Two weeks ago I tried dermaplaning, which is shaving your face with a single straight-edged razor, for the first time. (I’m a woman obviously.) I wrote about it before I tried it as it seemed bizarre and scary to me. If you’re interested please read that story. I was worried that it would be obvious that I was shaving, but the only difference was that my skin glowed afterwards. I’ve done it twice so far, once a week, and am so pleased with it. I got compliments on how I looked afterwards and am planning on doing it weekly. My face feels so smooth and soft and I swear it looks brighter. The hair does not feel different to me than after I wax. This has exfoliated my skin better than anything else I tried. You’re not supposed to do it if you have active pimples as it may spread bacteria. One commenter mentioned that doing this left her with bad razor bumps, which just sounds awful. I have dry skin and used oil while shaving, as recommended in this video. I had no little bumps afterwards like I regularly do from waxing, as this doesn’t remove the hair at the root. I used antibiotic ointment on my skin afterwards just in case. I will still tweeze stubborn hairs, and doubt I’ll go back to waxing. I used these Schick Silk Touch-Up razors.
This is an affiliate post with Amazon beauty and skincare products, some of which are random things I found and want now.
A set of natural brushes to apply and blend makeup
This set of 32 makeup brushes is very affordable at less than $24, or less than a dollar a brush. Reviewers praise how soft they are, say they do not shed and that they “pick up makeup very well.” They also come with a set of instructions that explain the use for each brush.
A ceramic brush for salon quality blowouts at home
This large ceramic hairbrush is a brand used by stylists. Users say that it speeds up drying time and “helps to smooth and decrease frizz.” I also want to mention the hair dryer of which I’ve bought two of so far, the BabyBlis Nano Titanium Dryer. You may want to wait until it goes on sale but it’s well worth the price. After using this I realized that my the hairdryer is the reason my hair looks amazing after blowout at the stylist. I get those results at home and now I want a better brush too.
A deeply hydrating cream with vitamin C to bright and tighten skin
This vitamin C cream has a 4.6 star rating with almost 500 reviews. It’s a bit pricey for me, but if you can afford that it may be worth it. Women write that it works, that it’s “rich and hydrating” without clogging pores and that it “makes quite a difference very quickly.” Some women warn that they had a reaction to it however.
Microdermabrasion cream with a 4.9 star rating
Reviewers write that it’s their favorite scrub and that a small amount of product goes a long way. One woman said it left her skin looking “polished.” It’s not recommended for daily use as it’s powerful. Users warn to scrub lightly so as not to damage skin. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I ordered the Acure brightening scrub. It’s a good scrub and does deliver results however I prefer to use it in the shower as it gets black grit in the sink and is hard to wash off.
An enzyme cleanser to leave your face soft and clean
As I was researching skincare, I found another highly rated product from the Revision line, a papaya enzyme cleanser. It’s said leave “skin feeling soft, clean, and refreshed without being overly stripped.” A reviewer who was suffering redness and flaking from Retin-A wrote that this completely relieved that and healed her skin. The only less than 5 star review is from some who said the cap broke!
A soothing face serum to make makeup glide on
The more I look through skincare, the more I want. This face serum from Vichy has hyaluronic acid and is said to be “perfect under makeup,” lightweight and one woman calls it her “favorite serum ever” and writes that it “absorbs quickly and makes skin feel so fresh, soft and smooth.” We’ve also talked about Klair’s rich moisturizing serum, which is also highly rated and is more affordable.
Thanks for reading and commenting on our affiliate post!
Header photo and photo directly above are screenshots of Michelle Money from this video
My husband is going to kill you guys lol.
Same! haha. I literally want to buy EVERY.SINGLE.BEAUTY.PRODUCT.
Alright I bought the dermaplaning razors, I am going to try it.
I bought and tried them and I was like, “meh”.
Maybe because I already use a lot of exfoliating products and I don’t have any hair on my face (except my eyebrows lol)..but I just didn’t see a difference. That’s the thing with skincare though: what works for someone else may not work for me and vice versa.
@C/B-I’ve been a skincare junkie since my early thirties and just be careful about getting addicted because a LOT of skincare is just cleverly-marketed BS. I DO really believe in a good Vitamin C serum, a retinol (preferably prescription strength), and an antioxidant-packed night cream. That’s my trifecta but TBH, I think the best results come from more invasive treatments and not the topical stuff. I haven’t tried IPL but I have friends who have had incredible results from that and laser. I like PRP myself.
Anyway, it’s harmless fun for the most part, but I just don’t want you to end up with 70 different face masks (like I have lol) and a lot of useless products that you wasted money on.
These product posts are fun and I hope they help you guys out. Keep ’em coming 🙂
Kitten, I am moving up to invasive treatments this year. What are IPL and PRP please?
IPL is intense pulse laser (photofacial laser)
PRP is platelet rich plasma
I haven’t done IPL yet…I have a fear of lasers because I have read so many horrible stories about burns and track marks, orange peel texture etc. Plus tbh my skin isn’t that bad. I don’t have deep scarring, deep wrinkles or age spots, just a few acne scars that bug me and slightly enlarged pores around my nose.
I have heard that IPL is much safer than some of the stronger lasers (can someone here who has tried it weigh in?) but the downtime for the heavy-duty lasers can be weeks. No thank you. I can’t hide out in my house for three weeks while my face falls off. I have shit to do.
BUT I talked to my facialist about fractional laser (again, has anybody tried? please weigh in) and I will probably try that as she said there is little-to-no downtime and I 100% trust her.
I do love PRP. With PRP you have a red face (from the microneedling) for about 3 or 4 hours afterwards–looks like a sunburn. You also have a tiny bit of swelling from the plasma injections. It is possible to get bruising at the injection site but I took bromelain and arnica and avoided blood thinners for 4 days beforehand and I had only a tiny bruise on my neck. It’s awesome in that you really only have to hide out for a few hours afterwards and the effects start right away. I am 3 weeks post-treatment and my skin is continuing to thicken (collagen production) and smooth out. It’s expensive AF but I’ll probably do two more treatments as that is what they recommend for the best results.
Kitten – I found using a regular disposable razor (the pink single blade ones) works better than the dermaplaning ones. I exfoliate pretty regularly, I even shave my chin and stache area using water and cleanser once a week, my skin was much smoother after dry dermaplaning. I’ve done it twice so far and I’ll continue to do it.
And do the IPL, you’ll love your skin afterwards. I have rosacea and used to get them regularly to zap the redness and broken capillaries.
Okay thanks so much! I will talk to my cosmetologist about this. I did injections for the first time in Dec. But just a little, just one actually. And I did it to even out my smile and fill in a scar, both from skin cancer removal. It came great and I am going back and doing more. At this point in my life, it is time. The topicals just aren’t cutting it anymore. I have someone very good who does not overdo, which was my biggest concern.
Ladies, I’ve tried IPL as well as laser on legs/bikini/underarm and recently just laser on face for hair removal (I’ll have to look up the exact type of you want) – personally I’ve not been particularly impressed by the face treatments – it is shockingly painful – far far far more than any other part of my body (and I’ve been waxing/threading my face since I was like 13, so I can take the pain y’know?) and personally I’ve not felt the results are worth the pain/money.
I also found that shaving (which you have to before they can laser) has made the hair on my face more…noticeable? Obviously part of it is that when it grow back it it has a blunt/thicker tip, but also it’s more patchy and therefore more obvious IMO.
On other parts of my body – totally worth it. Face, nope.
I’ve been using a Lightstim LED wand on my face for a month now and I gotta tell you, my skin has tightened up, the colour is more even and the little red capillaries around my nose have all but disappeared. It’s really easy to use, takes about 1/2 hour, and just feels warm. I highly recommend it. I just use a disposable razor and a mild exfoliant once a week, followed by a vitamin C/hyaluronic acid serum and a drug store retinol cream (Neutrogena). I’m 66 and nobody can believe it as I hardly have any wrinkles. I’m pretty fair so have stayed away from suntanning and am religious about sunscreen but being diligent about skin care is so important.
I do IPL twice a year. It’s amazing. Gets rid of sun damage and makes your face feel smooth and your skin glows.. It is a little uncomfortable. Think of a rubber band snapping but really isn’t that bad. You might have some slight swelling the first time but that is the worse of it,
But won’t you get stubble all over your face? This just seems like an unnecessary treatment with a really unattractive (and uncomfortable) after-effect!
Not really. I still need to pluck some chin hairs that seem to grow overnight, but the peach fuzz grows slowly and is pretty soft. I’ve done it twice so far and I don’t feel stubble, but my skin looks great.
If you have really dry skin, do not microplan. Take it from someone who has and did. The results were not pleasing.
I did it with my face all oiled up though like the video I linked recommends!
I have very dry skin and starting microplaning and I love it. I put a serum on my face right before I microplaned. I like that it removes the dry, dead skin.
Any recos for products to help with the red spots left behind by the occasional spot/break out? They’re not deep on anything, but I feel like the older I get the longer it takes for the marks to go away. Help.
I use the Clearasil patches I really like them, they actually cover well and you can barely see them. These are also very highly rated.
https://amzn.to/2MR1N8L
If possible, can y’all address products to diminish or get rid of age spots?
Peels really help. So does tretinoin. But yes, I would enjoy a post about that as well…always open to recommendations.
Which peels? I remember living in the Rio Grande growing up and mom would return from an across-the-border trip with boxes of Retin-A. If only lol.
Haha your mom is a lady after my own heart!
You can do glycolic acid and/or jessner’s peels if your skin is super-sensitive but TCA peels are the best and most effective. Please read instructions carefully if you try it though because you can absolutely burn yourself with this product. Discontinue topical retinols and AHA products (or any harsh exfoliators for that matter) for three weeks prior to lessen the chances of burns. I’ve made that mistake before and it’s not the end of the world–the burns are superficial and they do heal–but it’s not fun either.
I would start with low percentage like 15% and work your way up to 30% *ONLY* if you’re comfortable with it.
I hope this is ok to post here, but I like this one a lot:
https://www.amazon.com/TCA-15-Gel-Peel-Salicylic/dp/B00GROH9TI/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1549553727&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=tca+peel&psc=1
Thank you so much! The vitamin c serum I have just isn’t doing the trick.
Do yourself a favor and check out the Niancimide Plus Retinol Serum by QRx Labs. This stuff would be great at any price, but at a whopping 13.95 is the bargain of the year. This stuff helps with age spots, lines, and has a generally brightening effect.
I use this product twice a week. It’s really good. I also love the way it smells but I have a tea tree oil obsession so lol.
Omg Kitten. I can’t believe you just said that. My Strange Addiction could feature me and tea tree oil. I have no idea what happened. I bought some a few years ago and used it here and there, but now? I HAVE to liberally apply everywhere for everything. The smell is intoxicating…it’s like major aromatherapy for me. It’s a very weird obsession.
it is a splurge but i got a course of 3 vi peels and got WONDERFUL results for melasma, dark spots and acne scars.
My facialist offers VI peels. What is the downtime? What is the recovery process like?
I’ll definitively try to get the 14 dollar product, but those videos peels sound good too! At this prices, however, they’ll have to wait lol. Thx ladies!
I’ve been using Retin A for over ten years. I cannot recommend it enough. I’m now in my early 40’s and this miracle cream has definitely kept my skin line free. It has also helped with age spots as I really don’t have any. Prescription strength Retin A along with sunscreen everyday is the key.
I’m lucky that I have family in Mexico and can get can it for a fraction of the price! I make sure to stock up, since its so pricey here.
Acupuncture!
Also, gua sha and tui na (gua sha with a jade instrument and tui na–or traditional Chinese bodywork therapy–by someone trained in facial and aesthetic protocols).
Agree with everyone here, a post on products that diminish age spots. I’ve got some that are on my chest and arms now (grew up in the age before we knew to wear sunscreen and baked with baby oil while ‘laying out’) YIKES…
FYI, i have been using the Eve Hansen products for face that were recommended a couple posts back and have noticed good results. I’ve had a couple spot break out scars around my mouth that have lightened considerably, probably due to using all the vitamin C with the anti aging regime. I’m very satisfied with these products so thanks for the recommendation Celebitchy!!
Skin cream with a healthy dose of hydroquinone and glycolic acid works. Alpha Skin Care’s Online Only Dual Action Skin Lightener worked for some age spots on my chest.
I get dermaplaned at a medical spa and it has helped a TON with dry skin and brightness. It is more expensive but I’ve been so happy with the way it makes my skin look. It also makes applying makeup so much easier!
My estetician uses a straight razor too, like the one recommended here,and she warned me not to use the roller if I decide to start doing it at home-she said she’s had people come in who have damaged their skin using that themselves.
I live in Europe and Vichy is available everywhere. I have used this particular serum and really don’t like it!
It feels like there’s a lot of silicone in it that just makes your skin appear smooth but does nothing beyond that. There are plenty of much better options out there!!
If you’re into this kind of cosmetics (sold here in pharmacies), Roche Posay comes to mind. I really like their anti age moisture serum: https://www.laroche-posay.com/products-treatments/Hyalu-B5/HYALU-B5-SERUM-p23906.aspx
A better one by Vichy: https://www.vichyusa.com/skin-care/skin-care-product-type/face-moisturizer/mineral-89-3337875543248.html
It’s mostly just moisture, but without the sticky-silicony feel
This one by Börlind is AMAZING. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be available for the US market? https://www.boerlind.com/de-de/produkte/2-phasen-hyaluron-shake.html
They do offer this instead: https://www.boerlind.com/en-us/products/hyaluron-moisturizing-treatment.html
I loved the dermaplaning post because I felt like I was alone at the “my facial hair is killing me” party. Glad to see so many of us have the same issue.
Count me as one of the people who has bought dozens of skin products, plus used RetinA for decades (until the past couple of years). I had a serious skin reaction to a well-rated moisturizer about two years ago. I started being more careful about spot testing before assuming something is ok for my skin.
My current issue is age spots and those benign spots that look like a little dab of silly putty stuck to the skin. I decided to try apple cider vinegar (with mother, diluted with water) on one of those, applying to the skin up to twice a day. The raised spot was gone within 3 weeks. I have successfully repeated this several times, on other little spots. The strong odor goes away quickly, I also use it as a face toner (diluted, and obviously avoid the eyes).
More on topic – dermaplaming/shaving works. Makeup goes on much smoother, and I have fewer breakouts.
How diluted, Christin? I have a couple of those annoying little things I’d like gone. Thanks.
Try a one-to-one mixture (equal parts ACV and water). A little (teaspoon or capful) goes a long way.
Give it time (applying twice per day). My first spot painlessly dried up and disappeared over three weeks. By the next attempt, the disappearing act seemed faster. I think it was because I knew it could work and didn’t look at it several times a day.
Thank you, I really want these things gone. I’m just glad they are not on my eyelids.
I dermaplane too and like it. These are my favorite razors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HMQDU38/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1549562004&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=shiseido+facial+razor&psc=1 stay sharp longer than others I have tried especially if you keep them clean and dry.
I’ve done it a few times. I’m so ungraceful. The first time I did it I took a chunk out of my eyebrow accidentally…lol…the next time I knicked a little flat mole that bled for a freaking week. Since then I have been very VERY careful…lmao
My mom was using a dermaplane razor to shape and clean up her eyebrows and somehow managed to cut off half of her lower lashes. She has no idea how she actually did it, she just noticed they were missing when she was done.