Category: The Glow Brief

By Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC — Owner & Nurse Practitioner, Aura Wellness & Aesthetics

GHK-Cu is one of the most talked-about peptides in the skin and beauty world — and one where there is a specific point I want to make as a nurse practitioner: don’t just stack it onto everything. Here is a calm, plain-English guide.

What GHK-Cu is

GHK-Cu is a small copper-binding peptide that occurs naturally in the body and declines as we age. Because it is involved in the body’s normal repair signaling, it has become popular in topical skincare and is widely discussed in the aesthetics space.

Why “don’t stack it” matters

The biggest practical mistake I see is people layering GHK-Cu with strong actives (like certain acids or high-strength vitamin C) all at once, assuming more is better. Combining the wrong things can reduce effectiveness or irritate skin. Thoughtful sequencing and an individualized routine usually beat a kitchen-sink approach.

An honest look at the evidence

Topical GHK-Cu has a longer history in skincare than many trending peptides, but claims still range widely and quality varies a lot between products. As always, marketing enthusiasm tends to run ahead of rigorous data, and results depend on the formulation, concentration, and the rest of your routine.

Questions worth asking a provider

• What does the rest of my routine look like, and what might conflict?
• What concentration and formulation are we actually talking about?
• What are realistic, evidence-informed expectations for my skin?
• Is this the right priority, or is something more foundational first?

How we approach it at Aura

At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics we build skin plans around you — what you already use, your goals, and what the evidence supports — rather than stacking trendy ingredients. We would rather earn your trust than chase a trend.

Want a skincare routine built around your skin, not the hype? Let’s talk. Call or text 210-981-6460 or book a consultation online.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Always consult your own qualified, licensed provider about what is appropriate for you and your skin.

By Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC — Owner & Nurse Practitioner, Aura Wellness & Aesthetics

KPV is a small peptide that comes up a lot in conversations about inflammation and skin. As a nurse practitioner, here is a calm, plain-English look at what it is and what the science does — and does not — currently support.

What KPV is

KPV is a short three-amino-acid fragment derived from a naturally occurring hormone in the body (alpha-MSH). Because it is a fragment of something the body already makes, it has drawn research interest as a potential signaling molecule in the body’s inflammatory response.

Why people are interested

In preclinical research, KPV has been studied for a potential role in calming inflammatory signaling, which is why it appears in discussions about gut health and skin. The honest caveat: this is largely laboratory and animal research. High-quality human clinical data is still limited, and popularity online is not the same as proven, individualized benefit.

What it is not

KPV is not a cure for any condition, not a substitute for evaluating the root cause of inflammation, and not an FDA-approved treatment for the uses discussed online. Be skeptical of anyone promising it will “fix” a complex health issue on its own.

Questions worth asking a provider

• What is driving the inflammation in the first place, and has that been evaluated?
• What is your full medical history and current medication list?
• Is the product sourced and overseen by a licensed provider?
• What does realistic, evidence-informed expectation-setting look like?

How we approach it at Aura

At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, anything in this category starts with a real conversation and an individualized review — including being honest when the answer is “let’s look at the underlying cause first.” We would rather earn your trust than chase a trend.

Want to talk through an inflammation- or skin-focused plan? We’re here. Call or text 210-981-6460 or book a consultation online.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed are not FDA-approved drugs for the uses described and should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified, licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your own provider about what is appropriate for you.

By Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC — Owner & Nurse Practitioner, Aura Wellness & Aesthetics

MOTS-c is one of the peptides generating a lot of buzz in the metabolism and energy conversation online. As a nurse practitioner, my goal here is a calm, plain-English explanation — what it is, why people are talking about it, and the honest limits of what we actually know.

What makes MOTS-c different

Most peptides people discuss are signals made in the main part of the cell. MOTS-c is unusual because it is a mitochondrial-derived peptide — it is encoded in the DNA of your mitochondria, the tiny “power plants” inside your cells. That origin is why it gets linked to conversations about energy and metabolism.

Why people are interested

In preclinical research, MOTS-c has been studied for its potential role in how cells respond to metabolic stress and use energy. It is frequently discussed alongside exercise and metabolic health. The important caveat: most of this work is in animal and laboratory models, and robust human clinical evidence is still limited. Online enthusiasm has run well ahead of the science.

What it is not

MOTS-c is not a weight-loss shortcut, not a replacement for the fundamentals (sleep, nutrition, movement, stress), and not an FDA-approved treatment for the uses people discuss online. Anyone promising dramatic, guaranteed results is overselling it.

Questions worth asking a provider

• What is the actual goal, and have the basics been optimized first?
• What is your full medical history and medication list?
• Is the product sourced and overseen by a licensed provider?
• What does honest, evidence-informed expectation-setting look like?

How we approach it at Aura

At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics we treat this category the way a responsible medical practice should: individualized review, honest education, and a willingness to say “not yet” or “not for you.” We would rather earn your trust than chase a trend.

Curious whether a metabolism-focused plan makes sense for you? Let’s talk. Call or text 210-981-6460 or book a consultation online.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed are not FDA-approved drugs for the uses described and should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified, licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your own provider about what is appropriate for you.

By Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC — Owner & Nurse Practitioner, Aura Wellness & Aesthetics

If you spend any time on wellness social media, you have probably seen the “Wolverine Blend” — a combination of two peptides, BPC-157 and TB-500. The nickname comes from the comic-book character known for fast healing. As a nurse practitioner, I want to give you a calm, plain-English explanation of what these peptides actually are, what the conversation around them looks like, and the questions worth asking a qualified provider before considering anything.

First, what is a peptide?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up the proteins in your body. Your body already makes thousands of them, and they act as signaling molecules that help direct everyday processes. Because they occur naturally, peptides have become a major area of research interest in recovery and wellness.

BPC-157

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide studied largely in preclinical (animal and laboratory) settings for its potential role in tissue repair. It is frequently discussed in the context of soft-tissue recovery. It is important to be honest here: most of the existing research is preclinical, and high-quality human clinical data is still limited. That is exactly why provider supervision matters.

TB-500

TB-500 is a synthetic version of a region of a naturally occurring protein called thymosin beta-4, which is involved in cell movement and the body’s normal repair signaling. Like BPC-157, it is most often paired with discussions of recovery, and like BPC-157, the human evidence base is still developing.

Why the “Wolverine Blend”?

The two are often mentioned together because people view their proposed mechanisms as complementary. The catchy nickname has helped the combination go viral — but a nickname is marketing, not medicine. Popularity online is not the same as proven, individualized safety and benefit for you.

Is this right for you? The questions that matter

• What are your actual goals, and is there a more established option first?
• What is your full medical history and current medication list?
• Where is the product sourced, and is it being overseen by a licensed provider?
• What does realistic, evidence-informed expectation-setting look like?

How we approach peptides at Aura

At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, anything in this category is approached the way any responsible medical practice should: a real conversation, an individualized review, and honest education — including when the answer is “not yet” or “not for you.” We would rather earn your trust than chase a trend.

Have questions? Book a consultation and let’s talk through your goals together. Call or text 210-981-6460 or book online here.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed here are not FDA-approved drugs for the uses described and should only ever be considered under the supervision of a qualified, licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your own provider about what is appropriate for you.

GLP-1 medications changed weight loss medicine — and they also created a gold rush. San Antonio now has everything from licensed medical programs to vitamin shops and online portals shipping vials with a questionnaire and a credit card form. “Medically supervised” is printed on most of them. Here’s how to tell when it’s true.

The five-point test

1. Labs come before prescriptions. A legitimate program draws blood first — metabolic panel, thyroid, A1C and related markers — because the right plan depends on what’s actually happening in your body. If nobody ordered labs, nobody is supervising anything.

2. A licensed provider examines you — and stays reachable. Not a one-time telehealth checkbox. You should know your provider’s name, and you should be able to message or see them when something feels off. At Aura, the provider managing your program is the owner of the practice.

3. Follow-ups are scheduled, not optional. Dosing for GLP-1 medications is titrated — it changes based on your response, side effects, and progress. Monthly follow-ups are where safe programs earn the word “supervised.” A drive-thru refill is not a follow-up.

4. Medications come from licensed pharmacies. Ask where the medication is sourced. The answer should be a licensed U.S. pharmacy you can name — not “our supplier.”

5. There’s a plan for after. What happens when you reach your goal? Muscle preservation, nutrition habits, maintenance dosing or tapering, and supporting treatments (like addressing skin changes from significant weight loss) should all be part of the conversation from the start. Weight loss without a maintenance plan is a rental, not a result.

What a program looks like at Aura

Our medically supervised weight loss program starts from $250 per month and is built around exactly that five-point structure: initial labs and exam, individualized dosing, monthly provider follow-ups, licensed-pharmacy medications, and a maintenance strategy. Because Aura is a wellness practice as much as an aesthetics one, the supporting pieces — B12 for energy, hormone evaluation when labs point that way, skin treatments if significant weight loss changes your face — live under the same roof, with the same provider.

Honest answers to fair questions

Is this just “skinny shots”? No. These are prescription medications with real benefits and real contraindications. That’s exactly why the supervision part matters.

Will it work for me? Response varies person to person — which is why programs that promise specific numbers should make you cautious. What we can promise is honest assessment, careful titration, and a provider who tells you the truth, including if this isn’t the right tool for you.

Why not just use an online portal? Some are legitimate. But if a portal has never drawn your labs, can’t examine you, and can’t see you when side effects show up, you are the one doing the supervising.

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Questions about the program? Book a consult or call (210) 981-6460 — pricing is published, like everything else here.

Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, San Antonio. Medical services at Aura Wellness & Aesthetics are provided under the medical direction of J. Drew Sanderson, MD, in accordance with Texas Medical Board standing delegation orders (22 TAC Ch. 193). Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, LLC is owned and operated by Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.. Educational content, not medical advice; individual results vary. Prescription decisions are made only after clinical evaluation.

If you’ve ever tried to find out what wrinkle relaxers cost in San Antonio, you already know the routine: every med spa website says “book a free consultation,” and nobody will just tell you the number. We do things differently at Aura Wellness & Aesthetics — our full price menu is published on this site, every line of it. So let’s answer the question directly.

The short answer

In San Antonio, neuromodulator (“Botox-style”) treatments typically run between $10 and $15 per unit at reputable practices. At Aura, here’s our exact menu:

• Xeomin — $12 per unit. A “naked” molecule with no accessory proteins.
• Dysport — $6 per unit. Note: Dysport units measure differently, so a typical treatment uses roughly 2.5–3x more units than Xeomin — the total cost usually lands in a similar range.
• Daxxify — $12 per unit. Peptide-stabilized, and for many clients the longest-lasting option, up to six months.

A typical first treatment for frown lines, forehead, and crow’s feet uses anywhere from 40–64 Xeomin-equivalent units depending on your muscle strength and the look you want. That means most full-face first visits land between roughly $480 and $770 — and a conservative single-area treatment can be much less.

Why “per unit” pricing matters

Some practices advertise “$199 per area.” It sounds simple, but it usually means a fixed number of units whether your muscles need them or not — too few units and results fade in 6 weeks, too many and you’ve paid for product you didn’t need. Per-unit pricing means you pay for exactly what your face requires, and your provider doses to your anatomy, not a coupon.

What affects YOUR number

Muscle strength (stronger frown muscles need more), the areas treated, how long you want results to last, and which product fits your goals. This is exactly what a consultation should figure out — and at Aura, the consult is about your plan, not about finally revealing a price.

Why we publish prices when most don’t

Because a consultation should answer your questions, not reveal a secret. Aura is a woman veteran-owned, nurse practitioner-led practice — and we think the standard playbook of hidden pricing treats clients like leads instead of people. You deserve to budget for your care the same way you budget for anything else.

Frequently asked

Is cheaper always worse? No — but be cautious with prices dramatically below market. Product should come from licensed U.S. pharmacies, drawn fresh, and injected by a licensed provider. Ask where the product comes from. At Aura, you’ll always know.

How long do results last? Typically 3–4 months for most neuromodulators; Daxxify can last up to 6 months for many clients. Individual results vary.

Does insurance or HSA cover it? Cosmetic treatments aren’t covered by insurance. Some wellness services at Aura are HSA-eligible — ask us which.

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Ready to see the full menu? Visit our Pricing page or book online — exact prices, exact appointment lengths, no surprises.

Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, owner of Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, Suite 118, 946 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX. Medical services at Aura Wellness & Aesthetics are provided under the medical direction of J. Drew Sanderson, MD, in accordance with Texas Medical Board standing delegation orders (22 TAC Ch. 193). Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, LLC is owned and operated by Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.. This article is educational and not medical advice; individual results vary.

Military City USA has hundreds of med spas. As far as we can tell, it has very few — possibly only one — that is woman veteran-owned and run entirely by the nurse practitioner whose name is on the door. This is that story.

From the Air Force to Suite 118

Before Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, there was a career in the United States Air Force — a 2007 United States Air Force Academy graduate who went on to serve seven years on active duty — experience that shaped how she practices medicine today.

Military medicine teaches you two things that never leave you: precision matters, and the person in front of you is a person, not a number. Both of those came to Stone Oak when Aura opened its doors inside Image Studios in January 2026.

Why “NP-led” isn’t just a credential line

At many high-volume med spas, the person who owns the business, the person who examines you, and the person who treats you are three different people — and the owner may never have held a syringe. At Aura, they’re the same person. When the provider owns the standard, the standard doesn’t slip: the products come from licensed U.S. pharmacies, the appointment lengths are honest, the prices are published, and nobody is working against a sales quota.

What veteran-owned means for how we operate

• Briefing first. You’ll always know the plan, the price, and the expected outcome before anything happens. No surprises is a military habit we kept.
• Integrity pricing. Every price is on the website. If it changes, the website changes first.
• Service heart. Military families, veterans, teachers, nurses, first responders — this practice exists because of communities like yours. [
• Showing up. Same provider, every visit. Your face shouldn’t be a training ground for whoever’s on shift.

Wellness + aesthetics, on purpose

Aura was built around a simple idea: looking well and being well aren’t separate projects. That’s why the menu spans both — wrinkle relaxers, fillers and biostimulators on one side; medically supervised weight loss, hormone optimization, B12 and peptides on the other. One provider who sees the whole picture.

Come see Suite 118

We’re inside Image Studios at 946 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 118 — 1604 and Stone Oak. Booking is online with real-time availability and published deposit terms, or call (210) 981-6460. To every fellow veteran and military family in San Antonio: thank you, and welcome.

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Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, U.S. Air Force veteran and owner of Aura Wellness & Aesthetics. Medical services at Aura Wellness & Aesthetics are provided under the medical direction of J. Drew Sanderson, MD, in accordance with Texas Medical Board standing delegation orders (22 TAC Ch. 193). Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, LLC is owned and operated by Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.. Educational content; not medical advice.