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?
That’s my dentist’s office! I’ve seen the new plastic surgeon wing, but it honestly kind of scared me. Glad they do some non-invasive stuff!
Hope your vacation is going well! We will miss you at Body Pump tonight 🙂
I HIGHLY recommend esthetician Ariana Loredo-Johnson (small business owners for the win!) in the South Park area of Charlotte for facials, peels, waxing, etc. I have always had awesome experiences and she is incredibly kind, gentle, and knowledgeable. I have never had any trouble after a facial or enzyme peel from Ariana. I have referred a good number of people to her and they all agree she is wonderful. I have problematic skin, and she recommended the Pevonia skincare line. I still use Cetaphil gentle cleanser and face moisturizer in the morning, but I use a Pevonia exfoliating cleanser at night. My skin hasn’t looked this good in YEARS.
I am happy to share her number if anyone is interested.
mary – ariana does my brows and has for years! i love her so much and sing her praises all the time!
I live in Charlotte and am looking for someone to wax and shape my brows. Could you share Ariana’s information? Thanks!
I have facial peels every six weeks and my skin glows! I use My Body line of facial products and my face has never looked better (I have used Obagi in the past). I’m 57 and I get comments ALL the time about how youthful I look! That makes me smile!
I’ve never had a peel, but always think of that episode from “Sex and the City” when Samantha got a peel and showed up to the party, with her face a total red hot mess! I honestly just use Oil of Olay with the SPF every morning, but I want to treat myself to a facial for my birthday. I need to pamper myself MORE! 😉
That’s exactly what I was thinking about too! Haha! I also use Oil of Olay 🙂
I’m 25 and starting to get more serious about my skincare regimen. I don’t have a budget for regular professional treatments, but I invest in nice products. One of my favorites are exfoliating facial masks. I love the Suki bio-renewal exfoliating mask and Tata Harper’s resurfacing mask…also two of my favorite skincare ranges.
Jen, you always look so radiant! You look especially glowy in that photo! xo
I use Arbonne products & love them. Like you, I never had a skincare regimen before but now I actually look forward to it.
This place looks amazing! I would LOVE to have someone analyze my skin. Like you (before), I use over the counter products and don’t really know what I’m doing. But now, being 29 and a new mom, I’d love a more grown up routine that can even out my skin. Thanks so much for sharing this 🙂
Had a breast reduction years back and there is no shame in seeking treatment from a plastic surgeon whether for medical or aesthetic reasons.
I have horrendous adult onset cystic acne and due to spending years and years outside, even with sunscreen, some unfortunate age spots. OTC products weren’t helping either, despite every freking beauty serum claiming they would fix the age spots. Go to a dermatologist now and use a prescription for the acne that has helped tremendously. Also use a script level concentration of hydroquinone (a lightening agent) for the spots. It’s only slightly lightened my age spots but has done great things for evening out my overall skin tone.
Wow I really want to get a face peel now! Your skin looks beautiful!
I don’t have a skin routine, but I know I need to get one. I do use an amazing natural makeup though, which has made my skin super soft. It’s called Adorn. It has great coverage and a wonderful feel.
As much as I hate to admit it, I’m going to be 33 this year and my face definitely needs some anti-aging cream or something. It’s getting ridiculous lately! Your skin looks AAMMMAAAZZZIIINNNG!!!!!
Your skin looks beautiful!! I have recently become obsessed with anti-aging. I just wrote a post on my daily skincare regime but I know I really need to sit down with my dermatologist to insure I’m taking all necessary steps to prevent aging. Right now, Clinique products are my go-to. I’ve never had acne issues but I do struggle with dry skin and because of years of being a side sleeper, I have some pretty bad chest wrinkles. Peels are amazing! I try to get one every 4 months or so. I’m getting at the age that I need a whole body peel! 🙂
Is it strange that I recently wondered if you’d had a peel or something? Your skin looked so good in a photo that I almost asked!
Your skin looks great! I’ve started getting peels in the past few years to help with acne. They are great for people with acne-prone skin because peels increase cell turner (getting bacteria out) and also help to fade any scarring and shrink pores. I’m 26 and have been a frequent dermatologist visitor for years. 🙂 I get different peels… some do definitely make you peel more than others. The main thing for younger women is to use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil, use sunscreen in the morning, and some kind of retinol like (Tazorac, prescribed by dermatologists) at night. This is a great routine whether you have acne or not! I plan to get peels more frequently as I age…. most “older” women with great skin get them and wear lots of sunscreen!!
hi aileen I actually have to say that Cetaphil isn’t a great cleanser. It has a neutral ph which is why derms. recommend it but it’s loaded with sulfates which strips our skin’s barriers.
Vicky N, What would you recommend instead of Cetaphil?
Yes, Cetaphil is loaded with all kind of parabens…
You look lovely.
Totally looking around town now for affordable facials – maybe a treat to myself when I finish the semester!
Hi there. I used to live in Charlotte! Love that Charlotte has so much to offer as far as cosmetic procedures. I am in Virginia and use Image skincare in my practice. Love love the Vitamin C enzyme treatment. If you are ever in Fredericksburg you should try out my Dermasound facial. Take care.
Sounds like you enjoyed your facial peel. I struggled with acne and overexposure to the sun for many years. I finally decided to find a way to correct the damage that I did to my skin. Over the counter (drug store) medicines never worked. They either worked for a while then plateaued. I decided to see a family friend esthetician whom recommend a variety of items for me and explained why I had breakouts. Totally made sense. How has your skin reacted since the peel? Honestly, I broke out more after which is typical apparently.