The Best In Skincare

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

ACHIEVE A HEALTHY GLOW
With endless skincare trends and viral products flooding the market, knowing what truly works can feel overwhelming. In this article, trusted local experts, from medical spas to dermatology and plastic surgery practices, cut through the noise to share science-backed advice, effective treatments, and realistic approaches to achieving healthy, glowing skin at every stage of life.

The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group
Megan Gimber, FNP Nurse Practitioner Injector    
Rebecca Justice, Nurse Injector

When considering affordable skincare options, the professionals at The Medical Spa (TMS) by St. Francis Medical Group recommend ZO products. Nurse Practitioner Injector Megan Gimber and Nurse Injector Rebecca Justice solely prescribe ZO products because of the transformative results for their patients. Sticking with one brand provides consistency for The Medical Spa staff and clients, leading to better results with all services offered at the spa. 

Most first-time clients come into the spa without a skin regimen, instead utilizing over-the-counter (OTC) products they find on sale. Whether clients are struggling with signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles) or even acne hormone imbalance, ZO regimens exist to address those issues. For those clients 40+, Gimber and Justice will prescribe retinols to remove dead layers of skin, promote renewal and repair, and address skin coloring and pigmentation. Clients insist the regimens are a gamechanger if done correctly and consistently. Users mention the “pretty glow” that follows treatment, saying “My skin feels like velvet, really soft and smooth.” Friends will ask, “What are you doing with your skin?” The common response is, “the ZO glow.” 

In consultations, Gimber and Justice emphasize the importance of washing the face morning and night. Skincare requires commitment. On initial visits, clients can expect a skin assessment and inquiry on your lifestyle and time commitment. For some clients, a simple 3-step ZO routine is practical; others will indulge the 10-step routine. After 6 weeks, clients do a side-by-side comparison with before and after pictures, always noting a significant difference. While TMS staff respect client budgets, skincare is an investment in aging gracefully. “Prevention is a lot easier than correction,” warns Megan Gimber. “Correction takes much longer and is more expensive. Prevention is worth the investment.

Microneedling is a popular procedure at TMS, with staff  suggesting a series of 3 sessions 4-6 weeks apart. The basic Rejuvapen procedure utilizes a ZO accelerated serum as a base. The microneedles in the tip of the pen get below the surface of the skin into the tissue, making microchannels in the face. While clients can expect some redness and pinpoint bleeding, microneedling only requires about 24 hours of downtime. Clients see renewed cell turnover as the microchannels allow the skin to heal from within. PRP microneedling takes it a step above, utilizing client plasma in lieu of serums. Clients’ own platelet-rich plasma has growth factors in it which intensifies the results and speeds up recovery time. 

The ZO 3-Step Peel is a good choice for the winter months. The moderate-depth chemical peel blends acids and retinol to exfoliate damaged skin, promote collagen, and improve tone, texture, fine lines, sun damage, melasma, and acne. Clients must be on retinol for 6 weeks prior to the procedure. The peel comes in a solution that is applied to the skin, followed by 1% retinol, and left on the face  for 12+ hours. While the procedure is not painful, the client can expect 5-7 days of peeling – longer downtime, but exceptional results. Another option for clients is Sculptra, a biostimulator that works by stimulating your body to produce its own collagen, essentially aging backwards. Collagen is an essential part of facial structure, along with elastin and bone, the support mechanism for the face. Collagen-building Sculptra results last 2 years or more, as opposed to the shorter-lived effects of traditional fillers.  Sculptra is a good option for those with bone loss or significant weight loss.

312 Grammont St., Suite 406
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (318) 966-3772
Facebook: The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group
Instagram: @stfranmedspa
Email: contactus@stfran.com

Hopkins Dermatology
What should people know about the skincare industry?

Many skincare companies have learned which ingredients sound impressive on labels, but unlike prescription drugs, cosmetic products are not required to prove clinical effectiveness before being sold. The FDA regulates cosmetics for safety and labeling, but it does not require companies to demonstrate that active ingredients penetrate the skin or work at a cellular level.

Social media platforms like TikTok have become a major source of skincare information, and that can be problematic when influencers are paid to promote products without scientific backing. This creates a lot of noise and confusion for consumers.

While South Korea is often portrayed as a leader in skincare, the United States has equally strong dermatologic science and research. The concern arises when consumers purchase products online or from overseas sources that may not undergo the same regulatory oversight.

In my practice, we frequently see children and teens with contact dermatitis from highly active or fragranced products promoted on social media. For that reason, I encourage patients to choose dermatologist-recommended products that have undergone safety testing. Brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, and La Roche-Posay are widely trusted because they incorporate ingredients used in medical-grade skincare.

Does skincare have to be expensive to be effective?

Skincare does not have to be expensive to work, but formulation quality matters. You can spend very little on a product that does nothing, or modestly more on one with active ingredients that are stable and properly delivered into the skin. I respect people’s budgets, and effective skincare exists across a range of price points.

Vitamin C is a great example. It’s a powerful antioxidant, but it’s notoriously difficult to formulate. It oxidizes quickly when exposed to air and light, so an effective vitamin C requires a stabilizing formulation and a delivery system that allows it to penetrate the skin. If it simply sits on the surface, it won’t provide meaningful benefit.

Many physician-dispensed skincare brands invest in formulation science, stability testing, and clinical studies that are not required for over-the-counter cosmetics. Some mass-market vitamin C products may degrade quickly or lack effective delivery systems, even if vitamin C appears on the label.

I personally trust many medical-grade skincare companies, including Revision Skincare. I’m also a fan of antioxidants like polyphenols and resveratrol, which help protect skin cells from oxidative stress through complementary mechanisms. Oxidative stress is a major contributor to skin aging and is influenced by environmental factors like pollution as well as diet.

For patients shopping at retailers like Target, Ulta, or Sephora, Caudalie is a brand I often mention. They were early adopters of grape-derived polyphenols and resveratrol in topical skincare, making antioxidant-rich products more accessible without needing to visit a dermatologist’s office.

What are some more affordable in-office treatments?

This time of year is ideal for procedures that involve downtime, since reduced sun exposure lowers the risk of complications. In my practice, we offer fractionated laser treatments, including erbium lasers, which use controlled, pixelated energy to resurface the skin. This creates microscopic zones of injury that stimulate collagen production, improve texture, repair sun damage, and promote healthier skin renewal.

We also combine certain procedures with regenerative skincare adjuncts, such as topical exosome-based products. Exosomes are a growing area of interest in aesthetic and regenerative dermatology. While they are not FDA-approved drugs for cosmetic indications, some high-quality, lab-produced products are being used as topical cosmetic adjuncts following procedures like microneedling or laser resurfacing to support skin recovery.

In my practice, we carefully select products we feel meet high quality and safety standards, and we apply them using controlled techniques, including a medical applicator device designed to ensure even, hygienic application. These treatments are also being explored as adjunctive options for patients experiencing hair thinning, though research in this area is still evolving.

Hormones also play a significant role in skin and hair health. Estrogen decline after menopause is associated with accelerated skin aging, including up to a 30% loss of collagen in the first five years. When appropriately prescribed and carefully monitored, hormone therapy can be part of a comprehensive approach to skin, hair, and overall health. Treatment decisions are always individualized, taking into account a patient’s age, medical history, and risk factors.

2509 Broadmoor Blvd, Suite A
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (318) 325-0600
Facebook: Hopkins Dermatology
Instagram: hopkinsdermatology_
www.hopkinsdermatology.com

Mickel Plastic Surgery
For almost 30 years, medical aesthetician Natalie Todd has built long-term relationships with clients at Mickel Plastic Surgery with a holistic approach centered on honesty and trust. The sheer volume of skincare information online can be overwhelming. Natalie helps her clients cut through the noise by taking the time to educate them on proper skincare options and realistic outcomes with a traditional in-person consultation.  Online skin surveys and do-it-yourself experimentation are no match for her hands-on approach. In order to find the correct products and treatment for your skin, you need a local, licensed professional. 

Our skin not only changes with the seasons of life, but also with the seasons of the year. What worked in our 20’s may not work in our 30’s, or if we are pregnant, or if we are post-menopausal or if we spend all day in the sun. Moreover, living in Louisiana, we all know it can be cold and dry today and 90 degrees and humid tomorrow. Natalie helps clients navigate these environmental challenges as well as the transitions of life. The skin is the largest organ in our body. Investing in it early pays dividends in the long-run. Natalie insists, “We take care of our hearts, livers, and other internal organs. We have to find a way to take care of the most visible organ in our body.”

Taking care of your skin begins at home.  “We can only do so much in the office which is why we spend so much time teaching clients to do their part at home,” says Natalie. For starters, regular use of an appropriate pH balanced cleansing regimen to exfoliate dead surface cells, and Retin-A or retinols to stimulate collagen production are key components of her skin care program. Sun protection with a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30, and antioxidants (vitamins C, E, A, peptides and resveratrol) can neutralize skin damage from the sun, prevent premature aging and protect collagen and elastin. Over the years, she has found that the ZO Skincare program is a comprehensive, yet flexible way to incorporate all of these components into an individualized skincare program based on the client’s needs.

While Natalie does not dismiss less expensive skincare options, she cautions that “less expensive means less aggressive. If it feels like nothing is happening when you apply a skincare product, then probably nothing is happening.” If you want the best results, you need supervised medical grade skincare and you need to be patient and give it time to work.

Good skin care is a solid foundation for a host of more aggressive procedures that Natalie does at Mickel Plastic Surgery. Dermaplaning is a procedure in which Natalie uses a scalpel blade to delicately remove fine facial hair and dead cells on the skin surface. Dermaplaning does not result in excessive regrowth of hair and leaves the skin surface smooth and fresh. A Hydrafacial is a procedure that essentially powerwashes the skin, exfoliating dead skin, removing sebum and debris from pores and instilling antioxidants and nutrients into the skin.  It is one of the most common procedures that Natalie performs. During both procedures, Natalie inspects the condition of the skin, noting product buildup and other factors that may be causing problems and she uses this information to help formulate a treatment plan. Both procedures are reasonably priced. Microneedling is another popular minimally invasive treatment at Mickel Plastic Surgery, addressing large pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and overall dull looking skin. Microneedling can be enhanced with PRP or combined with more aggressive laser treatments and injection of stem cells harvested from your fat, which, says Natalie, “would require Dr. Mickel’s participation, and is one of the advantages of having him downstairs.” 

Natalie’s favorite procedure is LuMecca, an intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment that improves sun spots, redness, freckles, and broken capillaries. This affordable procedure typically requires only 1 treatment with possibly 1-2 touch-up “spot” treatments depending on the severity of damage to the skin and the client’s lifestyle. Natalie claims, “IPL is my baby, it’s my favorite because it brings instant gratification with amazing results that makes the skin look clear and balanced.” 

Natalie calls herself a “skin hygienist,” insisting “You brush your teeth every day but you still see a dental hygienist. The same principle applies to our skin.” In this world of cosmetic confusion, Natalie gives patients clarity on what is most beneficial for them. “Experience has taught me how to push the envelope without overtreating,” she says. “Everyone is different, and services should be customized to each patient.” 

Natalie’s loyal, long-term clientele affirm her expertise in the skincare arena. And she develops relationships beyond cosmetics. “Every patient is part of who I am now. I’ve laughed and cried with them. Friends get together every 6 weeks for a cup of coffee – I have that experience several times a day. My clients validate me and my work. I get back more than I give.” 

903 North 2nd St, 
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (318) 388-2050
Facebook: Mickel Plastic Surgery
Instagram: mickelplasticsurgery
Web: www.mickeplasticsurgery.com/