Welcome to Aging Gracefully—a holistic, non-toxic series where we say 'no thanks' to the pressure of Botox injectables and yes to looking and feeling our best the natural way.

We've found that many turn to Botox at the first signs of aging, without considering alternative options—ones grounded in education, clean living, and intentional aging. In each episode, we explore science-backed, alternative treatments and lifestyle strategies that support our natural beauty.

In this episode, I chat with Jessica Rodriguez, NP and founder of Sunflower Family Medicine, about the foundational lifestyle habits that support graceful aging—from sleep and stress to hydration, diet, and movement. We also explore natural aesthetic treatments like NAD+ therapy, PRP/PRF facials, peptides, Xeomin, and EMF-free laser treatments for skin and overall vitality.

Healthy Living is Healthy Aging

I wanted to kick off this Aging Gracefully series by focusing on what really matters: the internal work. Because while aesthetic treatments can enhance your glow, your skin is ultimately a reflection of what’s happening inside your body. Aging begins from within and that’s where our conversation starts.

It only made sense to visit a medical office for this first episode. I sat down with Jessica Rodriguez, Nurse Practitioner and founder of Sunflower Family Medicine, to talk through the foundational lifestyle habits that make the biggest difference when it comes to aging gracefully. You can watch the full video for all the details, but here’s the core truth:

If you want to look your best and slow down the visible signs of aging, you need to take care of your health. And that means:

• Prioritizing quality sleep
• Moving your body regularly
• Eating an anti-inflammatory, whole-food-based diet
• Managing chronic stress
• Hydrating properly
• Filling nutritional gaps with targeted, bioavailable vitamins
• And (while not mentioned in the video, but kind of obvious...) avoiding smoking, vaping and excessive alcohol.

Sound familiar? That’s because it’s not some secret protocol. It’s the same advice we hear for living healthy—and that’s a relief. The steps to living a long, healthy life are the exact same steps to looking and feeling your best. We don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Oh, and make sure you're drinking your water!

According to Jessica, almost everyone she sees is chronically dehydrated. A good rule of thumb: drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Plain filtered water is fine, but adding a pinch of mineral-rich salt can support electrolyte balance and water retention. If you’re very active or sweat a lot, a clean electrolyte mix may help—but it’s not essential for most people.

Watch The Full Episode

Naturally-Minded Aesthetic Treatments & Boosters

Of course, we didn’t stop at lifestyle alone. We also explored aesthetic treatments that align with a clean, holistic approach to beauty. Here are a few we discussed:

NAD+ IV Therapy

This IV drip delivers nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and repair. Jessica explains it can boost cognitive function, support healthy aging, and enhance skin glow. 

What to expect

• IV drip administered in-office (usually via arm vein)
• Session lasts 1–3 hours depending on tolerance
• Some patients feel lightheaded during infusion, but energized afterward

Frequency

• Weekly infusions for 4 weeks, then transition to self-injections 2–3x/week.
• Can be done indefinitely for ongoing benefits

Recovery

• No downtime
• May feel tired after first session

PRP Facials

Often called "vampire facials," these use your body’s own platelets to stimulate collagen production. These treatments support skin tone, texture, and elasticity naturally.

What to expect

• Blood draw → spun in centrifuge → plasma injected or microneedled into skin
• Targets fine lines, acne scars, dullness
• 45–60 min session
  

Frequency

• 3–4x per year for best results
• But can be done more frequently if desired and if the budget is endless

Recovery

• Mild redness or pinpoint bleeding immediately after
• Most resume normal activities within 24 hours

PRF "Filler"

PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is a more advanced version of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and doesn’t require additives. These treatments support skin tone, texture, and elasticity naturally. PRF is often touted as the alternative to fillers.

What to expect

• Similar to PRP but spun and cooled into a gel
• Acts like a natural filler, used for under-eyes, deep lines, and volume loss
• Injected with a small needle
  

Frequency

• 3–4x per year for best results
• Builds over time for long term improvements

Recovery

• Minor swelling or bruising possible
• Minimal downtime — most resume regular activities same day

Peptides

Short chains of amino acids that signal specific actions in the body like promoting hair growth, repairing tissue, or increasing collagen. Jessica uses various peptide protocols based on individual goals (joint recovery, skin regeneration, etc.).

What to expect

• Quick subcutaneous injection (belly or thigh) — done at home or in-office
• Takes 1–2 minutes, virtually painless
• Specific peptides target skin, muscle, hair, or hormone support. Talk to your provider.
  

Frequency

• Injectables are typically 3 months on / 3 months off cycle.
• Topicals can be used daily

Recovery

• No downtime.
• Start seeing results around 6 weeks

Safer Tox?

Not ready to give up injectables? Consider Xeomin. It’s a cleaner alternative to Botox that contains only the active neurotoxin without additional proteins. While I cannot personally endorse any neurotoxin, if you're choosing one, this is worth asking your provider about.

If you are not willing to give up Botox, but want to minimize frequency, doing other naturally minded treatments like microneedling, PRP or PRF in between Botox sessions can help you go longer between sessions as well.

What to expect

• Tiny injections into targeted facial muscles
• Quick, 15–20 minute appointment
• Xeomin is a cleaner formula without preservatives, but it’s still a neurotoxin

Frequency

• Every 3-6 months depending on metabolism and activity level
• Some report Xeomin lasts longer

Recovery

• Avoid lying down or working out for 4 hours
• Results as early as 3-7 days, and full effect in 2 weeks

Candela Laser Treatments

This EMF-free laser promotes collagen production and skin renewal without invasive procedures or heat damage. Jessica offers these treatments for pigmentation, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation.

What to expect

• Quick, non-invasive treatment using targeted heat to boost collagen
• Feels warm, not painful — likened to a hot stone massage
• Can be done on face, chest, neck, arms
  

Frequency

• 1x per week for 3 months for optimal results
• Maintenance sessions as needed

Recovery

• Mild redness post-treatment, usually fades within hours
• No peeling or downtime, makeup can be worn next day
• Avoid sun exposure

How to Choose a Safe Provider

If you're local to South Florida, Sunflower Family Medicine is an excellent option. It’s a full-spectrum family medicine clinic that also offers aesthetic services in a thoughtful, health-conscious environment.

If you're not local, Jessica shared her tips for choosing a reputable provider:

• Look for an MD, NP, or PA (ensures proper licensing and expertise)
• Look for an ultra clean clinic (using gloves, masks and sterile equipment)
• Make sure they have an emergency protocol in place (defibrillators, allergy meds)
• Avoid beauty salons (they may not be adequately trained, sterile or prepared for emergencies)
• Avoid mobile PRF/filler services. These services are best done in-clinic.

Upcoming Episodes

In upcoming episodes, we’ll dive into the best at-home and spa treatments that support graceful aging—no toxins required. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss a thing. You’ll find the full Aging Gracefully series posted in our playlists as well.