New Hampshire Women Magazine March 2021

COMPLIMENTARY

March 2021

NEW HAMPSHIRE

WOM EN MAGAZINE

Inspiring Women of New Hampshire

celebrating the women of New Hampshire

Meet Ice Climbers ALEXA SIEGEL & LAURIE WATT (pg. 6)

Inside:

Grace and Grit: Resilience in the Midst of COVID-19 (pg. 4)

Renew MediSpa The 5 Key Elements of a Facial Anti-Aging Plan

Page 14 Page 12.

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New Hampshire Women Magazine’s print publication is published by Melissa DiOrio of Gracant Communications (melissa@nhwomenmagazine.com). The name ‘New Hampshire Women Magazine’ is registered as a trade name with the State of New Hampshire by SG Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission. The term ‘New Hampshire Women’ is registered as a trademark with the State of New Hampshire by SG Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission.

NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 3

Grace and Grit: Employee Resilience in the Midst of COVID-19

Written for New Hampshire Women Magazine At the same time, our K-8 staff As New Hampshire residents assure that there was a sufficient speak and we have been proud took only two days to convert pass the one-year mark of the supply of personal protective of what they have accomplished to a fully remote schedule and COVID-19 crisis, we mourn equipment, communicating with despite the [COVID-19 crisis].” slid seamlessly into teachand reflect on the loss, isolocal businesses, suppliers, and

ing synchronous education lation, loneliness, sacrifice, individuals who were so generous “At the beginning of the pandemthroughout the spring.

Planning and grief we’re collectively in supporting our initiatives.” ic, we were all so fearful, but our for September began in May enduring during this pandem teachers continued to nurture and when we invested in amazing ic. Along with the personal Kathy Nelson, Founder of World educate our students, hands-on remote learning stations for impact the COVID-19 crisis Academy in Nashua, recalls how and lovingly, at the peril to their all in K-8 so that the students places on us all, local organiteam members stepped up to own health,” says Nelson. “It has who returned to the campus zations and businesses face the plate immediately. “When continued for a year and these and those at home felt like they significant obstacles to prothe stay-at-home order was same veterans are continuing to were sitting next to each other tect employees and the public issued last March, our entire perform like the professionals that and learning at the same time as they endure rapid shifts in early childhood education (ECE) they are, even though there was in class.

This helped tremenoperation in order to sustain. team stepped up to the plate and no timetable for vaccines, while dously with our socio-emotional Through it all, there are reprovided a remote curriculum for more children began getting the wellness, which remote students markable acts of perseverance, child care,” she explains. “It was virus.” everywhere were missing.

Also, tenacity, and determination a life saver to parents who didn’t

teaching children in the classthat New Hampshire Women really know how to support their

room and those at home at the Magazine is proud to highlight. children’s development at home Patry explains that early on, NCH same time is not an easy skill

while they were trying to work created invaluable collaboration to learn and 100 percent of our To share some insight into remotely themselves.” teams to streamline policies and teachers mastered the process these behind-the-scenes

procedures for unchartered terriin short order.” acts of grace and grit, New Dr. Lisa Vuich, Founder of Retory. “During the most uncertain

Hampshire Women Magazine new Medispa in Derry, says the of times, employees across North Across all three industries, there reached out to leaders from COVID-19 crisis significantly Country Healthcare worked colis an undeniable alignment in North Country Healthcare challenges many businesses. “The laboratively sharing best practices, this profound area: radiating in Berlin, World Academy in COVID crisis has challenged resources, and even vaccines, fogratitude for their staff members.

Nashua, and Renew MediSpa many businesses, but particularly cusing on the health and well-be“The pandemic has reminded in Derry to share how their retail, restaurant, and personal ing of our community members. employees rise to the chalservice providers such as Renew,” NCH and each affiliate established us of the need to be flexible, collaborate, and move with lenge. she says. “Complying with the Incident Command Teams, which a unified vision and mission,” needed safety precautions has focused solely on the pandemic explains Patry. “We have been As we all recall, the first resulted in a decrease in sales and discussed and created such forced to pivot on a moment’s months of the COVID-19 volume, which in some cases tools as policies and procedures lockdown sent shockwaves directly impacted service provider for personal protective equipment, notice. Our staff has been inspiacross the country. Uncertain- income, as well as overall business protocol for visitors, staff, provid- rational in keeping the big picture [of providing high quality ty rattled us all. Businesses profitability. I would estimate that ers, volunteers, and communicacare to those we serve] first and and organizations had to move we lost not less than three months tion methods and content.” foremost in their minds; they do at an unrelenting pace into the of revenue and probably closer

what needs to be done. In terms fear of the unknown. “Very to five months when the numbers Nelson recalls how her staff asof how this has changed us, it’s early on, a number of staff shake out due to overall reduction sisted families during the remote been more of a reinforcement members went into homes to in booking volume to accommolearning days at World Academy why we are here, which is to administer COVID-19 tests, date safety restrictions. Neverin Nashua. “Our ECE staff truly serve.

In terms of takeaways, in recognizing the need to care theless, it is the commitment to helped them through this tough addition to the flexibility menfor the homebound,” explains quality and safety [that] also helps and scary time by reaching out tioned earlier, communication is James Patry, System Director us stand out in these trying times. daily, giving families access to key. We have worked to comof Marketing at North CounOur current staff have consistently the teams and their activities,” municate with our stakeholders try Healthcare (NCH). “Teams shown a dedication to making she says. “They even held circle frequently and with the most worked collectively to help lemonade out of lemons so to time and 1:1 meetings via Zoom. up-to-date information, while 4 / VOL 3 ISSUE 3 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

Continued on Page 13

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Written for New Hampshire Women Magazine

THE SHEER THRILL OF IT ALL MEET ICE CLIMBERS - ALEXA SIEGEL AND LAURIE WATT

Photo by Jeni Calzretta

You wield your axe into the wall of thick ice and listen for its impact. “That’s a good stick,” you mumble. Focusing on how the ice responds, you ask yourself, “did it fracture?

Is my tool placement solid?

Is my body balanced?” You steady your breathing to remain focused and calm.

Hearing the clanging of the screws and carabiners on your harness quickly reminds you of the careful consideration you have given to selecting each and every one before your journey began.

You retrieve a sharp screw from your selection and place it strategically into the ice.

Moving upwards, you clip the rope into the screws as you go to provide protection if you fall. The higher you climb the more improbable it all seems - but you make it to the top and your exhilaration is palpable - leading you to imagine your next adventure.

For many of us, the sheer thought of scaling mountains of ice is unfathomable, but for seasoned climbers and instructors, Alexa Siegel and Laurie Watt, it is the

best time for self discovery, growth, and peace. “I first started climbing at age 14 in an indoor climbing gym 10 minutes from my house,” says Siegel. “The second I stepped into [the] rock gym, I was instantly hooked on the sport. I quit all other sports overnight, spending all my time at the climbing gym.”

For Laurie Watt, the thrill of climbing came later on in life. “I was not exposed to rock climbing until well into my 40s,” explains Watt. “However, my family did spend some time in the mountains.

I had an uncle who was hiking NH’s [4,000 foot mountains] in the 60s and 70s. He took me on several hikes and overnights that ignited my love for mountains. It just lay dormant while I went to college, got married, had a family, and developed my career as a [physical therapist]. It was a huge gift to return to the mountains and remember how much I love being there.”

For both women, rock climbing led to their experiences in ice climbing. “I started ice climbing in 2016 at the age of 51,” explains Watt. “I had been a few times in the years before that, but the winter of 2016-2017 was when I began a series of education in climbing.”

For Siegel, ice climbing started over a decade after she started rock climbing. “While I’ve been a rock climber for about 18 years, I

only got into ice climbing about nine seasons ago,” says Siegel.

“Ice and rock climbing are very different, though some general rope and movement skills overlap.

The graceful gymnastic movements and airy falls that drew me to rock climbing are quite different from the upward progress of moving on ice. But, both offer the opportunity to constantly challenge yourself on new terrain and to build lifelong partnerships.”

When asked, Watt also describes the difference in movement between ice and rock climbing.

“Now that I have experience in both rock and ice, I can say that while the rope systems are similar in the two disciplines, I think the movement is quite different. In ice climbing, your body stays very “square” to the ice. In rock climbing, your body and limbs move in a much greater range of angles and positions. And, obviously, the medium is also quite different.”

So, what exaclty makes ice climbing such a sport of passion?

“Climbing demands so much of you physically and mentally. It requires you to be completely present,” explains Watt. “You have to interpret the medium (rock or ice), find the path up the route, sense and process the information from your body in terms of balance and weight shifting - all at the same time in a risky situation. Climbing demands true integration of mind and body. And, because of this, I think it is an incredible medium for self discovery.” Siegel explains how she loves the movement of [ice] climbing, “especially with the wild places ice forms as a backdrop -- and the partnerships and connections developing as a

climber creates along the way.”

With experience comes wisdom and these women have it in spades. When asked to describe her most beautiful and challenging climb, Siegel is quick to answer. “When I first started climbing, I always eyed Dropline at Frankenstein Cliffs in Crawford Notch,” she says. “An unmistakable feature, Dropline is a steep tube of ice that forms reliably. Though I’d climbed longer and more difficult climbs, something about the setting and exposure of the route intimidated me.”

Seigel continues, “I was nervous, yet excited to start up. It was my turn to take the lead up the steep column of ice. I tried to relax and focus. I paused at a thin section where the narrow column touched down. I hesitated, wondering if I was ready to commit. After a few long, deep breaths, I launched climbing cautiously and gently. Passing by the column, I tried to reset as best I could and finish the climb. My partner was cheering me on below. The feeling of joy filled me and I smiled at the top. The challenge is what makes ice climbing so great. The process of believing in and pushing yourself is addictive. Though I have climbed more difficult or longer routes, this one, for whatever reason, still resonates.”

Watt recalls two separate climbs, deeming Twenty Below Zero Gully in Lake Willoughby, Vermont her most challenging, explaining that it has the largContinued on Page 8

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Photo by Anne Parmenter

NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 3

NHWM | Inspiring Women Continued from Page 6

est concentration of hard ice routes in the continental United States. “It is an imposing huge cliff of steep, vertical ice,” she explains. “Leading routes here is a huge milestone in an ice climber’s development.”

Note: Leading is when the first climber goes up a route, and tows the rope behind.

“This was my first time leading at Lake Willoughby and the longest and steepest route I had led to date,” she says.

“The mental piece of this was the most challenging. I had to maintain sharp focus and attention for a long time. While I had followed routes here with the security of a rope above me this required me to keep my fear in check for the time it took to lead the pitch. It was physically and mentally draining. I realized after the first pitch (a pitch is generally the length of rope and routes are divided into pitches or sections), that I had exhausted my reserves so I made the decision to go down. This experience inspired me in two ways: it reinforced how important the mental challenge of climbing is and that I could manage it well for a while. It also taught me to recognize where my mental limit was, to respect that, and to still manage the descent safely.”

Photo by Andrew Maver

Watt says her most amazing climb was Golsjuvet in Hemseldal, Norway. “This route is in a beautiful, deep canyon with steep ice covered walls,” she explains. “This particular vertical, steep route had formed with what we call ‘cauliflower ice’ - mushrooms of ice blobs on small stems supporting them. This featured ice requires different techniques.

Instead of swinging and planting your tools and crampons anywhere, you must hook your tools on the stems and gently place your feet on tops of the mushrooms. The climbing is more gymnastic and technical requiring different movement patterns, greater balance and thoughtfulness. The ice really demands you interact with it more on its terms and adapt to the contours. It was inspiring as it was the first time I had encountered this kind of ice and opened my mind to a whole new kind of movement. I have to be creative, flexible, and open to interacting with the ice in a whole new way.”

It is said the best teachers emerge from knowledge, passion, and compassion. This is certainly the case for Watt and Siegel who have both earned extensive credentials to become guides in the sports of ice and rock climbing.

certification. I really have no idea how many hours of climbing I have done, but a gross estimate would be close to 4,000 hours rock and ice.”

Watt also leads the Women’s Program at Mooney Mountain Guides located in Concord. “Historically, climbing has been dominated by white men,” Watts explains. “This is slowly changing and there are great efforts and programs being developed to improve access for underrepresented groups, including women. There is lots of research and information supporting the value of women-led, women-only groups. The Women’s Program at Mooney Mountain Guides is designed with all of that in mind. The programs, which include rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and winter camping, are geared for beginner and intermediate climbers and mountaineers.”

Siegel’s credentials are equally as impressive. “I am an American Mountain Guide Associate (AMGA) Certified Single Pitch Instructor and a Wilderness EMT,” she explains. “I am Level II American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) certified and a team member of New Hampshire’s Mountain Rescue Service.”

Watt explains that she is an AmerPeople may think they are either ican Mountain Guide Associate not strong enough to climb, or (AMGA) Certified Single Pitch perhaps even too advanced in Instructor and AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide. “I also have my Wil- age. “I have taken out people of all shapes and sizes,” she explains. derness First Responder Certification and AIARE “There is a direct correlation between physical fitness and enjoyLevel 1 and ing your day. Rock climbers will Rescue Certifiadjust easily to ice climbing fitcations (Amerness, and folks newer to the sport ican Institute should have good cardiovascular for Avalanche fitness and overall strength.”

Research and Education),” she explains. “It took Watt adds, “for a beginner, you really just need to be fit enough to me two years walk up a steep hill for 30 minutes. of climbing and Beginners can usually climb a apprenticing to whole pitch within their first day earn my [Single Pitch Instructor] out. As you progress and climb

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steep and longer climbs, it is important to have good core stability and strength, good shoulder strength, and stability and good grip strength. As I tell many of my beginners I work with, I cannot do pull ups, but I can use good technique to climb very steep ice.”

How do you instruct people to climb when fear so often overwhelms us all? “Overcoming, or rather, working with fear is the main thing I do while guiding,” explains Watt. “There is always fear - fear of injury, fear of failure, fear of judgement, fear of heights. As a guide, I need to try and decipher which fear is the greatest obstacle for each climber and then work with that. As we work with the rope systems, we can allay some of that fear as climbers become comfortable with and learn to trust the ropes. By creating a supportive environment we can allay the fear of judgement. Fear of injury [and] falling is a survival mechanism and a valuable one. It is unrealistic to think we can make that fear go away evolution has ingrained that one. Rather, we can decide how much attention we pay to it. If I am on a secure rope and I trust my belayer (the person on the other end of the rope), I can try to focus more on the next move, the next hold, the technique, or view. Fear can be paralyzing.

Climbing teaches us to move forward in spite of fear.”

Both Siegel and Watt agree they have seen an increase in women enjoying the sport of climbing. “In the past few years, I’ve certainly noticed an increase in women participating in the sport,” Siegel says. “Perhaps this has to do with better women’s specific gear and more female role models, but I’d like to think it has more to do with getting the message across that gender or race shouldn’t be a barrier to pushing oneself and Continued on Page 12

Photo by Majka Burhardt NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 3

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EDUCATION Refilling Our Middle Schoolers’ Tool Box: Recognizing A Lost Skill Set In 21st Century Education

By Samantha Wingate, Director of Admissions and Advancement Quantifiable skills are crucial for sending students out into the world well-prepared.

However, we’d be remiss as educators to ignore a different kind of skill set that is just as important—but could be in danger of being left behind: soft skills.

What are Soft Skills?

Soft skills can be tricky to test in a classroom setting, especially compared to their tangible counterparts.

Quantifiable skills, or hard skills, often fall under subjects like mathematics, science, computing, business, and engineering.

They provide students with specialized training that will ultimately allow them to complete particular tasks in their chosen field.

On the other hand, soft skills teach students how to make a strong first impression, build meaningful relationships with peers, and navigate difficult situations. If hard skills are crucial in getting a student’s

foot in the door of new opportunities, consider soft skills the abilities that earn them an invitation through the threshold to become valuable teammates and impactful leaders.

Developing Soft Skills in a Technological World In a world dominated by digital communication, soft skills are challenged by our reliance on technology and by the global pandemic that has made virtual communication a larger part of our lives.

When face-to-face interaction is limited, ensuring that students can practice their listening, cooperation, and communication skills becomes a complex task.

Though it might be more difficult than ever to nurture soft skills, the stressful events of the last year have also made soft skills all the more valuable, especially for their role in creating safe spaces where students are confident in their abilities to participate in classroom activities.

Approaching Interpersonal Skills in the Classroom To ensure that soft skills remain an important part of your middle schoolers’ tool box, here are specific observations to make while supporting

Samantha Wingate Director of Admissions and Advancement

classroom activities: •Listening skills: does your student need practice honing active listening skills? Is he/ she able to listen and effectively respond to peers?

•Cooperation skills: can your student work effectively with others? Is he/she successful in the ability to allocate responsibilities to tackle a single project with others?

•Communication skills: how well can your student get his/her ideas across verbally?

Can she/he successfully participate in activities that promote systems thinking and interconnectedness?

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Continued from Page 8

having a great time outside, no matter the season.”

“I think there have been a lot more women involved in rock climbing than ice climbing,” Watt explains. “But this year especially, I am seeing more women out ice climbing. As in many areas of our culture, women’s groups are springing up and climbing is

no exception. Many women are wanting to step into the position of leading and more independence as a climber.”

Both women also share another interesting link - backgrounds in healthcare. Laurie Watt spent years as a physical therapist and notes this greatly enhances her experience as a climbing instructor.

Siegel has recently entered the

Photo by Jeni Calzretta

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world of nursing in North Conway, yet is frequently still called to the world of climbing.

“My training as a [physical therapist] allows me to quickly assess how a person’s body works as they are walking up to the climb, or as they start climbing, where they might have range of motion limitations, what are their patterns of movements, what are their strengths and weaknesses,” explains Watts. “This allows me to provide more specific cues while they are climbing that will work with their body. I am able to know exactly which muscles need to work to swing an ice tool or shift body weight and how to activate them so I can describe that in great detail to a guest. My PT knowledge has also helped me develop training programs for climbers and mountaineers. The guests who are looking to tackle bigger objectives have to work up

to the task, so I help them develop a plan to reach their goal. [It’s] helped me manage the stresses of climbing on my own body and avoid major injury.”

Though Siegel’s job as a nurse is extremely strenuous, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, she is still called to climbing, and sometimes instruction, on her days off. “I look forward to climbing on my days off. It is a great way to get outside and connect with friends,” says Siegel. “The focus required during climbing is a type of meditation that leaves me refreshed and exuberant.”

She continues, “a day working outside is often a nice change of pace. I like working with women and helping them climb at a higher level. Every once in a while, I still work for Cathedral Mountain Guides.

The most difficult thing in choosing to become a nurse was giving up my work as a guide. When I do guide, the rewarding aspect comes from maintaining this connection to my community.”

Before you take part in ice or rock climbing, get the proper instruction from certified teachers and guides. To learn more about the women’s program at Mooney Mountain Guides, visit https://www. mooneymountainguides. com/. For more information about Cathedral Mountain Guides, visit https://www. cathedralmountainguides. com/.

Photo By Sam Robinson Continued from Page 4

sally lobdell

SALES ASSOCIATE, CONCORD OFFICE

Cell: 603.731.7513 Office: 603.226.2100 Sally.Lobdell@TheCblife.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.

indicating that looking forward to a return to such information ‘normalcy,’ where we can focus is fluid and can more on future goals and less change quickly. on day to day ‘survival mode’ Putting a conduties.” sistent message across all plat“The talent and expertise it took forms [and] veour Head of School, Principals, hicles is critical ECE Director and Admission to help reduce Director to turn normal activiany confusion ties such as graduations, open [and] uneasihouses, holiday presentations, ness. Another parent meetings, etc., into takeaway is the quality remote experiences reminder of how was amazing,” Nelson says. the individu“Rising to the occasion, these als who serve Administrators connected with on our behalf families, supported children and [- the] providers, demonstrated a new perspecnurses, staff, tive in meeting student needs volunteers are without gaps. Also, following truly the heroes. That word can the critical path, we knew that seem commonplace at times like the only way to stay ahead of these, but it’s true. We’ve seen the game was to upgrade our employees work seven days facilities HVAC system and a week, recognizing the need set up our own COVID testing volunteering to complete difficult lab. We did both quickly and tasks such as COVID swabbing efficiently and that proved to be outdoors in cold temperatures, the key to presenting healthy, because it’s the right thing to do. in-person education. Our staff We couldn’t be more proud.” is that innovative and we thank

them for their work ethic and Vuich explains, “[a]s a business insights. This experience has leader during these times, I have made me value my team more had to take on than I could have imagined. One more responperson could not make this sibilities than work...it took everyone operatusual. Things I ing at their highest level to get had previously through this pandemic together. successfully I feel so close to the entire staff. delegated fell We helped each other navigate back onto me, as fear, frustrations, and continstaff scrambled ued challenges. It has certainly to attend to the made me understand the phrase, brand new tasks ‘it takes a village’! We truly have and priorities become a real family throughgenerated/imout this ordeal.” posed by the

pandemic. It definitely felt like taking a ‘step backwards,’ but with a higher purpose in mind, of course.

We are all NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 3

MEDICAL SPA | SPECIAL SECTION

THE 5 KEY ELEMENTS OF A FACIAL ANTI-AGING PLAN Written by Dr. Lisa Vuich, Owner of Renew Medi Spa Dr. Lisa Vuich is a graduate of Tufts University (1988) and Tufts University School of Medicine (1992). She opened Renew MediSpa in 2006 and has worked steadily since then to ensure that Renew MediSpa remains at the cutting edge of the latest advancements in nonsurgical aesthetics. She is a nationally recognized injector, a member of numerous aesthetic organizations, a Key Opinion Leader for several aesthetic companies, and a Master Clinical instructor for Specialty Med Training. She is board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and regularly instructs physicians and other providers on injection technique, platelet-rich plasma therapies and other aesthetic procedures through the Renew MediSpa Training Institute.

With the myriad of skincare products and facial interventions available these days, it can be confusing as to where to begin when the goal is to prevent or reduce the effects of age and sun damage on the skin of the face. The goal is rarely “I want to look 20 again,” but rather “I want to look smooth, refreshed, ‘not tired’ and younger than my biologic age.” All of this is possible with attention to five key elements.

1. Collagen ProtectionFrom our late 20’s onward, we are steadily losing collagen at some rate. How quickly that occurs depends on a number of important factors, such as genetics, sun exposure, mechanical stressors, and smoking. This is where the use of topical agents can be especially helpful, with the most effective being sunscreen, antioxidants (like topical vitamin C) and a medical grade retinol product.

Buyer beware though- most OTC skin care products contain insufficient amounts of and/or poor quality of the ingredients – in which case they will not have a real impact on your collagen. I call these products “glorified moisturizers”- they promise a lot but deliver very little.

Consult with a licensed esthetician for the best recommendations so that you spend your money wisely.

“Wrinkle relaxers” such as “botox” work well here-by relaxing muscles of facial expression they reduce the mechanical wear and tear on the skin, and low doses can even be used to prevent the formation of fine lines.

2. Collagen StimulationFortunately, we have skin cells called fibroblasts which are capable of making brand new collagen. This is what happens when we cut ourselves and the cut subsequently heals (brand new collagen). Numerous procedures in aesthetic medicine seek to create a large area “microinjury” in the skin- thus stimulating the same healing response and

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adding collagen back to the dermis, resulting in smoother skin.

A very popular form of this approach is called medical micro-needling, which employs the use of an automated needling pen (with sterile, disposable tip) to generate the microinjury.

This is often combined with growth factors- even those obtained from a sample of your own blood processed to remove the growth factor rich platelets which are then applied to the micro-needled skin (the so-called “Vampire Facial”) to further boost the collagen response. In recent years it has become popular for people to order their own micro-needling devices off the internet for a do-it-at-home version. There are several issues with this though, as a “roller” type of micro-needling can cause more of a tearing type of injury rather than the precises pinpoint healthy injury of the medical pen. Also, issues with rusting of the device, bacterial contamination, and dulling of the tips of the needles are significant concerns. Finally, many of them have needles which penetrate less than 1 mm which is likely insufficient in terms of stimulating the fibroblasts into action.

Another popular trend is to buy skin care products containing “collagen” and applying it topically.

While this may sound like

a great idea, it does not work.

Collagen is too big a molecule to penetrate the skin barrier, so whatever you place topically will simply wipe or wash away and you will have no more collagen in the skin than you started with.

Finally, another big trend has been “drinking” collagen to improve skin quality. There is no evidence that drinking collagen will have any impact on the collagen content of human skin. Enzymes in your digestive system break down the collagen molecules into protein fragments. In some rodent studies there was an increase in skin hydration, not collagen content.

3. Resurfacing- This is a big topic, which overlaps several mechanisms. Resurfacing can be as basic as a medical grade chemical peel or other topical exfoliation enhancer (think “Retin-A,” which is a brand of topical tretinoin, a form of vitamin A which increases skin cell turnover). There are also procedures that can be done such as dermaplaning or microdermabrasion. These will all lighten the thickness of the stratum corneum- the “dead skin cell layer.” Skin will appear smoother for a time, and there may be a small amount of collagen stimulation. However, if you already have deep lines and sun damage, you will likely need to invest in a deeper resurfacing procedure such as Fractionated CO2 laser skin resurfacing. I will discuss this further in the next issue.

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4. Replace Lost Volume – As we age we lose facial volume in addition to collagen. The use of dermal fillers is the most popular approach to correcting this issue. A full discussion of the options here is beyond the scope of this article. My best advice is to select your injector very carefully.

Last week I had a nurse come to me who had gone to a “filler party” at her

sister’s house a little over a year ago. She was injected with a non FDA approved substance and had a horrible reaction.

She has had plastic surgery to attempt to remove the hard disfiguring lumps that developed, but it has been only marginally successful.

She came to me to have appropriate filler placed in an attempt to “mask” the surface irregularities she has “I’ve lost a year of my life,” she said. “Just hiding in my house.”

often requires laser therapy but can take five years off of a face with very little discomfort or downtime. When the eye is no longer distracted by all of that irregular color, it can pay more attention to your beautiful eyes or whatever other facial features are your best.

Facial aesthetics is certainly a lifestyle choice. Naturally, some choose to “do nothing”. If you are going to invest your hard-earned money into facial rejuvenation, I suggest that you consult with an experienced provider to develop an overall short and long term plan that fits into your budget and adequately addresses your concerns.

5. Even Out the Skin Tone – Brown spots and unwanted blood vessels on the face age you more than you think. Reducing these pigment irregularities

NH Women Magazine / VOL 3 ISSUE 3

The year you

RedefinE the way you age

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The world of aesthetic medicine is constantly evolving.

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16 / VOL 3 ISSUE 3 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

Dr. Lisa Vuich Founder of Renew Medispa and Training Center Aesthetic expert and Regenerative Medicine Specialist Aesthetics Director, Specialty MED Training