That fresh-faced glow—the kind that makes you look subtly lifted, well-rested, and effortlessly refreshed? It’s not just great genes. It’s great strategy. And I’m sharing mine. These are the exact treatments I actually do—and the trusted pros I see—to keep my skin radiant, tight, and naturally youthful. Modern, refined, never overdone. You don’t need everything. Layering the right treatments with the right professionals makes all the difference.
Keep scrolling to read about my treatment stack, ideal timing, go-to providers, plus my Glow Girl Certified picks for clean skincare that actually works. These treatments are not a facelift kind of fix but will buy you time or keep you looking naturally refreshed if going under the knife is not your thing. Feel free to DM me on Instagram if you have any questions. Now let’s get glowing!
xxMelissa
Potenza Before and After (4 treatments, one per month).
1. Microneedling
Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for boosting collagen and improving texture. When you add radio frequency (RF), you get the next level: skin tightening and deep collagen stimulation in one. I recommend 3-4 treatments spaced out 4-6 weeks. For maintenance, do this 1-2 times a year after the initial treatments!
Not all RF microneedling devices are created equal. I don’t recommend Morpheus8, which in some cases can melt facial fat and age the face. Instead, these are the technologies I use and recommend:
🔹 Potenza (by Cynosure)
Potenza is a highly customizable RF microneedling system that uses both monopolar and bipolar energy to target different skin layers. It’s excellent for treating early laxity, texture, and acne scars, and can be adjusted for various skin tones and concerns. Minimal downtime and great for maintaining skin firmness over time.
🔹 Matrix Pro (by Candela)
This is next-gen tech. Matrix Pro uses RF energy with a unique delivery system that treats skin more deeply with less trauma, meaning quicker healing and more predictable results. It targets skin laxity, texture, and early sagging—ideal for women looking for a subtle lift and smoother skin without fillers or surgery.
🔹 Vivace
Vivace is known for combining RF microneedling with LED red and blue light therapy—great for not just anti-aging, but also calming inflammation and supporting healing. It’s a great choice for first-timers or those wanting minimal redness or downtime. Results build with a series of treatments, and skin looks more refined and glowy after each session.
I only trust experienced providers for RF microneedling. In LA, Nurse Jamie and Dr. Maria Vergara at the Beauty Villa Vergara are my go-tos—they understand facial structure, avoid over-treatment, and deliver beautiful results.
🔸 Bonus: PRP + Microneedling
This is a resurfacing powerhouse. Your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is microneedled into the skin, boosting healing, smoothing texture, and evening tone. Think of it as your skin’s ultimate refresh button. In LA, I recommend Tatiana at Go See Sari for this treatment.
2. Injectables
Done right, injectables shouldn’t change your face—they should enhance what’s already there and restore what time has softened.
🔹 Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, etc.)
I use them conservatively to smooth forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and vertical neck bands while keeping full movement and expression. I recommend doing them every 4 months for touch-ups.
🔹 Filler
When it comes to filler, less is always more. I think these can be done every year and a half to two years, depending on the filler. Sculptra can last even longer.
Temples: Voluma or Sculptra here can subtly lift and rejuvenate the upper face. Also, filling areas of the upper face can help pull back the skin from the jowl area.
Lips: A little volume is great—just avoid filling the rims, which can distort natural shape and age the face.
Best injectors in LA? You’re in excellent hands with Nurse Jamie, Nousha, and Tatiana. It’s very important to get an injector who has an artistic eye like they do, to give you a “refined, never frozen or fake” look!
3. Lasers for Dark Spots + Resurfacing
Even if you’re religious about sunscreen, sun and pigment sneak in over time. Lasers are the most effective way to undo years in a few sessions.
🔹 CO2 Laser
The best for serious skin rejuvenation. It’s aggressive (expect downtime), but it resurfaces the skin beautifully. Think deep lines, scars, and major sun damage. Best done in fall or winter. I have not personally done this treatment (don’t love the downtime), but I know several who have, and the results are incredible.
🔹 IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Ideal for treating sunspots, redness, and broken capillaries with very little downtime. It's more superficial than CO2, but the results are still impressive, especially when done regularly. This is a great treatment for skin maintenance!
To find the best treatments and providers in other cities, check out realself.com. They have patient reviews on everything from plastic surgeons to dermatologists, including invasive and noninvasive treatments. This is one of my best resources when researching these types of services.
With Dr. Maria Vergara after a Matrix Pro treatment.
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