Category Archives: ANTI-AGING + PROCEDURES + MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Cultivate Apothecary: Farm To Skin Botanical Skincare

September 12, 2023

I can’t wait to share about Cultivate Apothecary – true ‘farm to skin’ luxury botanical skincare. When it comes to organic clean beauty – this is the motherlode. Thoughtfully and soulfully crafted and created by Jill Rowe and Matthew Benson on their epic, sustainable farm in upstate NY, Stonegate Farm – from medicinal and culinary herbs and all organic, with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides in practice.

Each bespoke formula takes months to complete –  from seed to cultivation, harvest, and creation. The essence of slow beauty and ritual in every bottle. Even the soil at Stonegate is regularly replenished with local compost, minerals and low-impact cultivation.

I have never smelled anything like what is in these bottles (also works of art).

Take a peek at a couple of these luxurious serums. I put a couple of drops in my palm, rubbed them together and when I patted my face with them, it felt like I was putting some kind of botanical ART on my face. My skin thanked me with the most radiant glow. I plan on using these with zero makeup, daily. Day to night.

AWAKEN NO. 1: FACE SERUM FOR NORMAL TO DRY SKIN

AWAKEN No. 1 Rejuvenating Day Face Serum for Normal to Dry Skin with added Flaxseed Oil and Lemon Balm plumps the skin and helps to repair the skin’s cells, creating visible improvement in elasticity, firmness, tone and texture, while Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) contains high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and antibacterial agents.

“Through deeply considered formulation and testing, we’ve developed the best hydrating daytime face serum for dry skin that is targeted to that specific skin type and skincare needs. These custom formulations were designed for optimal skin health, delivering deep hydration, even skin tone, and bright, plump, glowing skin that gets noticed.”

MOONLIGHT NO. 1: NIGHT FACE SERUM FOR DRY SKIN

MOONLIGHT No. 1 Restorative Night Serum for Normal or Dry Skin with added Avocado Oil & Lemon Balm. The added Avocado Oil in Moonlight No. 1 is packed with Vitamins B, C, and E, and these powerful antioxidants are capable of reversing environmental damage to the skin, as well as improving collagen production while lemon balm soothes, cleanses, and tightens the skin.

“Through deeply considered formulation and testing, we’ve developed the best night face serum for dry skin that is targeted to that specific skin type and skincare needs. These custom formulations were designed for optimal skin health, delivering deep hydration, even skin tone, and bright, plump, glowing skin that gets noticed.”

 A peek at some ingredients: 

BALANCE BOTANICAL FACIAL TONER

This multi-faceted clean beauty facial toner drenches your skin with moisture while also being the skin primer you’ve been craving. If you’re looking for a natural facial toner or a clean face toner to add to your daily skincare routine, this was made for you.

“Leading with a full-spectrum list of botanical and natural ingredients, this botanical facial toner has it all! Chamomile Hydrosol and Cucumber Extract cool inflammation while deeply hydrating and toning your skin. Purslane Glycerite, Reishi & Shiitake Mushroom Extract, and Wildflower Honey are powerhouse ingredients within this botanical natural facial toner that stimulate cell repair, reduce hyperpigmentation, and are rich in antioxidants.”

Botan

The Ingredients: 

Jill and Mathew –

Jill Rowe and Matthew Benson are co-founders of Cultivate Apothecary at Stonegate Farm and stewards of this magical and productive piece of earth.

Their mission: Creating beautiful and potent, efficacious, botanical beauty, wellness, and green skincare products, while maintaining the utmost respect of mother earth as stewards of this incredible land.

As someone who thrives on rituals – I love that Cultivate Apothecary believes in finding ways to add ritual to our skincare routines.

Shop the collection here.

Follow the apothecary here and Stonegate Farm (swoon) here.

Vivace Ultra RF With Christie Kidd PA-C: LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN

August 25, 2023

This week, I finally met the phenomenal Chrsitie Kidd, PA-C.

When I recovered from being totally star-struck (Christie is The Queen of all things skin) we got to work with this really exciting new VIVACE ULTRA EXPERIENCE®!

The Vivace RF MICRONEEDLING DEVICE combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy and a specialized treatment serum and a cooling peptide mask to provide patients with superior, natural-looking results. Think dramatic results with minimal downtime. The results are both immediate and improve over time with multiple treatments.

This RF microneedling session is only part of the process. The right serums and recovery system enhance results by improving your skin tone and texture and I left with a few cooling masks and serums.

  • Alleviate Wrinkles & Fine Lines
  • Immediate Results
  • Minimal Downtime
  • Virtually Pain-Free

(post treatment, flush but zero downtime, by the time I got home I was back to no flush at all)

(measuring depth of the dermis pre treatment) 

(feels SO GOOD!)

The Vivace® Microneedle RF device is the newest generation of radiofrequency microneedling and is FDA-cleared for your safety. This minimally invasive treatment stimulates the natural production of collagen and is shown to be effective in alleviating facial wrinkles and fine lines.

If you are looking for optimal results, look no further. Welcome to The Vivace Ultra Experience®.

The innovators at Aesthetics Biomedical® are dedicated to providing the best patient experience utilizing the best-in-class device that does it right the first time, and delivers results you can trust and share with others.

Learn more at Aesthetics Biomedical®.

WHAT DOES THE VIVACE EXPERIENCE® FEEL LIKE?

Most physicians use a topical numbing cream to make the treatment comfortable. The majority of patients describe a feeling of light pressure with an occasional warming sensation. Other patients report a feeling of minor prickling.


DOES MICRONEEDLING HURT?

Patients should experience minimal pain during the Vivace® treatment. Typically, a numbing cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes before the treatment to ensure a comfortable patient experience. Many testimonials from patients say they found the treatment to be in a range of comfortable to virtually pain-free. The Vivace® Microneedle RF was designed with patient comfort in mind.

Meet the fabulous Christie Kidd, PA-C

Christie Kidd, PA-C graduated with academic honors from the Physician Assistant program at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1997. In addition to her excellence academically and clinically she was a leader within her class. As senior class president, she took on extra responsibilities in order to facilitate extracurricular activities, including a wide range of community service events.

Her interest in diseases of the skin led her to pursue a career as a Certified Physician Assistant in dermatology and she has been practicing in Beverly Hills for 25 years. She is dedicated and passionate about her career, giving every patient unparalleled personalized attention and providing individualized skin care regimens for every patient’s specific needs.

The drive behind creating her skin care line, Perfect Skin by Christie Kidd™ comes from a lifelong passion of chemistry and skin care products. She has been a “skin care mixer” since childhood. By age 12 she was creating, in her bathroom, her own self tanning lotions, facial masks and nail polish colors. Her love and passion for helping people mixed with the desire for the perfect skin care line, she spent many years researching and developing Perfect Skin by Christie Kidd™.

Christie Kidd, PA-C provides a full range of skin care services including diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases as well as cosmetic dermatology.

Supervising physician is Dr. Rampradad Dandillaya (drdandillaya.com)

At Rodeo Drive Dermatology & Aesthetics, AMC, Christie Kidd, PA-C, and the team provide a full range of skin care services including both medical and cosmetic dermatology.

medical office where Christie Kidd provides facial treatments and laser skin services

Christie and her team provide cosmetic dermatology services at her Beverly Hills office. Her particular expertise is providing every patient with a “natural-looking” appearance. Click below to view a full range of cosmetic services.

Cosmetic Skin Treatments

Beverly Hills dermatologists office

Christie Kidd, PA-C and her team provide a full range of skin care services including diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. Browse our full range of medical services such as treatments for eczema, blemishes, moles, rashes and more.

Cliovana: The Orgasm Support You Need Right Now

July 19, 2023

cliovana

Excited to share my personal experience and delve into the captivating world of Cliovana, an innovative treatment that has taken the realm of sexual wellness storm. I headed over to Dr. Asandra’s office (he did not perform it, a female practitioner only!)

Imagine: Increased responsiveness leading to more frequent orgasms • Increased responsiveness leading to more intense orgasms • Lubrication…

The process: easy, quick, fun – Felt great. I waited a few weeks to test-run things with my Maude vibrator and happy to say – orgasms are AWESOME.

*Note: typically takes 3 months from the last treatment for full revascularization to occur.

The Science of Cliovana: Nuggets of Knowledge

Sexual health and wellness products have made a lasting impact on millions of love lives all over the world. Unfortunately, many of these treatments and resources have primarily focused on male sexual gratification. [2] Not many treatments are catered to females.

This is alarming because recent students have found that most women are not happy with their sex life. [3] Unfortunately, there is a huge disparity in sexual enjoyment between men and women. Sadly another study found heterosexual women only report orgasming 33 percent of the time. [1] Thankfully Cliovana can help. It is the first and only procedure to focus specifically on regenerating the clitoris to increase sexual enjoyment, sensitivity, and lubrication. Using sound wave technology,

Cliovana stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and nerve endings in the clitoris, which results in increased clitoral sensitivity and responsiveness. In just four sessions spaced a few days apart, women start to feel increased sensitivity immediately after treatment with progressive results showing after subsequent sessions. Best of all, Cliovana is a comforting, enjoyable procedure that only takes a few minutes.

How Cliovana Can Help

Enjoy the pleasures of being intimate again with a Cliovana treatment. This easy, non-invasive procedure has helped women enjoy a healthy sexual life—all with the help of soundwaves.

Other advantages you can experience are:

  • Heightened arousal and lubrication
  • Intensified orgasms with increased frequency
  • Greater overall sexual satisfaction
  • Improved sensitivity of vaginal tissues
  • Simple, non-invasive, non-surgical process
  • No downtime
  • Results can last for up to a year

Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Asandra and see how Cliovana can stop anti-climatic endings. Or, simply call (424) 213-1118. We are here to help.

Ideal Candidates

Seeking treatment is highly recommended for any woman simply looking to get more out of sexual intimacy—better satisfaction, sensation, and pleasure. If your love life isn’t as fulfilling as it once was, Cliovana is an excellent solution. The pain-free treatment was specifically designed to help with painful sex, decreased lubrication, and infrequent orgasms.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Asandra

Throughout his medical career, Christopher Asandra MD has dedicated years to groundbreaking technical research to provide effective anti-aging solutions to improve the lives of countless patients from all walks of life. In 2013, Dr. Asandra opened his first medical center devoted to sexual health and wellness. Together with the help of Dan Bertrams, MMS, PA-C, and Marlene Roberts, PhD FNPAsandraMD has helped patients find satisfaction in all areas of their life.

Your initial consultation will take place inside our state-of-the-art offices in Beverly Hills. Your consultation is a compassionate and open discussion that helps us understand your needs. Then, we will examine the genital area to help us create a treatment plan. After we have solidified an approach, we’ll go over how Cliovana will provide a better sex life. Finally, just before you go, we will provide you with a few preparatory items to complete between now and your appointment date. It is essential to follow these steps for a smooth journey.

Make an empowered step to your sexual health and see how a Cliovana treatment works. Schedule an appointment using our easy online form or call (424) 213-1118. In the interim, read up on other anti-aging services we offer on our blog.

Preparation

Cliovana is an easygoing process that needs very little preparation. The non-invasive procedure allows patients to enjoy a seamless process before, during, and after the procedure. Dr. Asandra only recommends that patients avoid sexual intercourse 24 hours before their Cliovana treatment. On the day of treatment, come to the appointment clean, well-rested, and excited for a new vibrant sex life.

The Cliovana Procedure

Cliovana is a three-step process carried out in four sessions, two the first week; two the second week. Each session lasts about 10 minutes. Patients love the treatment’s completely non-invasive and highly effective nature. Here is what your treatment will look like:

STEP 1: CUPPING

A small suction cup will be placed on the clitoris for two minutes. A gentle, consistent suction helps bring blood vessels and vascularity to the surface of the clitoral area. Patients report feeling a light tapping sensation.

STEP 2: SOUNDWAVE TECHNOLOGY

A device delivers sound waves over the clitoris for four minutes. The vibration deliberately breaks down tissue and stimulates microscopic tissue damage. This helps trigger the body’s natural repairing response and creates new collagen, more blood vessels, and spurs nerve growth that leads to increased sensitivity.

STEP 3: VIBRATION AND SOUNDWAVES

The final step combines vibration and sound waves to enhance results. The applicator is placed over the glans of the clitoris for about two minutes to finalize results to make the clitoral area sensitive.

There is zero downtime associated with Cliovana. After your session, you are free to leave the office and resume your daily life. Some redness in the treated area may appear but will dissipate in a few days.

Patients can continue sexual intercourse immediately after without compromising their results. A better sex life filled with better enjoyment and sensitivity is yours to keep for six months or longer. To maintain results, patients come in for yearly touch-up appointments consisting of only two treatments spaced 3-4 days apart.

Most women are happy to see immediate changes after their first session and continued results are seen with additional sessions.

After learning about the science behind Cliovana, I was captivated by the possibility of revitalizing my intimate wellness and embracing a more youthful state. Seeking the guidance of Dr. Asandra, a renowned expert in the field, I embarked on my Cliovana journey. Dr. Asandra’s expertise and personalized approach instilled confidence in me, assuring me that I was in the hands of a true professional.

Throughout the treatment sessions, I experienced a gradual transformation. Not only did Cliovana enhance my intimate wellness and amplify sensations, but it also boosted my overall self-confidence and satisfaction in life. The rejuvenation process was gentle yet effective, and I am delighted with the results.

If you are considering Cliovana, I wholeheartedly recommend seeking the guidance of Dr. Asandra. With his expertise and commitment to personalized care, Dr. Asandra will ensure that your Cliovana experience is tailored to your unique needs and expectations. Remember, your well-being is a treasure worth investing in. So, embark on your Cliovana journey with confidence and let the transformative power of science unveil a new chapter in your life.

https://asandramd.com/

Meet Christopher Asandra, MD

*I am also seeing him for all my hormonal treatments right now, that is a whole new article!

Christopher Asandra, MD, is a revered Beverly Hills-based anti-aging physician and vitality expert. Dr. Asandra has improved the health and quality of life for countless men and women worldwide with his cutting-edge therapies and treatments.

A Kansas City native, Dr. Asandra received his combined BA/MD in 2003 from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, upon the completion of an intensive 6 year medical program straight out of high school. He then continued his training at the University of Illinois at the Chicago College of Medicine where he served as chief resident, gaining unparalleled experience and insight that would inspire the pursuit of a cutting-edge specialty.

After dedicating years to extensive field and groundbreaking technical research, Dr. Asandra opened his first premier medical center for sexual health and wellness in 2013. With overwhelming demand for Asandra’s renowned services and subsequent clinic success, the company grew to 12 locations nationwide within just the first two years of operation.

Expanding upon his acclaimed anti-aging treatments and bio-identical hormone therapies, Dr. Asandra now provides a vast lineup of anti-aging therapies, hormone replacement programs, and sexual dysfunction treatments, tailored to each individual patient’s needs and desires. Asandra continues to precept doctors and healthcare providers from around the world, training them on the latest techniques and his own signature procedures, cultivating the next generation of industry leaders.

As impressive as his accolades are, it is Dr. Asandra’s gentle demeanor and compassionate ear that sets him apart, putting patients at ease with his unmistakable Midwest charm. His greatest joy is giving so many the courage to get back to living their best, and happiest lives, with treatments rooted in his own vision of optimum health, balance, and vitality. An avid traveler, Asandra also enjoys playing the piano and weightlifting, but most of all, spending quality time with Tobi, his beloved rescue dog.

Dr. Asandra has made many television and public appearances, as well as partaken in countless editorial interviews, educating people on the benefits of hormone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine. Most notably, the hit TV show, “The Doctors.”

Board Certification:

Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine

Emergency Medicine

 Joanna Vargas just opened a NEW Los Angeles Salon in the heart of West Hollywood and we are drooling.

July 7, 2023

  “I am so excited to be in this new standalone space in Los Angeles, my largest LA location to-date. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported my career in LA which started 15 years ago in a hotel room at the Chateau Marmont.”

Replacing her previous location at The Sunset Tower Hotel, this gorgeous, standalone location is her largest LA salon to-date. Along with the new opening, Joanna introduces an enhanced version of her signature Triple Crown Facial, the Triple Crown Royale which features NEW patented technology for an even more sculpted and glow-worthy result.

Celebrity Facialist and Skincare Expert Joanna Vargas introduces a NEW Los Angeles Salon. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of West Hollywood, this luxurious 5,000 square foot standalone salon marks a significant milestone in Joanna’s journey, representing her largest Los Angeles location to-date and an embodiment of her remarkable growth.

Replacing her previous space at The Sunset Tower Hotel, this new salon allows Joanna to comfortably accommodate her growing portfolio of cutting-edge face and body treatments and patented technologies. Housing 10 treatment rooms, in addition to a dedicated entrance for VIP and celebrity clientele, the former theater – turned exclusive skincare destination – also features art by fashion photographer Yelena Yemchuk. Along with the new opening, Joanna introduces an enhanced version of her signature Triple Crown Facial, the Triple Crown Royale.

The NEW patented technology allows her to electrify her sheet masks, contour with an electric gua sha, and hand sculpt the face with electric gloves, for a completely custom treatment. The Joanna Vargas Salon Los Angeles provides clients the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and retreat to a relaxing and quiet space.

The extensive menu includes an array of treatments, such as Joanna’s Supernova Facial, NEW Magic Glow Dermaplaning Facial, patented RevitaLight LED Beds, Relaxation Pods, and a variety of luxurious massages. For more information about the Joanna Vargas Salon Los Angeles and to book an appointment, please visit joannavargas.com.

Her popular, go-to Triple Crown Classic Facial has been upgraded with NEW patented technology and fine-tuned steps to yield even more contoured, lifted and glow-worthy results.

The new technology allows Joanna to electrify her sheet masks, contour with an electric gua sha and hand sculpt the face with electric gloves, instantly draining puffiness, tightening the skin, and reshaping the face. Building upon the success of the original treatment, which garnered a dedicated following among celebrities and skincare enthusiasts, the NEW Triple Crown Royale Facial combines Joanna’s signature techniques with a custom, state-of-the-art patented machine, created in collaboration with 7E Wellness.

The revamped Triple Crown Royale Facial maintains the beloved Microdermabrasion, Microcurrent and Vitamin-Spiked Oxygen steps of its predecessor, while introducing new elements to enhance the overall experience and results. New benefits include improved lymphatic drainage for a defined jawline, pronounced cheekbones and refreshed eyes, and increased collagen production to diminish fine lines and wrinkles over time.

“My Triple Crown Classic Facial has always been the most popular and most recognized facial for almost 20 years. Updating the technology, fine tuning the steps and adding new features allows for a more precise and tailored approach to targeting lymphatic pathways, achieving better lymphatic stimulation, and maximizing incredible results, whether you are 25 or 85! The best part about this treatment is that it is still entirely non-invasive!” says Joanna. Includes:

Diamond Peel: For gentle exfoliation to remove impurities and dead skin.

Microcurrent: Provides a “facial workout” and stimulates muscles to promote collage and elastin, improve muscle tone, reduce puffiness, and eliminate signs of aging.

NEW Custom Waveforms: Enhances lymphatic drainage effects and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles with electrified sheet masks, electric gloves for custom hand sculpting of the face, and an electric gua sha for advanced contouring and tightening. Boosts radiance and supplies nutrients to the skin.

Vitamin-Spiked Oxygen: Boosts radiance and supplies nutrients to the skin.

The Joanna Vargas Salon Los Angeles 
Tuesday through Thursday 8AM – 8PM
Friday and Saturday 9AM – 6PM Joanna Vargas Salon Los Angeles
1107 N Kings Rd
West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-424-5141 JoannaVargas.com | @joannavargas | @joannavargasnyc

2023’s Most Trending Skin Treatment With Dr. Azza Halim

February 10, 2023

One of the most trending facial treatments in 2023 is Laser resurfacing and without a doubt one of the best ways to fix your skin concerns. The laser works by creating a beam of light through your skin to help reduce wrinkles, smooth and so much more! The light naturally pushes out the outer layer of the skin, replacing it with new skin. Laser resurfacing is found to be much more efficient than other skin rejuvenation procedures like chemical peels. It’s easier to target acne scars and spots on your skin by using the laser. The laser also is the best option for tightening your skin encouraging collagen reproduction.

I have been super excited about lasers for years and was thrilled to learn about the expertise of Dr. Azza Halim who focuses her medical practice on treatments for anti-aging and beauty solutions. Her overall goal is to create a plan for her patients that gives them the best overall skin rejuvenation results. She has done a great deal of laser resurfacing with outstanding results.

She is considered one of the top docs and educators in the country when it comes to cutting-edge lasers, with thriving practices in Newport, Boca and IL. I’ve heard incredible things about her expertise, craft and care.

There are a variety of other benefits when its comes to laser resurfacing like:

  • Reducing wrinkle and fine lines

  • Reducing size of pores

  • Smoother skin texture

  • Discoloration and redness reduction

If you are in any of these areas, be sure to book a consult with Dr. Halim to find out which laser is best for your needs.

Find Dr. Halim here:

20301 SW Birch St
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: 949-431-2086

4800 N. Federal Hwy
Suite C
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Tel: 561-203-5972

EveryMe Face & Body
6740 Dempster St.
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Tel: 847-410-7747