The holiday season is often brimming with joy, celebration, and quality time with loved ones—and yet, it can also bring a whirlwind of stressors: packed schedules, travel commitments, financial pressures, and family dynamics. All of these factors can send our cortisol levels soaring, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from the true spirit of the season.

Understanding Cortisol and Stress
Cortisol, our body’s primary stress hormone, plays a crucial role in helping us respond to stressful situations. However, chronic stress and perpetual busy-ness can cause cortisol to stay elevated, which may impair immune function, disturb sleep, impact mood, and even affect skin health.

Why Acne-Prone Skin Needs Exfoliation More Than Other Skin Types

If you have acne-prone skin, you’ve probably been told to “avoid exfoliating” out of fear of irritation. But the truth is, acne-prone skin actually needs exfoliation more than other skin types—just in a gentler, more consistent way. Exfoliation helps clear the dead skin and excess oil that clogs pores, allowing your skin to breathe, heal, and absorb treatment products more effectively.

If you are someone who has received aesthetic treatments before, then you are probably aware of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers – aka household names like Juvederm, Restylane, RHA, and others. However, there is a popular treatment that has been around for awhile now that is gaining more popularity these days as people are becoming leery of HA fillers and are looking into more “natural” treatments.
As a disclaimer, I personally love biostimulators AND HA fillers for many reasons. I think they are both beautiful, impactful treatments that can make people appear more vibrant and youthful. I am not choosing one treatment over the other. The purpose of this article is to explain an alternative to fillers that may be a better fit for those who are either a) more cautious or apprehensive about fillers or b) curious about biostimulators and their role in regenerative aesthetic medicine.

Fillers and biostimulators are two of my favorite aesthetic treatments that give the most impactful results, particularly for people experiencing collagen loss.

One of the most common questions I get asked as a nurse injector is ‘what is the difference between fillers and biostimulators?’ 

Both are great injectable treatments for people who want to look more refreshed, youthful, and refined. These are aesthetic treatments that are specifically made for people experiencing volume loss secondary to decreased collagen. When done by a skilled injector, the finished look will be both natural and transformative.

Let’s go over the main differences between HA fillers and biostimulators.

Thanksgiving Skin Survival Guide by Dr. Lim:

1. Be Mindful of Food Sensitivities:
   Take note of common allergens or foods that may trigger skin reactions—dairy, nuts, gluten, etc.—and try to avoid those whenever possible. Listening to your body helps keep your skin clear and glowing.

2. Stay Hydrated (Inside & Out):
   Drink a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage. This keeps your liver happy, helps flush toxins, and prevents dehydration—one of the main causes of dull, tired skin.

What is PDRN? 

Commonly referred to as salmon sperm injections, the derived compound is actually PDRN. PDRN, or Polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a powerful DNA-based compound derived from salmon sperm that is known for its extensive anti-aging, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory effects. PDRN is emerging as a powerful ingredient in the world of regenerative medicine and aesthetic medicine. 

Origins of PDRN

Scientists discovered the therapeutic benefits of PDRN when they extracted PDRN from human placentas to create a healing ointment for radiation-induced dermal lesions. When concerns arose over the ethics and bioavailability of extracting from human sources, scientists began extracting from salmon instead.

How does PDRN help with anti-aging?
The mechanism of action of PDRN involves binding of adenosine to adenosine2A receptors which activates a cascade of events that ultimately improve the good qualities of skin.

Which Treatment is Right For Me?

The answer depends on your current skin condition, budget, desired goals, and timeline in which you would like to achieve your goals. 

10Therma is completely non-invasive and has no downtime. One treatment will last anywhere from 6 months to 2-3 years. However, full benefits are not realized until 6 months after treatment. One full priced 10Therma treatment costs $1999.

Potenza is invasive and requires more downtime to completely heal. Patients are recommended to complete an initial set of 3 treatments, then 1-2 sessions for maintenance a year. Results will be seen after 2 weeks and then continue to improve over the next 12 weeks. One full priced Potenza treatment for face and neck is $775.

In short, if your primary concerns are improving skin texture, such as rough or crepey skin, then Potenza is the best option.

If your primary concern is reducing large pores, Potenza + microtox is the best option.

If your primary concern is addressing uneven pigmentation, such as sun spots or hyperpigmented acne scars, then Potenza is the best option.

If your primary concern is skin laxity, such as loose or sagging skin, then 10Therma is the best option (plus Sculptra or HD Radiesse for the ultimate collagen stimulation combo). 
If your primary concern is fine lines and wrinkles, both Potenza and 10Therma are well-suited options.

Traditional microneedling and Potenza RF microneedling are two modalities of microneedling that yield many skin enhancing benefits. While both are go-to treatments for smoother, firmer, and more youthful looking skin, there are key differences between the two technologies that may make one option better for you.

Traditional Microneedling
This treatment involves using a pen device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny channels stimulate the body’s natural healing response, boosting new collagen and elastin production. Popular regular microneedling devices include Dr. Pen, SkinPen, RejuvaPen, Collagen PIN, Dermapen among many others.

As a naturopathic doctor specializing in mental health and aesthetics, I’ve had the privilege of helping patients navigate the space where inner wellness meets outer beauty. One of the most overlooked—but deeply impactful—connections I see every day is between the mind and the skin.

When it comes to beauty and skincare, many people focus on treating the surface—investing in serums, facials, and trendy products that promise instant results. While these treatments can certainly help improve the skin's appearance, they often provide only temporary relief from deeper concerns. As a naturopathic physician, I take a different approach—one that begins beneath the surface.

As we gear up for the heat of June in Phoenix, it's essential to adjust your health and beauty routines to reflect the season. The intense heat can impact our skin, energy levels, and overall well-being, making it crucial to prioritize self-care. Here are my top five health and beauty recommendations to help you thrive in Phoenix this June!

Did you know that May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month? Whether mental health has been a personal concern of yours or not, building awareness around ways to support our health from the inside out is essential!