The Art of Aging

Iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But at fifty, you get the face you deserve.” Skincare has come a long way since then, and today we have more control over how our faces evolve than ever before. Polly McKibben, an aesthetic nurse and the owner of Advanced Injectables by Polly, understands how important it is to feel some agency over one’s appearance. After earning degrees in psychology and nursing, McKibben was working as a labor and delivery nurse when she suddenly developed severe cystic acne. “It took a huge toll on my self-esteem and my confidence,” McKibben explains. “I was incredibly frustrated that I was unable to find an effective treatment for my situation. That experience led me to my true passion—medical aesthetics.”

Motivated to help others suffering from skin-related issues such as hers, McKibben began working with plastic surgeons as a medical aesthetician 20 years ago. She’s now an expert injector with a repertoire of highly specialized non-surgical facial procedures. In 2018, McKibben founded her own injectables business, serving clients from the ages of 20 to 80 seeking treatment for a range of aesthetic concerns and challenges. Paramount among these is the desire to prevent or reverse certain signs of aging—the sagging undereye area, the vertical lines between the eyes, sometimes called ‘the elevens,’ or deep-set forehead wrinkles, for example—that can make someone appear tired, sad, or angry.

Combating “Ozempic face”

McKibben specializes in neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport that relax the muscles known to cause frown lines, crow’s feet, and other unwanted facial contours. With the advent of GLP-1s and the rise of “Ozempic face”—characterized by sunken cheeks and loose skin around the jawline—McKibben has witnessed an increase in requests for the ‘Nefertiti Neck Lift’, which focuses on platysma bands, the neck muscles responsible for facial expressions. McKibben also frequently works with Sculptra, a polylactic injectable filler that restores the body’s natural collagen and elastin, smoothing and tightening skin in the process. As certain celebrities have demonstrated, too much filler can change someone’s face dramatically (and not always for the better), so McKibben works with each client to ensure they still look like themselves post-treatment, just younger and healthier.

Recently, McKibben has begun offering Skinvive injections, which are designed to help rehydrate the skin and help it retain its own moisture. “I create little micro droplets under the surface of the skin,” she explains. “The body reflexively sends water to that area, which replenishes the hyaluronic acid we all have naturally. It’s almost like creating a lake under the skin’s surface.” This treatment has soared in popularity among local clients, since everyone living in Denver can benefit from additional hydration.

Back to basics

While new technologies have vastly expanded skincare options, simple acts such as drinking lots of water, getting adequate rest, and committing to a consistent skincare routine at home are all vital to maintaining a healthy complexion. Cosmetic injections can’t completely undo years of neglect or sun damage. McKibben recommends—at minimum—four core products for at-home facial care. Sunscreen is the most important, especially in sun-drenched Denver, and should be used every single day. Her next recommendation is a cleanser like Obagi, a medical-grade skincare brand that must be purchased from a med spa or other clinical establishment. McKibben also highlights Pro-Heal, a clinical serum rich in Vitamin C that prevents redness and protects against UV rays. Finally, McKibben recommends using a moisturizer tailored to one’s skin type—oily, dry, combination, etc.—and emphasizes that, because Denver has such a dry climate, moisturizer is critical in keeping skin both looking and feeling young in the Mile High City.

Complementing at-home skincare with advanced injectables will achieve the best results, and the client-clinician dynamic plays a central role—building trust is essential. “The most important part of my career has been the relationships I’ve developed along the way,” McKibben says. “Some of my clients have been coming to see me for 20 years.” Aging is a natural process, but medical aesthetics can also look natural if done correctly. Before any injection-based treatment, McKibben advises abstaining from all blood-thinning agents such as Ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and alcohol for at least two days. “I’ve seen how just a little bit of Botox can make someone feel better about themselves,” McKibben explains. “I know that what I do has the power to transform some people’s entire lives, and I’m grateful to be part of that journey.” No matter your age, it’s never too late to begin nurturing the appearance you deserve.

McKibben sees clients at Kitto Kato Skincare, Denver’s first medically-directed skincare clinic. Check out Advanced Injectibles by Polly at aibypolly.com for more information.