As mentioned in the previous blog discussing Micro-channeling, PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma, has been used in many medical fields for its wound healing abilities. Athletes use it to heal injuries, while others have used PRP to treat arthritis. In the cosmetic industry, it has been used for those who want a natural but noticeable improvement in their skin tone and texture as PRP offers excellent skin rejuvenation with little to no downtime.

While used topically in the cosmetic industry, PRP can also be used for injections to fill wrinkles as a natural filler. Areas of treatment are similar to areas treated with hyaluronic acid fillers, which include the eye area, decollete, cheeks, smile lines, and nasolabial folds. The PRP stimulates collagen production in the dermis of the skin to plump and fill for a natural look. PRP is an excellent alternative to hyaluronic acid fillers as it helps to restore volume while rejuvenating the skin from the inside out.

How does it work? Your blood is drawn into a vial, which is then placed into a centrifuge. The vial is spun in the centrifuge to concentrate and isolate platelets. After the spinning the PRP has separated and can then be used for injections. The time for the entire appointment from start to finish can take about 60-90 minutes, and while you can resume normal activities, is recommended that you do not exercise until the next day.

Since PRP is derived from your own body, the chances of an allergic reaction are minimal, as are lumps and bumps that can happen with hyaluronic acid fillers. In general, hyaluronic acid fillers are considered very safe, but for those concerned about reactions, PRP is a perfect alternative. However, PRP and hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected in the same appointment to address facial aging as well as the quality of the skin.

Interested in PRP injections? Call to make a consultation appointment at 720.236.7541!

Let’s be honest. We are aging! Our skin shows the most obvious first signs, and there is much that goes into the complexities of skin health. This includes extrinsic (environmental damage, sun damage, and toxins), and intrinsic (cellular metabolism, and hormones) factors.

Skin health and beauty are considered the overall principle factors that represent health and well-being in humans, which makes for a very lucrative anti-aging industry. Thankfully we live in an innovative time where going under the knife is far from the only option.

There are several anti-aging approaches:

Cosmetological care: Daily skin care, sun protection

Topical: Cell regulators and antioxidants

Invasive/Minimally Invasive Procedures: Chemical peels, IPL (Intense pulsed light), RF (radiofrequency), ablative and nonablative laser photo rejuvenation, injections and fillers

Systemic agents: Hormone replacement therapy, antioxidants

Avoiding extrinsic factors, making life style changes: smoking, pollution, sun exposure, stress, physical activity, control of health

As the above suggests, there are numerous options to approaching aging and skin health. Some are more immediate and require zero down-time, while others require more extensive healing and/or time to see noticeable results.

The first, most important approach is a daily skin care routine. A daily routine is necessary in protecting against dehydration and environmental damage. In this article posted by Allure, we are reminded that our skin is our largest organ, and it must be taken care of as we would take care of the rest of our body with exercise. Topical antioxidants, which reduce inflammation, used in combination with sunscreens and retinoids help in preventing and even correcting wrinkle formation. I’ll dive more into this next week.

While aging is inevitable, the bottom line is that preventative approaches are at our fingertips. It is a personal journey, and definitely worth seeing a professional to gain the necessary knowledge and guidance that is best for your areas of concern. Most importantly, the journey should be fun and rewarding!

What are your favorite approaches? Great experiences, bad experiences? Let me know!