By Mary Brooks APRN, Couture Med Spa Winter Park
Whether we like it or not, the words Coronavirus and COVID19 are a huge part of our vocabulary today. For many of us, that means that our regular facials, med spa services, or beauty upkeep appointments are all on hold. Although we are social distancing and most of us are on lockdown, that doesn’t mean we have to sit back and allow our self-care regimen to regress. There are many things that we can be doing at home to keep up a flawless look. Let’s face it; we should all have a daily, healthy-skincare routine. If you don’t have a routine in place, then this article is for you.
How to shop for beauty products:
Don’t waste money on over the counter (OTC) beauty products with only a sprinkle of active ingredients, purchase from a medical spa or facility for medical-grade products with ingredients that actually work. There are so many claims thrown around by OTC beauty products that have little to no impact on their active properties. “Voted #1 most moisturizing retinol cream” or “formulated with OUR highest concentration of hyaluronic acid”—sound familiar? Don’t focus on what’s written in large print on the cover. Instead, look at the small print on the back and see how much of the active ingredient is being used.
What are some must-have beauty products for daily use?
- Vitamin C serum – brightens the complexion, supports healthy collagen production, and helps fight free radicals.
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum – a powerful skincare product that can help retain moisture. Hyaluronic Acid is an oil-free ingredient that works to replenish the skin’s moisture as well as plumps and smooths the appearance of fine lines.
- Retinol Serum – improves fine lines, wrinkles, and unwanted age spots to help achieve smoother, firmer, more evenly toned skin. Studies suggest that you need to use at least 0.25% retinol or 0.025% tretinoin (Retin-A) to be effective, so we recommend using a product that specifies the percentage.
- Sunscreen – wear it EVERY SINGLE DAY if you’re leaving the house. Repeated sun exposure can cause changes in the skin, including sun spots, premature wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Did you know that the average person gets around 18 hours of sun exposure per week? Imagine the damage that is being done to your skin daily without even realizing it. It is one simple added step to protecting your skin, which you’re stuck with for life, so we hope you are treating yours with the utmost respect!
Are you looking to start building your self-care toolbox? Contact us to schedule a consultation for a personalized skincare routine!
Don’t let anyone treat you like over the counter skin care, you are medical grade baby girl, medical grade!
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At Home Skincare: Medical Grade Products vs. Over the Counter
By Mary Brooks APRN, Winter Park
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I Love My Wrinkles… Said No One Ever!
Are you afraid of looking like a Beverly Hills Housewife? Are you afraid of having Kylie Jenner’s lips that may not represent you?
We’re dishing out all of the details that you need to know about cosmetic spas and Botox and Dysport treatments. Botox and Dysport are best known for minimizing wrinkles and fine lines from aging. As amazing as these products are, there is a taboo and stigma surrounding these aesthetic treatments. If you’re considering anti-wrinkle injections, but are held back by doubts and fears, here at Couture Med Spa, we want to not only educate you on Botox and Dysport misconceptions, but also make you feel comfortable about wanting to enhance your natural beauty. And although, aging is a fact of life, looking your age is not!
Myth #1 Botox & Dysport are poisonous
The truth is Botox is the purified protein version of Botulinum Toxin, which means that it’s not toxic. The protein is inserted directly into the muscles to help relax them and is not systemically absorbed into the bloodstream. In fact, you would need 2 to 3 times the number of units of the actual toxin to cause any problems. Remember when Botox was a taboo subject? Now when people mention Botox, no one even raises an eyebrow.
Myth #2 Botox & Dysport injections are painful
Many of us have heard the saying “beauty is pain,” but here at Couture Med Spa, it doesn’t have to be. Clients find the injections almost painless, so a local anesthetic is not needed! Couture Med Spa uses a very fine needle and ice during the treatment to minimize any discomfort, making it virtually pain-free!
Myth #3 Botox and Dysport will lead to a frozen or unexpressive face
Results of neurotoxins, such as Botox and Dysport, are natural-looking. You will still look like yourself, just a more refreshed version! With a skilled injector from Couture Med Spa, you will still be able to display a full range of facial expressions. The best wrinkle is the one you never get!
Myth #4 There will be a lot of downtime
There is no downtime with Botox or Dysport injections! Clients are even able to get it done quickly during their 1-hour lunch break. There may be minimal swelling at the injection site that lasts for about 15-20 minutes, but that resolves on its own. Clients are instructed to avoid lying completely flat for 4 hours and avoid strenuous exercise for 8 hours after the treatment because there is no “gym” for your wrinkles.
Myth #5 Wrinkles will worsen if you stop
Botox and Dysport relaxes the muscles that are causing wrinkles and once the effect wears off your muscles will return to their normal function and pre-treatment appearance.
I hate it when my Botox wears off, then people can tell what I am thinking.
Myth #6 Botox is only for women
Botox and Dysport are used on both men and women. “Bro-tox” is trending, and the amount of men seeking treatment increases every year. Men also want to smooth unwanted wrinkles and want a more youthful natural appearance, so why shouldn’t they?
Myth #7 I’m too young for Botox
It’s not your age that determines when Botox or Dysport is needed, but rather the severity of your lines and wrinkles. Everyone’s lines form differently, and the timing can be influenced by a combination of factors such as cellular changes, reduction in collagen, genetic factors, and sun and environmental factors. Botox and Dysport are FDA approved for 18 and older. Starting young helps to prevent deep or permanent lines.
Myth #8 Botox and fillers are the same
Botox and Dysport work by relaxing the muscles around the eyes and forehead to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Fillers work by lifting where volume is lost by filing smile lines, deeper wrinkles, and plumping the lips. A rule of thumb is “from the eyes up is Botox and Dysport and below the eyes is filler.”
Couture Med Spa offers affordable Botox and Dysport prices as well as free one-on-one consultations with one of our amazing providers. Our professional providers can create a customized plan for your beauty needs because you can’t buy happiness, but you can buy Botox, and that’s kind of the same thing!
