A few weeks ago I made my first visit to a plastic surgeon’s office. Don’t freak out on me the way my mom did when I delivered this news…no, I am not having any procedures done any time soon. I was invited by Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh and his wife Sara to come visit their office. Dr. Kulbersh recently moved to Charlotte and established his practice, Carolina Facial Plastics.
He’s a fellow University of Georgia grad who also lived in Charleston for a while so we had plenty to talk about. Jonathan and Sara are in the process of building their practice, networking and getting involved in the Charlotte community. Jonathan is really into marketing and social media so I told him my story on how I started blogging and how the whole social media piece fits into my personal and work life.
I have to admit that I was a little nervous to even walk into a plastic surgeons office, especially one that focuses on facial work, but everyone was welcoming and I was pleased to discover that there are so many non-surgical things you can do to improve the look of your face and skin and to help you age gracefully. The office was also extremely warm and welcoming.
After a quick and cozy wait I was taken back to meet with Dr. Kulbersh. He asked about my current skin care routine and I explained to him that I didn’t really have one. I was interested in starting a more aggressive routine focused on anti-aging (I mean, I am turning 30 in a few months…ahh!) but had no clue where to start.
Dr. Kulbersh was so kind to offer me a Vitamin C Enzyme Peel. I immediately had visions of leaving with a red, peeling face but Sara explained that this type of peel is actually really hydrating, calming and nourishing for the skin. After I talked with Dr. Kulbersh I was whisked away to spend time with their esthetician for a skin analysis and peel. You all know that my skin and skin care routine has been an ongoing issue with me for the past couple of years so I was really looking forward to the consultation and treatment.
The treatment room was very clean and bright. I was instructed to sit in a chair that reminded me of being at a dentists office as Gayle began to analyze my skin. I felt like I learned so much from talking with Gayle. She was extremely thorough and explained everything step-by-step. She told me that a good skin care routine should include everything on this wheel.
– Anti-oxidants for nutrition and balance
– Lightening agents for even skin tone
– SPF moisturizers for UVA/UVB protection
– Retinols for collagen rebuilding
– AHAs/BHAs for cell turnover
– Peptides that are the building blocks of skin
– Stem cells for cell life extension
The peel took about 20 minutes total and I was totally comfortable throughout. I never really experienced any burning or discomfort, maybe some mild tingling but nothing crazy. I really appreciated that all of the products that were used where natural and plant-based.
I was thrilled to get out of the chair and examine my skin in the mirror. It was glowing! I spent the rest of the day with no makeup on and felt 100% confident.
After my treatment I was really shocked and surprised when Jonathan and Sara sent me home with an entire at-home regimen featuring Image MD products. I now have a complete routine start to finish including moisturizers, cleansers, retinols, serums and an eye cream. I feel so grown up.
For the past few years I have primarily been using over-the-counter skincare products. I used to use professional-grade products back when I had health insurance that allowed me to routinely visit the dermatologist but unfortunately that is not the reality of my current situation. I am so happy to have an arsenal of products that will really work down into the depths of my skin.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love my Cetaphil products and will slather my Moisturizing Cream all over my body and use the gentle cleanser as a supplement to the Image cleanser when I need a quick face wash in-between my day and night routines. I’m most excited about adding the anti-aging but adding in the anti-aging piece into my skin care routine.
A huge thank you to Dr. Kulbersh, Sara and Gayle for an incredible experience. I felt so spoiled! I can’t wait to see the long-term effects of my new skin care routine and I will definitely be considering regular peels in the future.
What is your anti-aging routine? Has anyone else ever had a peel?
