Life is expensive. Skin care needn’t be. That’s why I am a fan of at-home skincare devices; it’s a one-time purchase for long term benefits. Having said that, in most cases the treatment will not give the same results as in-office, because estheticians and dermatologists have access to stronger and thus more effective products like peels and machines. How can you circumvent limited access with maximum effects?
No, this is not an exploitative conversation about miracle cures, it’s more a practical spelling out of at-home treatments that I specifically and consistently use and have seen results from.
The keyword here is consistent, as with any treatment, you have to keep it up. Plus, I want to pepper this conversation with affirmations around being pro-aging. We can talk about wrinkles, age spots, a droopy jawline, but if we do it with an air of self-loathing that drips from nearly every “anti-aging” strategy, in my opinion, I will have failed.
The anti-dote to this is to look in the mirror and say, I love you. Do it 20 times every day. It not only helps, it frees you. Then see if you need any of these items and what will work best for you. Let’s rock it.
What At-Home Devices I Use and Why
Aging gracefully can be a pithy tribute to a long lost idea in modern culture. I aim to change that, and it’s an uphill battle. Having said that, my idea of aging gracefully is accompanied by a youthful, joyful heart and an open mind devoted to constant improvement with an air of I don’t care what you think. Isn’t that the biggest blessing of getting older, that we can look someone in the eye and say those words and at the same time do what makes us feel good?
I only do skin treatments that both work and bring me joy. Otherwise, why bother?
PMD MicroDerm Machine: Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a very effective method to encourage cell turnover which leads to brighter, smoother, and more youthful skin. What am I talking about? Exfoliation on steroids. The stronger the peel used in conjunction with microdermabrasion, the better the results.
Trouble is, you can only get the more powerful AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) peels in an esthetician’s office, but there are workarounds. For example, buy a strong AHA that is over-the-counter and use an at-home microderm machine every week or as often as your skin can handle it.
Here are some ideas for AHA’s:
The Ordinary AHA + BHA
This is 30% AHA + 2% BHA, and it will probably irritate your skin. This is not necessarily bad. Peels can cause your skin to become red and irritated and look bad for a few days, but if you can put up with that, you will see an improved complexion in a relatively short time. If you have rosacea, this might not be the best method, but most people can handle it. Use it as much as you can according to your skin. ($7)
Paula’s Choice AHA + BHA
This product sounds like it’s the same as the above peel but it costs more. The reason for this? It will not irritate your skin as much. If you are more sensitive and can afford it, I would go with this option. ($45)
How do these products fit in with the at-home microderm machine? This device comes with a rotating head with varying degrees of texture that exfoliates the top layer of skin. I recommend starting with the lowest strength and working your way up, unless you are as impatient as I am and start with the strongest and then look BAD for, like, 5 days. Your choice.
The PMD MicroDerm device costs anywhere from $135-199 depending on the model and where you buy it. I would shop around, just be sure it comes with a package of 5-6 attachable heads. You do need to replace the heads once you have worn them out, but it’s a minor charge of around $21. I recommend using the device 1-2 times a month or more on clean, freshly washed skin and be careful not to use it too close to your eyes.
Banish Starter Kit: Micro-Needling
Micro-needling is a wonderful way to encourage cell turnover, but it sounds like a torture method. Small needles are used to puncture the top layer of your skin and thus cause the top layer to replace cells. It is of minor discomfort and can be done 2-3 times per month with noticeable results. For example, I only started doing this recently, and within two treatments my long-standing age spot on my cheek has started to break-up. This is impressive given that I use micro-dermabrasion, retinol, and AHA’s consistently.
The microneedling device itself can be bought as a single item, but if you get the starter kit, you also get two .5mm heads, one .25mm head for around your eyes, a 1.00mm head for tougher areas on the body, plus a nice selection of skin care. You do need to replace the heads every 2-3 months depending on usage, so be sure to budget for that.
Glow-Tech Face Mask: LED Light
You’ve probably heard of different brands of LED red, blue, and infrared light that are used to reduce wrinkles, age spots, and fade sun damage. Masks are a good home treatment that do not require a repeat purchase on parts. Having said that, you need to use this device much more frequently to see the dramatic results the brands claim.
If you can, use it daily for 10-15 minutes, but 2-3 times per week is also good. It comes with eye-protection (which is vital) and a wall charger. I like this brand, and use it, but I am not nearly consistent enough. I think if I were to use it more I would see greater change, but in all honesty, I’m not that disciplined.
What Vitamin C Should You Use?
In the video, I touch on topical vitamin C serums, and for good reason. Getting a really good vitamin C serum makes a huge difference in your skin’s condition, therefore it deserves its own heading in this discussion.
Why vitamin C? Used daily, a good serum causes cell turnover, brightens and nourishes your skin like popping top-quality vitamins can do for your health. The downside is that not all vitamin Cs are created equal and vendors will not explain this as they sell their snake oil to cure all aging issues. What am I talking about?
The most common form of vitamin C is l-ascorbic acid. It’s water based, can be irritating, and is minimally effective. It’s also the cheapest to manufacture and buy. In all, there are 7 types of vitamin C, and brands usually add a mixture of several. My advice as an esthetician, skin care junkie and nerd, is to buy THDA (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate). It’s oil soluble, penetrates deep beneath the top layer of skin, and works. It’s also notoriously expensive, so shop wisely. In the video, I encourage you to research this type of vitamin C and find a price point that suits you.
Currently, I am using Image Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Serum. My favorite is Truth Treatments 75% THDA, but with a price point of $215 for 30ml, it’s off my list for the moment. If you have the money, then I encourage you to get it, and if not, there are many brands with 20% THDA that are good.
it 1-2 times a day for best results, and you don’t need eye cream with this. It’s safe around the eye area and works fabulously well. To save money, I spend more on my vitamin C serum, and buy inexpensive cleanser, hyaluronic acid, and moisturizer.
Long Article, Loads of Advice
This article is my way of handing you my honest information on what works hopefully within your budget. The skin care industry makes me crazy with all its false claims and guilt ridden advertising campaigns that make us feel ugly. Forget all that mess, and get products that work, use them consistently and you will see results. Oh, yes, and don’t forget to look in the mirror and say I LOVE YOU!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you go to an esthetician or dermatologist or do your skin-care at home? What specialized devices do you use and what results have you noticed?
