Aging Is Rude
Let me say it plainly. Aging sucks. It sneaks up on you while you are busy living your life, raising kids, working, loving people, losing people, laughing, surviving. Then one morning you catch your reflection in unforgiving bathroom lighting and think, wait, when did that happen. The lines. The sag. The tired look that sleep no longer fixes. Aging skin does not ask permission. We are told to age gracefully, which is an irritating phrase if there ever was one. Graceful according to whom. According to lighting designers. According to Instagram filters. According to people who got lucky genetically and act morally superior about it. Wrinkles, fine lines, volume loss, texture changes, sun damage. These are not character flaws. They are biology. Gravity plus time. And still, it can feel deeply personal. The Guilt Spiral Here is where it gets complicated. You feel bad about how you look. Then you feel bad about feeling bad. You tell yourself there are bigger problems in the world. You are healthy. You are loved. Why are you obsessing over your face. But aging is not just vanity. It is identity. Your face is how the world reads you and how you read yourself. When it changes faster than your internal sense of self, there is grief. Real grief. For the version of you that felt familiar. So yes, aging is hard. And yes, it is possible to care about that and still be a decent human being. The Hard Truth About Erasing Times Let us be honest for a second. Short of a facelift, nothing truly erases aging. That is not pessimism. That is reality. No cream, no laser, no injectable turns back the clock completely. What they can do is help. They soften. They support. They restore a bit of what time has taken. Think improvement, not erasure. Maintenance, not miracles. Once you accept that, everything becomes healthier. Botox and the Wrinkle Conversation Botox gets a bad reputation because people notice it when it is overdone. When done well, it is subtle. Botox relaxes muscles that cause expression lines. Forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet. It does not freeze your soul. It just quiets the overactive parts. It works best as prevention and softening. Deep etched lines will not vanish, but they can look calmer. Less angry. Less exhausted. And sometimes that is enough to feel like yourself again. Filler and Volume Loss Aging is not only about wrinkles. It is also about deflation. Cheeks flatten. Temples hollow. Under eyes sink. Filler replaces lost volume and restores structure. Good filler is invisible. It does not shout. It whispers. The goal is not to look different. The goal is to look rested, supported, like you had a good year instead of a hard one. Used carefully, filler can lift without surgery. Used carelessly, it can do the opposite. This is where expertise matters more than trends. Microneedling With RF and Texture Texture is the sneaky part of aging skin. Pores look bigger. Skin looks thinner. Makeup stops sitting nicely. Microneedling with RF targets collagen deep in the skin. It tightens, firms, and improves texture over time. This is not instant gratification. This is slow, cumulative change. Better skin quality. More bounce. Less crepey areas. It is one of the few treatments that actually works with your biology instead of just covering things up. IPL and Sun Damage Sun damage loves to announce itself later in life. Spots. Redness. Uneven tone. IPL helps clear pigmentation and redness, making skin look brighter and more even. It does not change structure, but it changes how healthy your skin looks. And healthy looking skin reads younger even when wrinkles remain. So What Can Be Done You can do nothing. That is valid. You can do a little. That is valid. You can do a lot. Also valid. The key is honesty. With yourself. With your provider. With your expectations. Aging is not a failure. Wanting to look better is not shallow. It is human. The real goal is not to look younger. It is to look like yourself again. Softer. Less tired. More comfortable in your own skin. Aging may be inevitable. Misery about it does not have to be.
Filtered Skin in Real Life
I have always been a little skeptical of machines that promise glow. I love skincare, I respect science, but I have been around long enough to know that some things sound better on a brochure than they look in the mirror. Microdermabrasion was one of those treatments I thought I understood. Gentle exfoliation. A little polish. Nice but subtle. Then I used the machine right before an event, and I had to completely rethink my attitude. Let me back up. A microdermabrasion machine is essentially a very controlled, very precise exfoliator. It works by removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells using either a diamond tipped wand or fine crystals combined with suction. That suction is doing more than just clearing away flakes. It stimulates circulation, encourages cell turnover, and leaves the skin smoother and more even. In theory, that sounds good. In practice, I did not expect what happened next. I had an event. The kind where lighting is unforgiving, photos are unavoidable, and you cannot hide behind winter scarves or strategic shadows. I wanted to look like myself, just better rested, calmer, and maybe a little airbrushed. I booked the treatment the day before thinking it would give me a mild boost. Instead, it gave me skin that looked like it had been quietly edited by a very tasteful professional. The first thing I noticed was texture. Or rather, the absence of it. My skin felt smooth in that way you normally only get after a great facial plus a good night’s sleep plus excellent genetics. Fine lines looked softer. Pores looked smaller. Not gone, because we are not delusional, but blurred. That is the word that kept coming to mind. Blurred. By the time I applied makeup, I understood what people mean when they say makeup sits better on prepped skin. Foundation went on evenly with less product. Concealer actually concealed instead of settling into little complaints under my eyes. I kept leaning toward the mirror expecting to see something I needed to fix. There was nothing obvious to fix. I looked filtered, but not shiny, not tight, not irritated. Just quietly excellent. What I loved most is that microdermabrasion did not announce itself. There was no redness screaming I had a treatment. No peeling phase. No downtime drama. It was like my skin had decided to cooperate for once. Friends commented that I looked great, refreshed, glowing. No one asked what I had done, which is always the goal. If people ask what you did, something went wrong. The machine itself deserves credit. Modern microdermabrasion devices are far more refined than the early versions people still picture. The intensity is adjustable, which means it can be tailored to your skin rather than bulldozing it. The suction helps clear congestion while boosting blood flow, so the glow is not just surface level. It is that healthy flush that looks like you drink water and mind your business. Another underrated benefit is how microdermabrasion helps your skincare work harder afterward. By removing that barrier of dead skin, serums and moisturizers absorb better. That night, my skin drank everything in. The next morning, I still looked good. Not post event good, which usually involves damage control, but genuinely good. Is microdermabrasion going to change your life? No. Is it going to replace injectables, lasers, or a good therapist? Also no. But as a treatment that delivers immediate, visible results with minimal fuss, it is shockingly effective. It is the kind of thing you do before an event, a shoot, a big meeting, or anytime you want to look like the best version of yourself without looking like you tried too hard. I went into that appointment expecting a nice exfoliation. I walked into my event feeling like I had hacked reality just a little. Clearer skin. Smoother texture. A soft focus effect that no app could replicate. If you have ever wanted your skin to behave like it has a built in filter, this is how you do it.
Under Eye Truths
A friend called me over the weekend in full panic mode about her under eyes. People kept telling her she looked tired. She swore it was puffiness. I honestly did not remember her ever having puffy eyes, so I told her to FaceTime me. The verdict surprised both of us. It was not puffiness at all. It was hollowness. Indented. Slightly shadowed. The kind of thing that tricks the eye into thinking you are exhausted even when you are not. And here is the good news. Hollowness is often fixable without surgery. That is why this matters. Puffiness and hollowness are not the same problem, and treating the wrong one can make things worse. Let’s break it down like friends do, not like a medical textbook. Puffiness vs Hollowness Why It Matters Puffiness is fullness. Think fluid retention, fat pads that have shifted, allergies, salt, genetics, mornings after a bad sleep. Puffiness pushes outward. Hollowness does the opposite. It caves inward. The tear trough deepens, light hits oddly, shadows form, and suddenly people ask if you are okay. This distinction matters because filler helps hollowness, not puffiness. If you inject filler into true puffiness, you can end up looking heavier or swollen. Nobody wants that. Why Hollowness Can Make You Look Tired When the under eye loses volume, the skin thins and the area darkens. Even with perfect sleep, your face reads as fatigued. Makeup sits strangely. Concealer creases. Photos feel unforgiving. My friend thought she needed ice packs and eye creams. What she actually needed was an expert eye to tell her what was really going on. Filler Can Help But Only If You Are the Right Candidate I asked Dr. Frohar, who is known for being exceptionally precise with under eye treatments. Her answer was refreshingly honest. Not everyone is a candidate. You have to be assessed properly. Skin thickness, anatomy, degree of hollowing, and how your face moves all matter. Sometimes filler is perfect. Sometimes it is not the right solution. Sometimes a conservative approach is everything. That is why I told my friend to book a proper consultation instead of guessing in the mirror. When filler is done well in the under eye, the change is subtle but powerful. You still look like you. Just rested. Softer. Brighter. This is where before and after photos really matter. Not dramatic transformations. Just believable results that show what correction looks like, not exaggeration. What If You Are Not Ready for Filler Here is where makeup becomes your best friend. Hollowness can be visually tricked with the right concealer technique. This is where most people go wrong. They put concealer directly into the hollow. That actually highlights the indentation. The Better Trick You apply concealer slightly below and slightly above the hollow. Not inside it. By brightening the surrounding area, you reduce the contrast that creates the shadow. The hollow becomes less obvious without being filled. Think illusion, not coverage. Use a lightweight, hydrating concealer. Avoid thick formulas that settle into fine lines. Set minimally. Too much powder makes hollows look deeper. This technique does not replace filler, but it can make a noticeable difference, especially if your hollowness is mild. Make sure you do not go downwards with the concealer, go outwards, which essentially is straight across. When to Book a Consultation If people keep telling you that you look tired and you are not.If concealer never quite works.If eye creams feel like they are doing nothing. That is when an assessment matters. At KANDL, we see this all the time. People come in convinced they have under eye bags. They leave realizing it was hollowness all along. And once you know what you are dealing with, the solution becomes much clearer. The Takeaway Under eyes are tricky. Puffiness and hollowness look similar to the untrained eye, but they are opposites. Treating the wrong one leads to disappointment. The right diagnosis changes everything. Sometimes the answer is filler. Sometimes it is makeup technique. Sometimes it is simply reassurance. Either way, you do not have to guess. And you definitely do not have to live with looking tired when you are anything but. If this sounds familiar, book a consultation. Let us look at your under eyes properly. Your face deserves that level of attention.
Winter Skin Talk From My Office
Hi, I’m Dr. Mathieu Powell, and if your skin has been acting strangely lately, welcome to winter. This is the season where lips crack, cheeks sting, hands age ten years overnight, and everyone swears their usual routine has suddenly betrayed them. It has not. Winter just plays by different rules. Let’s walk through what is happening to your skin right now, what you can do about it, and why this is quietly the best season of the year for laser and IPL treatments. Why Winter Is Hard on SkinCold air holds very little moisture. Indoor heating finishes the job. Together, they strip water from your skin and weaken the barrier that normally keeps things calm. What I see most in winter: · Dry, tight skin that feels uncomfortable after cleansing · Flaking around the nose, eyebrows, and mouth · Redness and irritation, especially for rosacea prone skin · Eczema flare ups on hands and legs · Lips that never seem to recover If your skin suddenly feels sensitive to products you have used for years, that is normal this time of year. Simple Winter Skin Care That Actually Works This is not the season for complicated routines. Winter skin responds best to consistency and restraint. Cleanse GentlyIf your face feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too harsh. Look for non foaming or cream cleansers. Once a day cleansing at night is often enough. Choose warm showers rather than hot ones. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and can worsen dryness and irritation. Cleanse only what needs cleansing. Daily washing should focus on the face, armpits, and genital area. Overwashing the rest of the body can contribute to dry, itchy skin. Moisturize Like You Mean ItWinter moisturizers should contain ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. Apply while skin is still slightly damp. That timing matters. Protect the BarrierThis is not the moment to over exfoliate. Limit acids and retinoids if your skin is irritated. If you use them, buffer with moisturizer. Do Not Skip SunscreenSnow reflects light. Winter sun still damages skin. Broad spectrum SPF every morning, even when it is cloudy. Hands and Lips Need Their Own PlanHand cream by every sink. Lip balm before bed, every night, no exceptions. Add Moisture to the AirConsider using a humidifier in the bedroom. Adding moisture to the air overnight helps support skin hydration during the winter months. Winter Skin Problems I Treat Most Often Patients often come in worried something is wrong. Usually, it is just winter doing its thing. Common visits include: · Eczema flare ups · Rosacea worsening with cold exposure · Perioral dermatitis triggered by dryness · Cracks on fingertips that will not heal · Dull skin tone and uneven texture The good news is that most of these improve quickly once we adjust skincare and calm the barrier. On Another Note: Why Winter Is the Best Time for Laser and IPL This is the part patients are always surprised by. Winter is ideal for laser and IPL treatments because there is less sun exposure. Less sun means lower risk of pigmentation issues and better healing. Laser and IPL can help with: · Sun damage and brown spots · Redness and broken capillaries · Uneven skin tone · Texture and early signs of aging · Hair reduction You heal indoors, bundled up, and by the time summer arrives, your skin is clearer and more even. Think of it as quiet preparation. If you have been considering treatment but keep postponing, winter is your window. A Final Word From Me If your skin feels different in winter, it is not failing you. It is asking for a little extra support. Simplify, moisturize generously, protect the barrier, and take advantage of this season for treatments that need low sun exposure. And if you are unsure what your skin actually needs, that is what we are here for. Sometimes the most helpful thing is a calm, professional eye and a plan that makes sense for your life. Your skin will thank you by spring.
2026 Diet Goals and Why Everyone Is Talking About Weight Again
Every January it’s the same soundtrack. Weight. Diet. Calories. Protein. Shots. Someone’s cousin lost twenty pounds. Someone else swears they’re never eating bread again. By the time January rolls around, losing weight starts to feel like a group project we never agreed to join. This year feels louder than most. If I had to summarize what I’m hearing every day in my office, it’s this. Everyone wants to lose weight. Everyone is talking about it. And everyone wants to know what actually works in 2026. Why Weight Loss Peaks Every New Year There is something about the calendar flipping that makes people ambitious and slightly unhinged. We’ve just come through the holidays, the cheese, the wine, the cookies that appeared every time we turned around. Suddenly we are standing in front of the mirror negotiating with ourselves. This is when diet culture sneaks back in, but with a modern glow up. Less cabbage soup. More science. More medications. More buzzwords. And yes, GLP-1 medications are now part of the conversation whether people admit it or not. GLP-1 Medications Are Everywhere Let’s be honest. This is what people want to talk about. GLP-1 medications have become the dinner party whisper and the group chat headline. Patients are curious. They want to know how they work. They want to know if they are safe. They want to know why weight loss suddenly feels less like punishment and more like biology. The short version is this. These medications help regulate appetite, slow digestion, and reduce cravings. For some people, they quiet the constant food noise they have battled for years. For others, they are simply one more tool. They are not magic. They are not for everyone. And they are absolutely not a shortcut without responsibility. But pretending they are not part of the 2026 weight loss conversation would be unrealistic. Dieting Looks Different Now What I find interesting is how dieting itself has changed. Fewer people are chasing extremes. More people are asking better questions. How do I feel?Can I sustain this?Will this make me miserable? Protein still matters. Movement still matters. Sleep matters far more than most people want to admit. But the shame around food feels quieter. There is more curiosity and less moral judgment. That alone feels like progress. The Pressure Is Real and So Is the Noise Here is the part patients often struggle to say out loud. Weight loss talk is exhausting. Especially when it feels unavoidable. Social media turns January into a before and after factory. Everyone has a plan. Everyone has an opinion. And somehow you are expected to listen politely while deciding if any of it applies to your actual life. It is okay to want to lose weight. It is also okay to want peace with food. Those two things are not opposites, even if they are often framed that way. Setting Realistic Diet Goals for 2026 The most reasonable goal this year is not perfection. It is sustainability. Something you can live with.Something that does not turn food into an enemy.Something that fits your real life, not a fantasy version of it. Whether that includes lifestyle changes, medical support, GLP-1 medications, or none of the above, the best plan is the one built for you. Talk to Your Doctor If weight loss is on your mind this year, you are not alone. It always peaks in January. What matters most is how you approach it. Before chasing trends or advice from the internet, have a real conversation with your doctor. Talk about your goals, your health history, and what actually makes sense for you. 2026 does not need another crash diet. It needs calmer, smarter conversations about health. And honestly, a little less noise would not hurt either.
Exosomes Explained
What Exosomes Actually ArePeople keep asking me about exosomes, mostly because they are suddenly everywhere. The short version is that exosomes are tiny messengers that cells send out. They carry little packets of instructions that help other cells behave better. When used on the skin, they encourage collagen, calm irritation and help repair. I always picture them as tiny assistants telling your skin to get its act together. Do Exosomes Really WorkYes, they can work when the product is legitimate and the treatment is done properly. They are not miracles. They will not replace surgery. But for healing, glow, texture and overall skin quality, they can make a real difference. I notice it most in faster recovery and that quiet little radiance patients love. What You Can Do With ExosomesPeople are surprised by how many treatments pair well with exosomes. They shine after microneedling, RF microneedling, lasers and even some peels. You get less redness, less downtime and better collagen stimulation. Some places use them as a simple topical serum without any procedure. That is fine, but it will not give you the same penetration or results as pairing them with controlled microchannels or laser energy. Exosomes Versus PRPThis one comes up every day. PRP is your own platelet rich plasma. It has growth factors that help healing and collagen. It is natural and safe because it is from your own blood. Exosomes are different. They are more concentrated, more targeted and not from your blood. If PRP is a gentle push, exosomes are more like a well planned nudge from a friend who knows exactly what you need. Both have their place, but exosomes often give a more noticeable boost. Also PRP is as good as the age of the patient, but exosomes are immune to that , so they work consisently. Medical Grade Exosomes Versus Spa GradeHere is the part that nobody wants to say out loud. Yes, there is a huge difference. Medical grade exosomes come from controlled labs with sterility testing, traceability and real consistency. They have data behind them. Spa grade versions are often diluted, repackaged or vaguely sourced. The problem is that exosomes are not fully regulated yet, so the market is full of products that all claim to be the same. They are not. As a medical clinic, we use only medical grade formulations because the safety standards matter. A spa facial might feel relaxing, but it is not the same thing and will not deliver the same results. Final ThoughtsExosomes can absolutely work when the product is high quality and the treatment is done in a clinical setting. They help healing, improve glow and support collagen in a way people notice. The key is choosing a clinic that understands the science and uses the real thing.
Why Winter is the Ideal Season for IPL
Every year around November, patients ask me why their brown spots suddenly look darker, or why their skin seems dull. Winter light is softer, which gives everyone a false sense of security. The truth is your summer sun damage only shows itself when the tan fades. That is exactly why winter is the perfect time for IPL. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Think of it as a bright, gentle flash that targets pigment and redness. It helps fade sun spots, broken capillaries, rosacea and uneven tone. Winter gives you the lowest UV exposure, which keeps your results safe and steady. What IPL Actually Does I like explaining IPL in simple terms. The light seeks out brown and red pigment. Once it finds it, the energy breaks it down into tiny particles. Your body then clears those particles naturally over the next several days. You do not peel. You do not hide from the world. Most people go right back to work after their session. After a few treatments, your skin looks clearer, brighter and more even. Makeup sits better. Skin feels fresher. It is incredibly satisfying to see the before and after results. Why Winter Makes IPL Even Better IPL needs cooperation from the weather. You cannot have a fresh tan. You cannot sit in the sun right after. Winter solves that problem beautifully. Days are shorter. UV levels drop. Everyone is bundled up and spending more time indoors. Your skin stays stable, which means the treatment can focus on what we want it to target. The results are more predictable. The recovery is smoother. You protect your investment with far less effort than in July. What to Expect at Your Appointment When you come in, we cleanse your skin and place protective eyewear. The light feels like a quick snap, but most people handle it very well. Some areas are more sensitive than others, but the treatment is fast. Right after, the skin can look a little pink and warm. Pigmented spots often darken over the first day, then flake off gently without any peeling. I always ask my patients to moisturize generously and use sunscreen every morning. Even in February. Even on cloudy days. It keeps your skin bright and prevents new pigmentation from forming. Is IPL Right for Everyone I always like to be honest about who is a good candidate. IPL works beautifully for many people, but not absolutely everyone. It is most effective on lighter skin tones because the device needs to distinguish between the pigment we want to treat and the natural pigment in the skin. If the contrast is not clear enough, the treatment may not be safe. Certain conditions also require caution. If you use photosensitive medications, have very active acne, or if your skin is irritated, we might delay or choose a different option. Pregnant patients usually wait until after delivery. And if someone struggles with deep melasma, we discuss a different strategy since IPL can sometimes overstimulate pigment. The best way to know is simply to come in for a consultation. I look at the skin under bright light, ask a few questions about your routine and health, then decide with you. There is always a safe and effective plan for every skin type. IPL just happens to be one of our favourite tools in winter. The Secret Winter Routine If you really want the best winter glow, pair IPL with a simple routine.A gentle cleanser.A nourishing cream that keeps the skin barrier happy.Sunscreen every morning.Hydration through the day. Winter can be harsh, but it is also the season when your skin can make the biggest comeback. Final Thoughts IPL is one of my favorite treatments because it quietly transforms the skin without downtime. Winter gives you the perfect conditions to get the most out of it. If you are noticing dullness, sun spots, redness or uneven tone, it might be a good time to try it. Come see me if you want to talk through your options. I will walk you through everything so your skin feels calm, bright and ready for the spring.
Why Winter Skin Feels So Miserable
Whenever someone walks into my office in January and blurts out that their skin feels like an old leather wallet, I tell them I completely understand what they mean. Winter air steals moisture from your skin faster than you realize. Cold wind outside. Hot air blasting inside. Low humidity everywhere. Your skin gets tight, flaky, itchy and sometimes even a little angry with you. Think of winter as a season that needs its own skincare routine. Your summer habits simply cannot carry you through February. This is the time to switch gears to richer textures, calmer routines and smarter protection. Time to Bring Out the Heavier MoisturizerYour skin barrier works harder in cold weather. It loses water more quickly and needs a thicker product to trap hydration and keep everything comfortable. A lightweight lotion that felt wonderful in July simply evaporates too fast in December. Look for creams with ceramides. Hyaluronic acid. Glycerin. Shea butter. Anything that can sit on the skin and give it a protective drink. I tell my patients to think about texture. If the cream feels luxurious and stays put, your skin will thank you. Apply it twice a day. After your shower, pat dry and put it on right away. At night, do the same. Winter skin thrives on routine. Yes, You Still Need SunscreenThis surprises people every single year. The sun is lower. The cold tricks you. You assume you are safe. Unfortunately, the UV rays are still there and snow acts like a giant mirror reflecting the light straight into your face. For skiers, this becomes even more important. High altitude increases UV exposure. Fresh powder reflects it back at you. You can come back from the mountain with a burn even if it is minus fifteen and windy. Use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. If you ski, reapply during breaks. Your future self will be grateful. A Word for All the Skiers Out ThereIf you love the slopes, winter is thrilling and terrible for your skin at the same time. Cold wind strips moisture. Goggles rub. Sun reflects everywhere. Add the dry chalet air and you have the perfect storm. Before heading out, put on a thick layer of moisturizer. Think of it as another piece of protective gear. Then apply your sunscreen. A stick format is easy to reapply on the mountain. When you come home, give your face a break. Use a creamy cleanser and a soothing balm. Drink water even if you are not thirsty. Your skin will bounce back faster. Why You Should Shorten Your ShowersLong hot showers are winter’s silent enemy. I know they feel wonderful. I know everyone secretly wants to stand there until the bathroom looks like a sauna. Hot water strips the natural oils that keep your barrier strong. Once those oils are gone, dryness and itching begin. Keep the water warm rather than hot. Limit the shower to ten minutes. Use gentle cleansers rather than foaming ones. Then moisturize immediately while your skin is still slightly damp. This small change alone can improve winter itch dramatically. Final Thoughts from the ClinicWinter does not have to feel like a battle. It just requires a shift in habits. A heavier moisturizer. Daily sunscreen. A little care before and after skiing. Shorter, gentler showers. These are simple adjustments that give your skin a fighting chance all season long. If your skin is still uncomfortable despite all this, come see me. Sometimes winter dryness is not just dryness. Eczema can flare. Rosacea can worsen. A proper plan can make winter far more tolerable. Until then, stay warm, stay hydrated and treat your skin kindly.
Holiday Face Planning
The holidays sneak up like a relative you swear you blocked last year. One minute you are crunching leaves under cute boots, the next you are in a change room under fluorescent lighting asking yourself why your face suddenly resembles an under-hydrated peach. I always think I have time. I always think, oh, I will schedule that laser next week. Then next week becomes the week I am stress-eating Ferrero Rochers and wondering why my skin looks like it survived a dust storm. So, here is the honest seasonal planning guide. No lectures, no moral superiority. Just realistic steps so you do not panic-book a peeling laser treatment three days before the office party and show up looking like a lizard who wants to network. First, timing. Aesthetic treatments have their own pacing. You cannot rush collagen, the same way you cannot rush a teenager to move out. Botox takes around 7 to 14 days to settle. Fillers need a week to stop giving that subtle puffy look. Laser treatments can take a couple of weeks for redness to fade and results to appear. So if you are thinking about sprucing up before holiday gatherings, give yourself a comfortable runway. Rule of thumb: Now, skincare. Skincare is the part people either take too seriously or not seriously at all. For the holiday stretch, the basics are non-negotiable: vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night, moisturizer that does not smell like candy but actually hydrates, and sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen. Even if it is cold. Even if the sun looks like it took the season off. The sun is still up there, plotting. All your expensive treatments will work better and last longer if you do not fry your collagen under sneaky winter rays bouncing off snowbanks. It is like protecting your investments. Except instead of stocks and bonds, it is your face. If you are dealing with dryness because the heat indoors has the humidity level of a dehydrated museum, add hyaluronic acid and drink water. I know, drinking water feels like cliché advice printed on wellness mugs. But dehydration shows up on your skin faster than regret after a second martini. Let us also talk about holiday stress because it is its own cosmetic villain. Stress tightens your jaw, clenches your teeth, raises your shoulders to earlobe height, and pulls your entire face toward the center. I can feel my face contracting just thinking about the dysfunctional dinners. If you get jaw tension or grinding, Botox can help the masseter muscles relax. It does not change your personality, just your jawline and your ability to not snap a fork while chewing turkey. And sleep. I once thought I could cheat sleep by buying expensive eye cream. I now know that eye cream is like hiring a therapist after a breakup. Helpful, but it cannot undo the damage if you are still texting your ex at 2 am. Sleep is the cheapest beauty treatment. It is also the most annoying because you cannot buy it in a chic bottle. But it works. The holidays are also a time when we eat things we normally pretend we do not eat. Salt, sugar, alcohol. I am not telling you to abstain. I am not here to ruin the only time of year when cheese is considered a meal. Just hydrate and maybe walk around a little so your body does not feel like it was embalmed in brine. One more thing. Do your maintenance for yourself, not for the in-laws, coworkers, cousins you see once every five years, or that one person who always says you look tired. There is a special place in hell for people who tell others they look tired. You do this because you like how you feel when your skin looks luminous and your forehead has stopped folding like origami. So, think ahead. Give your treatments time. Love sunscreen like it is a religion. Sleep like it is your job. Drink water, even when you wish it were Prosecco. And enjoy the holidays with your nicest face forward, not your panicked one. Your future December self will thank you.
The Ponytail Lift Everyone’s Talking About
At KANDL, we’re always looking for smart, subtle ways to lift, define, and rejuvenate without surgery, and the latest buzz is all about the Ponytail Lift. This innovative treatment uses filler placed along the sides of the hairline (yes, right into the temple and hairline area) to gently lift and contour the face. Instead of adding volume to your cheeks or jawline, the filler works like an invisible string that tugs the face slightly upward, mimicking that sleek, youthful look you get when your hair is pulled back tight in a high ponytail. No strings attached, don’t mind the pun. The result? A more angular, defined, and refreshed face without ever touching your actual facial features. It’s one of those procedures you have to see to believe. The treatment takes only about 20 minutes, results are immediate, and there’s no downtime at all. You can walk out ready to meet friends or head straight to work. Patients have been genuinely amazed at how natural and transformative it feels, like seeing their younger self, but better. While the Ponytail Lift won’t replace surgical options for everyone, it’s a clever and cost-effective way to get that lifted, sculpted look without the recovery, risk, or expense of surgery. Most people are great candidates, though a quick consultation will confirm what’s best for your anatomy and goals. Curious to see if the Ponytail Lift at KANDL could be right for you? Book an appointment and let our specialists show you how a small tweak can make a big difference. KANDL- Beauty backed by Science
