Retinol vs. Retin-A

by Kate Dee, MD 

What’s the difference? Why do I need them?

I’m often asked what is Retinol, what’s the difference between Retinol and Retin-A and why I recommend them.

How are they different? Retin-A (tretinoin) is the active form of Vitamin A. Retinol is a topical form of Vitamin A that must be absorbed into the skin cells and turned into the active form to have its effect. Both can cause redness and flakiness, especially when you start using the product, but Retin-A usually has much more of this side effect than Retinol. People with very sensitive skin will not be able to tolerate either one. Often we will start with a lower-strength retinol (0.25%) and increase that over time to .5 or 1%.

Why are they so great? Retinols and Retin-A are beneficial cell-communicating ingredients and antioxidants, helping skin cells become healthier by increasing the amount of skin support substances.  Both increase the skin’s collagen production and slow its breakdown, resulting in firmer skin with an improved texture, and enhanced barrier function. The work to decrease wrinkles and lighten brown spots caused by sun exposure. They also trigger more rapid epidermal cell turnover and exfoliation, making way for new cell growth beneath the surface. This is great for acne prone skin and for anti-aging!

Over-the-counter vs. Medical grade: Retinols are available in over-the-counter topicals but Retin-A is available by prescription only. The labeling of OTC Retinol products is not regulated– stay away from the retinol products at the beauty counter at the department stores– they can label the product as containing retinol when there is only a trace ineffective dose-- don’t waste your money! At Glow we carry only Medical grade Retinol products.

Want to know whether you should be using a Retinol? Schedule a consultation.

by Kate Dee, MD

Suffer from Bruxism (teeth grinding)? Botox can be a great help.

Do you grind your teeth? Over 50% (some estimates say up to 96%) of adults in the US grind their teeth. Most are not aware they are doing it. Your dentist may have told you from examining your teeth and gums, or your spouse may let you know you are noisy at night. Some people wake themselves up with the noise. Waking with a headache, toothache or an earache is often a sign of bruxism. If you have linear ridges etched in your cheeks you are likely grinding your teeth at night. Stress is often a factor in making the grinding worse. Many people do it so much their jaw muscles get big and creates a large square jaw. Women in particular often don’t enjoy this masculine look. Teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, damage to teeth and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. Often treated with mouth guards worn at night, teeth grinders sometimes even chew right through the plastic! Although nightguards for your teeth can protect teeth from damage, they do not address the cause of the problem.

Botox can not only stop the grinding but can reduce the jaw muscle size and return your face to its original appearance. And yes! You will still be able to talk and chew your food! The procedure is not painful and lasts approximately four months. Although Botox is not a cure for teeth grinding, it can successfully control the problem and its symptoms while also improving facial aesthetics.

Check out our Botox Guide to learn more.

by Kate Dee, MD

It is normal to sweat when the body needs cooling. But some people suffer from hyperhidrosis which is a medical condition where the body sweats profusely even when it does not need cooling. Often the sweat is on the hands, feet, underarms and head while the rest of the body stays dry. About 2.8% of adults in the US suffer from hyperhidrosis, men as much as women. Of those, about half have axillary hyperhidrosis, or severe sweating in the underarm areas. This can be a devastating problem when you are trying to present as professional and calm or romantic and sexy-- and there are giant sweat marks in your underarms.

Before BOTOX® came along, treatments for hyperhidrosis were drastic, expensive, painful and often not all that effective. Botox treatment is simple and very effective and lasts usually much longer than the typical 4 months we see for wrinkle treatment-- usually between 6 and 12 months. Injections in the underarm are surprisingly painless. The effects usually set in within a few days, but may take up to 2 weeks to have maximum benefit.

If you or someone you know suffers from axillary hyperhidrosis, consider coming in for a consultation. It is time to stop soaking through those clothes!

Check out our Botox Guide to learn more.

When lines and wrinkles begin to appear on the face, aesthetic skin rejuvenation treatments are popular to restore youthful, natural beauty and glow to the skin. There are many treatments on the cosmetic market, but at Glow Medispa, we offer an innovative technique that uses the patient’s own blood - PRP facelift. 

Although this procedure is completely nonsurgical, the smoothing and tightening effects it can have on your profile are similar to a facelift.

What is a PRP Facelift?

Growing in popularity among celebrities and patients who are seeking a less invasive approach to skin rejuvenation, PRP facelifts blend two separate therapies -micro-needling and PRP - into one treatment that creates optimal results with no recovery time.

What is Micro-Needling?

Using a handheld, pen-like device containing several tiny needles in a treatment tip, micro-needling gently resurfaces the skin by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. 

As the needling pen is moved over the treated area, the needles penetrate the skin to a specific depth, coagulating existing collagen and promoting the production of new collagen to strengthen and restructure the skin. 

After this process is complete, the skin is exfoliated and can more easily absorb beneficial products such as PRP.

How PRP Works

Prior to treatment, blood is taken from the client and spun in a sterile centrifuge process that separates it into its separate components and infuses the liquid portion of the blood with more platelets than normal. These platelets contain several growth factors that can help generate new skin cells, tissues, blood vessels, and fat.

During a typical PRP facelift, PRP is spread onto treated skin and absorbed underneath the surface. The platelets act as a strengthening agent and builds up the supporting structural tissue beneath the skin. Eventually, it has a plumping effect that helps visible signs of aging disappear.

Am I a Good Candidate for a PRP Facelift?

During your consultation, our medical team will describe the entire procedure from start to finish. Several factors, such as your health, medical history, and aesthetic goals will also be discussed. 

This cosmetic treatment is typically an outpatient procedure and is an easy procedure to fit into a busy schedule. No anesthetic is typically needed as this is a well-tolerated procedure akin to donating plasma at a blood bank. 

The injection sites may swell a bit and turn red, but this is only temporary.

Benefits of PRP Treatment

Unlike other skin resurfacing techniques, this type of procedure does not strip or peel away the skin. A PRP treatment is a simple injection procedure with no surgery involved and no downtime for the patient.

The results are long-lasting, so a second treatment is typically not needed for many months.

Learn More About PRP Facelifts

PRP facelifts are one of the most effective, natural means for smoothing the skin and building up supportive tissue without surgery or downtime. 

If you wish to turn back the clock and regain your youthful appearance, contact Glow Medispa today and schedule a consultation.