain, a fruit enzyme derived from papaya, to gently polish away dead surface cells and keep pores clear without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. It also delivers vitamins and minerals to the skin helping brighten it up after the harsh, sunny summer. (And it smells divine!)

Fall Skincare Tip #2: Swith up your nightly retinol

We LOVE our retinols, they do so many important things. Create new collagen, hold on to the collagen we have and increase cell turnover, all things that create and maintain healthy, youthful skin. But higher concentrations can be drying, especially this time of year. It’s ok to use something lighter if it means you can use it consistently through the season. Our fave is Revision Skincare’s  DEJ Night Face Cream. It’s a low strength retinol combined with their anti-aging/anti-redness moisturizer. You can use it every night without irritation or dryness. An Accent Aesthetics MUST HAVE!

fall skincare

Fall Skincare Tip #3: ADD THIS MASK TO YOUR NIGHTLY ROUTINE

fall skincare

We feel like this product was made just for us here in Colorado! It goes on after your nightly products such as retinol and sooths and hydrates all night long.You wake up soft and glowing! And it may be the best thing you’ll ever smell!

fall skincare fall skincare fall skincare fall skincare fall skincare fall skincare

What is Ozempic Face and How Can it Be Prevented?

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.

 

Laser Hair Reduction: It’s Time….

The quest for smooth, hair-free skin has led to a variety of hair removal methods, each with its own pros and cons. laser hair reduction

There are many forms of hair removal. Shaving, waxing, sugaring, tweezing, depilatories and laser.

Most of us throughout our lives will try some or all of these methods.

If you are still struggling with unwanted hair, laser hair reduction is the clear choice!

How Laser Hair Reduction Works

The laser sees the pigment in the hair, for this reason hair must be dark in color for the treatments to be successful. Treating blond or white hairs will result in very little reduction if any. The laser sends its heat and energy into the hair shaft, destroying the bond it has with the follicle. As a result the hair detaches and falls out. Over time and a series of treatments, the follicle ceases to grow more hair.

Now because the laser sees color, it must be done in experienced hands. Many skin types have varying levels of color or pigment. If treated incorrectly or too aggressivly, the laser will disperse it’s heat into the skin instead of the hair follicle causing burning, blistering and possible scarring. It is VERY important that you get treated by someone with knowledge and experience with all skin types.

Preparing for Your Laser Treatment

The root of the hairs need to be in the follicle for treatment, therefore do not wax, tweeze or remove the hair root in anyway. The hair should not be above the skin line though, this will result in burning of the hair and possibly the skin. This will place heat in the hair above the skin and not to the root where it is needed for best results. We recommend shaving the day before or day of treatment.

After Laser Hair Reduction

To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should avoid direct sunlight from hitting your skin and avoid using tanning beds.

You may see some redness and swelling after treatment. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort. We may recommend applying a topical hydrocortisone cream to help reduce any irritation. These side effects are normal and resolve quickly. Most clients are able to return to their daily activities with no downtime

The Results

You will likely see the results immediately after your laser hair reduction treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment.

To remove the hair, most patients need 4 to 8 laser treatments. All of our laser hair packages come in a series of 6.  After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.

We recommend follow up treatments a few times a year, especially for more stubborn hair.

laser hair reduction laser hair reduction laser hair reduction laser hair reduction laser hair reduction laser hair reduction laser hair reduction laser hair reduction laser hair reduction laser hair reduction

laser hair reduction
laser hair reduction

Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: Which is Right for Your Acne?

Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to treating acne, chances are you want results and you want them fast. Luckily, the skincare market is flooded with products that promise to clear skin, fight pesky pimples, and reach deep within the pores for quick—and long-lasting—relief. But not all acne fighters are created equally, and when it comes to ingredients, two tend to rise above the rest: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Both have been widely heralded as acne-clearing wonder treatments—and for good reason, their long, documented histories are impressive to say the least. But how exactly each fights acne—and the type of acne they target—are two different stories.

What is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide mainly functions as an antibacterial ingredient, though it also has some exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells. It targets the bacteria that causes acne, and, unlike with other antibacterial agents, bacteria cannot grow resistant to benzoyl peroxide, making it a popular choice amongst dermatologists and other experts.

Benzoyl peroxide is perhaps the most effective ingredient we have in treating red, angry pimples. Think of it like a fire extinguisher, putting out inflammation in the skin and lowering levels of acne-causing bacteria.

Benzoyl peroxide doesn’t come without its risks. Namely, it can be fairly irritating depending on the concentration. And no matter how well-formulated, benzoyl peroxide is notorious for bleaching clothing, towels, and any other fabrics it comes in contact with. For this reason, opt for bright white towels and pillowcases that won’t be affected.

What is salicylic acid?

Meanwhile, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that chemically exfoliates the skin, helping remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface.  It does this by breaking down the bonds between skin cells and penetrating deep into the pores.

Salicylic acid is usually derived from aspirin, so it does have some anti-inflammatory benefits but works best on dry, comedonal acne such as blackheads and whiteheads. Also, for this reason, if you have an allergy or sensitivity to aspirin, you should not use salicylic acid.

Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid runs the risk of irritation, as well as redness and sun sensitivity. So while it’s always important to wear sunscreen everyday, it’s doubly so when using salicylic acid.

What is the difference between benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid?

Benzoyl peroxide effectively targets inflammatory acne like red pimples, pustules, and pesky cysts. Meanwhile, salicylic acid fights more mild acne, like blackheads and whiteheads (commonly referred to as comedonal acne), as well as prominent pores and oily skin.

While the two ingredients function differently, they’re actually quite complementary. We regularly recommend using both ingredients as part of a full acne-treatment regimen.

While the two ingredients function differently, they’re actually quite complementary. We regularly recommend using both ingredients as part of a full acne-treatment regimen as a lot of patients have several different types of acne at once.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are stellar first-line, over-the-counter treatment options for acne. That being said, if you’re not seeing any improvement after a few weeks of use, We will recommend you see one of our Dermatologist at Accent Dermatology for further options and treatment.

Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid

Our Recommendations:

Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid

PCA BPO 5% Cleanser

A gentle and effective cleanser formulated with 5% benzoyl peroxide for antibacterial properties, and a host of botanical extracts to clear, soothe and calm acne and breakout-prone skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid

PCA Acne Gel

Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, this treatment gel helps clear existing breakout and prevent future acne. A unique botanical blend helps control daily oil production.