Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Soft as a Baby's Bottom...






Have you ever heard the saying, “Soft as a baby’s bottom?” 

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could maintain our skin’s softness and texture throughout our whole lives?

Part of the reason babies skin is so soft is due to cell turnover, which for them happens every 14 days.
Cell turnover is our skin’s natural exfoliation process which replaces older skin cells with new, younger cells.

Here’s how it works…

The cell travels up through the epidermis until it reaches the uppermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. Once the cell reaches this layer, it is rough, dry, flaky -- what we consider a "dead" skin cell. Ideally, new skin cells continue to arrive at the skin's surface, pushing older cells off from beneath.  This turnover process is extremely important when it comes to benefits for the face.

As we age, our cell renewal rate slows down, which leads to an unnecessary buildup of dead skin. We need to help the skin get rid of this accumulated these dead cells through exfoliation. This will help eliminate clogged pores, encourage purging of skin impurities, and is also imperative for cosmetic ingredients to effectively penetrate the skin.

The older you are, the more you need to exfoliate.  The average cell turnover rates are 14 days for babies, 21-28 days for teenagers, 24-30 days for those in their 20s, 28-35 days for 30-somethings, 30-42 for 40 plus-year-olds, and 45-84 days for those in their 50s and beyond.

We have several options to encourage cell turnover at Uptown Medical Aesthetics. Regular mechanical exfoliation with Microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning and Chemical Exfoliation with mild to more advanced Chemical Peels can both be done as often as once per month.  With the support of exfoliating and anti-aging products used daily, your skin can be restored to its youthful appearance in no time!

Our providers at Uptown Medical Aesthetics have a total of over 50 years of Medical Aesthetic experience and education.   We are passionate about educating our clients on caring for their skin, and looking their best.


Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our providers today, and let us start exercising your skin back to its healthy, youthful glow.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Learn from the Best


GROWTH FACTORS: THE SCIENCE BEHIND SKIN REJUVENATION.


Rahul C. Mehta, PhD, VP Research &
Development, SkinMedica®, An Allergan Company

Growth factors play a pivotal role in maintaining firmness and elasticity in your skin. Daily use of skin care products containing growth factors are known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture. But, not all products containing growth factors have the same benefits. Dr. Rahul Mehta, Head of Research and Development at SkinMedica® (a pioneer in using growth factors in cosmetic treatments), explains why growth factors are imperative for skin rejuvenation.

What are Growth Factors and why do we need them in skin care products?
Growth factors are natural substances made by skin cells to maintain healthy skin. They are responsible for supporting the repair of damaged skin, making components that provide firmness and elasticity to the skin while helping to maintain skin’s protective functions. They are NOT Growth Hormones! Aging and sun-damaged skin require growth factors to maintain itself. However cells in aging skin make less growth factors than cells in youthful skin. One approach to support the levels of skin rejuvenation is to regularly use skin care products with a high concentration of stable growth factors.

Where do Growth Factors in skin care products come from?
Advances in biotechnology over the past decade have created multiple sources of growth factors. They can be derived from several different human cells grown in a laboratory (skin cells, bone marrow stem cells, fat stem cells), extracted from one’s own blood (PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma) or from non-human sources such as snails and some plants. While all cells can produce growth factors, the composition of the growth factor blend they produce is likely to be ideal for the health of cells that produce them. For example, fat stem cells are likely to produce growth factors that help the functioning of fat cells and bone marrow stem cells are likely to produce growth factors that help with functioning of bone marrow. Similar logic can be applied to growth factors or growth factor-like substances derived from non-human sources. Therefore, to maintain optimal skin health, ideal growth factors would be produced by skin cells, called fibroblasts, whose main function is to produce the components necessary to support the skin.

Do Growth Factors really work? 
Several clinical studies, over the past 15 years, have highlighted the benefits of topically applied growth factor products showing improvements in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and discoloration. The studies show that, depending on the quality of skin, good results take 6-12 weeks of twice a day use. The diligence is definitely worth it as the improvement in skin appearance is very impressive! Most studies show visible reduction in crow’s feet lines, under-eye skin texture, and overall radiance. Combinations of growth factors with strong antioxidants tend to show results sooner, typically within 4-8 weeks. TNS Essential Serum® provides a combination of stable growth factors (TNS Recovery Complex®) with strong antioxidants (APS Corrective ComplexTM) designed to provide this rapid effect. Over 11 clinical studies have been conducted looking at cosmetic efficacy with TNS Essential Serum® with results showcasing its ability to improve the overall appearance of skin. These are more studies than any other topical cosmetic growth factor product in the market today.

Who should use Growth Factor Products?
Clinical results show that growth factor products benefit anyone with visible signs of facial aging. While women with early signs of aging may benefit by using growth factors, most significant visible improvements in skin are seen in women with greater photodamage and mature skin. Twice a day use with diligence is the key to maximizing benefits from growth factors products. Your skin care professional can advise whether or not products containing growth factors are right for you.

How does TNS Essential Serum® stand out from other Growth Factor products on the market?
TNS Recovery Complex® is the first topical cosmetic made almost entirely of stabilized human growth factor (93.6%). The growth factors are harvested using a patented process that ensures their stability and activity. Furthermore, TNS Recovery Complex® formulation and manufacturing process maintains the stability of active growth factors. Multiple published studies in scientific journals and conferences have verified the presence of active growth factors in TNS Recovery Complex®. Carefully selected antioxidants and peptides present in TNS Essential Serum® complement the benefits of growth factors.

What other products should I use with Growth Factors? 
A good skin care regimen requires regular use of an SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen. Protecting newly rejuvenated skin is essential in maintaining results. Free radicals produced by sun exposure, smoking, and pollution can damage skin rapidly, negating any benefits of growth factors. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, neutralize free radicals and provide an extra layer of protection beyond sunscreen alone. Total Defense + Repair provides protection from sun exposure and free radicals. For more serious skin concerns, Vitamin A (retinol) may be added to the regimen with growth factor products. Retinol works slightly differently than growth factors so the combination would provide a better outcome than either one alone. Talk to your skin care provider about a complete regimen that is right for you.

Rahul C. Mehta, PhD is Vice President of Research & Development for SkinMedica®. He is a pharmacist by training with over 30 years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development. He has authored or co-authored over 50 research publications and book chapters, over 150 poster presentations and multiple patents in pharmaceutical sciences. Dr. Mehta is strongly committed to bringing pharmaceutical level evidence-based skin care with strong biology and clinical science for creation of multi-modality holistic skin care produc


Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Eyelash Tinting

The Struggles are Real


Poly-cystic ovary syndrome is a surprisingly common condition, affecting up to 10% of women in the US. But despite it being so common, there's a whole lot that's still unknown about it: Experts don't know exactly what causes it, and as many as 50% of people who have it don't know that they do. 
Women's ovaries normally produce some "male" hormones called androgens, but women with PCOS make too much. That can cause missed periods, thick body hair, weight gain, and acne.
The talented and certified Paramedical Aestheticians at Uptown provide Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal services for excessive unwanted hair, and a plethora of services and products tailored to help with acne, from even the most mild to severe.
Help with PCOS symptoms is available, if you know where to find it!
**Statistics courtesy of Prevention Magazine, photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Thursday, June 16, 2016

The "M" word... Melasma

The “M” Word:  Melasma….

Do you ever notice areas of your face that appear darker than others?  Do they seem to get worse when you are exposed to heat or sun, especially in the summer months?  Or when you are pregnant, if you are female?  It could be that you have a condition known as Melasma.
The exact cause of melasma remains unknown. Experts believe that the dark patches in melasma could be triggered by several factors, including pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT and progesterone), family history of melasma, race, anti-seizure medications, and other medications that make the skin more prone to pigmentation after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Known triggers for melasma include:

  • Sun and heat exposure —(this is the most avoidable)
  • Pregnancy—in affected women, the pigment often fades a few months after delivery (often called “pregnancy mask.”
  • Hormone treatments—oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen and/or progesterone, hormone replacement, intrauterine devices and implants are a factor in about a quarter of affected women.
  • Certain medications (including new targeted therapies for cancer), scented or deodorant soaps, toiletries and cosmetics—these may cause a photo toxic reaction that triggers melasma, which may then persist long term.
  • Hypothyroidism (low levels of circulating thyroid hormone)
At Uptown Medical Aesthetics, we have the technology to assess your skin with a polarized system using the Reveal Skin Imager. It allows us to determine if the area of concern is true melasma or sun damage from years of exposure. It also gives us the opportunity to track your progress from the start of your product and procedure protocol, throughout your treatments, and when we are simply seeing you for services to maintain your results. 
You will consult with an experienced and Certified Paramedical Aesthetician to determine which services and products at Uptown will be the best options to treat your melasma. We offer treatments from chemical peels to microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning, and will pair your services with

The REVEAL Imager is included in your complimentary consultation, and all of your visits.




Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Kybella for Inner Thigh

Kybella is the injection of deoxycholic acid in the area of concern to permanently destroy fat cells. Initially indicated for sub mental fat, or "double chin," we have started to address additional areas with great success!


Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Static vs. Dynamic Wrinkles

There are two types of wrinkles:  Static and Dynamic

Static wrinkles are the lines and folds that are present when our faces are at rest.  They are usually a direct result of declining production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid as we age.

Dynamic wrinkles appear when we use our muscles to create facial expressions, such as raising our brows, and laugh lines, and crow’s feet when we smile or squint.

Injections such as Voluma, Juvederm and Botox can be wonderful options to consider to age more gracefully, and give us the appearance of looking fresh and rested without looking unnatural.  

To enhance the results you can achieve with injections, we also suggest Pharmaceutical topical skin care products, including antioxidants, growth factors, retinol and sunscreens. 

When you pair your injections with supportive products, and regular mechanical exfoliation with either microdermabrasion or dermaplane, and chemical exfoliation with chemical peels, you can expect to look nothing less than amazing.



Thursday, May 26, 2016

Love your Lashes!

Many women do not realize that our eyelashes can age, just like our skin, sometimes causing us to look older than we actually are.

Latisse® is the only FDA approved product indicated for eyelash growth enhancement.   With simple, consistent nightly use, you can expect up to 106% fuller, 25% longer, and 18% darker lashes in as little as 16 weeks!
Unlike eyelash extensions, there is no monthly maintenance, no harmful adhesive, and no appointments necessary to get longer, fuller, darker lashes!

Latisse® is available for purchase any time during regular business hours at our office, AND it is a qualifying product for the Brilliant Distinctions program!

Why wait when you can get started on your amazing lashes today!


Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Redefine your jawline!

                                           
Kybella is the new, FDA approved procedure used to permanently destroy sub mental fat cells, and redefine your jawline.  Kybella uses deoxycholic acid in a series of injections to target the cells, with minimal downtime, and noticeable improvement in 6-8 weeks.  Treatments can be repeated every 8 weeks if necessary, to get the best results possible.  Call for your free consultation today!

Friday, May 20, 2016

Keep your Skin Fit!


KEEPING YOUR SKIN FIT

Our skin is the largest organ of our body.  We cleanse, we exfoliate, and we moisturize, and periodically enjoy a little sunshine.  But did you know that our skin is exposed to free radicals every hour of the day, even when we are inside?  Free radicals are found in the air we breathe; damage and age the skin, and cause us to appear older than we are.  At Uptown, we understand maintaining and improving Colorado skin is a constant battle.  "Exercising” our skin, and using the appropriate products and services to prevent free radical damage, doesn't have to feel like Boot Camp.

Enlist in Uptown Medical Aesthetics SkinFit Club!  For only $69.00 a month for either a 6 or 12 month commitment, we can help you exercise your skin!  Not only does your member ship include your choice of a monthly microdermabrasion OR Dermaplane, you also receive discounts on additional products loaded with anti-oxidants to help fight free radical damage on a daily basis.   Members also enjoy additional savings on our whole menu of services, including #Botox, #Juvederm and #Voluma.  


Don’t sit in the bunker!  Conquer the battle with Uptown Medical Aesthetics SkinFit Club!


Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Fundraiser Happening Now!

Stop by and support Shannon's daughter Shayli, and the 5th graders of Meridian Elementary! They are working diligently to clean up McKay Lake and support it's ecosystem by building bat houses, bee habitats, duck nesting areas, and more!


Wednesday, May 4, 2016

What's New at Uptown?



WHAT’S NEW AT UPTOWN?

We have some new treatments at Uptown Medical Aesthetics we would love to introduce you to!
  • We are pleased to announce we have a new medium depth chemical peel called the VI Peel.  The VI peel is the perfect peel for anti-aging, acne prone skin, hyperpigmentation, and sensitive skin. VI Peels are safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones. Each treatment is virtually pain free and includes a specifically formulated post peel kit which is essential for your treatments success, ensuring optimal and lasting results. Call today to find out when you can get in for your VI Peel!  http://viaesthetics.com/


  • Medical grade Microneedling with SkinPen is a great way to stimulate your skins natural ability to produce new collagen and elastin for healthier, younger looking skin! Microneedling is remarkably effective for scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and large pores with minimal downtime.   www.bellusmedical.com/products/skinpen

  • Double chin?? Sometimes, even with diet or exercise, the unwanted fullness beneath your chin may not go away, and it could make you appear older or heavier than you actually are.  Kybella is the first and only FDA- approved injectable treatment to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat beneath the chin by physically destroying fat cells.  www.mykybella.com

We are excited to offer these new advances in medical aesthetic technology, only available at medically supervised facilities.

Call today (303-487-5680) for your complimentary consultation on any of these new procedures, or for the services we currently offer!