773: Fibroblasts: Quiet Engines to Boost Collagen

Join Dr. Kay and renowned female longevity expert Kayla Barnes for a comprehensive discussion on optimal health, moving far beyond "normal" lab ranges to an optimal state. Kayla breaks down essential longevity strategies, from tailoring sleep and exercise protocols to the female cycle and structuring supplements into three categories (baseline, protocol-based, and longevity molecules), to pursuing advanced testing like NMR panels and Homa IR to decode health data. The episode explores cutting-edge therapies like Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBOT) for enhanced healing and blood flow, and Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) for reducing the total toxic burden. Finally, Dr. Kay and Kayla align on an approach to aesthetic longevity that advocates for a moderated use of pure core neurotoxins like Xeomin in combination with powerful collagen biostimulation and DNA-repairing molecules, such as polynucleotides, for true inside-out rejuvenation.

Is your skin missing that extra boost, that oomf? On today's episode of Five Minute Friday, we're getting into Peptides- the science, the benefits, and the POWER they contain.

Today I'm sharing my conversation with the amazing Alisha Merlo on her podcast, Know Your Skin, and an energizing conversation on practical longevity tools, how and when to use peptides, and which supplements support your journey to healthier skin, better energy, and long-term wellness; we covered simple daily habits, safety and monitoring, and how to personalize a smart, evidence-based plan—listen now and share a friend who’s on this path of wellness with you!

Fibroblasts are the quiet engines that rebuild your collagen, keep skin firm and springy, and help you hold a healthy, lasting glow. That glow lives in your fibroblasts, so let's learn how to feed them well with daily SPF, vitamin C, peptides, and night repair, then boost their output with targeted treatments that stimulate fresh collagen for firmer, smoother, more resilient skin. And book a consult to build your personalized plan!

Your hormones tell a powerful story about your body, your mood, your energy, and your pleasure. In this episode of Beauty Bytes, I sit down with Dr. Mary Simpson, a board-certified OB/GYN and menopause expert who has dedicated her career to helping women understand and embrace their sexual health. Dr. Simpson is the founder and medical director of SeaMist MedSpa @inseamistmedspa_  in Rhode Island, where she blends hormone health, wellness, and aesthetics. We talk openly about changes that come with aging as a woman, perimenopause, and why owning your sexual wellness is an act of self-care. This conversation is honest, science-based, and made to remind you that you’re not alone- and you deserve to feel your best at every stage of life.

✨ Your mitochondria are the powerhouses inside every cell — the engines that keep your skin glowing, your brain sharp, and your energy steady. Over time, stress, poor sleep, toxins, and aging can slow them down. When your mitochondria struggle, you feel it everywhere: fatigue, slower recovery, dull skin, inflammation, and accelerated aging. The good news? You can support and rebuild mitochondrial health with smart lifestyle strategies, targeted supplements, and regenerative treatments. 🧬 In this week’s Five Minute Friday, we’re diving into why mitochondrial health matters, how it connects to longevity and beauty, and practical ways to keep your cellular engines strong and youthful.

✨ Your mitochondria are the powerhouses inside every cell — the engines that keep your skin glowing, your brain sharp, and your energy steady. Over time, stress, poor sleep, toxins, and aging can slow them down. When your mitochondria struggle, you feel it everywhere: fatigue, slower recovery, dull skin, inflammation, and accelerated aging. The good news? You can support and rebuild mitochondrial health with smart lifestyle strategies, targeted supplements, and regenerative treatments. 🧬 In this week’s Five Minute Friday, we’re diving into why mitochondrial health matters, how it connects to longevity and beauty, and practical ways to keep your cellular engines strong and youthful.

This week on Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay, I’m sitting down with Dr. Jeffrey Gross- a board-certified neurological surgeon, spine specialist, and outspoken regenerative medicine advocate who’s redefining what patient care can look like. Licensed in California and Nevada, Dr. Gross runs spine practices in Orange County and Henderson, where he merges advanced surgical techniques with biohacking and longevity medicine. Named a Top Doctor since 2020, he’s recognized for his expertise in treating athletic injuries, performing complex spine procedures, and championing a forward-thinking, patient-centered approach. Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and active in multiple elite surgical societies, Dr. Gross brings sharp clinical insight and a fearless vision for the future of medicine.

Rhinoplasty has always been one of the most requested procedures in facial plastic surgery, but in recent years there has been a major shift in what patients are looking for. What are theses requests and what's changed in patient goals? Find out more in today's Five Minute Friday. 

In this episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kay Durairaj talks with sleep medicine specialist Dr. Andrea Matsumura about the deep connection between sleep and overall health. They discuss the effects of sleep deprivation, the role of melatonin in regulating our circadian rhythm, and how caffeine disrupts restorative sleep. Dr. Matsumura also explains the science behind sleep apnea, the history of the CPAP machine, and how proper sleep impacts more than you think!