It’s been a year since my last big skincare post so thought this would be a good time for an update. I’ve started using a few new products that I can see are really making a difference in my skin. A few people have also commented on how great my skin looks so it’s not just me who’s seeing the results. Since this is skincare related and does not include make up, my male readers might enjoy it too. I’ve also highlighted my favorite facials and dermatological procedures that work for both sexes.

As I’ve mentioned before, I am sent some skincare products to try but I only write about those that I actually like and continue to use. I also buy a lot of products on my own and try new things on a regular basis. My goal is not to look younger but to look like the best non-tired looking version of myself. 
I’ve used this Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser for as long as I can remember. I really think it’s one of the keys to my clear skin. They seem to have changed the formula again recently. I was nervous it might be different but it seems to be working even better than before. I use it in the morning in the shower and at night in conjunction with my Clarisonic.

Someone on Instagram posted these Cane + Austin Miracle Pad + 30% Glycolic Facial Treatment Pads and I immediately went out and bought them. Since I work from home, I will use them when I wake up and let them work while I check emails. You could use them in place of toner in the morning and at night. I personally think acid exfoliators is the key to clear skin instead of heavy scrubbing which can lead to more problems. I really love this product and already bought it again. Just make sure you use sunscreen when using these types of products.
I love Mario Badescu products and have been getting facials at their spa since I moved to New York 16.5 years ago. The Buffering Lotion is actually for cystic acne which I don’t have but I use it on my t-zone to prevent breakouts. I have sensitive skin and I use the Healing and Soothing Mask once a week for a little deep cleaning. I love that it’s gentle and doesn’t get hard so it won’t get tight or flake off if you leave it on too long. The products that I absolutely love is their Special Healing Powder. It takes the red out of anything from a blemish to a bug bite. Throw away the sponge and dab it on with a q-tip. I also really love that you can use it over makeup to hide anything red.

After the Mario Badescu Healing and Soothing Mask, I use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. It’s another product I’ve used for years. It’s gentle enough to be used daily but I use it once or twice a week when I need a little more exfoliation.

The new product I’ve been using that I think might be the reason my skin looks so good is the Glossier Solution. Someone described it as a less smelly version of Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 which always broke out my skin. I read this review and decided to give it a try because it’s only $24. Now my skin is glowing and clear. I use it in place of toner in the morning and night. In general, I think Glossier is geared to younger girls but I love this product.

I was sent this Révive Intensité Line Erasing Serum over the holidays from Cos Bar. I had no idea how much it cost until I was putting this post together. I’m afraid this is another reason why my skin looks so good because I’ll never be able to afford to buy it again. I had just started using a new serum from facialist Joanna Vargas before this arrived so I would suggest any of her serums for a less expensive option.

I’m very lucky that La Prairie sends me all their new products to try and invites me to their launch parties. Their products are all scientifically developed in Switzerland. I’ve been using many of them for a year and a half and think they are another reason why my skin looks so good. I absolutely love the La Prairie Line Interception Power Duo Cream. It has a day cream with spf and a separate night cream that lasts a full three months so it’s a good buy for the price. I follow it with Skin Caviar Absolute Filler that plumps up your skin. I also think it really helps prevent dry skin. I decant it into small pots and slather myself with it during flights too. I can honestly say the Cellular Eye Essence Platinum Rare is my all time favorite eye treatment. The cold metal wand helps depuff and tighten the skin around my eyes. I really do see a difference when I use it daily.

The newest product that was recently launched is the Platinum Rare Cell Night Elixir. I will warn you that it’s very expensive. I received a small sample which I’ve only tried it a few times but it’s supposed to transform your skin overnight and visibly reduce wrinkles. I do think it might be a good product for morning news anchors or anyone who has to get up early and look their best. 
I understand that La Prairie might be too expensive for many people so a great alternative is the Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine products. I bought this Marine Moisture Rescue Kit to try and the products are great for moisturizing and plumping. Another less expensive eye cream that I love is NeoCutis Lumiere Bio-restorative Eye Cream With PSP.

I’ve already told you how much I love RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner and I continue to use it daily. I decided to finally try the RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner and have just noticed that my lashes do look longer. I didn’t realize that the products were created by a physician whose wife was going through cancer treatments. RevitaLash also now offers hair growth products for thinning hair which is exciting.

While we’re discussing lashes, I also have my eyelashes dyed every 2-4 weeks at Benefit. They use all natural dyes which go down to the root and make my lashes look so much thicker. I love having this done before trips so I look awake and polished without mascara on the plane. It’s also great for people who work out a lot and those with very pale lashes. They can also dye your brows too.

I have previously used these Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Eye Masks but stopped for some reason. I recently tried them again and I’m obsessed. They are amazing in the morning to depuff your eyes. I wish I could use them everyday.

I was recently sent three new StriVectin products to try. They were the Wrinkle Recode™ Line Transforming Melting Serum, SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate, and the Line BlurFector™ Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer. Since receiving them, I’ve used all three each morning before applying my make up and can honestly say that I love them.  The StriVectin Line BlurFector™ Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer is a Lightweight, breathable, oil-free formula that Combines vitamins and botanicals with StriVectin’s patented NIA-114™ technology to seal in skincare benefits and strengthen the skin barrier while preventing makeup from settling into lines. The great thing is that it can also be used alone without makeup to instantly blur and fill lines, even deep-set wrinkles, with light-scattering optical microspheres. I don’t really have many wrinkles right now because I just had a little Botox touch up but the products created a smooth base that left my skin looking airbrushed with make up. When I met up with friends and saw people at events, they all commented on how great I looked. One specifically mentioned that skin looked amazing. These StriVectin products will definitely be added to my daily routine forever now. #sponsored

I absolutely love By Terry Baume de Rose Crystalline in the tube now. So much more hygienic that sticking your fingers into the original pot, especially during flu season.

I’m also still using the Slip for beauty sleep Slipsilk Pure Silk Pillowcases too. They are supposed to be more gentle on your skin and hair. They come in 10 different colors and two sizes so there is one to match every bed. They also have silk eye masks now too.

While we’re on the topic of sleep, I also use the La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask and the Chanel Sublimage Essential Regenerating Masque a few nights a week.

The one gadget that I’ve continued to use daily is the Clarisonic Mia Fit Facial Cleansing Brush. I only use it at night with the radiance brush head. I feel like it really helps cleanse my skin at night and is another reason my skin is so clear. I do get frustrated that it doesn’t hold a charge very long so I always have to make sure I put it back on the charger every night. I love it so much that I travel with it as well.

The newest addition to my gadget game is the Skin Inc. Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light. I have an LED mask which I didn’t use enough but because you have to cover your eyes. I’m using the Tri-Light on average every other night and I am definitely seeing a difference in my skin. It combines three LED light colors and low frequency stimulation to target all skin issues.

“The red light revives for an allover improvement in skin elasticity, the look of fine lines and youthful appearance. The blue light soothes and calms your skin, helping to reduce excess oil production and skin congestion. The yellow light helps you glow, brightening your skin tone, alleviating under eye darkness and reducing the appearance of scars.”

I especially love that you can use it over products. One of the reasons I stopped using the NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device as much is because you have to use it on clean skin with a gel conductor. The Tri-Light also takes batteries so I never have to worry about charging the device.

As I mentioned above, I’ve been going to Mario Badescu for almost 17 years. Their facials start at $65 and even if you add on a special treatment, they still only cost around $100. Sometimes they even offer a special for $50 facials. They are the best deal in New York. I see Leah who add son the Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Treatment that always leaves me with glowing skin. I also never leave red or break out after her facials unlike some other places I’ve had to stop visiting. My goal is to go once a month but it’s usually more like every six weeks. They are very busy on weekends so plan ahead. 
I also continue to get Skin Laundry laser facials. They were founded by a woman who had problem skin that was treated with lasers while she lived in Hong Kong. She couldn’t find any place for it when she moved to Los Angeles and as her skin started to regress, she met with medical professionals and laser experts, and started Skin Laundry. The YAG Laser and IPL Light treatments take 15 minutes so you can pop in quickly during the day. I try to do this once a week or as time allows. I think it’s especially helpful for keeping my skin clear when I’m working out a lot and hormonal. They have salons in California, New York, Scottsdale, Chicago, Hong Kong, and London. The first time is free if you haven’t tried it yet.

I have to wait a few weeks to go back to Skin Laundry because I just had a Clear + Brilliant laser treatment with Dr. Virginia Wade last week. I credit this treatment which I first tried in late 2013 for changing my skin for the better. It’s referred to as “baby Fraxel” because it’s the first and easiest laser to try.There are two hand pieces, Permea for pores and pigmentation and the original hand piece for wrinkles. Your face will be treated with numbing cream for a half hour before the treatment. It doesn’t hurt that much. Your skin will look sunburned and feel windburned and warm after the treatment. Don’t take an Advil because you want the inflammation. I usually do it late in the day and just go home after. The redness should be gone the next day. Then your skin will feel like sandpaper for a few days but no one should be able to see the dryness. I use an enzyme mask after the third day and by day five or six, my skin is really clear and brilliant as the name suggests. Since I started, I have noticed that my sunspots have faded and my jawline is much firmer. I usually do it three to four times a year.

I also see Dr. Virginia Wade for Botox and fillers. As I mentioned before, I don’t love Botox but I need it for the crease between my eyebrows. I recently had a touch up and let her treat the one wrinkle on my forehead. Dr. Wade uses the least amount needed unlike some other doctors I’ve seen so it looks and feels natural. I also had her touch up the filler under my eyes which are my problem area.

It’s very important when you are thinking about getting Botox and filler that you ask your friends and family for referrals. I also suggest that you meet with two to three doctors for consultations before getting any treatments. Definitely don’t go to anyone who makes you feel bad about yourself, tries to push too many procedures, or who makes you feel comfortable.

Dr. Wade is actually a board certified anesthesiologist but she has only worked with the best plastic surgeons like Dr. Danial Baker among others. She has learned from the best and it was Dr. Baker who suggested that she move into botox, fillers, and lasers. I have been seeing her since early 2014. I love her because she never talks down to me, she always answers my questions, and she never pressures me into anything.

I saw a dermatologist last summer to treat some minor sebaceous hyperplasia on my forehead. She burned them off but wanted to offer me more treatments in exchange for mentions because I have so many followers on Instagram. I went back for another laser for broken capillaries that left my face swollen with round puffy welts for a few days. Then she wanted to do some filler and Botox. She injected so much Botox under my eyes that she dropped the muscle. I looked tired and worse than before I saw her. I had to go to Dr. Wade and explain what happened and have her fill under my eyes right before a trip. I still have the same problems that I originally went to see the dermatologist about which is frustrating and I feel like my right under eye still looks tired.

I tell you this story because I research everything and sometimes I still make mistakes. Botox takes three months to wear off but fillers can be reversed with hyaluronidase treatments. I think it’s best to err on the conservative side and start slowly with little treatments and choose a doctor with whom you feel extremely comfortable.

I also want to address microneedling which is all the rage these days. I spoke to Dr. Wade about this treatment. In the right hands and done with PRP, platelet rich plasma, to get beautiful results on the skin. It encourages new collagen and elastin growth by the body. PRP is when they take your blood and centrifuge it to remove red blood cells. The platelet rich plasma can then be applied to the skin after microneedling since the skin will have little holes where it can be absorbed. PRP can also be done after Clear + Brilliant laser treatment and be injected into the scalp to help restore hair growth.

The big problem is the at home microneedling device. Dr. Wade has started to see scaring and problems on the skin from over use. Please be careful with these devices and discontinue use if you have any skin redness or irritation. I know my skin and I feel like this is one procedure that is not for me. 
The goal of my skincare regime is to help me look and feel my best. I hope this post helps you navigate the often confusing world of skincare and procedures. I’m also happy to answer any follow up questions if you need further advice.

XOXO,

HC