Hydrafacial

Skincare for the aging face; 5 Steps to non-surgical Facial Rejuvenation- Republished from June 2019

5 Steps to non-surgical Facial Rejuvenation; Skincare for the aging face. Republished from June 2019, Generations Skincare by The Anti Aging Nurse

"My approach to natual looking facial rejuvenation is to combine several treatment modalities. I believe end results will be best if you start from the inside (skeletal structures) & work your way out (outer skin layers.)"

"Often times when you see people who have an artificial, overdone, or unnatural appearance it is because an inexperienced provider has treated the effects rather than the underlying cause." 

Successful non- surgical facial rejuvenation takes time, patience is KEY.  If patients want instant results or have unrealistic expectations of what non- surgical treatments can do- I refer them to my colleague & skilled plastic surgeon Dr Karol Gutowski."  He offers virtual consultations! 

Click here to learn more;

My Recommended Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Gutowski 

What contributes to facial aging?

 The Aging Face - unfortunately there is no way around it, everyone's face will show the signs of aging- eventually. Genetics, Environment, diet & lifestyle can all affect how our face ages. I turned 50 this year and started "preventative" treatment's in my late 30's in an "attempt" to slow down the aging process (on my face at least!) I prefer a non- surgical conservative approach and the "natural look." "I dont want to try to look 20 - I just want to look the best I can for my age."

Why is my face changing as I age?

Understanding what happens to our face as we age can help us discover which treatments are best to counteract the inevitable signs of aging - many factors contribute to the aging face. Factors such as bone reabsorption, volume loss, & decreased elasticity can all lead to "saggy" skin & result in a "sad" and/or "tired" look. This can make you look older than your age. There are many things we can do to help our aging faces.

Facial skeletal structures  reabsorb as we age

Did you know that our facial skeletal structure actually changes as we age? The skeletal structure in our face actually shrinks as we age due to a process known as "bone reabsorption" in the aging process. 

If your Face were a House;

Fix the foundation first

Think of your face as a house & the skeletal structure as the house's "foundation."  This is what I mean when I say, " I start from the inside & work my way out."  If the foundation is damaged it doesnt do much good to fix up the inside of the house. You can go in a house  paint, wallpaper, & change accessories to improve the houses appearance, but if the "foundation" is damaged - it's like a bandaid. If the "foundation" of the "house" is not restored you are wasting your time fixing up the inside. The same goes for your face. If your facial bone structure has changed, you can add botox, fillers, facials, skin care products etc., but it wont do much good. 

 Why is this? & what can we do to restore the foundation (aka facial bone structures? ) 

As we age a process called "bone reabsorption" begins and actually physically changes our facial skeleton (or the "foundation" of the house.)   The eye sockets get smaller, the cheek & jaw bones shrink & lose their definition. The size and shape of the bones around our mouth also change. A good aesthetic/cosmetic practitioner knows that the foundation must first be restored in order to rejuvenate the face. We can restore the facial bone structures non-surgically with firm fillers such as Radiesse/Sculptra and/or PDO threads.

Once the "foundation" has been restored, a more youthful appearance & facial rejuvenation is achievable. Restoring bone structure is only the first step in facial rejuvenation.

What causes skin to sag?

When these skeletal changes start, there are other things that also happen to the aging face. Back to the house analogy l...think of the dermis or middle skin tissue as the inner part of your "house" & the outer skin layer as the exterior of your "house." We lose facial volume, laxity increases & elasticity decreases. Volume loss can be from weight loss/gain, but can be corrected with volumizing fillers and/ or PDO threads, & fractional radio frequency. All of these changes can make our faces appear "saggy" or make you look "sad/tired" & look older than your age. We lose elasticity and hydration & our skin becomes more dry and leads to a dull complexion. When you combine all these factors - you really start to show your age & if you dont do things to repair the damage you can look older than your actual age.

Is there anything we can do to slow down the aging process on our faces?

The good news is there is hope ! There are things we can do to help our aging faces! These are my 5 steps to natural looking non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

#1) Prevention :

Preventative botox/xeomin in our late 30's. It's much easier to prevent wrinkles in our 40's & 50's than to try to undo deeply formed wrinkles.

Stay out of the sun, wear sun block daily & regular facials can also help to prevent problems later. START SUNBLOCK ASAP - don't forget your NECK & DECOLLETAGE', consider them part of your face. 

"As a skincare specialist I can tell you it is far easier to PREVENT wrinkles than to try to undo years of sun- damage & deep wrinkles." 

2) "Fix the Foundation First" ; Rebuilding  the skeletal support system. 

"Treat the cause not just the effect." Don't just "put a bandaid," such as botox or fillers to try to hide the underlying issue. 

Not everyone will need this step. It depends on genetics age, but if there are skeletal changes I always address this first. It's much easier to build on a strong foundation.

Fixing the foundation, Fillers

"Foundation" damage or facial skeletal bone reabsorption can be fixed by adding "firmer" fillers to strategic places on the face. Restoring structures such as cheekbobes, jawbones, & temporal areas can make a HUGE difference & I often ask my clients to see pics of themselves when they were younger. This can act as a "scaffold" to lift and support sagging skin & tissues.

This will also ensure a natural refreshed look rather than an overdone/unnatural look, which is usually caused by putting bandaid's (treating the effects)  rather than  cause. My favorite firm filler is Radiesse by Merz.

Fixing the Foundation, PDO threads & Fractional Radio Frequency 

PDO threads can help restore the foundation creating a support and give a  "lift" effect on sagging tissues & skin. PDO threads & fractional radio frequency combined can also help stimulate new collagen. Fractional Radio frequency can tighten underlying tissues, which creates a smoother outer appearance.

3) Restoration of the Interior AKA the dermis;  restore volume build collagen & tighten elastin

 After "fixing the foundation" and rebuilding skeletal damage in the foundation of the aging face the restoration of the interior (middle layer or the dermis) can begin.  the next step. Restoring volume & improving elasticity in the middle layers of your skin is key step to restoring a natural youthful look to a sagging tired face. After the "foundation" is fixed restoring volume is vital to create a more youthful appearance. Combining many different non-surgical treatments creates a natural refreshed look.

Restoration, adding volume; Fillers

Rejuvenation can be achieved by adding volumizing fillers & also "layering" products such as juvederm voluma or Belotero on top of the firm fillers (newly restored "foundation.")    We can replace volume that is lost with the aging process using HA based fillers.  This step is VITAL to create a more youthful natural looking appearance. Restoring lip volume definitely helps create a youthful appearance.  In my practice  I use many different fillers to restore volume,   but some of my favorites are belotero by Merz, Restalyne by Galderma.

"Fixing volume issues can often times instantly take years off our faces."

Restoration, collagen & elastin; Micro-needling, PRP, Bio fillers, Fractional RF

Replacing volume loss, building new collagen, & tightening over stretched elastin is essential to a resfreshed youthful appearance.  Volume can be restored with fillers and/or other treatments that build new collagen such as microneedling, PRP, Biofillers, & Fractional Radio Frequency. 

" Fractional Radio frequency is one of my favorite  tools to achieve collagen buildingand tightening."

Fractional Radio frequency stimulates new collagen growth, heats up loose skin, & tightens loose tissues.  It works by heating up the tissues with radio frequency energy delivered to the dermis via microneedles.  This heating process also destroys the underying SMAS layer (think of this as a tiny network of fibers.) Over time these tiny fibers become overstretched/loose like an over used rubberband.  If you can heat the deeper layers of tissue up  new collagen will form & the SMAS layer rebuilds tighter.  This gives the outer a skin a refreshed look when the inner layers are volumized & tightened.  

4) Repairing the outer layers

After the skeletal structure (foundation) damage has been repaired, the (interior) dermal layers have been restored, the final touches can be corrected on the (exterior) outer skin layers. The outer skin layer known as the epidermis can be repaired. 

Sun damage is mostly preventable & difficult to reverse

 The #1 most important tip I give is SUNBLOCK, SUNBLOCK, SUNBLOCK.  Protecting the exterior of your "house" prevents damage.  Years of sun damage is extremely difficult to undo.  The BEST thing you can do is prevent sun damage in the first place.  This can be achieved by wearing sun block, avoiding the sun, good skin care, & regular exfoliation. 

"At 50 I am now struggling with trying to undo years of sun damage on my neck & decollatage'." If I could go back to my 20 something self I'd say, 

"Your face doesn't stop below your chin! Treat these areas with the same care as your face."

What can I do to improve the outer skin layers & create a youthful glow? Lasers, plasma fibroblasting, peels, microneedling & hydrafacials 

  Existing damage can be lasered away or another option is plasma fibroblasting with a plasma pen. Currently I do not have a laser for 2 reasons, high cost & trends.  Lasers can be up to $200,000.  

After 12 years in this industry I have learned that lasers trend in and out very quickly.  Every medical spa  I have visited or worker at seemed to have  a "device graveyard." 

 Sun damage can also be undone with deep chemical peels. Skin texture can be improved with good skincare & regular hydrafacial treatments.  

Regular skin exfoliation is recommended every month & deeper exfoliation every 3 months. This can be accomplished using medical grade skin peels or hydrafacials to remove dead skin cells, add hydration, & restore a youthful glow to the outside layers.

Microneedling and fractional radio frequency can also shrink pores &  improve overall skin texture.  Treatment options depend mostly  on budgets & downtime.

5) Maintenance & Insurance 

After spending countless hours on rebuilding, restoring, and rejuvenating maintenance is important.  Step 5 is all about Skin Maintenance & protecting your investment. Maintenance & Insurance means "protecting your investments."  It starts with you & your aesthetic provider creating a maintenance treatment plan you can afford and will stick with. Good Maintenance plans include regular treatments every month then every 3 months to maintain results (depending on your budget.) Consider quality skincare products as your insurance policy.  

"Quality Skincare doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune on lotions,potions & fancy creams."

"There are many affordable skincare  tips & tricks, but that will be another BLOG post- stay tuned!"

Recap the steps: 5 steps to non- surgical Facial Rejuvenation:

1) PREVENT fine lines & wrinkles (20's & beyond)

2) REBUILD the foundation (40's & beyond)

3) RESTORE volume, collagen & elasticity (30's & beyond)

4) REPAIR outer skin layers(40s & beyond)

5) Maintain & Insure  is for all ages (start in early 20's) -good skin care & treatment regimen combined with quality skincare products.

Recap: 5 steps to facial rejuvenation:

1) Preventative treatments starting in late 20's early 30's (sunscreen, avoid sun, neuro- modulators)

2) Rebuild skeletal structures (if needed) or fix the "foundation" such as cheekbones, jawline, & temporal hollows.

3) Replace/Restore lost volume in cheeks, lips, & temporal hollows with volumizing fillers; collagen building such as PDO threads & fractional RF.

4) Repair & Reverse the outer layer of the skin with peels, lasers, hydrafacials & microeeedling.

5) Lastly step 5 protect your investment with affordable skin care & maintenance plan (every 3 months) you will stick with.

In summary, all aging faces go through the same changes - facial bone reabsorption, loss of cheekbones/jawline. This combined with loss of volume/elasticity & a dull complexion can make you appear older than your age. Preventative treatments are key. Rebuilding facial structure first & then restoring volume loss & improving elasticity can make a huge difference in your appearance. After fixing these common problems repairing outer layer damage is the final step in creating a youthful natural looking appearance. Think of it as remodeling your "house" from the inside out.

Generations Skin Care Clinic is the first of it's kind to open in mahomet IL. We are accepting appts starting Nov 1st 2019. We are a family owned & operated business offering all the latest treatments mentioned in this blog post to help you achieve a healthy natural looking appearance. 

 "Look like you, only better- Skin care for all ages." Together we will create a plan to prevent/restore a youthful look to your skin as well as skin care & maintenance treatments you can afford. 

This plan will prolong your result & protect your investment. My mission is to provide high quality affordable skin care treatments for women & men of all ages in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Anti Aging Nurse specializes in non-surgical skin rejuvenation with Natural looking results.

Check out more of my before and after photos on my website at:Before & After Photos

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Skin care & Healthy Aging Blog:
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The Aging Face & What can do to improve our appearance? 5 steps to facial rejuvenation

What is the difference between Botox and Fillers?- Republished June,2019

“What is the difference between botox & fillers?” By The Anti Aging Nurse at Generations Skincare 

 Botox is a brand name of a product categorized as a neuro -toxin also known as a neuro-modulator. It works by relaxing the muscles and preventing the muscle contraction. The contraction of facial muscles are what cause wrinkles so by relaxing them -wrinkles can be prevented and/or softened.

Neurotoxin's (Botox)

 Botox is manufactured by Allergan. There are 3 main products in the neuro-modulator category. Botox by Allergan, Xeomin by Merz, and Dysport by Galderma. My personal favorite is xeomin as it tends to produce a more natural look vs. the “frozen” appearance.  Some people prefer botox or dysport over botox & it really depends on the person & budget.

Dermal Fillers

Fillers are usually used to fill in existing wrinkles or to create  support for sagging skin. Think of it as "spackle"...filling in creases and crevices to create a smoother surface. Fillers can also be used to enhance lips. There are different types of fillers with different viscosities.  Most fillers are Hyluronic Acid base, which also naturally occurs in our bodies.  

Which filler should I choose?

Your trained medical provider will know which filler to choose based on the desired result. For example, cheeks needing volume, a thicker filler is used. Lips need a softer filler - a thinner product is used. The 3 main companies making neuro-modulators also each have fillers such as Juvederm, Restalyne, & Belotero. I hope this helps you to understand the difference between botox and fillers.

I highly recommend you seek treatment from a licensed, trained, certified, & EXPERIENCED provider who can show you REAL pictures. A trained and certified provider can be a Registered Nurse, Physician, or Physician Assistant.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel & visit my blog to find out more about the wonderful treatments available at Generations Skin Care in Mahomet Illinois.

Disclaimer:
The Anti Aging Nurse specializes in skincare and has had hundreds of hours of training in Aesthetics. Please do not substitute this content for medical advice or try this treatment at home. This device can cause serious injuries if used improperly.

Please subscribe to my Skincare & Healthy Aging Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0U8r1jRLVrdkCXpRp74eUw

Skin care & Healthy Aging Blog:
Anti-Aging-RN@Blogspot.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/antiagingnurse/

Linked In:
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the_anti_aging_RN

Website:
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Micro Needling & PRP my affordable secret anti aging weapon, republished - March, 2018 by The Anti Nurse

Microneedling with PRP is my anti aging "secret weapon." by the Anti Aging Nurse 

I have struggled with acne my entire life. I was left with horrible pits & "dents" in my skin. Micro needling has literally saved my skin! It can also help with fine lines, wrinkles, & scarring.

Does it hurt?

A numbing agent is applied 30 min. Prior so skin is numb. It doesnt hurt, but it feels strange at first.

Dowmtime?

This depends on the depth you decide on.

Downtime is usually a day or two.

Price?

Varies - $150-550

I believe this treatment is well worth the money..  I am confident you will love the results & be back for more.

What is microneedling w PRP &, why is called the vampire facial ?

Tiny needles are on a motarized pen that move up and down creating tiny microchannels from the top live layer of your skin into the dermal layer. This is beneficial in two ways one is concentrated serums can be delivered to the dermis otherwise that will usually just sit on top of the skin. The second way is it initiates the body's natural healing response.

Your bodies natural healing response increases neo-collagenesis which is the stimulation of collagen production.

This improves the overall tone and texture of the skin.

What is PRP?

Micro-needling can be done either with or without PRP. PRP is platelet rich plasma from blood drawn from your body. It is spun down in a machine called a centrifuge, which separates your blood into layers. The "good layer" contains eight different growth factors and can be needled into your skin with micro-needling. Basically you're using your body's own "natural healing serum" and the micro-needling helps to deliver this deep into the dermal level maximizing benefits. is my anti aging "secret weapon!" 

Healthy Aging & Skincare Blog by the Anti Aging Nurse

I have been a Registered Nurse for almost 30 years. I was an ER/ICU Nurse for over 20 years. I have been in the Aesthetics/anti aging industry for 12 years with hundreds of hours of specialized training & courses in Aesthetics.  I have 5 years of hands-on injecting experience.   My portfolio can be found here :

Aesthetic Portfolio.

I am the founder & co- owner of a skincare/healthy aging clinic in central Illinois.  I will share clients photos & experience's (with permission.) I will also share my personal journey on the anti aging train. At 50 years old, 

 "I wish I'd have known then what I know now!!"

I often found myself sharing information about skincare & healthy aging with friends, family, & patients .  I decided to create this blog as a way to educate & share information on helpful topics relating to skincare & Healthy Aging.

My mission is to educate and inform the public on healthy aging topics based on my personal experience's.  I encourage questions, comments, story sharing, & suggestions on subjects you want to know more about.

Thank you for reading my blog!

Visit my websiteAntiagingrn

Disclaimer:

I am a Registered Nurse in the state of Illinois. I do not give medical advice. I do not recommend trying aesthetic treatments at home or without medical training.   

My license, training, & certifications can be found here:

RN License & Certification's

#Make_It_Match - The damage is done - what now?

#MakeItMatch

Make_It_Match is a campaign I created to educate the public on prevention and treatments for premature aging of the skin on neck and decolletage'.

Issue :

Premature aging, Neck & Decolletage' 

Premature aging of the neck and decollete’  can cause women to appear older than they are.

“It is far easier to prevent wrinkles and skin damage than to try to undo years of sun damage and lack of good skincare”, Kristie Isaac RN - The Anti Aging Nurse.

In my late 30’s early 40’s I started thinking about aging &  finally started preventative skincare. Had I known then what I know now - I would have started this in my early 20’s.  Don’t worry it's NEVER too late to start !

 I've always tried to prevent sun damage and wrinkles on my face, but didn't realize how important skincare for my neck and decolletage' were.  

"It just doesn't match!"

Turning 51 this year I really started noticing that my neck/decollete’  "did not match" my face.  My face looks like a 40 something and my neck looks like a 60 something!

A couple of years ago started applying skincare products to these areas, but not consistently.  About 6 months ago I really started to try to undo the years of sun damage,  loose neck skin, and premature aging in these areas. 

"I completely missed preventative skincare for my neck & decolletage areas."

 I have always applied sunscreen to my face, but never included my neck/decolletage', these areas were completely missed!!!

The damage is done, What now?

1. Creams & Serums (hydroquinone, HTH, retinol)
2. Hydrafacials (Hydro based facial treatments w added lightening/ brightening serums)
3. Medical grade Peels (chemical peels)
4. Microneedling 
5. Laser treatments (IPL)
6. Plasma Fibroblast Treatments 

I have TRIED EVERYTHING!

Everything above - I have tried...

Sun damage was really causing my neck area to look older than my age.  It almost reminds me of "chicken skin." First I tried a prescription lightening cream that had little to no effect.  I also tried nightly retinol, which didn't help. I stepped it up to targeted hydrafacial's, chemical peels, microneedling and still, very little change. I do not own a laser due to their high cost so I skipped  to plasma fibroblast. Note: All of these treatments do work when treated early, but my years of  no preventive skincare & sun damage were so severe I needed something more.

I started researching and found fibroblast plasma treatments.  I bought my device, numbed up the area and will repeat the treatments every 4 weeks.   So far I have completed one of the 3 to 4 sessions needed.  

Watch my skincare journey and share yours at #Make_It_Match

#Make_It_Match- Don't Forget The Neck!

#Make_It_Match

Ladies - don’t forget the NECK!!! 

Let's face it - No one wants "chicken skin" or to look older than their actual age....

 #MakeItMatch is a campaign I started to educate the public on prevention & treatments to avoid premature aging of the neck and decolletage'.

“It is far easier to prevent wrinkles and skin damage than to try to undo years of sun damage and lack of good skincare”, Kristie Isaac RN - The Anti Aging Nurse.

You know what I'm talking about….you see a lady over 40 and her face looks great, but her neck and decolletage' do not match!!!  Extremely thin skin on the neck and hands & can cause premature aging making women appear older than they are.

Helpful tips to remember about Neck and Decollete’ areas: Remember “A-P-S”

A= Area, include your neck & decolletage'

#1 Most Important tip - the FACE doesn't stop below your chin!  When doing your skincare regimen - take the extra 30 seconds to go all the way down the neck to bottom of your decolletage.

P= Prevention is KEY

#2 Second most important tip: you are NEVER too young to start preventative skin care.  I wish I would have someone tell me this when I was in my 20’s!!!!  Sun damage is a major contributor of wrinkles and premature aging of the skin.  Wrinkle & skin damage prevention should start in your early 20’s.

S= Skincare, good skincare is like your insurance policy

#3 Good skin care is important and women over 30 should be using a retinol product nightly (or as many times per week) as your skin will tolerate.  Consider good skincare as an insurance policy for your face!

  Visit my anti aging blog "Anti-Aging-RN on blogger.com to hear more about all things related to  skincare & healthy aging. 

Visit my website AntiAgingRN.com.com to find out  more about how to prevent/undo neck and decollete skin damage. I will also be sharing stories, pics, & vids from clients as well as my own personal  “Make it Match” neck & decolletage' treatment journey. 

Comments, questions, sharing personal stories are encouraged- we're all in this together!