by kderry | Dec 7, 2018 | Uncategorized
In a perfect world, everyone would start wearing sunscreen AND hats year-round in their teens and early 20’s.
80% of skin aging is caused by chronic sun exposure, and by your 30’s, 40’s and definitely 50’s, it really shows!
UV rays not only cause redness and brown spots but they break down your skin’s underlying structure, causing sagging, hollowed, wrinkled skin.
Your genetics play a role in your aging as well. This is called intrinsic aging. But your long term UV exposure causes the most dire damage, and as a type of extrinsic aging, (external), this is very much preventable!
Beyond sunscreen, what else can you do?
A good, high quality home care regime is hands down the best thing you can do for your skin, especially at an early age. Those good genetics won’t last forever and Colorado’s harsh environment WILL win if you don’t use active, high quality skincare. Notice I’ve emphasized “good” and “quality” several times: we truly believe you “get what you pay for” when it comes to skincare. We have seen the science and the technology that goes into creating effective and transformative skincare products and it’s not cheap or easy. Plan on a budget for your skincare, you don’t need to use 15 products. 2 or 3 excellent quality products can be perfect if your consistent and you start early. What you do at home daily will make the biggest impact on your skin long-term!
Treatments:
We see many clients daily that want a miracle, “magic wand” treatment. The closest thing we have to that is neurotoxin,(botox), and fillers. Many do not want to go down that route. They are wonderful treatments but require constant maintenance. Plus they generally do not CHANGE the underlying structure of your skin, what makes your skin look healthy, youthful and beautiful. ( There are some such as Sculptra that can but that is for another post).
If you want to keep your skin looking it’s best, start with regular treatments early!
Microdermabrasions, light chemical peels, Laser Genesis, microneedling, etc. These non-invasive treatments exfoliate or create tiny wounds that stimulate the wound-healing process which stimulates new, healthy cells and along with them COLLAGEN!! Excellent for changing the skin over time and definitely preventing signs of aging. These treatments are best every 4-8 weeks.
by kderry | Sep 28, 2018 | accent aesthetics, Aquagold Fine Touch, Botox, collagen induction therapy, Cosmetic Dermal Filler, Dermaplaning, Dysport, HydrafacialMD, IPL Limelight, Laser Genesis, Laser Hair Reduction & Removal, Microdermabrasion, Microneedling, Pearl, Peels, skincare colorado, Sun & Skincare, Ultherapy, Uncategorized, Vein Treatment
I think by now we all know there is no miracle in a bottle, and botox has been the closest thing we have seen to astonishing results with minimal side effects.
However, optimum skin health goes beyond botox. It is similar to the health of our bodies- to be optimally healthy you have to work on several factors- diet, cardio and strength training. Having youthful healthy skin is much the same. IF you only do botox, you are only addressing one aspect of what takes place as we age. The aging face is multifactorial and thus your anti-aging treatments should be so as well. Bone loss, descent of fat pads, skin texture changes, dermal thinning and photodamage all contribute. When you work with a dermatologist and their staff, you are offered non-invasive treatment options to address these different aspects of aging.
Technology advancements in the field of cosmeceuticals has brought us amazing topical skin care products. I recently attended a conference where a scientist was reviewing various ingredients/ peptides and said to conduct the research, develop best formulations and then bring those highly active ingredients to market costs money! If you are getting a Vitmain C serum on Amazon for under a certain price point- do not expect much change to your skin. Even when we find highly effective products it is good to change your regimen every so often. We do not like to use growth-hormone products long term and not every person can tolerate tretinoin. So partner with someone who can help you achieve your best! Last but not least- healthy inside will reflect healthy outside- clean eating, restful sleep, adequate water intake, physical exercise…..and wear an SPF 30 on your face daily!
I always tell patients our goal is find the treatments that will give the most bang for the buck and find the balance between a treatment that is highly effective while still being safe. You want to partner with a skincare expert who attends educational events, stays up on current trends, has access to multiple modalities to use and works alongside a Board-Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to minimize unwanted side effects. Look for someone who will be candid, give realistic expectations and instead of trying to sell you something- will give you both short term as well as long –term goals for your skin.
Written by Kerri Zukosky, PA-C
by kderry | Jul 13, 2018 | Sun & Skincare
Skin Care Essentials For “Sun-Proofing” Your Skin
The sun can do incredible things for our bodies and has some damaging effects as well, so it is important to take the right skin care measures. It helps stimulate our body’s production of Vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium for bone strength. It helps regulate our sleep cycles and promotes a great, healthy energy. But if we don’t protect our skin from the sun we risk getting wrinkles, age spots and most importantly, skin cancer.
SO WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE SUN DO TO OUR SKIN?
UV rays break down our skins’ collagen and elastin, eventually creating sagging, wrinkled skin.
Sun exposure causes free radical damage, attacking our skins antioxidants and eventually can lead to skin cancer.
Sun in small amounts over time, and definitely in excess, damage our Melanocytes. These are specialized skin cells that produce the protective skin-darkening pigment Melanin. This damage leads to uneven skin tone such as brown spots, freckles, white spots and different types of discoloration.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
Daily application of SPF will benefit you long term more than any wrinkle cream regimen, so apply and REAPPLY for long-term beneficial results. Most sunscreens break down and lose their efficacy after 2 hours.
Here is a general overview of what you may need in your daily routine for sun-proofing your skin.
DAILY ROUTINE
Vitamin C
Vitamin C applied topically to the skin provides antioxidant protection which helps prevent free radical damage. Free radicals destroy skin cells and can eventually lead to DNA damage.
Vitamin C also helps brighten the skin and decrease redness, lightening skin discoloration and soothing inflammation with consistent use.
Vitamin C is vital for the synthesis of collagen. We are unable to produce and store Vitamin C, so if you don’t have enough, your collagen production shuts down, leading to sallow, sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, etc.
An SPF You LOVE To Wear.
It is important to always have a layer of good SPF on your face, one that you cannot wait to put on so it’s easy to incorporate into your routine. No matter what season we are experiencing in our sunny Colorado, protection is essential. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Revision Intellishade:
Sheer, mineral tint for radiant skin. Breakthrough peptides reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lightweight; superior hydration. Comes in both Original, Matte and TruPhysical.
This is a 100% physical sunscreen in a tinted, moisturizing base. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide combined with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid protect and hydrate even the most sensitive skins, including post-procedure skin.
This all-powerful, all-mineral skin shield provides total skincare protection in one convenient, on-the-go application. Alone or over makeup, this SPF brush makes reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours easy, fun and beautiful! Formulated with antioxidants, moisturizers, and soothing ingredients, it protects your skin from free radicals and pollution while hydrating and calming the skin with a hint of sheer coverage.
Specially formulated for active lifestyles, this water-resistant sunscreen will not rinse off in water or drip into your eyes and sting. This SPF is great for swimmers, skiers, runners, golfers and other athletes or for those who just love to be outdoors! Perfect for our Colorado lifestyle.
Sun protection, a touch of gloss, and just the right natural color. Zinc Oxide, peptides, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid keep your pucker protected, soft and beautiful!
Any further questions, please contact us.
