#exfoliating

Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Botanical Exfoliating Soap

mid 1990s-early 2000s

~ POST-DERMAPLANING SKINCARE ROUTINE - NIGHTTIME VERSION ~ 

Yup, you heard that right... I’ve dermaplaned!

After all these years of having fine peach fuzz all over my face, I’ve finally bitten the bullet and shaved my face with as much pride as a man getting ready for a first date  😎

I’ve noticed (even more so than normal) lately how foundation has been clinging to my cheeks and becoming cakey as the day wears on, and how any base products have been accentuating any hairs that I have along the sides of my face in particular. Putting on make-up is usually such an enjoyable process for me, but with this harsh winter lighting and prevalence of peach fuzz? Not so much, and that’s why I decided to have a go at the Hollywood Browzer. 

After dermaplaning, it’s really important to not use any actives on your skin for at least 24-48 hours, as skin is much more sensitive than normal. My skin is pretty reactive anyway, so I waited 5 days to exfoliate and even then I only focused on my T-zone as my cheeks are my biggest problem area in terms of breakouts and inflammation. The rest of the time, I’ve been using the following products at nighttime:

🌚 Revolution Skincare Overnight Cleansing Oil - a perfect first cleanse to completely dissolve make-up, and my favourite ever cleansing oil due to how much slip it has and how gentle it feels!

🌚 Bliss Makeup Melt Jelly Cleanser - this may be my favourite ever cleanser! It’s non-foaming, perfect for all skin types (including sensitive skin) and is ideal for the colder weather as it hydrates your skin and leaves it feeling completely comfortable after cleansing. I cannot fault it at ALL!

🌚 Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil - this oil is packed with essential fatty acids, natural vitamin E and antioxidants, and is non-comedogenic as well as hypoallergenic. It instantly infuses my skin with moisture and is meant to help with damaged skin, so this is what I turn to when my skin needs a little extra love. 

During the day, I’ve been sticking to my trusty aloe vera gel just to make sure I’m not over-loading my skin with anything too occlusive or heavy. I’m so pleased with how smooth my skin is now, and how these products have been my skin protectors! 

Retinol is derived from vitamin-A. It increases the cell turnover rate, renews the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and pigment spots. Retinol is a highly active molecule and can be broken down very easily through sunlight exposure. Most retinols should ONLY be applied at night because when it’s exposed to sunlight, it can cause the skin to get irritated. Most people don’t use retinol correctly or don’t know that there are different types of retinol. With all retinol products you should introduce them into your routine slowly, start 1-3 times a week. Your skin will slowly develop the proteins it needs in order to carry out and absorb the vitamin-A. A common side effect when first starting retinol is redness, stinging/spicy feeling, flakiness, peeling or any other sensitivities. This is why you have to introduce them slowly. After continuous use, your skin will build up enough retinoid receptors that it’ll stop being so sensitive towards retinol.

Types of Retinoid:

Retinyl Esters (Retinyl Palmitate)- This can be sold over the counter and is the weakest formulation of retinol.

Retinol- Can also be sold over the counter, and is a stronger formulation than retinyl esters. These can be found in different strengths and the higher the strength the more effective. Just remember he higher the strength the more irritant it can be.

Retinaldehyde- The MOST effective over the counter form of retinol. Will be more irritating than retinyl esters & retinol. The strongest formulation you will find over the counter.

Retinoic Acid- Usually prescription only. This is the most studied and active form of retinol. A common example of this is tretinoin/Retin-A.

Some good brands of over the counter retinol:

Obagi Retinol 1.0

PCA Skin: Intensive Age Refining Treatment 0.5%

PCA Skin: Intensive Brightening Treatment 0.5%

SkinMedica: Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: Ferulic+Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum