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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Botox® and what is a neurotoxin? Botox® Cosmetic is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of medications called neuromodulators, more commonly known as neurotoxins. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, I offer Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. While each product has unique characteristics, all three work in a similar way by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles that create unwanted facial lines and wrinkles. Every time you smile, frown, squint, laugh, or raise your eyebrows, your brain sends signals through nerves telling specific facial muscles to contract. These repeated muscle contractions create what are known as dynamic wrinkles—lines that appear only while your face is making an expression. Examples include forehead lines when raising your eyebrows, frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet when smiling, bunny lines on the nose, chin dimpling, and platysmal neck bands. As we age, our body’s natural production of collagen and elastin gradually declines. Combined with years of repeated facial movement, these dynamic wrinkles can eventually become static wrinkles—lines that remain visible even when your face is completely relaxed. Static wrinkles develop because the skin has been repeatedly folded in the same locations over many years while simultaneously losing some of its natural support structure. Neurotoxins work by temporarily interrupting the communication between the nerve and the muscle, reducing the muscle’s ability to contract with the same strength. As the muscle relaxes, the overlying skin is able to smooth, helping soften existing dynamic wrinkles while reducing repetitive movement that contributes to deeper wrinkle formation over time. The goal of treatment is not to eliminate facial expression or create a frozen appearance. My philosophy has always been to create refreshed, natural-looking results that allow you to continue expressing yourself while softening unwanted lines. Friends and family should notice that you look well-rested and refreshed—not that you’ve had treatment. One of the most common misconceptions is that every patient receives the same treatment. In reality, every face is unique. During your consultation, I evaluate your facial anatomy, muscle strength, facial balance, previous treatment history, and aesthetic goals to develop a personalized treatment plan. This allows me to determine which neurotoxin is the best choice for you and how much product is appropriate to achieve balanced, natural-looking results. Although Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin® all belong to the same family of botulinum toxin type A products, they are manufactured differently and each has its own dosing system. Their units are not interchangeable, meaning the number of units used with one product cannot be directly compared to another. For this reason, treatment recommendations should never be based solely on the number of units used but rather on your anatomy, muscle movement, and desired outcome. When administered by a qualified medical professional with a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, neurotoxin treatments have an excellent safety profile and have been used for both medical and aesthetic purposes for many years. Before every treatment, we’ll discuss your medical history, treatment goals, expected results, and any potential risks or side effects so you can make an informed decision about your care. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, every neurotoxin treatment is individualized. My goal is to preserve what makes you look like you while helping you look refreshed, confident, and naturally rejuvenated never overdone. References U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Botulinum Toxin Product Information American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Allergan Aesthetics (Botox® Cosmetic) Galderma (Dysport®) Merz Aesthetics (Xeomin®)

What is dermal filler and what does it treat? Dermal filler is an injectable treatment used to restore volume, enhance facial structure and proportions, improve contour, and create greater balance between facial features. Depending on the product and treatment area, filler can also soften certain folds, improve definition, and provide support to areas affected by the natural aging process. But modern filler treatment is about much more than simply “filling a line.” The face ages as a whole. Over time, changes occur in the skin, facial fat compartments, soft-tissue support and underlying bone. These changes can contribute to volume loss, decreased facial support, changes in contour, and shadows or folds that weren't present when we were younger. Strategic filler placement can help address some of these changes by restoring support and improving facial proportions rather than simply adding volume wherever a line appears. Dermal filler may be used to address concerns such as lip shape and volume, cheek and midface support, chin projection, jawline definition, lower-face balance, certain facial folds and areas of age-related volume loss. It can also be used in younger patients to enhance naturally occurring facial proportions or features. The goal should never be to make every face fuller. Good filler should have a purpose. Sometimes that means replacing volume that has been lost. Sometimes it means adding structural support. Sometimes it's enhancing a feature or improving the relationship between different areas of the face. And sometimes, filler simply isn't the right treatment. At Aesthetic Edit, filler begins with an assessment of your facial anatomy, movement, proportions, aging pattern and goals. From there, I determine whether filler is appropriate, where it would make the greatest difference, and which product I believe is best suited for that treatment. The goal isn't more filler. It's the right filler, in the right place, for the right reason.

What is Daxxify® & what makes it different from Botox® & other neurotoxins? DAXXIFY® is a botulinum toxin type A treatment with a unique formulation. It is the first and only FDA-approved neuromodulator formulated with a proprietary peptide, called RTP004, a 35-amino-acid peptide that helps stabilize the active ingredient. Unlike traditional neurotoxin formulations, DAXXIFY does not contain human serum albumin or animal-derived components. The peptide formulation is also designed to help the active ingredient attach efficiently to the nerve cell and remain available over time. DAXXIFY is known for its fast onset, with improvement typically seen within two days and sometimes as early as the following day, and it may provide longer-lasting results for some patients. DAXXIFY can also produce a smooth, radiant-looking result, which gives it a distinctive place among the neurotoxins I offer. At Aesthetic Edit, I carefully select the neurotoxins I offer based on the results I believe they provide for my clients. Client feedback is an essential part of that process. I pay attention to onset, how the treatment looks and feels, how well results are maintained, and overall client satisfaction. Your anatomy, muscle movement, treatment goals, previous experience and preferences are then considered when deciding which neurotoxin may be the best fit for you.

What is dermal filler made of ? Dermal filler isn't one single product or ingredient. There are different categories of injectable fillers, and their composition and technology influence how they behave once placed in the tissue. Many of the most commonly used facial fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring sugar found throughout the body, including the skin. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to attract and bind water, helping contribute to hydration, volume and tissue support. To create an injectable dermal filler, hyaluronic acid is formulated into a gel and typically cross-linked—a process that helps stabilize the HA so it lasts longer in the tissue. How that HA is processed, cross-linked and formulated affects the characteristics of the finished gel. And this is where filler becomes much more interesting: not all HA fillers behave the same. Different filler technologies can create products with varying degrees of softness, flexibility, firmness, cohesivity, lift and structural support. Some fillers are designed to integrate naturally into areas with a great deal of facial movement, while others may be chosen when more contour, projection or structural support is desired. There are also fillers that are not made from hyaluronic acid. Radiesse®, for example, is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler composed of CaHA microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. In addition to providing immediate correction, CaHA can act as a biostimulatory material, supporting the production of collagen and elastin over time. Not every filler is created the same. At Aesthetic Edit, I carefully select the filler products I use based on their technology, how they behave in the tissue, and the results I believe they can provide. The specific filler chosen for your treatment will depend on your anatomy, the area being treated, and the result we're trying to achieve.

What is Jeuveau®? Jeuveau® (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs) is an FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A developed exclusively for aesthetic use. Like other neurotoxins, it works by temporarily reducing targeted muscle activity that contributes to expression lines, but Jeuveau has several characteristics that make its manufacturing process distinctive. Jeuveau is manufactured using proprietary Hi-Pure™ technology, a purification process designed to produce a highly purified botulinum toxin type A. It is also vacuum-dried rather than freeze-dried, which is a unique part of Jeuveau’s manufacturing process. Jeuveau is also known for its fast onset, with some patients beginning to see improvement within approximately two days. As with any neurotoxin, onset, response and duration can vary from person to person. At Aesthetic Edit, I carefully select the neurotoxins I offer based on the results I believe they provide for my clients. Client feedback is an essential part of that process. I pay attention to onset, how the treatment looks and feels, how well results are maintained, and overall client satisfaction. Your anatomy, muscle movement, treatment goals, previous experience and preferences are then considered when deciding which neurotoxin may be the best fit for you.

How many units of Botox® will I need? One of the most common questions patients ask is, “How many units of Botox® will I need?” The answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all number. Every treatment at Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe is customized because every face is unique. The number of units recommended depends on several factors, including: Your facial anatomy Muscle strength and muscle activity Your age The severity of your dynamic wrinkles Whether wrinkles have become static at rest The number of treatment areas being addressed Whether you prefer a softer, more natural result or a stronger correction Previous neurotoxin treatments and how your body responded The neurotoxin being used (Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin®) During your consultation, I perform a comprehensive facial assessment while your face is both relaxed and animated. I’ll ask you to smile, frown, squint, raise your eyebrows, purse your lips, and make several facial expressions so I can evaluate how your muscles work together. This allows me to customize your treatment rather than simply treating wrinkles alone. One of the biggest misconceptions is that everyone receives the same number of units. In reality, two people with similar forehead lines may require very different treatment plans because their muscle strength, anatomy, and aesthetic goals are different. Areas commonly treated with neurotoxins Neurotoxins can be used to soften muscle movement in many areas of the face and neck. Common treatment areas include: Forehead lines Frown lines (the “11s”) Crow’s feet Bunny lines on the nose Brow lift Lip flip Gummy smile Downturned corners of the mouth Chin dimpling (“orange peel” chin) Masseter muscles for jawline slimming or teeth grinding (bruxism) Platysmal neck bands Jawline refinement Depending on your anatomy and goals, treatment may involve a single area or multiple areas during the same appointment to create balanced, harmonious results. It is also important to understand that dose matters. Using too little product may not adequately relax the targeted muscle, resulting in limited improvement or a shorter duration of effect. Using the appropriate dose helps achieve more predictable, balanced, and longer-lasting results while maintaining natural facial expression. Because Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® each use different dosing systems, unit numbers should never be compared between products. For example, Dysport® requires more numerical units than Botox® because each manufacturer uses a different biological assay to measure potency. This does not mean one product is stronger or weaker than another—it simply means the units are measured differently. My goal is never to simply inject a certain number of units. Instead, my goal is to determine the right dose for your facial anatomy. Every treatment plan is individualized to create refreshed, natural-looking results while preserving facial movement and expression. Whether this is your first neurotoxin treatment or you’ve been receiving treatments for years, your consultation includes a personalized assessment, discussion of your goals, and recommendations based on your anatomy—not a standardized treatment plan. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, every face is treated individually because beautiful results begin with a customized approach. References • U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Prescribing Information for Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin® • American Academy of Dermatology – Botulinum Toxin Therapy • American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Botulinum Toxin Patient Information • Allergan Aesthetics, Galderma, and Merz Aesthetics Professional Educational Resources

How long does my Botox® last? One of the most common questions I receive is, “How long will my Botox last?” While the average answer is approximately 3 to 4 months, there is no exact timeline that applies to everyone. The longevity of your results depends on several factors, including your metabolism, muscle strength, the treatment area, the dose administered, your lifestyle, and how consistently you receive neurotoxin treatments. Most patients begin noticing results within 3 to 5 days, with continued improvement over the following week. Your results are typically considered complete at approximately 10 to 14 days, which is why I recommend evaluating your final outcome around that time. Once your results have reached their full effect, most patients enjoy several weeks where their appearance remains very consistent. As time passes, your body naturally restores muscle activity, so the effects of Botox® gradually diminish. Rather than wearing off all at once, you’ll typically notice small amounts of movement returning first. Many patients tell me they first notice they can raise their eyebrows a little more, begin to frown slightly, or see subtle movement returning around the eyes before wrinkles gradually become more noticeable. Several factors influence how long your results may last, including: Your metabolism: Some people naturally metabolize neurotoxins more quickly than others. Muscle strength: Stronger facial muscles often require more product and may regain movement sooner. The treatment area: Different muscles throughout the face and neck respond differently and may regain movement at different rates. The dose administered: Using an appropriate dose for your anatomy is important. If too little product is used, muscles may recover sooner and results may not last as long. Lifestyle factors: Individual physiology, exercise habits, and overall metabolism can all influence how quickly your body processes the product. Treatment consistency: Patients who maintain a regular treatment schedule often notice that their muscles become less active over time, helping them maintain smoother, more consistent results. One question I hear frequently is, “Does more Botox last longer?” Not necessarily. The goal isn’t simply to use more product—it’s to use the right amount based on your facial anatomy, muscle activity, and treatment goals. My philosophy has always been to create natural-looking, balanced results while using an appropriate dose to provide predictable longevity. Most patients schedule maintenance treatments every 3 to 4 months to maintain their results. Some prefer to return a little earlier as movement begins to return, while others choose to wait longer depending on their personal preferences and treatment goals. During each follow-up visit, I evaluate how your muscles responded, how long your results lasted, and whether any adjustments should be made to optimize your future treatments. Every patient responds differently, which is why your treatment plan continues to be individualized over time. References • U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Botox® Cosmetic Prescribing Information • American Academy of Dermatology – Botulinum Toxin Therapy • American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Botulinum Toxin Patient Education • Allergan Aesthetics Professional Educational Resources

What is SkinVive®? SkinVive® by JUVÉDERM® is the first and only FDA-approved injectable hyaluronic acid microdroplet treatment designed to improve skin smoothness of the cheeks in adults over the age of 21. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, SkinVive® is not intended to add volume, lift the face, or change your facial features. Instead, it is designed to improve skin quality by increasing hydration within the skin, creating a healthier, smoother, and more radiant complexion. The active ingredient in SkinVive® is hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that naturally occurs throughout the body and plays an essential role in maintaining skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to attract and retain water, helping the skin remain hydrated, supple, and resilient. As we age, our natural hyaluronic acid levels gradually decline, contributing to dryness, rough texture, and loss of skin radiance. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that are placed deeper in the tissues to restore lost volume or enhance facial contours, SkinVive® is injected as tiny microdroplets just beneath the surface of the skin. These microdroplets improve hydration from within, helping the skin appear smoother and healthier without changing the natural shape or contours of your face. Many patients describe SkinVive® as giving their skin a healthy glow rather than looking like they’ve had filler. Friends and family may notice your skin appears fresher, brighter, and better hydrated, but they typically won’t notice that you’ve had an injectable treatment. SkinVive® is an excellent option for patients who are concerned about: Dry or dehydrated skin Rough skin texture Dull complexion Loss of skin radiance Fine crepey texture of the cheeks Improving overall skin quality without adding facial volume One of the biggest misconceptions is that SkinVive® replaces skincare or collagen-stimulating treatments. In reality, SkinVive® works best as part of a comprehensive skin health plan. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, SkinVive® is often combined with medical-grade skincare, sunscreen, microneedling, PRX Skin Renewal, or chemical peels to address multiple aspects of skin aging. While SkinVive® focuses on hydration and skin smoothness, other treatments may improve pigmentation, collagen production, skin texture, or elasticity. Together, these treatments can help create healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Most patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks as skin hydration increases, with smoother, healthier-looking skin continuing to develop over the first month after treatment. Clinical studies have demonstrated improvement in cheek skin smoothness for up to six months following treatment, although individual results vary. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether SkinVive® is the right treatment for your skin concerns and whether combining it with other skin rejuvenation procedures would help you achieve your goals. Every treatment plan is customized because healthy, beautiful skin is never created with a single treatment—it’s built through a thoughtful, individualized approach. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, my philosophy is to improve skin quality first. Healthy, hydrated skin provides the foundation for beautiful, natural-looking aesthetic results and allows every treatment—from Botox® to dermal fillers—to look its very best. References • U.S. Food and Drug Administration – SkinVive® by JUVÉDERM® Approval Information • Allergan Aesthetics – SkinVive® by JUVÉDERM® Professional Product Information • American Academy of Dermatology – Hyaluronic Acid and Skin Health • JUVÉDERM® SkinVive Clinical Study Information

What are collagen and elastin, and why do they matter? Healthy, youthful-looking skin depends on many factors, but two of the most important building blocks are collagen and elastin. These naturally occurring proteins work together to provide your skin with structure, strength, flexibility, and resilience. While they each serve different functions, they are both essential for maintaining firm, smooth, healthy-looking skin. Think of collagen as the framework of your skin. It is the most abundant protein in the body and provides the structural support that keeps skin firm, smooth, and strong. In fact, collagen makes up approximately 75–80% of the skin’s dry weight, making it one of the primary components responsible for maintaining a youthful appearance. Elastin acts like your skin’s natural spring. It gives your skin the ability to stretch, move, and then return to its original position. Every time you smile, laugh, frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows, elastin allows your skin to repeatedly move with your facial expressions while helping it bounce back into place. When we are young, our bodies continuously produce both collagen and elastin, allowing the skin to repair itself efficiently. Beginning in our mid-to-late twenties, however, collagen production gradually slows, and the quality of both collagen and elastin begins to decline. Research suggests that adults lose approximately 1% of their collagen each year, and this natural process accelerates during menopause due to hormonal changes. In addition to the natural aging process, several external factors can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, including: Chronic sun exposure (ultraviolet radiation) Smoking Environmental pollution Poor nutrition Chronic inflammation Repetitive facial expressions Oxidative stress Over time, this gradual loss contributes to many of the visible signs of skin aging, including: Fine lines and wrinkles Loss of skin firmness Crepey skin Uneven skin texture Enlarged pores Thinner skin Loss of elasticity Dullness and decreased radiance One of the most common misconceptions is that aging is only about wrinkles. In reality, skin aging is largely the result of changes occurring beneath the surface long before wrinkles become visible. As collagen and elastin decline, the skin becomes less capable of repairing itself and maintaining its youthful structure. This is why collagen has become such an important focus in aesthetic medicine. While no treatment can permanently stop the aging process, many modern skin rejuvenation procedures are designed to support your body’s natural collagen production and improve overall skin quality. Treatments such as microneedling, regenerative microneedling, PRX Skin Renewal, SkinVive®, medical-grade skincare, and daily sun protection all play different roles in maintaining healthier skin. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, I believe beautiful skin begins with a healthy foundation. Rather than focusing only on treating wrinkles after they appear, my philosophy is to help patients protect, support, and improve their skin quality through personalized treatment plans that encourage long-term skin health. Healthy collagen, healthy elastin, consistent skincare, and daily sunscreen work together to help your skin remain stronger, smoother, and more resilient over time. It’s also important to understand that collagen remodeling is not an overnight process. Your body needs time to produce new collagen after treatments designed to stimulate it. While some improvements, such as increased hydration or a brighter complexion, may be noticed sooner, collagen production and remodeling continue for weeks to months after treatment. This is one reason why a series of treatments is often recommended and why maintaining healthy skin is an ongoing investment rather than a one-time procedure. Healthy skin isn’t created in a single appointment. It’s built through consistency, prevention, and choosing treatments that work with your body’s natural ability to repair and renew itself. References • ALASTIN Skincare® Educational Resources – Collagen, Elastin, and Skin Health • American Academy of Dermatology – Skin Aging and Collagen • National Institutes of Health – The Role of Collagen and Elastin in Skin Aging • American Society for Dermatologic Surgery – Skin Rejuvenation Resources

What is Microneedling? Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that helps stimulate your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin—the two essential proteins responsible for maintaining firm, smooth, healthy-looking skin. During treatment, a medical-grade microneedling pen uses sterile, ultra-fine needles to create thousands of precise microchannels within the skin. These controlled micro-injuries activate your body’s natural healing response, encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin while supporting healthier, stronger skin over time. Unlike treatments that remove the outer layer of the skin, microneedling works by encouraging your skin to repair and renew itself from within. Rather than simply masking the visible signs of aging, microneedling helps improve the overall quality and health of your skin by supporting its natural regenerative processes. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, every microneedling treatment is customized based on your skin concerns, treatment goals, and the area being treated. Needle depth and treatment technique are carefully adjusted to provide a personalized treatment while maintaining patient safety and comfort. Microneedling may improve the appearance of: Fine lines and wrinkles Acne scars Surgical scars Enlarged pores Uneven skin texture Mild skin laxity Sun-damaged skin Uneven skin tone Crepey skin Overall skin quality and radiance One of the reasons microneedling is such a valuable treatment is that it works with your body’s own natural healing process. The temporary microchannels created during treatment also enhance the absorption of carefully selected professional skincare products applied immediately afterward. Depending on your individualized treatment plan, regenerative serums, growth factors, peptides, PDRN, brightening solutions, or other professional skincare products may be incorporated to further support skin rejuvenation. It is important to understand that collagen remodeling is not immediate. While many patients notice brighter, smoother skin within the first week, your body continues producing new collagen and elastin for several weeks and even months following treatment. This gradual remodeling process is one of the reasons microneedling continues to improve your skin over time. Is microneedling a one-time treatment? While many patients notice healthier, brighter-looking skin after a single treatment, microneedling works by stimulating your body’s natural collagen remodeling process. Because collagen production naturally slows with age, the best long-term results are achieved through consistency rather than a single treatment. If you’re treating concerns such as acne scars, more significant sun damage, or advanced signs of aging, I may recommend beginning with a corrective treatment series, typically consisting of treatments performed every 4 to 6 weeks. This allows collagen to build gradually while improving the overall quality and appearance of your skin. Once you’ve achieved your desired results, many patients transition into a Collagen Maintenance Plan designed to help preserve healthy collagen production and support long-term skin health. Rather than waiting until concerns return, maintenance microneedling focuses on prevention. Just as we continue exercising to maintain our muscles or schedule regular dental cleanings to maintain our oral health, periodic collagen stimulation can become an important part of maintaining healthy skin. Depending on your age, skin condition, lifestyle, and long-term goals, maintenance microneedling may be recommended approximately every 3 to 6 months. During your consultation, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan based on your skin’s unique needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all schedule. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, I believe beautiful skin isn’t created in a single appointment. It’s built through consistency, prevention, medical-grade skincare, daily sun protection, and treatments that support your body’s natural ability to repair and renew itself. My goal is not simply to improve your skin today, but to help you maintain healthier, stronger, and more radiant skin for years to come. References American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Microneedling American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) – Microneedling National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Microneedling and Skin Remodeling ALASTIN® Skincare Professional Education – Skin Healing, Collagen, and Elastin U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Microneedling Device Information

What is Salmon DNA (PDRN)? You’ve probably heard the term “salmon DNA facial” on social media or seen celebrities talking about it. While the name has certainly captured attention, the science behind it is what makes it so exciting in regenerative aesthetics. The medical term for salmon DNA is PDRN, which stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. PDRN consists of highly purified DNA fragments derived from salmon that have been carefully processed for medical and aesthetic applications. Salmon DNA is used because it is highly biocompatible with human tissue and has been extensively studied for its role in supporting tissue repair, wound healing, and skin regeneration. Although the phrase “salmon DNA” may sound unusual, it does not mean raw salmon or fish tissue is being applied to the skin. The DNA undergoes extensive purification to isolate specific DNA fragments that have been researched for decades in regenerative medicine. Unlike Botox®, which relaxes muscles, or dermal fillers, which restore facial volume and support, PDRN works differently. It focuses on supporting your skin’s natural ability to repair and regenerate itself. Research has shown that PDRN may help support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, encourage collagen production, and improve overall skin quality. Because of these regenerative properties, PDRN has become an increasingly popular ingredient in aesthetic medicine for patients who want to improve skin health rather than simply treating wrinkles alone. Potential benefits of PDRN include: Supporting the skin’s natural healing process Improving skin hydration Encouraging collagen production Improving skin texture Improving skin elasticity Reducing the appearance of fine lines Supporting skin barrier function Improving overall skin quality and radiance One of the most common misconceptions is that all salmon DNA treatments are injected. One of the most common misconceptions is that all salmon DNA (PDRN) treatments are injected. While injectable PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) treatments have become increasingly popular in other countries, injectable PDRN is currently not FDA-approved for cosmetic use in the United States. In the United States, PDRN is legally available and commonly used as a topical cosmetic ingredient in professional serums and post-procedure treatment solutions. Following treatments such as microneedling, topical PDRN is applied to support skin hydration, the skin’s natural healing process, skin barrier recovery, and overall skin rejuvenation. At my practice, PDRN is incorporated as part of VAMP™ Advanced Regenerative Microneedling, where a sterile topical PDRN solution is applied immediately following microneedling. The controlled microchannels created during microneedling allow the skin to receive the topical regenerative solution as part of the treatment protocol. This approach focuses on supporting skin repair and recovery while complementing your body’s natural healing response. PDRN is one piece of a comprehensive skin health strategy. When combined with treatments such as microneedling, medical-grade skincare, sunscreen, and other collagen-supporting therapies, it can help improve overall skin quality and support healthier, stronger, more radiant skin over time. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, my philosophy is to improve the health of your skin—not simply mask the signs of aging. Regenerative treatments such as PDRN are designed to work alongside your body’s natural repair processes, helping you achieve natural-looking, long-term skin rejuvenation. References Prollenium Medical Technologies – VAMP™ Advanced Professional Product Information Published literature on PDRN and tissue regeneration National Institutes of Health (NIH/PubMed) – Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and wound healing American Academy of Dermatology – Skin rejuvenation and wound healing resources

What is VAMP™ Advanced Regenerative Microneedling? VAMP™ Advanced Regenerative Microneedling is one of my most advanced skin rejuvenation treatments, combining the collagen-stimulating benefits of microneedling with a sterile topical regenerative solution containing PDRN (purified salmon DNA), hyaluronic acid, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals to support healthier, stronger, more radiant-looking skin. Rather than simply treating the surface of the skin, this treatment is designed to work with your body’s natural healing response. Microneedling creates thousands of precise, controlled microchannels within the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production while allowing the topical regenerative solution to be applied immediately following treatment. The result is a comprehensive approach to improving skin quality, hydration, texture, and overall skin health. Unlike traditional microneedling alone, VAMP™ Advanced combines collagen stimulation with ingredients specifically selected to support the skin during its natural healing process. The topical regenerative solution contains: PDRN (Purified Salmon DNA) to support tissue repair and skin regeneration. Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate and improve skin smoothness. 11 Vitamins to nourish and support healthy skin function. 23 Amino Acids that serve as building blocks for healthy skin. 6 Minerals that help support normal cellular function and skin health. Together, these ingredients create an ideal environment for skin recovery and rejuvenation following microneedling. What concerns can VAMP™ Advanced Regenerative Microneedling help improve? This treatment may help improve: Fine lines and wrinkles Sun-damaged skin Uneven skin tone Rough skin texture Acne scars Surgical scars Enlarged pores Mild skin laxity Crepey skin Dehydrated skin Overall skin quality and radiance Because every patient’s skin is different, your treatment plan will be customized based on your skin concerns and long-term goals. What makes this treatment different from traditional microneedling? Traditional microneedling stimulates your body’s natural collagen and elastin production through controlled micro-injuries. VAMP™ Advanced Regenerative Microneedling builds upon those benefits by incorporating a sterile topical regenerative solution immediately following treatment. While microneedling stimulates the skin’s repair process, the topical solution supports hydration, skin barrier recovery, and overall skin rejuvenation during the healing process. Together, these treatments create a comprehensive approach to healthier skin rather than simply addressing one concern. Is VAMP™ Advanced injected? No. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, VAMP™ Advanced is not injected. Following microneedling, the sterile topical regenerative solution is applied directly to the treated skin as part of the post-procedure protocol. While injectable PDRN products are available in some countries, injectable PDRN is not FDA-approved for cosmetic use in the United States. My treatment protocol utilizes topical PDRN in accordance with current U.S. clinical practice. How many treatments will I need? Some patients notice brighter, healthier-looking skin after a single treatment. However, because collagen remodeling occurs gradually, the best results are often achieved through consistency. If your goal is to improve acne scars, sun damage, or more advanced signs of aging, I may recommend beginning with a corrective series of treatments spaced approximately 4 to 6 weeks apart. Once your desired results have been achieved, many patients transition into a Collagen Maintenance Plan, receiving treatments every 3 to 6 months to help support ongoing collagen production and maintain healthy skin over time. Why do you offer regenerative microneedling? At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, I believe healthy skin is the foundation of every aesthetic treatment. Whether you’re considering Botox®, dermal fillers, SkinVive®, or simply want healthier-looking skin, improving skin quality is one of the best long-term investments you can make. My philosophy is to combine evidence-based treatments with regenerative skincare to help patients build healthier, stronger, and more resilient skin—not just for today, but for years to come. ⸻ References Prollenium® VAMP™ Advanced Professional Product Information American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Microneedling National Institutes of Health (NIH/PubMed) – Microneedling and Collagen Remodeling Published literature on PDRN and tissue regeneration U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Microneedling Device Information

Why is sunscreen the most important anti-aging product? If I could recommend only one skincare product to every patient, regardless of age or skin type, it would be broad-spectrum sunscreen. While treatments like Botox®, microneedling, SkinVive®, chemical peels, and regenerative therapies can improve the appearance of your skin, sunscreen is the single most effective way to help prevent future damage. It protects the healthy collagen and elastin your skin already has while helping preserve the results of your aesthetic treatments. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging—a process known as photoaging. Over time, UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, damages skin cells, contributes to pigmentation, and accelerates many of the visible signs of aging. Without daily sun protection, UV exposure can contribute to: Fine lines and wrinkles Sunspots and uneven pigmentation Loss of skin firmness Rough skin texture Dull complexion Broken capillaries Skin laxity Increased risk of skin cancer Many people believe sunscreen is only necessary during the summer or on sunny days. In reality, UVA rays are present year-round and can penetrate clouds and windows. That means your skin is exposed even while driving, sitting near windows, or spending time outdoors during the winter. Another common misconception is that sunscreen is only important after aesthetic treatments. The truth is that sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine whether you’ve had treatments or not. Protecting your skin every day helps preserve your natural collagen and elastin while maximizing the longevity of treatments such as Botox®, microneedling, PRX Skin Renewal, SkinVive®, chemical peels, and medical-grade skincare. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, sunscreen is one of the cornerstones of every treatment plan. Investing in your skin without protecting it from ultraviolet damage is like remodeling a home while leaving the roof open during a storm. Daily sun protection helps preserve your investment and supports healthier skin for years to come. For the best protection, I recommend using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, applying it generously as the final step in your morning skincare routine, and reapplying every two hours when spending extended time outdoors. Healthy skin isn’t built by one treatment alone. It is built through consistency, prevention, medical-grade skincare, and daily sun protection. References American Academy of Dermatology – Sunscreen and Skin Cancer Prevention U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun Skin Cancer Foundation – Daily Sun Protection American Society for Dermatologic Surgery – Photoaging and Sun Protection Allergan Aesthetics Educational Resources – Skin Health and UV Damage

What Causes Sunspots and How Can They Be Treated? Sunspots, also known as solar lentigines or age spots, are one of the most common signs of sun damage and skin aging. Despite the name “age spots,” they are not caused by age alone. They develop after years of cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. When your skin is exposed to UV light, specialized cells called melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment responsible for your natural skin color. Melanin serves as your skin’s natural defense against UV damage by helping absorb and disperse ultraviolet radiation. Over time, repeated sun exposure can cause melanocytes to become overactive or unevenly distributed. Instead of producing an even amount of pigment across the skin, they begin producing excess melanin in certain areas, resulting in the brown or tan spots commonly referred to as sunspots. Sunspots most commonly develop on areas that receive the greatest amount of sun exposure, including: Face Forehead Cheeks Nose Chest and décolleté Shoulders Hands Arms While sunspots are usually harmless, they are a visible sign of photoaging—premature aging caused by ultraviolet exposure. The same UV damage that causes pigmentation also contributes to collagen breakdown, loss of elastin, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and decreased skin firmness. One of the biggest misconceptions is that once a sunspot fades, the damage is gone. In reality, sunspots are often only one visible sign of years of accumulated sun exposure beneath the surface of the skin. How are sunspots treated? There is no single treatment that is best for every patient. The ideal treatment depends on your skin type, the depth of pigmentation, your lifestyle, and your long-term skin goals. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, treatment recommendations may include: Medical-grade skincare to brighten pigmentation and support healthy skin turnover. Chemical peels, including VI Peel®, to improve discoloration, uneven skin tone, and overall skin clarity. PRX Skin Renewal, which helps improve skin quality, texture, and brightness with minimal downtime. Microneedling, which supports healthier skin by stimulating collagen production while improving overall skin texture and tone. Regenerative treatments, such as VAMP™ Advanced Regenerative Microneedling, as part of a comprehensive skin health plan. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, which is one of the most important steps in preventing existing pigmentation from darkening and helping reduce the development of future sunspots. Many patients benefit from a combination of treatments rather than a single procedure. During your consultation, I’ll evaluate your skin and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to safely improve pigmentation while supporting the overall health of your skin. Can sunspots come back? Yes. Even after successful treatment, new sunspots can develop if your skin continues to receive ultraviolet exposure without adequate protection. This is why maintaining your results is just as important as achieving them. Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, combined with medical-grade skincare and periodic maintenance treatments, can help protect your skin from future UV damage while preserving the results of your treatment. At Aesthetic Edit by Rachel Zoe, I believe beautiful skin is about more than treating individual spots or wrinkles. My goal is to improve the overall health and quality of your skin through prevention, personalized treatment plans, and evidence-based skincare that helps you achieve healthy, radiant skin for years to come. References American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Age Spots (Solar Lentigines), Hyperpigmentation, and Sun Protection American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) – Treatment Options for Pigmentation and Sun Damage U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun The Skin Cancer Foundation – Photoaging, UV Damage, and Sun Protection National Institutes of Health (NIH/PubMed) – Solar Lentigines and Photoaging Allergan Aesthetics – Educational Resources on Skin Quality, Photoaging, and Healthy Skin

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