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Discover how to find effective weight loss support in Bettendorf. Learn about program options, what to look for in providers, and achieving lasting results.

By Lori Caruso Where does microneedling fit into your beauty blueprint? Depending on your skincare goals, a series of microneedling can correct a multitude of concerns or be utilized as a preventative tool. Today, by adding serums such as PDRN -a compound derived from salmon that has regenerative properties, more dynamic results are possible. This serum is a superhero in terms of calming inflammation, hydrating, and plumping, as well as building a stronger skin barrier that focuses on the deep regenerative process on a cellular level. If recovery time has been holding you back from microneedling, PDRN will calm your fears- and your face. The exception for microneedling is active acne which will spread bacteria and aggravate an already comprised skin. In addition, certain pigmentation issues such as those with a propensity for hyperpigmentation should discuss treatment with their aesthetician before embarking on a microneedling journey. You may be like me and shudder when watching social media posts of people chatting away as they tear away at their face with an at home pen devices. Furiously ripping a pen across the wrong skin terrain can cause “issues in your tissues” down the road: specifically broken capillaries on sensitive intolerant skin types. Ask a seasoned licensed professional to perform this treatment for best results. As do most in office procedures, proper prepping boosts the effects of the treatment. In fact, if you are targeting pigments: whether it be from sun damage or the marks left after a bout with acne called Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), you are wise to use a product containing brightening agents such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin or licorice root to name a few weeks prior to your treatment time. By working to soften and reduce pigments you will magnify the results of your treatment and will have established a good at home support system to maintain the brightening effect you should be beginning to see in the mirror. The benefits of microneedling include visible improvements in the following: Texture- Minimize fine lines and wrinkles, course skin, enlarged pores, mild scars and stretch marks. Pigments- fade dark spots Hair Restoration- increases blood flow to stimulate growth factors to promote hair growth. Product Absorption- creates microchannels allowing better penetration of topicals. Microneedling pairs well with chemical peels as well. It is a versatile treatment that is quick and easy. A topical anesthetic is used prior to treatment for the client’s comfort. TIP: If you have sensitive teeth or merely a low pain tolerance, ask your aesthetician for a damp gauze to tuck between your teeth and lips when treating the perioral area. With its customizable approach, minimal recovery, and visible results seen in just months of treatments, it is clear to see why microneedling has become a go to for so many people’s skin care arsenal.

By Lori Caruso Hormones play such a key role in our health, wellbeing, and daily function yet we may not realize the signs of hormonal imbalance when they appear in the mirror. Let’s break down a few of the most common hormonal imbalances and how they can be seen. Estrogen Deficiency – loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin. Fine lines become more pronounced, and skin begins to sag. The loss of collagen around the eyes can create hollowing and the apple of the cheeks begins to flatten. As the process continues, nasal folds appear deeper, and jowls are apparent. In addition, lines known as “smoker’s lines” over the top lip may appear and become prominent. Poikiloderma of Civatte, caused by low estrogen presents as reddish-brown columns on either side of the neck. This condition is seen predominantly in perimenopausal women. High Cortisol Levels - sensitivity and redness-high cortisol levels that increase blood flow can contribute to flushing on the skin. Skin that bruises more easily. People with Rosacea may notice the condition worsening. Chronic redness and flushing are a daily battle. Facial puffiness can increase causing a “moon face” appearance. Acne can appear on face, chest, back and neck as well. Low Cortisol Levels - dark circles and sunken eyes. Loss of body hair can occur. Low Testosterone can lead to drier skin. Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis may worsen as well. High testosterone levels may cause unwanted facial hair and acne activity. Increased Progesterone and Estrogen - hyperpigmentation known as Melasma can be the result of both estrogen and progesterone imbalance. One unique charaterisitic typical signs of Melasma are the mirrored effect of pigments matching one side to the other. Melasma can affect both men and women but certainly more prevalent in females. Melasma, also called the mask of pregnancy, cannot be cured but it can be managed. Thyroid Deficiency - thinning of the outer third of the eyebrow, called The Hertoghe sign is associated with hypothyroidism. Looking beyond the mirror at what is happening internally is key to finding answers that best serve both you and your skin health. Ask your provider today about hormone evaluation and find out what you may have been missing.

By Lori Caruso Hormones play such a key role in our health, wellbeing, and daily function yet we may not realize the signs of hormonal imbalance when they appear in the mirror. Let’s break down a few of the most common hormonal imbalances and how they can be seen. Estrogen Deficiency – loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin. Fine lines become more pronounced, and skin begins to sag. The loss of collagen around the eyes can create hollowing and the apple of the cheeks begins to flatten. As the process continues, nasal folds appear deeper, and jowls are apparent. In addition, lines known as “smoker’s lines” over the top lip may appear and become prominent. Poikiloderma of Civatte, caused by low estrogen presents as reddish-brown columns on either side of the neck. This condition is seen predominantly in perimenopausal women. High Cortisol Levels - sensitivity and redness-high cortisol levels that increase blood flow can contribute to flushing on the skin. Skin that bruises more easily. People with Rosacea may notice the condition worsening. Chronic redness and flushing are a daily battle. Facial puffiness can increase causing a “moon face” appearance. Acne can appear on face, chest, back and neck as well. Low Cortisol Levels - dark circles and sunken eyes. Loss of body hair can occur. Low Testosterone can lead to drier skin. Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis may worsen as well. High testosterone levels may cause unwanted facial hair and acne activity. Increased Progesterone and Estrogen - hyperpigmentation known as Melasma can be the result of both estrogen and progesterone imbalance. One unique charaterisitic typical signs of Melasma are the mirrored effect of pigments matching one side to the other. Melasma can affect both men and women but certainly more prevalent in females. Melasma, also called the mask of pregnancy, cannot be cured but it can be managed. Thyroid Deficiency - thinning of the outer third of the eyebrow, called The Hertoghe sign is associated with hypothyroidism. Looking beyond the mirror at what is happening internally is key to finding answers that best serve both you and your skin health. Ask your provider today about hormone evaluation and find out what you may have been missing.

It happens to everyone. One day you look in the mirror and there it is. A souvenir from past fun in the sun. What can start out as a cute little freckle like spot can transform into shadows that compete for center stage with your eyes and smile. Creating a clear canvas may seem undaunting but there are several solutions available to correct the issues in your tissues. The first line of defense is always SPF. Daily use creates good habits and prevents not only skin cancers, but pigments as well as loss of elasticity we encounter through exposure to HEV- high energy visible blue light from computers and phones that can slowly but consistently affect our skin’s elasticity. Darkening of the skin can be a result of sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, and marks left behind after a bout with acne referred to as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH. Regardless of the type of pigments you are experiencing, they will not resolve on their own. Therefore, creating a plan of action with your aesthetician is the place to start. Daily use of products designed to break up pigmentation can make remarkable strides when used consistently. Look for ingredients such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamides, vitamin C, licorice extract, tranexamic acid all works to reduce pigments and brighten the skin. In addition, daily use of LED or red-light therapy will enhance collagen production and enforce the effects of topicals. Consistency is the key to seeing results with at home LED therapies. Depending on your budget and skin type, in-office treatments can boost the effects of you at home program to a significant degree. Chemical peels are the tried and true go to for correcting hyperpigmentation in the skin. Offered in a variety of formulations, peels can range from light to deep. Some peels are not appropriate for warmer skin tones so be sure to consult your aesthetic advisor before making decisions. A series of peels can significantly brighten the skin as well as smooth and refine the texture. Microneedling is experiencing a moment in skincare right now as well. The versatility of microneedling is useful and the addition of serums such as PDRN allow you to leave the office with little of any downtime or recovery. Ask your professional about alternating peels with microneedling for dynamic results. Microneedling affects the skin on a deeper level than peels, but they work well in conjunction with one another to achieve firmer, brighter, and smoother skin. Lasers that target pigments can also be a solution. After your treatment you can expect to see the pigments darken then slough over a period of about one week. As with most treatments, as series of treatments is advised. To prevent pigments from recurring, periodic treatments are suggested to maintain progress, particularly with hormonal pigmentation like Melasma. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

By Lori Caruso A weight loss journey can reshape you in many ways, both physically and mentally. If you are contemplating taking GLP1 as a part of a weight loss plan, keep in mind the following to ensure your results are optimal. Lifestyle It is vital to understand the role GLP will play in your transformation. It is not the sole miracle solution to a new you, but rather used in collaboration with lifestyle changes that will make your story a success. Be aware that there is a titration period with GLP1 in which your body recognizes the product. This means you will not immediately begin to see the weight disappear. It requires patience for the first weeks while the medication takes effect. Prior to beginning any type of program, reevaluation of your diet plays a significant role in your success. Prioritizing protein intake should rank at the top of your to-do list. Developing a plan that collaborates with you not against you, such the daily sugary drinks and meals laden with carbs. Make muscle your friend. As people begin losing weight, they may also lose muscle. A daily decision to be active with a focus on building and retaining muscle is crucial. As you shape shift it is imperative not to lose muscle as it provides the structural support to keep skin looking young and firm. Retain your shape or your skin will drape! Extra Help If you don’t make time for exercise, you may look for other ways to reach your goals. CoolTone® is a device that stimulates muscles in simple easy to do sessions. Building your core and other areas to keep muscle tone and redefine your shape at the same time. In addition, CoolSculpting ®provides an answer to those with twenty to thirty pounds of their goal weight who are looking to permanently eliminate stubborn fat in specific areas such as: under the chin, arms, abdominal area, bra fat on the backside, flanks (otherwise referred to as “love handles”), banana rolls under the buttock, and inner and outer thighs. A series of straightforward treatments are recommended for top results. With each treatment, clients can permanently eliminate up to twenty percent of body fat in the designated area. The combination of these treatments can contribute to more dynamic results. As you redefine what health means to you, being in the care of a licensed professional will provide the safest and most lasting results.

If you feel like a number and not a person in the doctor’s office, you are not alone. Offices laden with data collection and reporting can feel sterile and not in an effective way. You arrive seeking recognition, attention, and understanding, but can leave even more frustrated than when you came. Cultivating a relationship with your provider can be a complex journey. Finding one that you feel is truly hearing you can be like finding the other missing sock that the dryer swallowed. So, what to do? Explore your wellness options in a new way. Many people are making the move away from traditional medical visits to one that feels more personalized and defined. Think of your relationship with your health provider like that of a trainer, a jockey, and a racehorse. Your practitioner is the trainer, you are the jockey, and your body is the horse. The trainer’s job is to instill the best habits to produce the finest performance, with the focus on endurance. They correct what is lacking and foster strength and stamina to go the long haul. The jockey’s task is to take the reins daily. Collaborating with the horse, not against it. Riding along, keeping focused on the end goals. The jockey should know every nuance of the creature so well can keep them from hitting the rails with only a slight adjustment of the reins. The horse’s job is to respond, period. The jockey then notes the responses and can make necessary adjustments by collaborating with the trainer. As the saying goes, “It’s the rider, not the horse.” When seeking the best provider for you and before making an appointment, ask friends who have had positive experiences. Check the providers’ certifications and licenses carefully to verify their qualifications and ask for references if you feel the need. Call the office and ask pointed questions regarding their experience. Find out what professional organizations the provider belongs to as well. If you are taking an even deeper dive, find former employees on LinkedIn and inquire. Remember that relationships are a two-way street to reach realistic and workable outcomes. Keep these tips in mind when visiting your provider: be sure to fill out your health history prior to giving them adequate time to review your health history. Do not be the “doorknob patient” who waits until the provider is leaving the room to ask a question. Be prepared with a brief list of questions ready, prioritizing your main concerns. Aks them how familiar you are with the latest developments in the industry. A good provider will listen and maintain eye contact; ask probing questions and make you feel relaxed. Trust your gut. Be honest with yourself and them as to how committed you are to reaching your goals. Are you ready to make lifestyle adjustments necessary to see real-time changes? We are living in a time that offers so many options it can be overwhelming and confusing as to what is best for you. An increasing number of healthcare providers are recognizing the key role hormone replacement therapy plays in supporting overall well-being, as well as its contributions to bone, breast, and brain health. In addition, peptides are showing up as real heroes to help with concerns ranging from improving skin elasticity, suppressing appetites, increasing libidos, and managing conditions such as heart disease, reducing inflammation, and protecting cells. Before jumping online and ordering what you think sounds good or whatever your friend, coworker, or favorite influencer is recommending, seek out a provider who has experience and education on the subject. Online health shopping without consulting a qualified provider is like buying sushi from a gas station, it might seem like a promising idea at the time but beware of the aftermath. Getting the personalized attention with professional insight is invaluable. Your confidence level will soar when you find a provider who has access to in-depth testing and is truly invested in your longevity. With personalized care, self-commitment, and a body you know is working for you not against you, life becomes an new adventure to be valued and enjoyed.

Learn about testosterone replacement therapy in the Quad Cities. Understand TRT benefits, candidacy factors, and what to expect from treatment.

Learn when Botox treatment might be right for you in Moline. Understand candidacy factors, timing considerations, and what to expect from treatment.