773: Fibroblasts: Quiet Engines to Boost Collagen

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!

In this Five Minute Friday, I’m breaking down how advanced microneedling goes way beyond skin-deep results. When paired with powerful treatments like PRP, platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), and exosomes, microneedling can supercharge your collagen, improve texture, and boost glow. I’ll share the key steps for getting the best outcomes while minimizing risks—so you’ll understand why microneedling still stands as one of the most trusted treatments for facial rejuvenation. Tune in and level up your skin knowledge!

Mark Sisson is a former elite endurance athlete, best-selling author, and entrepreneur known for pioneering the Primal lifestyle movement. After founding Primal Kitchen, he launched Peluva with his son Kyle to create a barefoot-style shoe that blends science, comfort, and everyday wearability. Designed with individual toe articulation, zero-drop soles, and lightweight construction, Peluva helps restore natural foot function, improve balance, and enhance posture. Mark’s mission is to reconnect people with the way the body was designed to move, bringing awareness to how modern footwear impacts long-term health.