Katie is the BEST! My skin has never felt or looked better. She is truly an expert in her field and genuinely cares about her clients. Highly recommend all around!
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Google Review
Medical-Grade Skincare · ZO Skin Health & Skinbetter · Scottsdale, AZMedical-grade skincare in Scottsdale
Medical-grade skincare in Scottsdale
personalized to your skin
Medical-grade skincare in Scottsdale from ZO Skin Health and Skinbetter Science, curated to your skin by a nurse practitioner. Under the Arizona sun, the routine you follow each morning is one of the most meaningful things you can do for your skin.
- Brands stocked
- ZO Skin Health, Skinbetter Science
- Consultation
- Complimentary
- Results appear
- 8–12 weeks
- Start with
- Usually three products
Three products to start
A simple routine
Assessed by a nurse practitioner
Prescribed to your skin
What to keep, what to refine
A fresh look at your routine
Designed for Arizona sun
Adjusted with the seasons
What medical-grade meansUnderstanding
Understanding
medical-grade skincare
"Medical-grade" is a helpful term, though not a formally regulated one. No agency defines it, so the most useful way to choose skincare is to look at what sits inside the bottle. That's where a skin consultation makes the choice easy.
What distinguishes clinical skincare is measurable. Active concentration: a serum with 0.25% retinol behaves very differently from one with 1%. Formulation stability: L-ascorbic acid oxidizes quickly in light and air, so packaging and pH determine how well your vitamin C performs. Delivery: an active works best when it reaches the layer of skin where it's needed. And clinical testing on the finished formula, rather than on a single ingredient in a laboratory.
ZO Skin Health and Skinbetter Science meet those standards, which is why we carry them. Beyond the brand, what matters most is a regimen suited to your skin, your barrier and your climate, and one you'll enjoy using every day.
What it is
- ✓Higher active concentrations, in formulations tested as finished products
- ✓Prescribed to your skin type, barrier condition and tolerance
- ✓What holds the results of every treatment we perform
- ✓Cumulative, so a consistent regimen matters more than any single product
What it isn't
- ✕A formally regulated term, so the formulation matters more than the label
- ✕A replacement for treatment when the concern is volume or structure
- ✕Effective when used now and then; consistency is what brings results
- ✕A long list; a few well-chosen products do the work
How our skincare worksIndividually priced,
Book a skin consultationIndividually priced,
curated to your skin
Products are priced individually, and every regimen is chosen for you rather than assembled as a kit. Most patients leave a first consultation with three products they'll use and enjoy every day. The consultation is complimentary, with no obligation to purchase.
Priced individually, with no kits, bundles or minimum purchase. Prescription tretinoin is issued separately where clinically appropriate.
What we prescribeEight key ingredients
Book a ConsultationEight key ingredients
and what they do
Most effective regimens draw from a short list of proven ingredients. Below is what each one does, when you'll see it working, and who should take extra care.
Mineral SPF
Every single morning
The most effective anti-aging product available, and an everyday essential. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on the skin and reflect UV rather than absorbing it. In the Arizona sun, it is the foundation of your whole routine.
Your daily foundation
Retinoids
Results at 8–12 weeks
The most evidence-backed active in skincare. Retinol, retinaldehyde and prescription tretinoin all accelerate cell turnover and stimulate collagen. We choose the strength and ramp-up schedule carefully so your skin adjusts comfortably.
The gold standard
Vitamin C
Results at 8–12 weeks
An antioxidant that protects against UV damage and supports collagen. L-ascorbic acid is delicate, so packaging and pH matter. It's at its best when fresh: a serum that has turned orange has oxidized and is ready to replace.
Best used fresh
Growth factors & peptides
Results at 12 weeks
Signaling molecules that prompt the skin to repair and produce collagen. Well suited to sensitive skin or anyone who finds retinoids hard to tolerate, though results are generally more gradual.
Gentle alternative
Pigment correctors
Results at 8–16 weeks
Hydroquinone, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, arbutin and niacinamide suppress melanin production. Especially helpful for melasma in Arizona, and best cycled rather than used indefinitely.
Used in cycles
Chemical exfoliants
Results at 4–8 weeks
Glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids clear the surface and refine texture. The right frequency is key, and we'll set a rhythm that keeps your skin smooth, bright and comfortable.
Used thoughtfully
Barrier repair
Results at 2–4 weeks
Ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid rebuild a compromised barrier. Where skin is already irritated this comes first, before any active is introduced.
Often the first step
Prescription tretinoin
Results at 12 weeks
The strongest topical retinoid, available only by prescription. Results are excellent and there is an adjustment period, so we prescribe where appropriate and guide you through the ramp-up.
By prescription
How we build a regimenThree products first,
Three products first,
then refined over time
Skin responds best to a gentle, gradual start. Each step below gives your barrier time to adjust, so your routine feels good from the very first week.
1
A look at your current routine
Bring everything, including products you've set aside. We'll see what's working well and what may be worth pausing, such as an exfoliant used too often or a vitamin C past its best.
2
Barrier condition is assessed first
If your skin is irritated or sensitized, we begin with barrier repair and introduce actives two to four weeks later, once it feels calm again.
3
Three products to begin
A cleanser suited to your skin, one active for your main concern, and a mineral SPF. That's a complete regimen, and the ideal place for nearly everyone to start.
4
The active is introduced gradually
Retinoids start two or three nights a week and build from there. A gentle ramp-up keeps your skin comfortable while the product does its best work over three months.
5
Reviewed at eight to twelve weeks
That's when skin visibly changes. We review your progress, adjust strength, and add a fourth product only once the first three are part of your routine and there's more you'd like to address.
Real patient resultsMedical-grade skincare
Medical-grade skincare
before and after
Individual results vary and depend on consistent daily use. All photographs are of KORA patients, unretouched, in identical lighting and framing, shared with written consent.
Your skin consultationThirty minutes,
Thirty minutes,
focused entirely on your skin
✓
Bring what you use
Everything you use, including products you've set aside. Photos of the labels work well if that's easier.
✓
Skin assessment
Skin type, barrier condition, pigment type, sun damage, sensitivity and tolerance. We'll also talk about how many steps fit comfortably into your day.
✓
What to keep
Often the most helpful part of the appointment. Pausing one product that's causing irritation can do more for your skin than adding three new ones.
✓
Your regimen, written down
Morning and evening, in order, with a ramp-up schedule for any active. You'll leave with it written down, ready to follow at home.
✓
Review at eight weeks
We check tolerance and progress before adjusting anything. Skin renews on roughly a twelve-week cycle, so this is the right moment to review.
When you'll see results
Skincare timeline, week by week
Medical-grade skincare improves texture and brightness from around 4 to 6 weeks, with pigment and fine line changes appearing at 8 to 12 weeks. Retinoids commonly bring a short adjustment period of mild dryness in the first two weeks, which settles as the skin adapts.
Week 1–2 · AdjustmentWeek 2–4 · Barrier settlesWeek 4–6 · First visible changeWeek 8–12 · Pigment and lines
TreatmentRecovery progressesLater stage
Preparing for an event? Begin a retinoid at least twelve weeks ahead, so your skin has time to adjust and looks its best on the day.
ZO Skin HealthProtocol-driven,
Protocol-driven,
and clinically strong
ZO Skin Health was founded by dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi and is built around protocols rather than individual products: sequences designed to work together, with an emphasis on helping skin function at its best rather than treating symptoms at the surface. The actives are strong, which is why the range is dispensed through providers. With expert guidance, it is among the most effective ranges available, and the right strength and pacing keep your barrier calm and comfortable. As an authorized provider, we prescribe from it according to what your skin tolerates, adjusting as your skin responds.
- ✓Authorized ZO Skin Health provider
- ✓Protocols designed to work together
- ✓Strong actives, guided by an NP
Skinbetter ScienceClinically tested
Clinically tested
as finished formulas
Skinbetter Science tests finished products in clinical trials rather than relying on ingredient studies. It's a meaningful distinction, since an active proven in a laboratory tells you little about whether a particular formulation delivers it. Their AlphaRet technology pairs a retinoid with an alpha hydroxy acid in a way that is notably better tolerated than a comparable-strength retinoid alone, making it a wonderful option for patients who have found retinoids irritating in the past. We carry it alongside ZO and choose between them based on your tolerance and goals.
- ✓Finished formulas tested clinically
- ✓AlphaRet suits retinoid-sensitive skin
- ✓Chosen for your tolerance and goals
ArizonaA regimen designed
A regimen designed
for Arizona sun
Scottsdale sits at a high UV index for the majority of the year, and the cumulative sun exposure here is considerable. That shapes your regimen in three thoughtful ways. Mineral SPF becomes the foundation the rest of your routine is built on. Pigment correction is maintained over time, since the sun remains a constant presence. And exfoliation is often gentler in summer, because a calm, healthy barrier is better protected under strong UV. We adjust every regimen seasonally for exactly this reason, so your skin is cared for all year.
- ✓Mineral SPF 30+ daily, reapplied
- ✓Pigment correction, maintained over time
- ✓Gentler exfoliation in summer
Drugstore, department store and medical-gradeWhere medical-grade
Where medical-grade
makes the difference
Great skincare can come from many places. Some drugstore products, particularly sunscreens and gentle cleansers, are excellent, and we're happy to build them into your routine. Department store skincare often offers beautiful textures and a lovely ritual, with active strengths that vary from product to product. Where medical-grade ranges shine is in higher active concentration, formulations tested as finished products, and stable delivery of delicate ingredients like vitamin C. Paired with a nurse practitioner who understands how your skin tolerates actives, that is what turns a collection of products into a regimen that works beautifully for you.
Keep
A good drugstore SPF
Upgrade
Your active
Ease off
Frequent exfoliation
Skincare, peels, microneedling or injectables
What skincare can do, and where treatments help
Skincare refines the quality of your skin: tone, texture, pigment and barrier function. Volume, muscle movement and scar remodeling are the work of treatments. Understanding that balance helps us recommend the right combination for your goals, whether that's a refined regimen, a treatment, or both.
| Compare | This treatmentMedical-grade skincare | Pairs withVI Peel | Pairs withSkinPen microneedling | Different problemInjectables |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Tone, texture, pigment, barrier, prevention | Melasma, sun damage, uneven tone | Acne scarring, pores, texture | Volume loss and movement lines |
| What it does | Higher-concentration actives applied daily | Chemically resurfaces the outer layers | Rebuilds collagen through controlled injury | Filler restores volume; Botox relaxes muscle |
| Onset | 4–12 weeks | 2 weeks per peel | Week 2 onward | Immediate to 2 weeks |
| Typically lasts | With continued use | Maintained 2–3 times a year | Structural and lasting | 3 months to 2 years |
Skincare pricingWhat does medical-grade skincare
What does medical-grade skincare
cost in Scottsdale?
Products are priced individually, with no kits or bundles. Most patients begin with three and add more once those are part of their routine. The consultation is complimentary with no obligation, and includes a thoughtful review of what you already own, including what to keep.
| Product | Sold as | Priced | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZO Skin Health Firming Serum Accelerated | Per product | Per product | $75 |
| SkinPen Premium Biocellulose Mask | Per product | Per product | $20 |
| ZO Skin Health range | Per product | Per product | Priced individually |
| Skinbetter Science range | Per product | Per product | Priced individually |
| Skin consultation & written regimen | — | — | Complimentary |
Meet your providers
Three nurse practitioners,, one approach to your skin
KORA Aesthetics was founded by Katie Manhardt, MSN, FNP-C, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and national clinical trainer. She is joined by Audrey Bakken, NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner with more than 23 years in medicine and over a decade in aesthetics, whose focus includes skin health and microneedling, and by Dana Nichols, NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner whose nine years in the ICU shape her calm, detail-oriented care.
Every regimen is built by one of our nurse practitioners, beginning with a careful skin assessment and a plan tailored to your skin, your goals and the Arizona climate.
ZO Skin Health Authorized ProviderBoard-Certified Nurse PractitionersFounder Is a National Clinical TrainerEvery Regimen Built by an NP
✦
Prescribed by an NP
Retinoid strength, ramp-up schedule and your barrier's readiness for actives are clinical decisions. Every regimen is built by a nurse practitioner.
✦
A simple, curated routine
A cleanser, one active and a mineral SPF is a complete regimen for most people, and easy to enjoy every day.
Loved by patients
What Scottsdale says about skincare at KORA
Katie with KORA Aesthetics is amazing! She is so knowledgeable and effortlessly walked me through each step of a very needed skin care regimen. I trust her with all skin and facial needs
Kelsey Harrington
Google Review
Katie helped me kickstart my journey into bettering my skin. She took the time to listen to my concerns, address my questions and helped me find the best treatment plan for me. 2 years later and I cannot thank her enough, my skin looks better than it has in a decade. This has not only translated externally on the surface but internally as well with confidence. She has helped me correct sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles through microneedling, under eye PRP, dysport, Botox and sculptra and medical grade skincare. Trust her with your face, you will be so thankful that you did!
danielle h
Google Review
Using your regimen
How to start & caring for your barrier
The first six weeks
- Introduce one new active at a time, with at least two weeks between additions. That way it's easy to see how your skin responds to each.
- Retinoids start two or three nights a week, not nightly. Build up over four to six weeks.
- Apply retinoids to completely dry skin. Damp skin increases penetration and irritation considerably.
- Use mineral SPF 30+ every morning from day one. Retinoids increase sun sensitivity, which matters right away in this climate.
- Pause exfoliating while you introduce a retinoid, since it already accelerates turnover.
- Some dryness or flaking in the first two weeks is normal. If it hasn't settled by week four, let us know and we'll adjust the strength or frequency.
- Please let us know if you're pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, as retinoids and several other actives aren't appropriate.
Ongoing
- Consistency beats intensity: three products used daily do more than a longer routine used sporadically.
- Give your results at least eight weeks. Skin renews on roughly a twelve-week cycle.
- Reduce exfoliation in summer. A compromised barrier under high UV pigments more easily.
- Replace vitamin C when it darkens. Oxidized L-ascorbic acid is no longer active and can irritate.
- Reapply SPF through the day, particularly if you're outdoors. Here, one morning application is not enough.
- Cycle pigment correctors rather than using them indefinitely. We'll let you know when to pause.
- Pause actives for a few days before and after peels or microneedling, and restart when we advise.
- Contact us for persistent burning, significant redness, swelling or any rash, as that's a reaction rather than normal adjustment.
Good to know
Skincare questions, answered by our team
Basics
What is medical-grade skincare?+
It describes skincare with higher active concentrations, formulations tested as finished products, and stable delivery of delicate ingredients such as vitamin C. No agency formally defines the term, so the most meaningful difference is guidance from a provider who can assess what your skin tolerates.
Is medical-grade skincare actually worth it?+
For actives, generally yes. Higher concentrations in tested, stable formulations make a real difference. For sunscreens and basic cleansers, a good drugstore product often works well, and we're happy to keep it in your routine.
Brands
What are the best medical-grade skincare brands?+
We carry ZO Skin Health and Skinbetter Science. ZO is protocol-driven with strong actives, founded by dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi. Skinbetter tests finished formulas in clinical trials, and its AlphaRet technology suits patients who have found retinoids irritating before. The right choice depends on your skin and tolerance.
Where can I buy ZO Skin Health in Scottsdale?+
ZO is dispensed through authorized providers, which is why a skin assessment comes first. KORA is an authorized provider, and products are available in clinic or through our online shop once we know what suits your skin.
Regimen
How many products do I actually need?+
Usually three to start: a cleanser, one active for your main concern, and a mineral SPF. That's a complete regimen. Giving those three eight weeks of consistent use before adding more keeps your skin calm and lets the results build.
How long before I see results from skincare?+
Texture and brightness change from around four to six weeks. Pigment and fine lines take eight to twelve. Skin turns over on roughly a twelve-week cycle, so patience is well rewarded.
Actives
How do I start a retinoid without peeling?+
Two or three nights a week to begin, applied to completely dry skin, building up over four to six weeks. Pause exfoliating while you introduce it. Some dryness in the first two weeks is normal; lasting irritation means we should adjust the strength or frequency.
Why does my vitamin C serum turn orange?+
It has oxidized. L-ascorbic acid is unstable in light and air, and once it darkens it is no longer active and can irritate, so it's time to replace it. Packaging and formulation help a vitamin C serum stay fresh and effective.
Arizona
What SPF should I use in Arizona?+
A mineral SPF 30 or higher containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, applied every morning and reapplied through the day if you're outdoors. In this climate it is the foundation of your regimen.
Can skincare treat melasma?+
It can manage it well, and management is the realistic goal, since melasma is chronic and tends to return. Pigment correctors suppress melanin production and daily mineral SPF protects against the trigger. Combined with a peel series, this is the most effective approach available, though no product cures it.
Should I change my routine in summer?+
Here, usually yes. Higher UV calls for more protection and often less exfoliation, since a calm, healthy barrier handles strong sun better. We adjust regimens seasonally so your routine suits every time of year.
Consultation
Do I have to buy products at my consultation?+
No. The consultation is complimentary with no obligation, and some patients leave with a refined plan for the products they already own.
Can I use my current products alongside what you recommend?+
Often yes, and we'll help you decide which to keep. Bring everything you use, including products you've set aside. Most patients own at least one product well worth continuing.
Location
Do you treat patients from Paradise Valley?+
Frequently. Our clinic is on 69th Street just south of Shea — inside Scottsdale, a few hundred yards from the Paradise Valley boundary, usually a five to ten minute drive from most of PV.
Where in Scottsdale are you located?+
10505 N 69th Street, Suite 1300, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 — at 69th Street just south of Shea Boulevard, with free private parking. We are appointment only.
Medical-grade skincare across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and the Valley
Our clinic sits at 69th Street just south of Shea — inside Scottsdale, and a few hundred yards from the Paradise Valley town line. Patients travel to us from across the East Valley.
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Skincare supports every result
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SkinPen PRF Microneedling
Refines texture, scarring and pores
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VI Chemical Peel
Evens tone and brightens the skin
Explore VI Chemical Peel →Book a skin consultation
Thirty minutes, all about your skin.
Bring everything you use. We'll help you decide what to keep, and recommend the three products best suited to your skin. The consultation is complimentary, with no obligation to purchase.
✓
Worried about leaving with a long list of products?
Most patients start with three, curated to their skin, and some start with none. The consultation is complimentary, with no obligation to purchase.
✓
Found retinoids irritating before?
That's very common, and usually a matter of pacing rather than intolerance. Starting gently, a few nights a week, makes a real difference. Skinbetter's AlphaRet is also notably better tolerated.
✓
Not sure your current products are working?
Bring them along. We'll look at each one together, check whether your vitamin C is still fresh, and see which suit your skin best.
✓
Wondering how skincare works with treatments?
The two work beautifully together. Skincare helps hold treatment results, and for tone, texture and pigment a consistent regimen makes a lasting difference between visits.