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By Lori Caruso Cortisol levels can play major role in the quality of your daily life. One indication of cortisol imbalance may be staring at you every day in the mirror. Often referred to as the “stress hormone” cortisol is a steroid hormone made by your adrenal glands. Cortisol not only helps your body manage stress, but it also regulates metabolism, blood sugar, and inflammation while controlling the sleep and wake cycles. Cortisol levels can be both high or low and it’s important to get evaluated. A popular method of testing is with saliva test that tracks levels at specific times throughout the day. Blood and urine tests are other options as well. Your face, however, may be one of the first places that alert you to cortisol imbalances. Starting with the classic “moon face” is characterized by extreme puffiness and accumulation of fat in cheeks and jawline. Under-eye puffiness is often seen as a sign of chronic fatigue. This is due to lack of sleep as cortisol plays a critical role in creating a solid night’s sleep. Another indicator can be acne. If you have never been affected by acne, but suddenly begin to have issues with it, it could be time to get your cortisol checked. On a separate note, if you are suddenly experiencing acne in the chin and jowl area and have hair growth in that area, it’s time to get both your hormones reviewed as well as begin laser hair removal treatments. Once the inflammation form the hair disruption is alleviated, the acne always resolves itself. Redness and facial flushing can also be an indicator or cortisol imbalance. Note: one uncomplicated way to begin to control redness and flushing is to ensure your skin is properly hydrated. Our body naturally produces ceramides to keep our skin’s natural moisturizing factor intact. Between ages thirty and forty the production of cortisol diminishes by as much as forty percent. This leaves your skin unable to maintain surface hydration. When this happens, our immunes system is triggered and blood rushes to the surface, causing unwanted flushing. That is why creating and maintaining a healthy skin barrier is vital. Using moisturizers with ceramides in the ingredients will help to lock in and hold onto moisture more effectively. Think of ceramides as the mortar that holds bricks together. That mortar retains moisture from escaping environmentally, creating a stronger barrier of defense for your skin. Beyond changes you may be experiencing in your face; here are some of the other symptoms of cortisol imbalance. Weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area Fatigue and muscle weakness Insomnia Anxiety High Blood Pressure Brain Fog Muscle weakness Thirst Bloat Salt Cravings For mild cases lifestyle changes such as less screen time, exercise, implementing grains, fruits and vegetables in the diet and limiting caffeine, sugar and saturated fats, and perhaps adding supplements rich in Omega 3s, vitamins B and D as well as phosphatidylserine ( a special type of fat called phospholipid that acts as a building block for the outer barrier of cell membranes giving structure and flexibility, particularly in the brain). Prioritizing quality sleep can be effectively supported by practicing yoga, reducing screen exposure, consuming chamomile tea, and cultivating an environment that promotes tranquility. These approaches create optimal conditions for restorative rest. In more profound cases of cortisol imbalance like Addison; s Disease and Cushing’s Disease, medical help in needed. Let’s face it, whether it is seen in the mirror or felt in other areas of the body, cortisol is key player in wellbeing and should not be ignored. Ask your provider for the simple at home saliva test that just might reveal answers to some unwanted health issues.

By Lori Caruso When you are exploring the multitudes of options for improving your skin and your bank account is on a diet, let’s not forget the OG of the anti-aging arsenal, chemical peels. Peels check so many boxes because they are quick, effective, and affordable. With credibility and a strong history of success, Peels resume will surely impress. After all, if they were a staple for one of history’s first influencers, Cleopatra, it’s worth investigating, right? And you won’t need seven hundred donkeys to get the job done like she did. Incidentally, if you happen to have seven hundred donkeys, get milking! You will soon have a bathtub full of milk (the ingredient that lactic acid is derived from), and the same solution that Cleopatra discovered for her infamous silky-smooth skin. Flash forward to 1950’s when Dr. Max Jessner began blending acids making a three in one solution for acne, pigments, and texture. This peel boasts minimal recovery, a great price point, and visible improvements will make it a go for your skin correcting lineup. Now let’s unpack the peel family tree. Peels are separated into three main branches- deep, medium, and superficial. Deep Peels Phenol peels being the deepest and date back as far as the 19th century when Dr. Von Hebra began using a combination of phenol and croton oil to improve scars. They penetrate deeply and are best used for scarring and cumulative sun damage with heavy pigmentation and/or deep wrinkles. Due to its intensity, phenol peels require sedation for patient tolerance. For this reason alone, many people opt out of this treatment. Deep peels require significant recovery and are not the typical option offered to most people today due to lack of convenience in sometimes extended recovery time. Medium Peels The popularity of medium depth peel is soaring when clients see how easy it is to make progress across so many categories ranging from post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, (the pigmented marks left behind from acne activity), to smoothing rough, aging sun damaged skin. Two of the more recognizable being TCA peel and Jessner’s peel. Many are formulated with added ingredients to the active solution to buffer the healing time, making it easier to complete a treatment plan. Three peels done anywhere from two to four weeks apart is the most popular plan when seeking more notable and lasting results. Superficial Peels Light, with little or no active flaking, superficial peels offer a quick refresh to skin in need of a glow. Done as often as every two weeks, these peels offer busy socially active peel to option they may be looking for. Offered in low strengths and a variety of combinations of AHA/BHA, these peels hit the refresh button and can be used every few weeks or even quarterly as a seasonal housecleaning for your face, neck and décolleté. AHA/BHA Free Options Further down the family line we find peels distant cousins, the enzymes. Finding their roots in natural sources such as pumpkin, papaya and pineapple, enzymes work to slough away the top layer of the epidermis and revitalize the skin with a newfound glow. At home products containing enzymes are a safe and effective way to stay consistent with your exfoliation program without the telltale signs of it or robbing mature skin of the hydration it needs so much. As well as being easy to do and affordable, this is a safe choice for sensitive skin types as well. A favorite of many is a gommage, the French term meaning “to erase.” Gommages may consist of lower percentage of AHA/BHA solutions, or a combination of enzymes. As the gommage is massaged into the skin, the dull surface of the epidermis is then whisked away in eraser like particles leaving the skin fresh and primed to receive the greatest benefits from topical serums, lotions, and creams. How long will the results last? Generally, one month for light peels and up to years for deep peels. That is why prepping your skin and supporting the progress with a targeted at home regime makes the most sense. By building on the momentum of each in-office treatment with stellar products that keep the process moving forward, the results will be more dynamic. Glossary of Alpha Hydroxy Acids and their source Glycolic/ sugar cane Lactic/milk Mandelic/almonds Malic/apples Citric/ citrus Tartaric/grapes Beta Hydroxy Acids Salicylic/ willow bark With formulations that have been evaluated and tracked, chemical peels have established their place in the skin care industry as the go-to for many professionals. The recovery is light, the results and remarkable. And the best time to start is now.

By Lori Caruso When you are exploring the multitudes of options for improving your skin and your bank account is on a diet, let’s not forget the OG of the anti-aging arsenal, chemical peels. Peels check so many boxes because they are quick, effective, and affordable. With credibility and a strong history of success, Peels resume will surely impress. After all, if they were a staple for one of history’s first influencers, Cleopatra, it’s worth investigating, right? And you won’t need seven hundred donkeys to get the job done like she did. Incidentally, if you happen to have seven hundred donkeys, get milking! You will soon have a bathtub full of milk (the ingredient that lactic acid is derived from), and the same solution that Cleopatra discovered for her infamous silky-smooth skin. Flash forward to 1950’s when Dr. Max Jessner began blending acids making a three in one solution for acne, pigments, and texture. This peel boasts minimal recovery, a great price point, and visible improvements will make it a go for your skin correcting lineup. Now let’s unpack the peel family tree. Peels are separated into three main branches- deep, medium, and superficial. Deep Peels Phenol peels being the deepest and date back as far as the 19th century when Dr. Von Hebra began using a combination of phenol and croton oil to improve scars. They penetrate deeply and are best used for scarring and cumulative sun damage with heavy pigmentation and/or deep wrinkles. Due to its intensity, phenol peels require sedation for patient tolerance. For this reason alone, many people opt out of this treatment. Deep peels require significant recovery and are not the typical option offered to most people today due to lack of convenience in sometimes extended recovery time. Medium Peels The popularity of medium depth peel is soaring when clients see how easy it is to make progress across so many categories ranging from post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, (the pigmented marks left behind from acne activity), to smoothing rough, aging sun damaged skin. Two of the more recognizable being TCA peel and Jessner’s peel. Many are formulated with added ingredients to the active solution to buffer the healing time, making it easier to complete a treatment plan. Three peels done anywhere from two to four weeks apart is the most popular plan when seeking more notable and lasting results. Superficial Peels Light, with little or no active flaking, superficial peels offer a quick refresh to skin in need of a glow. Done as often as every two weeks, these peels offer busy socially active peel to option they may be looking for. Offered in low strengths and a variety of combinations of AHA/BHA, these peels hit the refresh button and can be used every few weeks or even quarterly as a seasonal housecleaning for your face, neck and décolleté. AHA/BHA Free Options Further down the family line we find peels distant cousins, the enzymes. Finding their roots in natural sources such as pumpkin, papaya and pineapple, enzymes work to slough away the top layer of the epidermis and revitalize the skin with a newfound glow. At home products containing enzymes are a safe and effective way to stay consistent with your exfoliation program without the telltale signs of it or robbing mature skin of the hydration it needs so much. As well as being easy to do and affordable, this is a safe choice for sensitive skin types as well. A favorite of many is a gommage, the French term meaning “to erase.” Gommages may consist of lower percentage of AHA/BHA solutions, or a combination of enzymes. As the gommage is massaged into the skin, the dull surface of the epidermis is then whisked away in eraser like particles leaving the skin fresh and primed to receive the greatest benefits from topical serums, lotions, and creams. How long will the results last? Generally, one month for light peels and up to years for deep peels. That is why prepping your skin and supporting the progress with a targeted at home regime makes the most sense. By building on the momentum of each in-office treatment with stellar products that keep the process moving forward, the results will be more dynamic. Glossary of Alpha Hydroxy Acids and their source Glycolic/ sugar cane Lactic/milk Mandelic/almonds Malic/apples Citric/ citrus Tartaric/grapes Beta Hydroxy Acids Salicylic/ willow bark With formulations that have been evaluated and tracked, chemical peels have established their place in the skin care industry as the go-to for many professionals. The recovery is light, the results and remarkable. And the best time to start is now.

By Lori Caruso IHormones 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 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.

By Lori Caruso 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.

By Lori Caruso When it comes to light therapy, the family tree is extensive. From the lowest form – LED light, which is safe for all skin types, to lasers that are specifically targeting to individual needs such as pigments, visible redness. Your aesthetician can perform treatments in-office using medical-grade devices for effective results and will also recommend the best at-home products to support your treatment plan. LED is safe for all skin types and can be done both in office and at home. Let’s break it down by color category to better understand which is best for you. RED LIGHT The most recognizable LED is red light. Red light therapy reaches soft tissue and improves skin plumpness, radiance and reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and inflammation. BLUE LIGHT Blue light reaches surface tissue and is famous for targeting p. Acne bacteria, soothing the skin, and controlling sebum production. YELLOW Light-Yellow light reaches soft tissue and is one of the lesser-known LED treatments, yet it targets one of the largest skin concerns: redness. Yellow light reduces redness and flushing and is helpful for those with Rosacea. It is also be used to treat sunburn. GREEN LIGHT Green light affects surface tissue and helps control hyper pigmentation and sunspots. Measuring LED therapies. Light therapies are measured in nanometers (nm) which is a unit of length equal to one billionth of a meter. It is used to measure small distances at an atomic and molecular scale, such as wavelengths of visible light. The specific range reflects the light’s penetration depth as well as its therapeutic value. The following are ranges to look for in relation to specific colors. RED- 625-660nm. This wavelength penetrates deeper into the skin to stimulate collagen and improve elasticity resulting in firmer skin and refined texture (pores). BLUE- 415-460nm. Targeting the top layer of the skin to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation associated with active acne. YELLOW 580nm. At this measure, red blood cells are stimulated, and circulation is improved. In addition, yellow light aids in detoxification and lymphatic function. GREEN 530 nm. Helps to inhibit excess melanin production that leads to the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. Being with a clean, dry face as topicals create barriers that inhibit light penetration. Always wear protective goggles when undergoing LED therapy. Duration of treatments vary from as short as three minutes to thirty, with ten to twenty being the average. Consider that consistency is the key to seeing results. Regular treatments done biweekly and used in conjunction with a well thought out skin care program can bring about visible improvement in just a few short months. Celluma Light Therapy at MINT is a simple, relaxing and effective way to improve collagen, reduce pigmentation and refine texture with treatments that be stand alone or coupled with other services.

By Lori Caruso Couples are like IKEA furniture- either they are perfectly in sync or arguing over which screw ruined everything. However, there is a couple with long standing reputation of a perfect match without turmoil: enter Microneedling and Chemical Peels. The key to attaining the desired results is a plan developed with a seasoned licensed professional. At your consultation you will discuss with your provider your health history as well as treatments you have done in the past, your current at home program, and your goals. At that point, you can start to devise a plan that is both sensible and workable with both lifestyle and budget. Another point to consider is to be realistic about what you can achieve. Frequently, people read about miraculous treatments that promise to reverse aging after just one session. To date there is no magic bullet that eradicates a lifetime of damage in one treatment. If that were so, all other treatments would be deemed obsolete. Consider the amount of damage your skin has acquired versus what you are hoping to see, the time you may need to invest in recovery form a service and the money you are willing to invest. Doing so will help devise serious and sensible options. Many plans begin with prepping the skin to receive the best results from your investment. Depending on what you wish to accomplish, you at home regime may include retinols, brightening agents, exfoliants and other serums designed to increase cell turnover and breakup pigments, paving the way to a better result. This is like an artist who preps the canvas for the paint to look its best for the longest possible time. The advantage of utilizing both microneedling and chemical peels is the purpose they serve when paired with one another. Often treatments will work in tandem with one another, alternating treatments every few weeks. Microneedling works with multiple tiny hairlike needles that penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen and improve pigmentation. It reaches both the epidermis and the dermis of the skin. The process creates tiny injuries that disrupt melanin which triggers the repair process in the skin. These controlled punctures insite the body’s natural wound-healing response that in turn activates fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin fibers. Mild redness and tightness can accompany treatment. Using the advanced science of PDRN, or salmon DNA, the after affects are taken down to almost nonexistent. Peels work on the epidermis and papillary dermis (the upper part of the dermis). A chemical peel solution is applied to the skin and processed according to manufactures direction. Mild flushing may occur after the process followed by a tight dry feeling to the skin. After a few days of sloughing, the skin is fresh and glowing. Peels treat fine lines, sun damage, marks left from a bout with acne, known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) by lifting the pigments off the surface, later the microneedling further breaks them up. Doing gentle exfoliation, a week or two after the peel helps keep the cell rate turn over process going to increase visible improvements. Peels will also stimulate collagen on more superficial levels, then microneedling keeps the process in motion more deeply. There are certain peels that can be done the same day as a microneedling service, but they are mild peels that may not be adequate to address specific concerns such as significant pigmentation and PIH. Mid-level interface with microneedling very well. Your provider will guide you as to which peel is the most applicable for your concerns. The recovery and aftercare are similar, using gentle cleansers, hydration, and SPF for the first week after treatment. Avoiding sun, heat and excessive perspiration is a common thread. The cost of peels is less than microneedling, making it a terrific compliment. Both are going after the same end point of firmer, smoother, and brighter skin. After a series of treatments, you will be advised to do upkeep. This could come in the form of a mild peel or microneedling six months later to maintain results. Let us not forget about services like Diamond Glow facials and traditional facials that do not require recovery yet provide a needed refresh to skin. Doing your at home skincare adds significant momentum to your in office investment and may need to be revisited as the seasons change or if you have had any life events that have affected your skin.

By Lori Caruso The coveted prize of youth: Collagen. Oh, for the good old days when regardless of what you did or did not do for your skin, you woke up with firm smooth skin. Granted there may have been a few blemishes, but that collagen was there ready to repair and regain the buoyancy your skin naturally possessed. As time passed, that golden ticket became torn and tattered. Lines began to show up. Spots that were once adorable freckles took on lives of their own and became a daily project to camouflage. We can be proactive by implementing habits that help counteract the deterioration of collagen. You may not be aware of everyday things that are contributing to the degradation of your skin. Lifestyle habits that are harmful and increase collagen breakdown include: Unprotected sun exposure UV damage reaches deep and causes photo aging. This process happens as the damaging rays of the sun that activate enzymes that dismantle collagen. Over time, this constant over exposure compromised the skin, causing premature aging in the form of lines, wrinkles, and sunspots. Not to mention the potential for skin cancers. One common fallacy is that sun exposure is beneficial to acne. In fact, unprotected sun exposure weakens collagen, which leads to the formation of deeper scars and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the pigmented marks left behind on the skin after a bout with acne. Smoking is a fast track to aged skin. The chemicals present in tobacco promote the formation of free radicals, which damage collagen and compromise skin elasticity. Even secondhand smoke can cause oxidative stress. Stress can result in poor sleep, depression, and chronic fatigue, all of which can cause Cortisol levels to diminish. Diets rich in sugar Glycation is a process where sugar molecules bind to proteins that lead to collagen fibers becoming stiff and fragile. Overprocessing the Skin Getting overzealous with anti-aging products can backfire leaving your skin without a healthy skin barrier. When this barrier is stripped away by overuse of AHA’s and exfoliants, skin is left vulnerable, resulting in redness, inflammation, and dryness. Time to Correct and Protect Countering these culprits is a matter of developing positive habits from the onset or leaving behind ones that are not supporting good skin health. Visiting an aesthetician who can advise you on skincare products and treatments that work with your skin type, as well as your lifestyle and budget. Gold standard ingredients include retinol, vit C, niacinamide, peptides, and the wonder working of them all- SPF! Treatments such a micro needling have regained popularity recently. The process of tiny hairline needles penetrates the skin to cause a controlled trauma, resulting in collagen stimulation over the course of a series of treatments. Lasers are another useful resource for stimulating collagen as well. For at home use, red light therapy, when used consistently, shows significant improvement in refining the texture of the skin. From an internal perspective, hormone testing can help resolve any imbalances that can affect your endocrine system. Simple saliva tests for adrenal functions are done at home under the direction of your provider will reveal if your cortisol levels are in good standing. Consulting a provider experienced in natural hormone replacement therapy can help with issues such as adrenal fatigue, cortisol and hormonal imbalance that can help both the integrity of your skin but also your everyday wellbeing.