Spring is in full swing, and summer is not far behind. Put your best face forward by giving your skin some extra love during the sunny seasons. With a little help, you can keep your complexion youthful and healthy while protecting your skin from sun damage. A thoughtfully designed skin care regimen can tackle the signs of aging and other issues, according to Jackie Carr, R.N., ANP-BC, LE, owner of Pur-One Medispa in Des Peres.
To prepare for summer, Carr suggests focusing on treatments that stimulate and preserve your body’s collagen production—also known as collagen banking. One procedure she recommends is microneedling, a process that stimulates collagen production by creating controlled injury to the skin. “The creation of microchannels turns on the skin’s natural healing response,” she explains. “The early phase of healing is within days to weeks, but there is a continuous buildup of collagen Type 1, which produces stronger skin. This process can take a few months. Patients can benefit from a series of three to six treatments spaced out at four-to-six-week intervals.”
Following microneedling, some of the microchannels close within 15 minutes, but others can take up to a day to close completely. This makes immediate after care very important, Carr notes. “Do not apply skin care, makeup or sunscreen for 24 hours after treatment,” she says. “We also suggest no direct sun exposure for 72 hours post procedure. Additionally, strenuous exercise, swimming or sweating should be avoided during this time period.”
To make the most of your microneedling treatment, Carr recommends pairing it with VAMP Advanced. The topical treatment is enriched with vitamins, amino acids, minerals and PDRN—an ingredient derived from salmon that is highly compatible with human DNA. “The addition of VAMP Advanced boosts collagen and elastin, deeply hydrates, repairs damaged tissue and improves tone and texture without adding volume,” Carr explains. “It contains five times more PDRN than traditional VAMP, accelerating healing and regeneration of the tissue. It’s perfect for the busy summer months. The reduced downtime gets you back into the game of life sooner.”
To make sure you make it through the summer without sun damage, Carr says it’s important to regularly apply sun protection with SPF 30 or higher. “Wearing protective items, such as hats or UV clothing, is a good idea when outdoors,” she adds. “Treatments like microneedling, facials and chemical peels all require extra precaution. These procedures resurface brand new skin, and it’s important to keep it protected as it can be more prone to damage.”
Carr has been serving the St. Louis community for more than 20 years, and her daughter Courtney Carr is continuing the legacy at Pur-One as a licensed esthetician and microblade artist. They are ready to use their expertise to help clients look and feel their best. “We are a mother-and-daughter, family business dedicated to helping others look and feel beautiful, empowered and confident through safe, non-surgical cosmetic enhancements,” Carr says. “Pur-One blends expert clinical skills with a holistic, patient-first approach to skin care and aging gracefully.”
Pur-One Medispa in Des Peres offers a variety of effective skin treatments in a safe, pleasant environment. Pictured on the cover: Microblading artist and licensed esthetician Courtney Carr and owner Jackie Carr, R.N., ANP-BC, LE. For more information or to book an appointment, text Jackie at 314.960.7616 or Courtney at 314.960.7619.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of Pur-One Medispa
Pictured at top: Jackie Carr and Courtney Carr
Photo courtesy of Pur-One Medispa
