Why Your Botox isn’t Lasting

In a perfect world, our Botox treatments would last a year and we could be wrinkle-free forever! Unfortunately, this isn’t the case and this isn’t a perfect world (boo, I know). We like to say that your Botox treatments will last about 3 months and Dysport treatments will last anywhere from 4 to 6 months. This, of course, will vary from person to person and there are so many factors to consider when trying to gauge the longevity of your neurotoxin treatments.

We get calls on the daily, “Why didn’t my Botox treatment last the full 3 months?” Again, so many possible answers! Here are 4 most common answers that may solve that question. These possibilities aren’t the answers for everyone, but know that you are not the only one! Many people only go about 3 months in between my treatments.

1. You didn’t receive enough product

This is usually the BIGGEST culprit. Often times, it comes down to your budget and full correction can be expensive for most patients. Typically, an average full correction for your Botox treatment is anywhere from 40 to 80 units, and Dysport can range from 90 units to 160 units. Some patients may need more, some may need less. Your injector will tell you the recommended dose for you personally.

Here’s a tidbit if you’re balling on a budget like most people, and a little annoyed that your Botox isn’t lasting: rather than doing “sprinkles” of units everywhere, focus your dosage on the areas that bother you most. If you’re only doing half the recommended amount in every area, your toxin is only going to last about half the time it should.

2. You have a high metabolism

We see less longevity in patients who work out habitually. If you have a higher metabolic rate, you’re much more likely to burn through any injection faster than others.

3. You may have developed a product resistance

It is rare, but it can happen! Some patients have been so loyal to their toxins they start to build up a tolerance to them. It’s much more likely to happen with Botox compared to Dysport, but is possible all the same. Sometimes it’s nice to switch up your choice of toxin to avoid the possibility of tolerance build up.

4. You still want some movement for a natural look

If you still want some movement, or you are doing treatments for preventive purposes, we have to inject less. This brings me back to the first point, that injecting less than the recommended amount will result in short term results.

Realistically, you should start to regain movement around the 3 to 4 month mark. Just like the product gradually kicks in, it will gradually start to wear off. When planning a budget for your Botox or Dysport treatment, we recommend planning on $250 to $350 per area. Areas would include the forehead, in between the brows, crows feet, etc.

Book an appointment for Botox today!

Is it Time to Rejuvenate Your Neck?

We have all been there. One day you are youthful and only worried about the wrinkles on your face, the next you have a full blown crepey wrinkly tech neck. The skin on our neck ages differently than the skin on our face and requires its own unique, age-defying treatment. Facial moisturizers will only provide minimal benefits and age-defying results on the neck. If you are just getting into the anti-aging game and never knew the ole ‘include your neck’ tip, don’t worry it’s not too late! You can improve your aging neck with a high quality anti-aging neck treatments.

The Most Common Signs of Aging on the Neck

If you know, you know. But if you are still in the prevention stage of an aging neck, here are the signs to look for and start treating before they get worse: Slackened skin, crepiness, horizontal necklace lines, turkey neck appearance (such lovely terms), platysmal bands (the vertical muscles that start to show with age), fat accumulation, and mottled skin appearance. It’s not a bad idea to already be using your products down your neck too, especially SPF. Adding in a specified neck treatment will give your skin maximum results.

Radio-Frequency Neck Tightening:

When you are ready to take serious steps to improve the appearance of your neck, consider a radiofrequency neck treatment. This treatment is designed to gently heat the deep layers of the skin. The result is increased collagen production, and decrease in the appearance of wrinkles. A series of 2 to 3 treatments are recommended.

Vampire Neck Lift:

Microneedling with PRP is not just a great treatment for your face, your neck will benefit from all that golden nutrition. The growth factors in PRP combined with microneedling can gradually transform the aging neck to a firmer, more youthful appearance. A series of treatments is recommended for best results.

RF-IPL Photofacial

Not just for the face! Your neck (and chest) can have sunspots and sun-damage as well. Broad Band Light treatment with IPL can target and treat skin discoloration for a more youthful appearance. A series of treatments are recommended.

So, is it time to show your neck some love? If you are struggling with how to start your neck rejuvenation, call us for a free consultaion. Or, book an anti-aging skin evaluation today.

Skincare For Men

“Men have skin too!” is what I have repeatedly preached to the men in my life. Why is it that men can remember to brush their teeth AM and PM without fail, but cannot remember to put on skincare? Up until the last few years a lot of men thought pedicures, manicures, facials, and other spa services are just for women. Well, guess what guys!? Those spa services not only feel heavenly, but they help keep your feet, hands, face, etc. looking and feeling their best!

I have noticed our guy clientele growing more and more in recent years and I hope this trend continues as more guys start to know a thing or two about skincare. No more using your wife or girlfriend’s products in the shower (and hopefully outside of the shower). Instead having a simplified routine specifically for your own skin needs, not your significant others. If you are still using old spice as your body AND face wash, listen up and do not believe the myths!

Myth 1: Face and body skin are the same.

Fact: Yes they are both skin, but no they are in fact different. The skin on your face produces more oil, is thinner, and ages quicker when not taken care of. Not to mention your face sees more sun and is exposed to other elements more than your body. Face products like facial cleansers, face SPF, facial moisturizers, facial scrubs all say “face/facial” on them for a reason. Body wash/bar of soap is way too drying for the face and can lead to irritation, redness, flaking and breakouts.

To simplify: Leave Body for the body and face for the face. We love Revision Skincare Gentle Cleansing Lotion as it is a hydrating cleanser that still deep cleans but you can also shave with it! Boom. Guys love a good 2-for-1.

Myth 2: If you have oily skin you don’t need to moisturize.

Fact: YES! You absolutely do. If you have skin, you need to moisturize! This myth is common across both men and women alike. Even I as a young acne prone oil slick teen was guilty of it! Thinking eh, wearing a moisturizer will only make me oilier. WRONG! Our oil glands are made to keep the skin balanced. If you skip the moisturizer you are stripping that skin of its natural oil and leaving it dry. Thus, having your oil glands produce more oil to compensate. More oil = more problems.

To simplify: Always follow up cleansing with moisturizing. If you have oily skin, use a thinner moisturizer. Something to balance and hydrate without leaving you feeling oily. We love skin renewal moisturizer. It’s a great light weight moisturizer that also helps minimize the appearance of pores, infused with stem cells to regenerate healthy skin. Genius!

Myth 3: Men age better than women

Fact: You wish! Although it may feel like it sometimes, especially when men get crow’s feet and they look distinguished yet us women just look tired and old. However, men tend to develop deeper wrinkles faster than women. Men in fact postpone the aging process longer because of their thicker and oiler skin, but when it does happen it occurs at an accelerated pace. Because of this, men are jumping on the skincare/self-care anti-aging bandwagon. Botox, Hydrafacials, and skincare are growing in popularity amongst men.

To simplify: Everyone wants to look their best for as long as possible. Preventative is easier than corrective. SPF is your BFF! Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging and is more common in Men as they tend to be outside more often. Get you an SPF that you like wearing every day instead of just when you are “going to be outside”. We love our anti-oxidant moisturizing sunscreen, its an anti-aging moisturizer with SPF 50! Making your morning routine simple with just one product! (after you cleanse of course)

Finally (my personal favorite) Myth 4: Aesthetic treatments are a girl’s thing.

Fact: I’ll say it louder this time for the people in the back, MEN HAVE SKIN TOO! You don’t have to have a 10 step Korean skincare routine or announce to the world that you get facials. You do however need to cleanse, moisturize, and use SPF. Just like your diet is 75% and working out is 25%, what you use on your skin at home is 75% and in office treatments are 25% of great results. Once you have mastered the routine of both brushing your teeth and doing your skin care AM and PM, you are ready for in office treatments.

To simplify: If you do not know where to start, let us help! With no judgement on what you are currently using, we can help guide you to products and/or treatments to keep you feelin’ fresh and youthful. With a detailed digital skin examination, we help educate you on why you should not use certain products or how to use the products you do have. Seriously though, try the Dermal Infusion. It is not “girly”, it feels amazing and you are in and out in 40 min!

I realize there are many more myths out there, but I could go on and on so I’ll leave it at this. Just because the packaging is black and says “MEN” on it, doesn’t mean you have to use it. Spas, Med Spas and Nail Salons are not just for women. Botox for men is real and satisfying, it can take years off your skin. We welcome everyone with open arms and are here ready to help you begin your skincare journey.

Is City Air Bad For Your Skin?

Pollution is on the rise in many urban cities. So what does that mean for your skin? Huge environmental stressors called “free radicals”. Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that react with other compounds. Therefore, free radicals can have a destructive effect on your skin’s support structure and are shown to accelerate skin aging. We’re going over how pollution may affect your skin and how you can combat it!

How Does City Air Pollution Affect My Skin?

Small nanoparticles, such as dirt, dust, and soot, enter the skin and negatively impact the skin cells, causing premature aging. This process is called oxidation. On top of this, gases such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide are all around in the air and cause further damage to our skin’s delicate protective barrier. All these environmental factors break down collagen and lipids that are vital in keeping our skin looking young. Pollution not only causes premature aging, it can also cause rashes, irritation, and breakouts.

What Type of Skin Care Can Combat It?

1. Deep Clean

Make sure to wash your face every day, twice a day! Cleansing your skin at night is the most important to remove any of the dirt, oil, and dust that may be on the skin after a long day. While not a lot of people consider morning cleansing necessary, we would disagree. Throughout the night our skin cells turnover, meaning that dead skin cells are sitting on top of your face (and on your pillowcase!) in the morning. We also sweat in our sleep, which can cause breakouts when sweat is left on the surface. Cleansing in the morning is necessary for glowing, healthy skin! Carefully select a cleanser that will not damage the skin’s protective barrier while nourishing and soothing the skin, like our chamomile skin cleanser.

2. Consider a Toner

An effective, alcohol-free toner can remove any leftover particles that may not have been removed through cleansing, ensuring an absolutely clean slate. what’s mote a dual action toner will deep cleanse pores and minimize the appearance over time for that photo-finish look we all enjoy.

3. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are probably one of the most important ways to combat environmental stressors. As stated before, oxidation can cause your skin to age prematurely when exposed to harmful air pollutants. Antioxidants can help combat this process! Specifically, look for products with Vitamin C, A, or E in it! We recommend our vitamin C brightening serum.

4. Protect Your Barrier

Like we’ve said, pollution is constantly attacking our skin. It can also draw out moisture, which accentuates wrinkles and gives the appearance of dull skin. Always apply moisturizer day and night to strengthen the skin’s barrier and give you a better chance at fighting off pollution. Our skin renewal moisturizer is infused with apple stem cells to promote glowing, healthy skin.