Skincare Q&A with an Aesthetic Nurse: Botox vs. Filler, Red Light Therapy & the Beef Tallow Trend- Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask an Aesthetic Nurse About Skincare
Hey everyone, it's Meg Ann Lee-your go-to for all things hair and beauty! Have you ever found yourself drowning in skincare questions, wishing you could sit down with a pro and just ask it all? Same. Well, I actually did-and lucky for you, I'm spilling everything I learned! This week on the blog, I'm sharing my exclusive skincare Q&A with Kendall, an aesthetic nurse right here in Eau Claire. From Botox vs. filler, the truth about red light therapy, and yes, even her thoughts on the beef tallow trend-we're covering it all.
What's the best age to start Botox or preventative treatments?
It is best to start preventative treatments of Botox in mid-to-late 20s or early 30s-before fine lines become deep. If you start seeing dynamic wrinkles (lines that appear when making facial expressions), you could consider Botox to prevent them from becoming static (visible at rest).
If Botox isn't your cup of tea, regular facials, Hydrafacials, or laser facials are always great options to consider -which could be started around the same age or even a few years earlier.
How can I tell if I need filler, Botox, or both?
To be able to determine which you may need, it's important to understand the difference between the two:
- Botox relaxes muscles to smooth wrinkles caused by movement (examples - forehead lines, crow's feet, frown lines).
- Filler restores lost volume and enhances features (examples - under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, lips, and cheeks).
Many clients benefit from both for a balanced, youthful look; however, it is best to consult with a professional and discuss all treatment options prior to a final decision. An injector will be able to determine what would work best based on what the major areas of concerns are.
What's the best treatment for improving skin texture and fine lines?
- Chemical peels exfoliate and promote skin renewal.
- Hydrafacial is a 5 in 1 patented system that includes a deep clean, exfoliation with a light chemical peel, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant protection
- Laser treatments target fine lines and resurfacing. Also helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, which we start losing by the age of 25 with a decline of about 1% per year.
- Medical-grade skincare (such as retinol, vitamin C, and SPF) helps to maintain results.
How do I make injectables look natural and not overdone?
- Choose an injector you can trust as well as someone with a conservative approach.
- Start with smaller amounts and build gradually to the look you want to achieve.
- Prioritize skin health-great skin can enhance subtle look of injections!
What are the perks of doing red light therapy? And do at-home lights actually work?
Red light therapy can reduce inflammation, boost collagen production, and improve skin tone. Professional-grade devices are more effective, but some at-home options can still provide benefits - consistency is important (check for FDA clearance!)
How long do Botox and fillers actually last, and how often should I get them?
- Botox typically lasts 3-4 months (sometimes longer with consistent use). You do need 3 months in between Botox treatments to the same area.
- Filler - can last anywhere from 6 months - 1 year or more. If you want a touch-up before the filler is completely gone (by natural reabsorption by the body), small amounts can be added every few months as needed. However, overfilling too soon can lead to product buildup or migration, so always check in with your injector for the best timing!
How often should I get a facial for the best results?
Every 4-6 weeks is ideal. Facials have so many benefits - deep cleanse, exfoliation, improved blood circulation, hydration, stress relief and relaxation - plus many more!
What is your professional view on the new "BEEF TALLOW" trend?
I believe that any product can be beneficial for SOME people, but not everyone. Everyone's skin is different, and what works great for one person, may be terrible for another.
Beef tallow is rich in fatty acids and can be moisturizing, but it's comedogenic, meaning it may clog pores, especially for acne-prone skin. There are better non-comedogenic alternatives with similar benefits.
Is there anything I should avoid before and after a facial or chemical peel?
Before: Avoid products with retinol, exfoliants, and harsh products for a few days.
After: Skip makeup, retinol, and sun exposure for at least 24-48 hours, and always wear SPF!
After: Skip makeup, retinol, and sun exposure for at least 24-48 hours, and always wear SPF!
And there you have it-straight from an aesthetic nurse herself! Skincare can feel like a never-ending journey, but having expert insight makes all the difference.
Got more skincare questions? Drop them in the comments-I just might have to do a Part 2! And if you found this post helpful, share it with a friend who's just as skincare-obsessed as we are. See you next time! -Meg <3