Let's talk skincare, shall we?

I turned 43 almost 2 weeks ago, and over the past year I've tried a lot of stuff on my skin. Some things I loved and some I hated. 

**Note: I have topical treatments only done because of some health-related issues that would need a blog post (or two) of their own to explain. No judgement on those that do injections, they're just not right for me.

Microneedling: this was the most intense treatment that I did. Like, it left me with tears in my eyes. I had three sessions total of these treatments. The first session was done with numbing cream, and I ended up having a reaction to the cream (although the dermatologist assured me that the reaction was common...so take that for what it's worth). The pain from microneedling in combination with the numbing cream reaction was almost unbearable. The second & third treatments were done with no numbing cream, and the pain was still intense (mainly on bony parts of my face) but it was bearable. 

Cons: the week long peel that happened post session was a bit much. I'm pretty active and it most definitely was an inconvenience to have to mask the peel. After all of the sessions were complete, I didn't see a change in fine lines or texture. I also didn't see a change in pore size- which was never an issue for me, so maybe I just wasn't a good candidate for that improvement. A year later, I don't see any difference in my skin. 

Pros: my skin immediately after the peel was completed was glowing. The glow lasted for about a week.

Diamond Glow Facials: I had DG facials done every 4-6 weeks for several months after I completed the microneedling sessions. This was recommended by my derms office as a follow up treatment. I wish that I had skipped the microneedling and went straight into the DG facial sessions. The process was much more pleasant compared to microneedling and the glow post facial was immediate. The DG facials are an exfoliating facial that also infused your skin with a hydrating serum. 

Cons: nothing really, I would still be doing these facials if time allowed but the days that the aesthetician is in office are days that I am in store at C&C.

Pros:  glowing skin & a facial that delivers visible results. 

CO2 Lift Masks: I was gifted a CO2 Mask and I loved it. It is pricy but it definitely worked. The package comes with two gels that you mix together to activate & then apply with a spatula to your face. Your family might think that you've lost your mind, because it looks like your face is melting off when the mask is on, so maybe plan to hide in your bedroom for about an hour while the mask does its work. Once you peel off the gel (it turns to a jelly that peels off) your skin will immediately be supple & hydrated. 

Cons: it's pricy, but if you're the at home spa kind of person then just consider this an investment in your spa time (because it works).

Pros: extremely hydrating, I love this the most in the dry months of winter when my skin needs any extra boost of hydration. Spread it down to your neck to give any neck crepe a boost of moisture. 

Medical Grade Skincare: I used medical grade skincare from my dermatologist's office for several years and finally hit my tipping point when they continued to recommend product after product. Medical grade products are expensive so in my mind, they should do more than just one thing. Layering multiple products was killing my budget. I decided to stop buying what they recommended & instead did a little research and found alternative products with similar ingredients that I love. 

Here's what I switched to (and love):

Moisturizer (day & night)- Anua Heartleaf Daily Lotion (70% ): this moisturizer is a fraction of the cost of the medical grade product I was using & it has the same milky texture & non-greasy finish. My skin tends to be sensitive; this moisturizer doesn't irritate or break me out.

Nightly serum- Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum: I use this serum at night only because I don't like a lot of products under my makeup. Since starting to use it, my skin texture has been smoother & more even. It does contain salmon DNA, so just note to self, they do offer a vegan alternative product.

Day & Night Eye Cream- Tirtir Collagen Lifting Eye Cream: I was a little hesitant to try a new eye product because the medical grade product that I was using was GOOD. This product is just as good, and I am thrilled with it. I use it under my eyes and on my lids with no irritation issues.  I can't say it's lifting; however, my crow's feet haven't gotten worse since switching to this product so I'm calling that a win.

2-3x a Week Nightly Exfoliation: Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Peel: an acid peel was recommended to me by the aesthetician who was doing my diamond glow facials because my skin was getting clogged and needed an exfoliant. I started using this peel once a week and worked up to every other night. It's gentle enough that I don't see irritation and I can tell that it's sloughing off dead skin while I sleep. I choose to use this and not retinol because retinol seems to exfoliate but it thins my skin, this milk peel exfoliates but my skin barrier stays a little thicker & healthier. 

You know when a blog is all words & no photos that it's serious business! I hope all this insight on what I've found is helpful for you.

XX,
Amber McBride
Founder of Cotton & Cashmere