Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is used in many aspects of medicine. At Evolution Dermatology, we are excited to offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, a cutting-edge treatment harnessing the natural healing power of your own blood. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your skin, stimulate hair growth, or enhance your overall appearance, PRP therapy can be a transformative solution.
What is PRP Therapy?
Your body has the ability to heal itself. PRP therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that utilizes the growth factors and healing properties found in your own blood.
The process begins with a simple blood draw, which is then processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich plasma. This golden serum is rich in growth factors that can stimulate cell regeneration and accelerate healing.
PRP therapy has been shown to help with hair growth, increase collagen and elastin production and help your body heal faster and better. And best yet, this comes naturally from your own body!
How Can PRP Therapy Benefit You?
1) Scalp Injections for Hair Loss
PRP is a treatment used to help restore hair growth. Most research on PRP for hair loss has focused on its use to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA) as it is the most common. Also known as hormone-related hair loss, this is a condition that has been found to affect 80% of men and 50% of women throughout their lifetime. In men with AGA, hair loss typically occurs on the top and front of the head. In women, thinning occurs on the top and crown of the head and often begins with the center hair part growing wider.
PRP therapy has shown in studies to be an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The research has demonstrated that PRP can enhance hair growth by increasing both hair count and hair thickness. For best results, consistency is key. Typically, PRP treatments are administered monthly for the first few months, followed by maintenance sessions every few months.
Depending on your specific reason for hair loss, PRP may work best when it is combined with other treatments, such as topical minoxidil (Rogaine), oral minoxidil, prescription finasteride (Propecia), dutasteride or spironolactone. So if you are noticing hair loss, make an appointment so that we can determine what treatment plan may be the best one for you.
2) Facial Injections
PRP can be injected to treat wrinkles in areas like around your mouth or to improve the skin texture under your eye area. First the area will be numbed with topical anesthetic so that you are comfortable, and the PRP injections are only tiny ones placed just under the skin.
It has been shown that these injections stimulate collagen production and work to improve the quality of skin. Typically, a series of 3-4 treatments, spaced a month apart, will have you feeling like a rejuvenated version of yourself!
3) Microneedling + PRP: A Perfect Match
Why settle for microneedling alone when you can supercharge it with PRP? The PRP enhances your results by working to stimulate more cell growth and generate more collagen and elastin production than microneedling alone. It also decreases downtime and promotes faster healing.
The PRP is placed on your skin while you are having the microneedling procedure and just after while the channels in your skin created by the microneedling pen are still open. Plus, PRP decreases downtime and promotes faster healing,so you’re back to flaunting your glow in no time!
Pro Tip on the Day of Your PRP Treatment:
Drink plenty of water starting the day before treatment. Being well hydrated will help your blood draw go more smoothly.
Ready to Experience the Magic of PRP?
At Evolution Dermatology + Wellness, we are committed to providing advanced treatments like PRP therapy to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Whether you’re addressing hair loss, fine lines, or seeking enhanced skin rejuvenation, PRP therapy can be a valuable part of feeling your best.
To learn more about PRP therapy or to schedule your consultation, please call us at 720-738-7770.
We look forward to helping you discover the benefits of this innovative and amazing treatment!
The fact that your skin changes over time comes at no surprise—but do you know exactly how?
There are two important components that contribute to this change; they are collagen and elastin. These components of your skin help keep facial lines and wrinkles at bay and improve the quality of your skin. When you improve the quality of your skin, it will appear healthy and youthful.
There are many cosmetic treatments to help with the aging process, like Botox (and other neurotoxins) that stop muscle contraction to reduce wrinkles, or dermal fillers that replace volume that we lose over time.
However, here I describe ways to help your skin appear more radiant that can be done with or without volumizing fillers and toxins. It’s all about improving the health of your skin!
What is collagen and elastin?
At the core of skin health is collagen and elastin. Collagen is the main structural protein, which acts like scaffolding and provides plumpness to your skin. Elastin allows your skin to be flexible and helps it keep its shape even after stretching or pinching. Both of these proteins are important to maintain skin quality and integrity. This is why collagen and elastin stimulating treatments are considered both preventative and corrective in anti-aging terms
Why does collagen and elastin decrease in our skin?
Collagen is produced throughout our lives, but the amount begins to reduce in our 20’s. Elastin production stops around puberty. Some factors can increase the breakdown of collagen, like excessive sun exposure, pollution and smoking. This loss makes your skin appear thinner and have less structural support, which is why people begin to notice drooping or sagging of their skin. For youthful skin, it is important to both preserve the collagen you have and stimulate your skin to produce it faster.
What are in-office treatments you can do to boost collagen and elastin production?
There are many treatments at our office that work to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Which one you choose may depend on your specific concerns, downtime, cost, or what your goals are. Here is some great information about how in-office treatments improve the quality of your skin, but if you are not sure which one is the best choice for you, come in for a cosmetic consultation.
Here are 6 in-office treatments that can increase collagen and elastin:
Radiesse was approved by the FDA as a facial filler at the end of 2006 and has been used as a volumizing filler since. However, it can be used as a biostimulant in your skin rather than just a filler when saline and lidocaine are added to Radiesse. This mixture triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin so that you get immediate results plus long-term improvement. The benefits of this treatment are skin tightening and thickening, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness. Overall, skin tone, texture and elasticity can be markedly improved!
Microneedling is a procedure where a device with fine needles is moved across your skin. The needles puncture the top layer of the skin and create a controlled skin injury to improve skin texture and promote collagen growth. Once this micro-injury is created with the needles, your body is stimulated to produce new collagen to fill them in as part of the healing process. This new collagen can make your skin look smoother, tighter, and more youthful. It can also help diminish acne scars.
PRP therapy is used in many aspects of medicine. PRP is a serum that results from your own blood that can amplify the natural growth factors in your body and stimulate the growth of new cells. At Evolution Dermatology, we use PRP as injections and topical application to diminish wrinkles, improve skin quality and help treat acne scars
This procedure uses fractionated plasma energy to resurface your skin and deliver effects similar to a deep resurfacing treatment without the downtime. The Opus device uses both radio frequency energy and plasma to create fractional injuries on the surface of your skin tissue regeneration and collagen remodeling
Sofwave is a clinically-proven, non-invasive approach to rebuilding collagen and elastin to tighten and improve facial lines and wrinkles. This procedure uses ultrasound energy to pass through the surface of your skin, heating the mid-dermal tissue at just the right depth to stimulate new collagen and elastin production. With no downtime, Sofwave works to enhance and rejuvenate your skin quality and firmness.
These use hydroxy acids (like glycolic, lactic acids) to boost skin cell turnover, which in turn stimulates collagen production. You can see immediate benefits from chemical peels, as they can help with tone and texture, giving you an instant glow. These are best done in a series done monthly to get the most collagen regeneration and longer lasting results.
What skin care products can help?
These clinically proven skin care products are a great way to add nourishment to your skin and promote healthy collagen and elastin.
Here are the 3 main topical powerhouses…
1) Prescription Tretinoin (known by the brand name Retin-A):
Applied in the evening to your skin, this vitamin A derivative upregulates genes involved in collagen production while it exfoliates to encourage collagen and new healthy skin cells. Tretinoin and retinoids have been proven for years to be a gold standard in anti-aging skin care as stated in this publication here in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Just ask when you are in the office if this might be a good skin care topical treatment for you!
2) Vitamin C Serum:
Protect collagen with topical vitamin C. Slather on a vitamin C serum in the morning. This vitamin is a strong antioxidant that protects the collagen in your skin against UV damage. More than that, it triggers collagen formation and stabilizes the collagen proteins in skin. Has been studied for years proving its effectiveness. At Evolution Dermatology we have a vitamin C serum that also has ferulic acid and vitamin E to add antioxidant power with a hydrating hyaluronic acid base.
Evolve Vitamin C Serum
3) Sunscreen:
Sunscreen is vital for skin cancer prevention — but also for keeping skin young and springy. UV exposure can lead to the breakdown of collagen, which can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so you’re never too young to start wearing sunscreen every day. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and don’t forget to cover your neck, ears and chest too!
There is no magic bullet when we talk about aesthetic treatments and skin care. No one treatment or product does everything. It is about combining treatments and products depending on your skin type and your specific goals.
This is for all of you heading back to school this fall. As you gear up to hit the books again, don’t forget to give your skin some TLC too. Here are five practical skincare tips that will have you looking fresh and ready to conquer the new school year.
1) Choose the right cleanser for your skin type (and wash your face twice a day!)
The trick here is finding your perfect match. Just like finding the right study group, finding the right cleanser for your skin type is essential. Oily skin? Opt for a gentle foaming cleanser. Dry skin? Cream-based cleansers are your go-to. Choosing the right cleanser can make all the difference in limiting irritation and keeping those breakouts at bay.
Here are some great options:
Sugar and Coconut Foaming Cleanser
Gentle Foaming Cleansers if you are prone to acne or have oily/normal skin. Enriched with plant extracts, this helps to soothe and protect your skin. Aloe vera calms the skin while coconut oil derivatives gently wash away impurities. (Available for purchase only in our office).
Evolve Sugar and Coconut Foaming Cleanser
Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser
This gently cleans surface impurities including makeup without leaving the skin feeling tight, dry or stripped; cleanses without irritation; helps smooth and refine texture; leaves skin feeling hydrated.
Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Epionce Lytic Cleanser
For a little extra exfoliation, this spa-like cleanser contains salicylic acid to remove impurities and calm problem skin without unnecessary irritation or dryness; refreshes and calms problem skin; and removes stubborn dirt, oil and makeup.
Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser
Nutriance Organic Cleansing Milk
Cream Cleansers for dry/sensitive skin: This is a silky emulsion enriched with marine and botanical ingredients to gently remove impurities, dirt, surface oils and makeup residue. (Available for purchase only in our office)
Nutriance Cleansing Milk
Epionce Milky Lotion Cleanser
This soothing cleanser is effective without harming, irritating or causing unnecessary dryness in the skin. It helps calm redness and scaly texture; leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized; and non-foaming formula for sensitive skin.
Epionce Milky Lotion Cleanser
2) Moisturize Day and Night
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.
Imagine showing up for a pop quiz without studying – that’s your skin without moisturizer. Moisturizing twice a day after cleansing keeps your skin’s hydration game strong. Repairing your skin barrier with moisturizer can keep wrinkles in check and irritation at bay. Even if you are acne prone, moisturizer is important.
Here are some suggestions:
Acne Prone
Evolve HA Serum
This serum draws moisture into your skin with no oils, and contains squalene, coenzyme Q10, and peptides to repair your skin barrier.
(Available for purchase only in our office)
Evolve HA Serum
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
This lightweight moisturizer with acne-fighting salicylic acid, helps breakouts while soothing acne-prone, sensitive skin. Hydrates for 48 hours, and improves skin tone and texture
Cetaphil Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
Normal/oily
Evolve Peptide Moisturizer
This contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter and non-comedogenic jojoba oil in addition to botanical actives to help promote elasticity and firmness to your skin.
(Available for purchase only in our office)
Evolve Peptide Moisturizer
Dry/Sensitive skin
Nutriance Organic Rejuvenating Rich Cream
A luxuriously nourishing marine botanical-based cream with antioxidants to improve skin firmness and decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (Available for purchase only at our office)
Nutriance Rejuvenating Rich Cream
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Ultra hydrating facial cream with 4.5% Squalane has a unique lightweight texture and lasting 72-hour hydration to leave skin softer and visibly healthier. Formulated with Squalane, Glacial Glycoprotein and Pro-Ceramides, this non-greasy, lightweight moisturizer is clinically demonstrated to hydrate 15 layers deep for softer, smoother, and healthier looking skin.
Kiehl’s Ultra Moisturizing Cream
3) Use an Eye Cream
Say goodbye to panda eyes with a good eye cream.
Late-night study sessions can leave you with dark circles that resemble panda eyes. Enter eye cream – your sleep-deprived savior. Bid adieu to those bags and welcome a fresher look.
Evolve Brightening Probiotic Eye Cream
This is moisturizing with probiotics, kojic acid, botanicals and caffeine to reduce puffiness and dark circles. (Available for purchase at our office only)
Evolve Probiotic Eye Cream
Epionce Renewal Eye Cream
This product is great for adding moisture and antioxidants around your delicate eye area.
Epionce Renewal Eye Cream
4) Make Sunblock a Daily Non-Negotiable Habit
Consider sunblock getting your face dressed every morning.
Just as you wouldn’t go to class without a backpack, don’t step out without sunscreen. The best way to use it is applying it every morning – in fact it can be what you use for your moisturizer. Rain or shine, sunscreen is your shield against premature aging caused by the sun. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Here are some great choices for your face and neck that are not pore clogging and are easy to use:
Mineral tinted moisturizer! A lightly hydrating formula with antioxidants and mineral blocking zinc and titanium dioxide.
COOLA Rosilliance Tinted SPF
Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen
This one offers more moisture, a sheer tint, with zinc and titanium dioxide for Broad-spectrum SPF 50 UV protection; Light, quick-absorbing anti-oxidant rich sheer formula; Water Resistant (80 minutes)
Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50
If a tint is not your thing:
COOLA Mineral Sun Silk Crème Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 30
This is not your usual white zinc sunblock. It is much more sheer, oil-free, and great for every day.
COOLA Sunsilk Mineral SPF 30
5) Consider a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum – your skin’s BFF.
Want that lit-from-within glow? Vitamin C serum is about to become your skin’s best friend. It fights dullness and dark spots like a pro. It is a powerful antioxidant that can both repair and protect your skin. Start a habit of beginning your day with this serum after washing. You won’t regret the resulting healthy glow! Choosing the right vitamin C serum is important to make sure the active ingredient is stable and it is able to appropriately penetrate your skin without irritation.
My favorite vitamin C serums:
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum
This serum has been a gold standard for years, the only setback is the price tag (usually around $180). 🙂
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum
Evolve 20% Vitamin C Serum
This potent antioxidant contains ferulic acid, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to repair the effects of sun exposure, lighten age spots, and smooth and brighten skin. (Available for purchase only in our Boulder office)
Evolve Vitamin C Serum
So, as you embark on your academic adventure, remember that taking care of your skin is just as important as acing your exams. Incorporate these tips into your routine, and you’ll strut through the halls with confidence.
Winter brings things we love: holiday time, hot cocoa, skiing, and cozy nights by the fire. But with it comes cold and lack of humidity that can make your skin and lips as dry as tree bark!
How to Avoid Chapped Lips this Winter
The skin on your lips is different from the rest of your body. Lips don’t have oil glands and are thin and delicate, which makes them more prone to drying out.
Most people don’t even notice how much they touch or play with their lips — we tend to lick, pick, and even bite on their lips without even thinking about it. These habits can really take a toll causing dry, flaking and painful chapped lips that seem to never heal.
Here are my 12 tips for treating and preventing dry lips so they stay soft, beautiful and hydrated all winter long!
1) DON’T LICK YOUR LIPS – THIS IS #1 ON MY LIST FOR A REASON
Lip licking is probably the worst habit you can have with dry lips. When your lips get dry, you lick them in hopes of adding moisture. But it does the opposite!
Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips drier than before you licked them. This starts the vicious cycle of licking again and again for relief, leading to the downhill spiral of seriously painful, dry and cracking skin. This results in some seriously chapped lips!
2) AVOID FLAVORED LIP BALMS CONTAINING MINT, MENTHOL OR CINNAMON
Lip balms with that “extra tingle” is good for your lips, right? Wrong. It’s ironic, but a lot of lip products contain colors, irritants, and dyes that can cause irritation. At first, they are soothing and feel great, but overuse can make your lips even more dry and irritated.
Common drying/irritating ingredients to avoid include:
Menthol Fragrance Salicylic Acid Camphor Phenol
3) BREATHE THROUGH YOUR NOSE
It sounds strange, but something as simple as breathing through your mouth can actually dry out your lips.
4) LIP PLUMPERS CAN MAKE DRY LIPS WORSE
A lot of the lip plumpers that claim to enhance lip volume do this magical trick through temporarily causing lip swelling. These products typically contain irritants or chemicals, such as those derived from cinnamon or cayenne pepper. These ingredients can lead to continuously chapped lips or even dermatitis on your lips.
5) STAY HYDRATED INSIDE-OUT BY DRINKING WATER
The warmer months aren’t the only time your body craves hydration. Water affects the moisture levels throughout your body and skin all year long. Less water means less saliva production, which can make your lips feel really dry. Keep your body and skin hydrated from the inside-out!
6) AVOID SMOKING
Tobacco smoke can irritate the sensitive skin around the lips, causing them to dry out and become more likely to crack. Not to mention that it is a carcinogen too!
7) SLEEP WITH A HUMIDIFIER
In the winter there’s little humidity in the air and lots of dry heat in your house. All this dry air removes moisture from your skin and causes dry lips.
Sleeping with a humidifier is the best for adding moisture to the air and helping your skin stay supple. Even if you have a whole house humidifier, a focused humidifier by your bed at night can be a life saver through the cold, dry winter months.
8) COVER YOUR LIPS WHEN OUT IN THE ELEMENTS
Wind and cold temps can take a toll on your lips. Exposing them to harsh elements will cause them to get dry and irritated. Covering them with a scarf when you head out into brutal temperatures and wind can help keep them protected.
9) AVOID SUN DAMAGE
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause big time damage to your lips, leading to dryness and cracking. Chronic sun damage can also result in something called actinic cheilitis, which causes crusting and thick scale to form on your lips. This condition can become serious over time and result in precancerous and cancerous lesions. If you think this might be you, head into your derm office for a check.
When looking for a lip balm with sun protection AVOID chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3), octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and octinoxate benzene. These can be irritating and are not good for your fragile lips or your body. Look for sun blockers like zinc and titanium instead. If you can’t pronounce it, you probably shouldn’t be using it!
10) KNOW THAT CERTAIN MEDICATIONS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO CHAPPED LIPS
Most times this cannot be avoided, but it’s good to know that certain medications, such as antihistamines, chemotherapy agents, and diuretics can cause dehydration and chapped lips as a side effect.
Even some topical acne medications may contain lip irritants, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. To avoid contact with your lips when using these products, just apply a barrier ointment like Aquaphor or Vaseline to your lips prior to applying your acne medication.
11) NO PICKING!
Whatever you do, don’t peel or bite off the dry skin on your lips! When your lips are chapped, they can be rough and start to peel. When you pick, you can end up taking off skin that isn’t completely dead, which can lead to bleeding and pain.
12) INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN A LIP BALM
Look for lip products with both hydrating and occlusive ingredients. This combination will moisturize while preventing water loss. In many lip balms you will also find a wax as an ingredient, which helps the product stick to your lips.
Occlusive ingredients may include beeswax, lanolin or petroleum (also hydrating) and work to hold moisture in. Moisturizing agents might include ceramides, jojoba oil, olive oil, dimethicone, coconut oil, shea butter or cocoa butter.
Of course, use a good lip balm throughout the day, but the most important time to slather on more is at night before you go to sleep.
Aquaphor skin protectant ointment has Petrolatum, Panthenol, Mineral Oil and Glycerin to moisturize, protect and relieve chapped, dry, cracked or irritated lips.
So simple, but just what your fragile lips need. It is made with Petroleum jelly, which is a mixture of natural waxes and mineral oils that together lock moisture in lips, moisturizing it to repair and relieve dryness.
This water-resistant organic lip balm with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection hydrates and smoothes dry, chapped lips. This vitamin- and antioxidant-enriched formula nourishes and conditions with organic Cupuaçu Butter and Raspberry and Jojoba Seed Oils.
Evolution Lip Balm
You can grab this one at our office! And it has all kinds of great ingredients to help your lips stay healthy. Including: sunflower seed oil, beeswax and organic olive oil. It’s great for Summer and Winter protection.
Dermaplaning has been around for over 40 years, but has gained immense popularity as a non-invasive cosmetic procedure in recent years. It’s a very effective skincare treatment that is simple but delivers some amazing results. Here I explore the concept of dermaplaning, its benefits, and if it may be right for you. Let’s dive in!
Dermaplaning, also known as epidermal leveling or blading, is a skincare procedure performed by our experienced aestheticians. It entails using a specialized surgical scalpel to gently scrape off dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the surface of the skin. It will take about 20-30 minutes and is completely painless. You can enjoy the benefits of this treatment every three to four weeks to maintain a smooth, radiant appearance.
How can I benefit from dermaplaning?
Numerous medical journals highlight the potential benefits of dermaplaning. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Smith et al., 2018), dermaplaning can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the absorption and efficacy of skincare products. Additionally, dermaplaning can provide a smoother canvas for makeup application, resulting in a more flawless finish (Gonzalez et al., 2019). In short, it rejuvenates your skin by promoting cell turnover and enhances product penetration. Any skin care products placed on your skin after the treatment will absorb better and your skin will be glowing and smooth!
Are there any side effects?
Dermaplaning is very safe and has little side effects. A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (Al-Niaimi et al., 2020) indicates that possible side effects of dermaplaning may include temporary redness, sensitivity, and a risk of superficial cuts or nicks. However, these side effects are not common and tend to resolve quickly.
Is dermaplaning right for your skin type?
Dermaplaning is suitable for most people seeking skin rejuvenation. It is particularly beneficial for those with dry or rough skin, superficial hyperpigmentation, or mild acne scarring. However, it is not ideal if you have active acne, open wounds, sunburns, or a history of keloid scarring. If you are not sure, just ask our aesthetician and she can help you make the best decision for you.
What should you know before dermaplaning?
Before having a dermaplaning treatment, there are a few considerations. It is important to have a professional experienced in performing dermaplaning and never try this at home! Additionally, inform our aesthetician about any allergies, skin conditions, or medications you are currently using. Avoid excessive sun exposure and discontinue the use of retinoids or exfoliating products a few days before the treatment.
Can you combine dermaplaning with other facials?
Dermaplaning can be combined with other types of facials to enhance your results. According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Mills et al., 2019), combining dermaplaning with chemical peels can provide a synergistic effect, improving overall skin texture and tone. When scheduling your facial, just ask if dermaplaning can be added to boost your results!
Dermaplaning offers a range of benefits to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. Indulge in this rejuvenating experience, and watch as your complexion transforms, revealing a fresh and youthful appearance that will make heads turn!
