PRP for Anti-Aging

As mentioned in the previous blog discussing Micro-channeling, PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma, has been used in many medical fields for its wound healing abilities. Athletes use it to heal injuries, while others have used PRP to treat arthritis. In the cosmetic industry, it has been used for those who want a natural but noticeable improvement in their skin tone and texture as PRP offers excellent skin rejuvenation with little to no downtime.

While used topically in the cosmetic industry, PRP can also be used for injections to fill wrinkles as a natural filler. Areas of treatment are similar to areas treated with hyaluronic acid fillers, which include the eye area, decollete, cheeks, smile lines, and nasolabial folds. The PRP stimulates collagen production in the dermis of the skin to plump and fill for a natural look. PRP is an excellent alternative to hyaluronic acid fillers as it helps to restore volume while rejuvenating the skin from the inside out.

How does it work? Your blood is drawn into a vial, which is then placed into a centrifuge. The vial is spun in the centrifuge to concentrate and isolate platelets. After the spinning the PRP has separated and can then be used for injections. The time for the entire appointment from start to finish can take about 60-90 minutes, and while you can resume normal activities, is recommended that you do not exercise until the next day.

Since PRP is derived from your own body, the chances of an allergic reaction are minimal, as are lumps and bumps that can happen with hyaluronic acid fillers. In general, hyaluronic acid fillers are considered very safe, but for those concerned about reactions, PRP is a perfect alternative. However, PRP and hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected in the same appointment to address facial aging as well as the quality of the skin.

Interested in PRP injections? Call to make a consultation appointment at 720.236.7541!

The Amazing Benefits of Micro-Channeling

When it comes to skin rejuvenation, many associate significant downtown with most procedures. Not so with micro-channeling. This procedure is becoming very popular based on excellent results, and the ability to return to normal activities quickly.

How it works:

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is different than micro-channeling. The procedure is a more aggressive treatment where tiny, sterile needles penetrate the skin more deeply to purposefully cause trauma. The trauma prompts the deeper layer of the skin, the derma, to rebuild collagen.

Collagen keeps our skin taut and youthful, but as we age, we lose collagen, which leads to wrinkles and the loss of firmness. Collagen makes up 30% of the protein in our body, 70% in our skin, and is a hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein

While Microneedling causes trauma to stimulate collagen production, micro-channeling is a less aggressive approach for the treatment of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, age spots, and acne scars. Tiny needles create more controlled micro-injuries, which helps the production of collagen and elastin. The uniform micro-channels are surrounded by healthy tissue, which enhances the healing process, and the inflammatory response to the micro-channel initiates the new collagen production. When adding PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), healing is expedited, with additional benefits.

PRP has been used in many medical fields for its wound healing abilities. Benefits have been seen in patients with arthritis, those with tendonitis symptoms, plantar fasciitis, bulging disks, and even as a treatment for hair loss.  In micro-channeling, your blood is drawn, then placed in a centrifuge where the blood is spun to release various growth factors from platelets. After the micro-channeling procedure is complete, the PRP is applied topically to the treated area. 

In recent studies, PRP for facial rejuvenation showed positive aesthetic outcomes. All fourteen studies showed improvement in the volume, texture and tone of the facial skin, as well as a decrease in facial wrinkles.

Most healing is internal, and any side effects will not be prolonged. Your skin should appear and feel refreshed within 24 hours, but tone and texture will continue to improve. For the best benefits, 3-4 micro-channeling sessions with PRP are recommended spaced out between 4-6 weeks. Continued on-going maintenance can be conducted with longer intervals in-between after the initial treatments.

While excellent for the face, consider micro-channeling for the hands, neck, decollete, and for other parts of the body with crepey skin, stretch marks, and scarring. 

With so many benefits, micro-channeling is an excellent alternative to highly invasive procedures. You will love your results!

Have you tried micro-channeling? Any questions? Send them my way!

The Skinny On Anti-Aging Skin Care

When it comes to the finding the most appropriate anti-aging skin care regimen, it all depends on your areas of concern. The best ingredients are listed below that tackle a multitude of concerns, and are excellent for a wide range of ages.

 Vitamin C

For starters, the potent antioxidant properties in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) make it a vital molecule for skin health. It helps protect the skin from UV light exposure caused by free radicals, and helps regulate the synthesis of the structural protein collagen. Collagen aids in supporting the epidermis and works hand in hand with elastin to support the skin. Vitamin C has been a staple in ancient beauty, used in Tibet during the Tang Dynasty, and is most beneficial when applied topically. Vitamin C helps to rejuvenate and maintain firm and youthful skin, lighten and brighten dark spots, and is recommended for daily topical use.

 Hyaluronic Acid

Contrary to belief, not all acids are created equal. Hyaluronic acid is gentle and will not break down your skin all while turning back the clock. HA is a humectant, which means it draws moisture from its surroundings, and helps to plump the skin while giving it a smoother appearance. One gram of HA can hold up to six liters of water! This is especially beneficial for those who live in dry climates, and want to boost their moisturizers, as HA works best layered and/or in combination with other ingredients.

Retinol

This cure-all, superstar ingredient is a vitamin-A derivative, which tackles fine lines, sun spots, wrinkles, dullness, and crepiness to name a few. While it can take some time for your skin to acclimate to this powerful ingredient, the best approach is start slowly, using it 2-3 times a week for two weeks, and then adding an additional night from there on. To get the fullest benefits, give your retinol product a few months to reap the full benefits. You’ll be glad you did!

Niacinamide

Also known as nicotinic acid, and Vitamin B3, niacinamide is an excellent skin-restoring ingredient that helps to build proteins in the skin (think keratin), lock in moisture, and prevent environmental damage by rebuilding healthy skin cells. Other benefits include minimizing pore appearance, acne control, oil regulation, tackling fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation reduction.

CBD

A naturally occurring plant compound derived from the cannabis plant, also known as cannabidiol. While found in the marijuana plant, it is non-psychoactive and completely legal. In skin care, its benefits are amazing. CBD is a powerful antioxidant, which helps counteract signs of aging caused by free radicals, and is possibly more powerful than Vitamin C and E combined. CBD treats inflammatory skin conditions (think eczema and acne), supports the skins natural healing process, and evidence suggests cannabinoids help manage dry skin as it moisturizes without clogging pores.

Here are a list of my recommended anti-aging products by Color Up Therapeutics and SkinMedica :

1. Color Up Therapeutics 100mg Moisturizer UV Repair 2. Color Up Therapeutics Treatment Oil 3. Color Up Therapeutics Dark Circle Reduction and Firming Eye Cream 4. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum 5. SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex

Want to add more fun to your skin care care routine? Check out these products by Grande Lash MD:

1. GrandeLash - MD Lash Enhancing Serum 2. GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper, Gloss 3. GrandeBROW Brow Enhancing Serum

Place an order for any of the above products by contacting me through this link, at 720.236.7541, through email — heather@RadiantSkinRN.com.

What products do you swear by? Leave a comment below!