Holy moly… it’s a blast from the past and it comes in the form of a newly updated question and answer session with my skincare guru, Maegan Griffin–the mastermind behind Nashville’s famous Skin Pharm.
I’ve been visiting the ladies at Skin Pharm for four years now and they just keep growing their team AND offering more services we all love to help us achieve that summertime glow ALL.YEAR.LONG.
If you’re not familiar with Skin Pharm, it’s a local cosmetic dermatology practice, run by nurse practitioner and mom/girl-boss Maegan Griffin. In working with her and her team of incredible women, my skin has never looked better and I’m feeling more courageous about aging because of their handiwork coupled with my updated skincare routine [working on that post too I promise!!].
Because of them, I’ve amped up my pout, smoothed out my unwanted deep forehead wrinkles, combated the crows feet and so much more. They’ve really helped me be more confident in my skin and allowed me the opportunity to share my experiences with others considering cosmetic dermatology services as well. I know it used to be taboo to discuss certain things. But by now, you all know I am an open book. Having zero secrets when it comes to procedures I’ve done and what I continue to do to keep me looking as youthful as possible!
I’ve asked Maegan to come back to re-introduce Skin Pharm to you, especially now that they have changed locations and moved into a brand new space with so many new products, services and providers…
One. Tell us why you wanted to become a Nurse Practitioner with a focus on aesthetics.
Patients who come to Skin Pharm are overwhelmingly women, and most of them aren’t just coming for the treatments. They’re actually connected to the culture of the whole skin care movement. Which is about building confidence and esteem.
Being a mom to a little girl and specializing in aesthetic medicine means I need to make sure my daughter feels beautiful and does not receive the message that she needs to change how she looks. This is something I constantly remind myself of now that she is a toddler who hears everything I say and sees everything I do. I think this helps me as a practitioner to ensure I focus on patients’ positive features and enhance their appearance. Rather than change their face, or worse, leave them looking distorted after my work.
Two. Let’s talk about you… what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In addition to my dream job, I enjoy giving back, supporting a variety of local nonprofits. My husband and I enjoy traveling to new places and are passionate parents to our 3-year-old girl and (almost) 2-year-old boy.
I really focus on practicing a lifestyle of wellness. This, to me, is more than just eating right and working out. It also includes making time for ourselves and doing what we love. So you can find me catching up with friends over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine or watching more than one Netflix episode when I just need to unplug.
Three. What is your favorite procedure to perform on your clients?
That’s a hard one! I love my career because it offers a creative outlet. Every patient is a personal project for me! They sit in my chair and know that I will do everything I can to address their concerns so they leave satisfied, confident and happy. I’m thankful I get to combine next level treatments to help my patients achieve the look they want.
Four. For someone on a budget, what’s a great, inexpensive drugstore find that is something everyone should have in their beauty stash?
The potency and efficacy of medical grade skin care products are drastically higher than over the counter products. So I am an advocate for medical grade topicals and always will be. With that being said, I love all things beauty. So I find myself browsing the Nordstrom aisles and local boutiques for fun body products like bath salts or hand balms.
If you’re shopping for medical grade products, be sure to check our our curated line! Our Skin Pharm label is packed with science backed ingredients and products that the ladies of Skin Pharm trust to keep their own skin in tip top shape. [me inserting my favs here: The Mineral Tinted SPF, Clarifying Pads and Youth Serum are absolute must-haves!]
Five. What is the most popular service you perform?
Botox is definitely the top requested treatment. It’s quick, easy, and there is no prepping or downtime involved. There are a few restrictions after the injection session, but “social downtime”, such as swelling or bruising, is rare. First time patients almost always comment on how little the injections hurt. And I love reviewing before and after photos with patients to show improvement.
Another service that has recently taken off is Microneedling… in-office treatments go up to 2.55mm deep and pair exceptionally well with the PRP, especially when you combine the face and neck areas! The SkinPharm providers also have the ability to needle in prescription fornulas during the treatment, making it a great way to ensure your skin is ready for all the products to work their magic.
Six.We’re here to talk all things Botox and fillers… give me the top 3-5 reasons that people should use them!
- Botox and other botulinum toxins are the first and only FDA-approved treatment to temporarily remove wrinkles from forehead lines, frown lines, laugh and lip lines, or crow’s feet. Injections take less than 10 minutes and have minimal downtime. The treatment lasts up to four months and can be repeated as necessary when facial wrinkles reappear.
- Botox can also help future wrinkles from forming. By inactivating a muscle before it pulls the skin, it’ll prevent any lines from forming or getting worse. When people say “you’re too young for Botox,” remember preventative botox is a thing and it works. Who doesn’t love slowing down the aging process??
- You can trust Botox to deliver subtle results when you are treated by someone who is licensed, trained, and a medical expert in facial anatomy. Luckily, that’s all of our Nurse Practitioners! So you’ll look like yourself- only without noticeable lines. No one should be able to tell you’ve had anything done.
- It has become increasingly popular for the everyday person to seek fillers to fill in wrinkles, lines and even acne scars. Fillers are injected just below the skin surface and last anywhere from 6-24 months depending on the filler selected.
- We specialize in filler injections so we have over ten options at our practice. We’ll pick the best one for you and your skin goals!
here is my latest before and after in using filler for my lips–my favorite procedure to add a bit of plumpness to my pout
My Experience with Lip Fillers
I’ve always been self conscience about my lips due to the fact that my top lip was pretty much non-existent. Visually, the difference is subtle [which is always the look I am going for when using filler], but I can absolutely tell a change. Especially on days when I wear makeup and put on a little lipstick/gloss. My cupid’s bow is now much more pronounced and it definitely makes my lips look more plump, but still natural. I know surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic advancements aren’t for everyone. But if you’re looking to make a change that is fairly inexpensive, non-permanent and quick, I would highly recommend this route.
There are various fillers on the market, but Maegan chose to go with Restylane on me because it’s firmer, a more viscous gel, and helps to create more life and volume for thinner lips… AND these results should last from 9-12 months so it’s a beauty regimen that’s easy to maintain. Both types of lip injection filler Maegan uses, Restylane and Juvederm, are made of Hyaluronic Acid, a molecule naturally found in the body, and absorb over time. Each of these brands have different fillers within the family. Differing in particle size, concentration and extent of cross linking. [a little scientific I know, but I wanted to provide as many details as possible for anyone with interest]
Seven. Since summer is here and we’ll all be outside as much as possible, what’s your favorite sunscreen line??
Patients often ask me what the most important skincare product is, and my answer is always the same: SPF. The best care is preventive care. No matter your age, applying a product with SPF — I recommend at least SPF 30 — on a daily basis is the single most effective way to protect your skin from damage and the signs of aging. We carry options for every skin type, and our favorites are 100% Mineral Tinted SPF or Sheer Defense SPF by Skin Pharm. 100% Mineral Tinted SPF is best for dry, normal and sensitive skin types while Sheer Defense is best for those who are oily.
If you’re going to be in direct sunlight during the day (any time of the year — not just summertime), you will need to reapply your SPF every two hours, or each time it’s rinsed off with water. And remember, the SPF in your makeup does not count as a reapplication. Mainly because you’re most likely not applying enough makeup to get the full benefit from the SPF coverage.
Eight. Any new promotions to note that us local ladies should look at for summer??
We often have quick specials at our online store- so be sure to check back regularly!
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