Forget about aging gracefully! Age youthfully! Individuals in a study on the aging face were asked to guess the age of models with various facial expressions. Neutral expressions led to the most accurate estimates of age. Fearful expressions led to subjects being rated older than they were, and happy smiling faces were rated as younger than they really were. So, smile and take years off your appearance!
As we age, our hair changes in color, texture and fullness. In addition to highlights and lowlights, consider the routine application of conditioner. If hair loss is a problem, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a non-surgical way to improve hair growth. It can be safely performed in a doctor’s office or medispa and can be highly effective.
4. Exercise Four Times per Week.
Pick something you like, whether it is walking the Galveston beach, jogging with friends, playing tennis or golf, or just keeping up with the grandchildren. Try combining cardiovascular for heart and lungs with resistance exercise for muscles and stretching for flexibility and healthy joints. Staying active will help you move more gracefully, fend off muscle loss, and help you sleep better.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Get a Little Help.
Often, I have clients who tell me that their significant others are opposed to them getting Botox or filler. Interestingly, these are often the same clients who are getting the occasional Botox or filler! The men don’t know, they just think their wife or girlfriend just looks great! If done well, Botox and filler should neither make you look fake nor over-done like a Hollywood actress or Washington politician.
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board-certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and Colorescience.
What is exfoliation and why bother?
Let’s cut to the chase. Would you rather run your fingers over a smooth silk pillow or across a burlap sack? Exfoliate! Exfoliation involves the removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s outer layers and is performed to promote healthy skin and to prevent breakouts. New skin cells are formed in the deeper layers, pushing the dead cells to the surface. If these dead cells are not removed, they can build up causing a dull appearance and rough texture. (Remember the burlap?) Adding exfoliation to your routine will not only brighten your face but will also improve tone and texture allowing products and makeup to go on “as smooth as silk”.
Physical exfoliation often involves the use of a granular scrub that abrades or buffs the skin’s surface removing dead cells. Common granules include salt, sugar, magnesium crystals, grains, jojoba beads and even ground nuts. For daily use, the ZO®️ Exfoliating Cleanser with jojoba beads is gentle and effective. A more aggressive product that is great for a weekly buff is the ZO®️ Exfoliating Polish with its abrasive magnesium crystals.
Chemical exfoliators usually involve gentle acids and enzymes that dissolve the protein bonds that exist between dead skin cells allowing for cell removal.
Mechanical exfoliation employs a product or tool that rubs, scrubs or vacuums. This includes brushes, loofahs, abrasive tips and others.
Can I use more than one of the different exfoliating techniques?
If you are not already exfoliating, try adding it to your skin care regime and say good-bye to rough uneven skin and hello to smooth silky skin you will love!
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board-certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and Colorescience.
What can Retinoids do for me?
Vitamin A derivatives (commonly referred to as retinoids) can do wonders for your skin. Naturally abundant in carrots, eggs and sweet potatoes, synthetic retinoids are a gold standard ingredient in skin care because they alter the behavior of aging cells to act more youthful. They improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, increasing exfoliation, improving skin tone and texture, and reducing hyperpigmentation. They accomplish all this by first causing the outer layer of keratinocytes to shed off, leaving the skin smoother and more evenly pigmented. Next, Vitamin A derivatives effect the epidermal cells which start replicating faster, causing the skin to look and feel softer and healthier. This amazing vitamin also shrinks dilated pores and improves cell turnover within the pores so that they are less likely to clog and become blackheads or whiteheads.
How often can I use Vitamin-A products on my face and how soon will I see results?
Most people will notice improvement in their skin after 2-3 weeks of using a product with Vitamin A, but sometimes it can be as long as 6 weeks, depending on the skin type and concentration. Retinoids can be strong and often cause peeling and redness as well as irritation. It is best to apply the product sparingly all over the face, skipping days or adhering to a schedule of application every three days. After your skin gets acclimated to the product, you can increase the frequency of use.
Are Retinoid, Retinol and Retin-A all names for the same thing, and which ZO® Skin Health Products contain them?
Retinoid is the general category of synthetic Vitamin A derivatives. The over-the-counter version is called Retinol and is milder than the prescription version known as Retin-A or Tretinoin. Retinol is a powerful ingredient in Dr. Obagi’s ZO® Skin Health ‘Prevent and Correct’ line. A partial list of products that contain it are Wrinkle and Texture Repair, Retinol Skin Brightener, Renewal Crème and Daily Power Defense. If you decide to add Retinol to your skincare regime, we will look at your specific skin type and needs to select the best corrective ZO® Skin Health product for you.
Are there any down-sides to using Vitamin-A derivatives in my face care regime?
While using a Vitamin-A product, it may be best to avoid certain irritating skin care products such as those containing lactic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid. On the other hand, using fragrance-free moisturizers and hydrating creams is encouraged and can sooth the Vitamin-A treated skin. Allow the Retinol product to absorb into the skin for 10-15 minutes before applying a moisturizer. Additionally, it is imperative that you use sunscreen daily while using Retinol as your skin will become very sensitive to the sun.A Fountain of Youth? Probably not, but Retinoids are the gold standard skincare ingredient that help the aging skin cells act young again.
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board-certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and Colorescience.
Electronics and Your Skin
You are probably aware that blue light from digital devices has the potential to cause eye damage, but did you know that blue light from your computer and cell phone screens can also cause skin damage? Blue light is a high energy, short-wavelength light emitted by the computer screen, cell phone, other digital devices and the sun. In the age of the pandemic when we are all spending so much more time on our devices, blue light skin exposure and skin damage is on the rise.
How Blue Light Causes Skin Damage
Blue light stimulates the production of free radicals in the skin which accelerates the appearance of aging. The effects are cumulative and can lead to increased pigmentation, redness and swelling. In addition, your skin’s regenerative cycle can get thrown out of whack causing more skin damage over time.
How to Minimize the Damage
Reducing your time on the phone, computer or other electronic devices is unlikely to happen in this time of social distancing and need for alternate forms of communication. However, there are a few simple things you can do to lower your exposure. When possible, keep your phone a minimum of 12 inches away from your skin. Placing your calls on speaker, rather than hugging it to your cheek, is a practical measure you can implement. You can also reduce the brightness on your screen by 50% or enable the “Night Shift” setting to limit the blue light emitted.
Do Any Products Protect Skin Against Blue Light?
Skincare manufacturers are quickly getting on board with products that block high energy blue light in addition to UVA and UVB light. Colorescience®️ is ahead of the curve. They offer an array of skin protection products that guard against blue light as well as traditional UVA and UVB lights, pollution and infrared radiation. Colorescience®️ uses minerals and antioxidants to promote healthy skin by preventing damage and speeding up repair. Offering a wide variety of cosmetic-like products,Colorescience®️ can protect your skin with its transparent Sunforgettable®️ sunscreen, or its lightly pigmented All Calm®️ and Even Up®️ which double as a natural looking light base. Additionally, the popular Sunforgettable®️ Total Protection Brush is made for easy transportation in your purse or console for mess free touch ups throughout the day. Don’t forget, SPF protection only lasts about 2 hours so it is important to reapply throughout the day. Completing the line is the Colorescience®️ Lip Shine and Total Eye™️ 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy.
So, remember. Protect your skin as well as your eyes from damaging short-waves emitted by your devices. Make certain your sunscreen products protect you against blue light!
– Dr. Tara Wegryn
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board-certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and Colorescience.
We all know that a facial is a lovely way to pamper yourself and a great way to look and feel fresh. But are there any true health benefits to this pleasant procedure? The answer, of course, is yes.
Firstly, a facial can help relieve stress by activating your sympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety and improving your mood. In addition, a HydraFacial provides a thorough cleansing of your face which reduces the total bacterial count, preventing break-outs, whiteheads and blackheads.
With a facial, skin rejuvenation is enhanced by its effect on improving circulation through massage and by opening up and cleaning out the pores. Your skin is continuously remaking itself by producing new skin cells daily. The old skin cells die and tend to pile up on the surface of your face, making your skin dry and rough. Exfoliation during a facial removes the build-up of dead cells leaving your skin smoother and softer and allowing for easier pore extraction. Gentle acids such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid aid in both the removal of dead cells and the cleaning of the pores.
A good HydraFacial will leave your skin healthier with reduced bacterial numbers, fewer layers of dead skin cells, and pores that are free of debris and exudates. Your fresh, healthy face will now be able to absorb nutrients and therapeutic agents. Antioxidants can be applied to help reverse the aging process. Hyaluronic acid and growth factors promote collagen formation and reduce wrinkles, and skin lighteners/brighteners reverse the synergistic effects of UV light on melanocytes which causes skin darkening and age spots.
Lastly, just the process of having your face touched and manipulated during your facial improves lymphatic drainage which allows your body to remove by-products and impurities while reducing swelling.
So, the next time you treat yourself or a loved one to a HydraFacial you can rest assured that, in addition to enjoying a relaxing, pleasant respite, you are truly doing something for your health by creating a cleaner, purer you.
– Dr. Tara Wegryn
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board-certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and Colorescience.
A common problem for many women as they age is the dreaded ‘turkey neck’, or loose, sagging skin under the chin and jawline. ‘Turkey neck’ can be caused by a number of factors including aging and weight change, while genetics also plays a big role. Until recently, the most common treatment for the sagging skin was a surgical lift or other painful procedures to remove or tighten the skin. Fortunately, advances in medicine and technology have brought us an exciting, non-invasive treatment for this condition, eMatrix Radio Frequency, which can be done in the office with minimal pain and downtime.
eMatrix delivers radio frequency energy precisely into the skin via a small grid. Perceived as an injury by the body, new collagen and elastin is deposited and remodeled. This healing process is accelerated by the healthy skin surrounding the grid pattern. This causes the dermis to contract and the skin to tighten, giving you a fresher, more youthful look. Radio frequency continues to cause skin tightening for up to 6 weeks after a single treatment, although a series of 3 to 4 is usually recommended. These can be performed at 3 to 6 week intervals.
The treatment itself takes less than 30 minutes but you will want to allow about an hour for your visit which will include time for the topical anesthetic to numb the area. You can expect your skin at the treatment site to be red for 1 to 2 days and for the area to feel warm, like a sunburn. Ice packs and Tylenol are all that is usually required in the first day or two. Many clients tell me they felt well enough to go out the same day or the next. The grid pattern may be visible for 3 to 4 days but is easily covered with Colorescience®️ or makeup.
eMatrix is also very effective in treating stretch marks, acne scars and skin laxity on the face and body, but that is a topic for another day.
You have probably taken the time and measures to ensure your face is aging gracefully. Now may be the time to get rid of the turkey neck and have your neck look as bright and fresh as your face! We hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Have a great day and I hope you continue to “Look Fresh and Feel Confident”.
– Dr. Tara Wegryn
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board-certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and Colorescience.
Many of you are now familiar with Hydrafacial’s patented approach to skin care which combines gentle suction, a rotary motion and a series of carefully formulated solutions to clean and refresh your face and decollete.
The Growth Factor serum minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to restore skin health and vitality. It pairs beautifully with ZO®️ Growth Factor serum which is applied daily in-between treatments. Alternatively, if uneven skin tones are a concern, a Brightalive Booster serum can be applied to the skin to lighten the skin, reduce color variation and block the production of pigment. Paired with a ZO®️ daily skin brightener, you will definitely see sustained results.
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and Colorescience.
Many women tell me that they love being older. They love their families, their life’s experiences and the knowledge they have gained through the years. Many women embrace their age and few want to be or look like young women. Most older women (like me) just want to look as good as they can, without large expense and, preferably, without surgery.
So what are some of the ways the face changes with age? Structurally, fat redistributes in the face shifting the weight from the eyes, cheek bones and temples to the lower face. Secondly, wrinkles develop over time from contraction of facial muscles, and from degeneration of skin elements, made worse by sun exposure. Lastly, changes in cartilage and the tissues supporting them can lead to droopy earlobes.
While we all can continue to celebrate our age, below are a few things we can do, or have done, to give our face a more youthful appearance.
SUNPROTECTION. Protecting your face from the sun is the single best way to keep it youthful. Barrier, mineral based sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB rays will protect your skin best. Add a cute wide-brimmed hat for extra protection if you wish!
CREAMS AND LOTIONS. Moisturizers soothe dry skin. Exfoliating creams improve the appearance of aging skin by removing dead skin, and Vitamin A derivatives such as Retinol, Retin-A and Avita reduce wrinkles and brown spots by inducing collagen production and altering the pigment, melanin.
BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS. These injections partially immobilize the muscles that form expressive lines so the skin smooth’s out. Commonly injected areas include the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.
DERMAL FILLERS. Dermal fillers are used to treat lines and hollows created by loss of collagen or fat. The two most common lines treated are the nasolabial folds between the nose and the corners of the mouth and the marionette lines which extend from the corners of the mouth to the chin. The hollows that are often filled are the cheeks and the temples. The most common fillers currently in use are composed of Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring complex sugar. They typically last 6-18 months, sometimes longer after repeat injections.
LASER TREATMENTS. Lasers are used to resurface skin to eliminate wrinkles, scars and pigmentation. Ablative lasers remove the uppermost layers of skin and require several weeks of recovery time. Non-ablative lasers (ex. Radiofrequency) pass the energy through the outer layer of the skin to work at a deeper level in the dermis which stimulates inflammation and collagen formation. Non-ablative treatments require minimal downtime and are usually performed in a series.
Keeping your skin healthy and youthful can be relatively easy and fun. You can age gracefully.
Have a great day and I hope you continue to “Look Fresh and Feel Confident”!
– Dr. Tara Wegryn
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and ColorScience.
Bothered by fullness under your chin and a profile that makes you look older than you are? If only there was a way to permanently get rid of that fullness, without having surgery. Now, there is.
Kybella is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment that destroys fat cells in the area under the chin. Kybella is a synthetic deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body, that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, it destroys the fat cells which your body then removes. Once gone, your body can no longer store fat under your chin, even if you put on a few extra pounds!
The first step in having the profile you want is to come in for an evaluation to see if you are a candidate for Kybella. If your fullness is from fat, I will then recommend a series of Kybella treatments ranging from 2 to 5 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. After numbing the area with a topical cream, the injections only take 10 to 15 minutes.
Most clients experience a mild to moderate burning sensation as the Kybella begins to destroy fat cells. Tylenol and cold packs help reduce this. It is also useful to remember that the feeling is an indication that the Kybella IS working! Bruising, swelling, redness, numbness and areas of hardness are the next most common side effects. In general, the side effects, particularly the swelling, become less pronounced with subsequent treatments.
You can opt to stop your treatments early if you have reached your aesthetic goal, or add an extra one or two. Most clients tell me that although they were very aware of the increase in swelling that occurred shortly after each treatment, their friends and family generally did NOT notice this change.
What if a client comes in for an evaluation and I determine that their fullness is do to excess or loose skin rather than fat? That can be treated non-surgically as well using a different technique, Sublative Radio frequency for skin tightening. This is also performed in a series of treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart. There is minimal downtime with this procedure and your skin continues to tighten for weeks after each visit as new, tighter collagen is produced by your body.
The consultation is free. I would love to see you to discuss your aesthetic goals and to help you have the attractive profile you want!
-Dr. Tara Wegryn
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board-certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and Colorescience.
ZO®️ Skin Health is an innovative skin line that we carry at Refresh Medispa. The line was created by Dr. Obagi and is only sold to physicians who then make product recommendations that suit an individual patient’s skin type and therapeutic needs. Some of the ingredients and concentrations are higher than can be sold over-the-counter. The line provides both daily care products and therapeutic treatments to optimize patient’s skin health. Impressed with the quality of these products and the scientifically sound ingredients, I personally used the ZO® skin health line on a daily basis for over a month before I decided to carry it at Refresh. I found it to be extremely effective in improving the overall quality of my skin and, in my case, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
After determining your skin’s characteristics, areas of concern, and your skin care goals, I will create a unique and personalized protocol for you. This will include product selection and may include other supportive services to optimize your skin’s health and appearance.
The ZO® program is a three step program.
Step One is simply “Getting Skin Ready” and includes daily care products; cleansers for oily to dry skin, exfoliating polishes that remove dead skin and toners to control oil or sooth dry skin.
Step Two in the program is to “Prevent and Correct”. Daily Power Defense promotes skin repair with powerful antioxidants delivered in a daily cream creating a more youthful look. If uneven skin tones are a concern, Brightalive®, a non-Retin-A skin brightener, can be used to lighten brown spots and soften color differences. It can be used daily and will not irritate your sun exposed skin like Retin-A can. If reducing fine lines and wrinkles is the goal this can be achieved with skin rejuvenating Growth Factor Serum. ZO® also has its own self-activating Vitamin C cream, Hydrafirm™️ Eye Brightening Repair Crème and Retinol Skin Brightener.
Step Three in the ZO® program is to “Protect”. Protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun with one of Dr. Obagi’s broad spectrum sunscreen products. Sun exposure can cause color changes, surface texture alterations, and thickening of the skin, which can deepen creases and wrinkles. We offer a variety of sunscreens with different features including water resistance, tint and finish.
Together, we will tailor a daily home care regimen that will optimize your skin’s health, improve texture and minimize flaws. We will create a program that fits your skin needs, your budget, and your life! Healthy skin IS achievable, and at any age!
Have a great day, and I hope you continue to “Look Fresh and Feel Confident”.
-Dr. Tara Wegryn
Dr. Tara Wegryn is a board certified Neurologist and Electrophysiologist whose current area of concentration is Aesthetic Medicine. She has extensive training in the latest aesthetic medical techniques and is a member of the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Tara Wegryn is the sole owner and operator of Refresh Medispa, the only dedicated medical spa in Galveston, TX. Refresh Medispa offers a variety of services and products including Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, Kybella, skin resurfacing, hydrafacials, ZO Skin Health, and Colorescience.
