Posts

Vitamin C and Its Many Functions and Benefits for Skin

“We don’t fix a flat or line chase”

It happens to everyone…loss of facial fat pads in middle age. “I hear it all the time,” says Brian Whaley, ARNP-BC and Director of Rejuvenation at Essentials Medispa & Salon. Our patients “suddenly” notice that the firmness and lift in their faces have greatly diminished. It is normal in middle age for facial fat to decrease, which in turn has a hollowing and sagging effect. Indicators that most people notice are the deepening of the nasolabial folds and deepening of the tear troughs. These are both caused by a shrinking of the malar fat pads that lie just below the orbital bones of the eye. These are often called the apples of the cheek. Decreasing fullness here has a distinct elderly appearance and will continue unless corrected. “Filling in lines” is ineffective and amateurish – instead, an expert professional will treat the cause, not symptoms.

One may not be surprised at the treatments patients have undergone to address this problem, especially in this day and age. For some reason, providers are still injecting into the nasolabial folds. Whaley states, “This is a poor treatment choice that wastes money and does not improve the underlying problem of volume loss. The first thing I have taught my students is that A LINE IS A SYMPTOM, NOT A CAUSE. Fillers belong below the skin, not in the skin. The nasolabial fold is the medial margin of the flap over our oral cavities. This flap hangs under our eye which can cause tear troughs and flatten over the cheekbone, which can cause drooping of the corners of the mouth and marionette lines and the lowest tip of the flap is the jowl. The skin is a highly multifunctional organ system which renews every 60 to 90 days. Products injected into the skin are rapidly eliminated and also add weight, therefore dragging the skin downward even further. It is a mediocre cover-up and adds nothing to the improvement of contour. The line filling technique is antiquated and average; it is like using caulk in the bathtub!

Facial fillers that are properly injected deeply, just above the periosteum, replaces lost volume and adds the beautiful contours of youth. It can last up to two years, depending on the quality of the product. It is safer, more beautiful and less expensive than any “caulking approach” to a contour issue. Artistically placed filler, safely and meticulously performed, can bring back years of contour and make you appear younger, more attractive, and boost self-confidence! Interested or want to hear more? Schedule a free consult with Brian Whaley, ARNP-BC. You can age gracefully and modernly, subtle yet dramatic. Making Faces for 20 years.

How important is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the production of red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and weight loss. Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in cellular health by aiding in the formation of new red blood cells called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin can then help transport oxygen from your lungs to your muscles and vital organs such as your brain and lungs. Another essential role of vitamin B12 is the metabolism of macronutrients and micronutrients. It is a coenzyme needed for the metabolism and absorption of these nutrients which are required to carry out cellular functions.

Vitamin B12 is not manufactured by our bodies, but it can be found in foods like meat, eggs, poultry, dairy products, and fortified grains. If we aren’t eating these types of foods regularly, we are unable to reach our daily recommended dosage. Certain conditions may interfere with the absorption of B12, specifically digestive diseases such as celiac or Crohn’s disease.

The most common side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency are weight gain, lack of energy, and feeling weak or fatigued. Vitamin B12 deficiency also has an impact on our nervous system as well. Long term vitamin B12 deficiencies can cause confusion, memory loss, feelings of depression, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Research shows that long term deficiencies of vitamin B12 can also lead to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, anemia, infertility, and other unwanted conditions.

It’s always important to supplement B12 from outside sources such as over the counter supplements or injections. Recommended daily allowances of Vitamin B12 range from 25mcg up to 1,000 mcg for more severe deficiencies.

Here at Essentials Medispa and Salon with offer Vitamin B12 injections as single service, add-on to any service, or purchased as a package of five.

*Results may vary from person to person

Why Choose Sculptra Over a HA Filler

Sculptra is a stimulatory injectable filler composed of poly-L-lactic acid. It is biocompatible, meaning it is not harmful to the surrounding living tissue. It works by way of neocollagenesis, or stimulation of the body to produce its own collagen at the site of injection. Neocollagenesis triggers the targeted area to firm, tighten, lift and smooth the overlying skin. This is beneficial in areas of depressed skin caused by facial lipoatrophy (fat loss). This includes skin creases, wrinkles, folds, scars, and overall aging.

The injection itself is biodegradable and is absorbed by the body within one week. It is the response it creates that leads to the volume increase. The poly-L-lactic acid causes a localized inflammatory reaction, causing fibroblasts to infiltrate the area, encapsulating the injected implant with thin-walled collagen. The poly-L-lactic acid, itself, degrades into lactic acid leaving behind residual crystals. Over time, the crystals lead to collagen production causing the formation of fibrous connective tissue around the implant (fibroplasia) and thus a gradual thickening of the dermis.

This differs from other injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, which cannot stimulate fibroblasts but instead stretches the existing collagen fibers through displacement of the area, leading to a short-term fix. Though the volume increase in Sculptra may take anywhere from three to six months to develop, the results persist upwards of two years. For this reason, Sculptra should be considered one of the first options for cosmetic rejuvenation.

Elizabeth Sippey PA-Resident
Essentials Medispa & Salon

The Verdict on Botox

It is not infrequently that I hear the comment, “I’m not vain’ or “I want to grow old gracefully,” or “at my age, what does it matter? What is implied in all these comments? Is there a commonality amongst them? Should we not care about how our faces decline as they age? Don’t we have a choice besides watching our looks transform and do nothing, of course, we do! Science and medicine have improved our lives in so many ways, this is just another way of remaining well.

First, instead of answering these questions directly, I might ask a woman patient about the beautiful clothing they were wearing, or maybe I would compliment them on their hairstyle or how perfectly polished their nails are. With a man maybe comment on the level of fitness, head of hair or his nice watch. My question is, are these measures vain? Is it a character flaw, wanting to present oneself in the best light? Is it “not okay” to wear nice clothes or to pamper ourselves?

Folks will spend hours and hours at the gym reshaping their bodies, buy great gym clothes and the best supplements. Hire top trainers and fitness and diet coaches. They spend thousands of dollars on lotions and potions and over the counter anti-aging “medicines” and herbs. Runners buy shoes and pedometers and join health clubs. The quest for the beautiful body of our dreams seems to be widely accepted without question. So, why is the advanced, safe and proven treatments in medical aesthetics somehow vain?

Well, the fact is that self-improvement and investing in medical aesthetics has been found to build self-esteem and confidence. Medical aesthetics has proven to be reliable, safe and much more affordable than ever. Some studies show that an attractive face, scores higher on attraction models than those of the body, especially as we age.

There is nothing else that can halt the progression of the aging face. No cream can counteract the effect of facial volume loss. Rhytids (wrinkles) are inevitable unless the muscles are relaxed, long term Retin-A or skin resurfacing device is used. The advancement of this specialty over the last decade has been amazing. The melding of long-term corrections for the aging face and regenerative medicine holds great promise. We are living longer, and it is just logical that we want to look as good as we feel. No one says “I have a migraine but I want to tolerate it gracefully, we take the Excedrin”!

I recall a patient explicitly saying, “I have earned every wrinkle on my 60-year-old face.” I say, “That may be true, but what about the grey hair on your head”? (as blonde highlighted auburn locks shine, ( from afternoon re-coloring), the twinkle in my eyes evident to her, she laughs out loud!

I rest my case.

Best of health,

Brian Whaley ARNP-BC
Rejuvenation Director

Safe Sun!

The summer and the surrounding months are great for outdoor activities. Many people love to enjoy the sunlight at the pool, on a hike, at the beach, or even in their own backyard. Regardless of how you choose to spend your summer, it’s all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm weather. Unfortunately, many people neglect to properly protect themselves from the sun, resulting in sunburns, skin damage, and other unwanted effects. Sometimes, this sun damage can even lead to skin cancer and other severe health issues. If you’re going to be spending time in the sun this summer, protection is key for staying safe and healthy. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while making the most out of the summer months.

Sunscreen & More Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the best way to guarantee protection from harmful UV rays. You should always wear sunscreen if you are going to be exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. You should apply sunscreen before going outside and reapply every two hours. You may want to reapply more often if you are swimming or sweating. To make sure you are getting the best protection, stick to sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Cover Up the Skin

Covering up the skin and other sensitive areas can be a great way to limit harmful sun exposure. Long sleeve shirts and hats with brims are an excellent option, providing significant coverage and protection from the sun. You may also want to use sunglasses while you’re outside, which help protect the eyes from sun damage.

Relax in the Shade

There’s nothing wrong with taking a break from the hot sun to cool off in the shade. During the middle of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Hanging out in the shade can help you limit your exposure to harmful rays, and it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while staying cool and comfortable.

What’s So Bad About Sun Damage?

Excessive sunlight can cause sunburns, sun spots, and other unwanted problems regarding skin health. For more information on protecting yourself from the sun or treating sun damage, contact Essentials MedSpa & Salon today. We offer a range of cosmetic and health services, serving patients from Orlando, Melbourne, and the nearby areas of Florida.

Protection Your Skin From The Sun

With the sunny months ahead of us it’s important to pay attention to our skin’s health and protecting it. We know today that we should wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds; however, many people still don’t listen.  According to the American Cancer Society it is estimated that nearly 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Women may be more prone to talking about their skin and sun damage, but skin cancer is common in men too.

Sun screen is your best source of prevention, tanning oil does not count. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher needs to be applied every day to sun exposed areas of your skin, and if you’re outside for prolonged period of time it needs to be reapplied every 2 hours or after getting wet. Also to get the full effects of the SPF it claims, you need to slather it on. Depending on the size of the person, around one ounce is enough to cover the average sun exposed areas of a person for two hours. The majority of Americans don’t come close to using the correct amount. Spray sunscreens are the newest thing, sweeping the shelves at every store. They are easy, convenient and great if you are trying to put sunscreen on a handful of anxious children waiting to go swimming. However it is hard to tell if the proper amount is being applied because it is hard to tell how much is actually coming out. Many of us forget that lips are skin too. You can tell when they become chapped, but it is also important to realize they can get burned too and are easily susceptible to getting skin cancer. Find a chapstick with SPF 30 also. You may have to put down the ones that taste like your favorite jelly beans but there are a lot of options out there.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but also the most easily preventable. With all that is in this world that we can’t control, you might as well get the edge on something you can. There aren’t excuses anymore.  We know UV rays are bad for us and thousands of products have been developed to help us. There is a vast array of sunscreens out there for you and your family’s outdoor activities, you can find something that works for everyone. Standard sunscreens are effective but can be greasy and aren’t always the best thing to wear daily under makeup.  There is; however, a variety daily products to help keep your protective and looking healthy.

There are a lot of noteworthy face lotions out there to try. Everyone has different skin and reacts differently to certain products, try a few and see what works for you. A moisturizer is important for skin to keep it hydrated and also helps with a smoother makeup application. A lot of us think that our foundation protects are skin and some even have SPF in it but it’s not at a high enough level to get the needed protection.  An ideal face lotion will have, like your sunscreen, a SPF 30 or higher with antioxidants to decrease damaging effects of the sun and environmental exposures. My favorite daily moisturizer is by Image. Their tinted moisturizer is amazing for all skin types. It evens out your skin tone and gives you a natural glow, while protecting you from future damage. Win Win!