4 Easy Steps To Achieve Glowing Skin: Customize Your Package with Our Medical Esthetician at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery

January 15, 2023 – Fredric M. Barr

Your skin is your largest organ. Unfortunately, it’s under constant assault from stress, hormonal imbalances, the environment, and other health conditions—which is why protecting it from the effects of aging is vital.

Skin resurfacing using chemicals, lasers, or abrasion can help improve skin texture, eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and facial scars, and achieve glowing skin. At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, headed by Plastic Surgeon Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S., our primary goal is to help our patients achieve glowing skin and a refreshed appearance.

Read on to discover our four easy steps to glowing skin, then call us at (561) 833-4122 to schedule a consultation with our patient counselor.

1. Dermaplaning

Facial dermaplaning, or microplaning or blading, is a cosmetic procedure performed in-office, usually combined with facials. This treatment helps your skin look its best, giving you a brighter and more youthful appearance.

One of the biggest hurdles in undergoing dermaplaning is finding a trained expert to provide the treatment, which involves gently scraping your facial skin with a scalpel. While you can purchase commercially available blades over the counter, Dr. Barr highly recommends working with a medical esthetician in West Palm Beach who can perform the procedure with the utmost care.

Dermaplaning removes the top layers of your skin, called the epidermis, specifically the superficial layer of dead skin known as the stratum corneum. It is a safe, effective, and quick procedure with minimal risk and no downtime for recovery. The treatment typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

A medical esthetician usually conducts the dermaplaning procedure with a surgical no. 10 blade or a dermatome, similar to an electric razor. However, the critical difference between dermaplaning and shaving is that dermaplaning removes hair and exfoliates the skin. And yes, it even removes peach fuzz or the tiny, fine facial hairs known as vellus hairs—something razors can’t remove.

Dermaplaning can improve the effectiveness of topical skin care products by:

- Allowing for deeper product penetration
- Preventing clogged pores, resulting in fewer breakouts
- Increasing collagen production, which is vital to glowing, youthful skin appearance
- Promoting skin elasticity and minimizing fine lines or sagging
- Leaving the face with a radiant, subtle glow by removing the vellus hair and dead skin on the face

Although dermaplaning is low risk, it has a few potential downsides.

- Be wary of using a blade at home instead of seeing a trained medical esthetician since there is a risk of accidental skin cutting, scarring, infection, and dyspigmentation if the procedure is not done correctly.
- Dermaplaning may cause temporary slight redness or the development of whiteheads on your face after the procedure.
- Patchy skin pigment or hypopigmentation is possible but rare and often decreases over time.
- Dermaplaning should be performed no more than once a month since the top layer of your skin is also protective.

People to whom the following conditions apply should avoid dermaplaning:

- Active acne, rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema flare-up since the procedure may worsen the condition
- Severe sunburn
- Cold sore outbreaks
- Skin rashes or contact dermatitis
- Recent Accutane or tretinoin use in the past 6 months
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Open wounds or sores
- Recent chemical peel procedure in the past month
- Skin cancer, or those people with other types of cancer undergoing cancer treatment such as radiation therapy

Preparing for dermaplaning includes adequate hydration and the use of steam beforehand. Washing with a gentle cleanser and following up with a rich moisturizer such as hyaluronic acid or strengthening ceramides will maximize the results.

After your dermaplaning procedure, keep these tips in mind:

- Stay hydrated
- Apply moisturizers for several weeks. If your skin is sensitive, a light moisturizer without fragrances or other irritants may work best
- Avoid the sun and use sunscreen

Dermaplaning is safe and effective for most skin types, particularly those with sun damage, dull skin, fine lines, or dry patches. The long-term effects can be fewer wrinkles and dark spots, reduced acne scarring, and removal of fine unwanted facial hair.

Although most people will need multiple dermaplaning procedures, it can be one of the first steps in achieving glowing skin.

2. Exosomes

Exosome therapy is a new frontier in regenerative medicine.

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EcVs) or intraluminal vesicles. Present in nearly all of our cells, tissues, organs, and body fluid, exosomes are small enough to be undetectable by the human eye.

Exosomes involving skin cells have distinct properties with multiple biological and cellular advantages. They are essential vehicles for intercellular communication. Exosomes work as efficient messengers to get unhealthy cells to regenerate.

Exosomes derive from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are multipotent, meaning they can self-renew and develop into multiple specialized cell types.

Sources of exosomes in skincare usually include fat cells (adipose), umbilical cells, placenta, bone marrow, or platelets. Don’t worry; these cells are not obtained from you.

The vital distinction between exosomes and cells is that exosomes do not have a nucleus. Exosomes only possess mRNA, so there is no possibility of rejection or graft vs. host reaction. It is the same technology used in vaccines, such as the one used for COVID-19. Exosomes have shown promise as a cell-free approach to promote skin wound healing and reduce scarring.

Exosomes may play a pivotal role in modulating skin pigment production, which can be especially important for those affected by sun-damaged skin or UV-induced skin pigmentation. Exosomes are of interest in skin rejuvenation as well.

What is exosome therapy?

Exosomes don’t penetrate the skin without some help. That is why they are not being used in over-the-counter creams or serums just yet.

There is no downtime immediately following the exosome treatment. Most patients have noticeable results right away, which improve over two to six weeks following the treatment. Some patients experience skin improvement for up to one to two years.

Exosome therapy must be performed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure because the exosomes need a pathway to work. Examples include skin laser treatments or micro-needling.

The exosomes immediately enhance communication between skin cells and promote restoration and healing. Usually, after the laser treatment or mico-needling, the exosomes are spread over the face in a clear gel. Most patients find this similar to a cool facial. There are no noticeable side effects.

Why is exosome therapy often called the Fountain of Youth?

Exosome skin rejuvenation increases skin collagen and elastin. Anyone with troubled skin ranging from sun damage, age spots, and uneven texture to acne, scarring, or wrinkles, will significantly benefit.

Exosome therapy can accelerate recovery time and boost the efficacy of cosmetic procedures. It can reduce potential concerns such as allergic reactions or inflammation.

Most patients see results that include the following:

- Improved skin brightness
- Improved skin hydration, making the skin look plumper and firmer
- Reduction in fine lines, sagging, wrinkles, and age spots
- Decrease in skin redness or irritation
- Improved appearance of skin lesions or scars
- Improved skin texture and pore size, making the skin look smoother

Exosome therapy shows promise for other skin conditions and hair loss treatments, including:

- inflammatory conditions
  - psoriasis
  - atopic dermatitis
- keloids

Exosome therapy is an exciting new treatment for skin rejuvenation. It is another proven step in achieving glowing skin.

3. HydraFacial

HydraFacial is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment. It is performed with a medical-grade hydradermabrasion device using three parts: cleansing, exfoliating, and skin infusion with intensive serums.

Hydradermabrasion takes a gentler approach than traditional dermabrasion done with grit. The HydraFacial device vacuums out pores while infusing your skin with intense hydration using potent actives. The results are so remarkable that over 2 million HydraFacial treatments are done every year.

What are the 3 steps?

Performed in just 30 minutes, HydraFacial works for nearly all skin types, complexions, or concerns. The results provide consistent, long-term skin health benefits. There is no downtime with this refreshing and invigorating procedure.

- Step 1: Cleanse and peel in a relaxing resurfacing treatment

- - - Using the specialized vortex-fusion system, your skin undergoes deep cleaning to remove any surface debris, and then a gentle exfoliation peels away old skin cells.

- Step 2: Extract and hydrate using painless suction without irritation

- - - A hydraFacial suction tool extracts and removes debris from your pores to eliminate skin imperfections. Intense moisturizers accompany hydration.

- Step 3: Fuse and protect

- - The last step is the application of powerful antioxidants and peptides to protect your skin and achieve glowing skin.

This professional procedure may help treat various skin conditions, including acne, dryness, and wrinkles. It is a fast, safe, and effective method for addressing the following conditions:

- Acne
- Blackheads
- wrinkles and fine lines
- Brown spots
- Dry, tight skin
- Scaly or flaky skin
- Textured skin
- Tone
- Dull, uneven skin
- Oily skin
- Enlarged pores
- Elasticity and firmness

HydraFacial benefits

HydraFacial is for achieving glowing skin immediately with results that last. Your skin will become bright and vibrant again.

Every HydraFacial treatment is customized to your specific needs using award-winning super serums or “boosts.” Natural ingredients such as peptides, vitamin C, proteins, and glycerin are used in different amounts to supercharge your skin, no matter what conditions your skin has weathered.

Walk out after your HydraFacial with a new sense of confidence. The results last up to a week or more, with cumulative effects. That’s right: the benefits are quick and lasting and increase with every HydraFacial treatment.

4. Chemical/VI Peel

A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation, is a method of accelerated exfoliation using various chemical agents. Chemical peels correct skin textural problems, producing glowing skin with a more youthful appearance.

A medical esthetician performs chemical peeling by applying chemicals to destroy the outer layers of the skin in a controlled fashion. It can remove superficial lesions and jumpstart the regeneration of new skin layers. Your skin will become softer and more supple.

Chemical peels are the perfect next step when other skin products fail. The procedure takes only 30 minutes, and the benefits last up to 14 days.

Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery proudly offers six uniquely formulated chemical peel treatments known as VI Peels. These treatments lift pigment, remove sun damage, alleviate acne and scarring, and fight fine lines and wrinkles.

Safe for all skin types and tones, VI chemical peels are customizable to your skin concerns and needs. These treatments are painless due to the active ingredient and secret weapon called phenol which safely numbs the skin.

VI chemical peels can be used for all areas of the body. In 7 to 10 days, you will have brand-new, glowing skin. You can get a VI Peel every 4 to 6 weeks.

VI Peels are not recommended for pregnant women.

VI PEEL uses a blend of ingredients that include:

- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (10-12 percent)
- Phenol (10-12 percent)
- Salicylic acid (10-12 percent)
- Vitamin C (4 percent)
- Tretinoin (0.1 to 0.4 percent)

Available VI Peels:

VI PEEL PRECISION PLUS
1. The medium-depth powerhouse chemical peel
2. Suppresses melanogenesis, the production of melanin or dark pigment
3. Promotes rapid cell turnover for bright skin tone
4. Best for sun damage, melasma, UV-induced pigmentation, post-inflammatory, and hyperpigmentation
VI PEEL PURIFY with precision plus
1. Best for acne hyperpigmentation, scarring, and excessively oily skin
2. Clears away dead skin, purifies pores, and prevents acne breakouts
3. Minimizes stubborn acne scars while promoting a brighter skin surface
VI PEEL PURIFY
1. Targeted for active acne, breakout-prone skin, oily and congested skin, and teen acne
2. Sweeps away cells and debris that clogs pores
3. Eliminates Propionibacterium acne
4. Promotes skin balance and smoother skin texture
VI PEEL ADVANCED
1. Designed for combating aging
2. Smoothes deep-set wrinkles and loss of elasticity
3. Softens fine lines and wrinkles
4. Enhances collagen stimulation
VI PEEL ORIGINAL
1. For all age groups
2. Rejuvenates, refreshes, and resets
3. Particularly effective for those with sensitive skin, early signs of aging, and rough texture skin
VI PEEL BODY
1. Pain-free
2. Non-invasive
3. Perfect for treating pigmentation and fine lines on the Décolleté, a woman’s low neckline
4. For scars, stretch marks, and sagging skin

Also available is the ToxBooster Treatment, a combined, same-day treatment with a Neurotoxin injectable. This treatment:

- Enhances the injection
- Increases collagen production
- Reduces sun damage and pigmentation
- Treats fine lines and wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, and acne scarring

Recommendations following a VI chemical peel

VI chemical peels provide one of the best opportunities for achieving glowing skin. The treatment effectively reduces discoloration and promotes a bright, vibrant skin tone.

There are important considerations for VI chemical peel aftercare.

- Stay out of the sun or wear sunscreen and a hat, if possible
- Wash your face or treated area with water and a mild cleanser, and avoid harsh chemicals
- Apply a post-peel protectant on your skin
- Avoid using creams or lotions on the treated areas
- Avoid any facial treatment until otherwise directed
- Remember your skin may exfoliate before your skin glow fully restores

VI chemical peels treat a wide range of skin types, colors, and concerns for achieving glowing skin. It is a safe, effective way to achieve desired results for treating fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots and discoloration, keratosis pilaris (chicken skin), and acne.

Are You Ready to Experience Glowing Skin? Contact Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery for a Medical Esthetician in West Palm Beach

Are you ready to experience more youthful-looking skin and a refreshed appearance? Which treatment is best for your unique goals and situation? Contact our patient counselor at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery to schedule an appointment at (561) 833-4122 or complete our online form. At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we view plastic surgery procedures in a direct and honest manner using the principles of either addition or subtraction or a combination of both. We look forward to listening and helping you achieve glowing skin with a treatment tailored for you.