The concept of ideal facial dimensions has existed for thousands of years and remains relevant in modern times. And although we all know a beautiful face when we see it, attempts to quantify the ideal facial proportions can be downright humorous. For example, did you know that the ideal face should be equal to the length of three noses, and that the space between the eyes should be the width of one eye? Additionally, according to BBC News, the distance between a woman’s eyes and her mouth should be over a third of the overall length of her face. Who knew?
The youthful face has specific dimensions and proportions too, particularly when compared to the older face. Commonly referred to as the Triangle of Youth, the weight of the youthful face is at the top of the face, with full cheeks, high cheek bones, and full temples. These pleasing youthful proportions can change over the years leading to an Inverted Triangle with the weight of the face at the bottom rather than the top. Many factors contribute to this including the effects of gravity on muscle and skin, loss of collagen and elastin, and what we will address below, loss of fat pads, particularly in the cheeks and temples. But what can be done?
Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to the temples and midface and restore the Triangle of Youth. Restoring volume to these areas can eliminate hollow temples, accentuate cheek bones, and lift the face thereby reducing wrinkles and folds even in the lower face.
Dermal fillers can be safely added to the temples and cheeks in the office. The procedure can usually be performed with minimal discomfort after the application of a topical anesthetic and typically takes less than 30 minutes. Use of a blunt cannula in the temple region can reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising. Results are immediate and can last up to two years if a long-lasting hyaluronic acid filler such as Juvéderm Voluma®️ is used.
So, if you have lost volume in your cheeks, or your temples appear a bit hollow, a little dermal filler can help restore an attractive, aesthetic proportion to your face and help create a more youthful you!
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.
The first step 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.
The Third Step 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, or you may prefer Flex by Colorescience, a mineral based SPF 50 sunscreen that also acts as a foundation. 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.
The ZO®️ line also pairs beautifully with the HydraFacial©️ system at Refresh.
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 at any age!
Microneedling is a highly effective procedure that works to rejuvenate your skin by stimulating it to make new, collagen-rich tissue. The procedure itself involves creating tiny pin-holes in the skin using a professional microneedling pen that delivers tiny needles to a precise depth. This controlled, mechanical process stimulates the body’s natural wound healing process. The result is increased production of Growth Factors, collagen and elastin resulting in smoother texture, more even pigmentation and reduced pore size.
Microneedling can be performed in the office in less than an hour. A topical numbing cream is first applied to make the procedure relatively pain-free. The face is then thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. The microneedling pen is then applied to the skin with depth adjustments made for the varying skin depths. Peptides are applied to the face in the form of a soothing serum and then immediately after, in a soothing, cool mask which will be removed before you go home. You will go home with a packet containing a peptide cleanser, peptide serum and peptide lotion which you will use for 48 hours or longer if you wish.
After microneedling, you can expect some redness, some bruising and mild swelling. In addition to being asked to use your peptide after care products, you will need to avoid using make-up, abrasive cleansers, pools saunas, direct sun exposure and any Retin-A products. Improvement in your skin’s texture and pigmentation will begin almost immediately but the maximum improvement may be a full month to be fully realized. I know that sounds like a long time to wait, but you may be AMAZED at the result. (See real client picture below, 2 months after ONE microneedling procedure)
An ideal candidate is anyone looking to modify the appearance or texture of the surface of her skin. Microneedling improves skin laxity, reduces lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation scars and striae.
The only clear contraindication to the procedure is a patient with blood or bone disorders such as anemia, blood or bone cancers, those with clotting problems or on blood thinners. Clients should avoid any medications that reduce the body’s ability to clot such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a few days before and after.
Although a series of 3-4 sessions at least one month apart is generally recommended for the very best results (with epidermis thickening up to 400% at 6 months), we have seen remarkable result after a single session in patients with skin surface and pigment irregularities. Deeper acne scars will probably require multiple sessions, but you can see your personal results and decide as you go. In general, clients have been so pleased with the results from the first microneedling, they have often chosen to add a second.
If you want smoother, healthier looking skin and are ready to take the next step, microneedling may be the right choice for you.
Let’s cut to the chase. Would you rather run your fingers over a smooth silk pillow or across a burlap sack?
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”.
It can be fun to find an exfoliation process that you enjoy and that works for you and your skin type. Some can be done at home and some require specialized equipment like the HydraFacial©️.
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.
Combining various options can be fun and can lead to healthy, vibrant looking skin as long as you are careful not to over-exfoliate. Treat yourself to a monthly facial with the patented HydraFacial©️ machine! It provides a gentle chemical exfoliation (with glycolic acid and salicylic acid) and physical exfoliation with its specifically designed HydraFacial tip and fluid enhanced suction. Your skin will glow! In between facials, enjoy your home skincare regime.
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!
