4 Cosmetic Treatments That Changed My Skin Forever

Cosmetic treatments and plastic surgery used to be a “taboo” topic.  No one talked about it or would disclose “what they’ve had done” in fear of being perceived as fake or trying to hide something.  It was previously believed that only rich people or really crazy people would want to change the way they look.

[ReviewDisclaimer]

I’m here to tell you that’s not true.

There are tons of non-invasive cosmetic treatments that will help give your skin a boost!

Taking care of your skin on a regular basis can push back the aging a little longer without making you look like you’ve had 16 face lifts since the third grade.

Speaking of aging.  It’s scary, right? I recently turned thirty and realized doing those cute designs on my nails was probably frowned upon in this season of life.  I realized I just can’t do what I used to do – that goes for eating, dressing, skin care, etc.

Cosmetic treatments *can* mean skincare!

First things first, protecting your skin and using a great skincare routine is SO IMPORTANT. I have tried a TON of different products and had success with a few of them.

I really like the Obagi product line and have personally used it for quite some time. I’ve used the Nu-Clear and loved it for brightening. You can easily search on the Real Self Shop by your skin concerns and try out a few different product. If you are still unsure, I always say find a “best seller” product and try it out to see if you like it.

IF NOTHING ELSE, get a good sunscreen and moisturizer! You can get 20% off your first purchase (which is unheard of for expensive skincare) when you purchase any products on the Real Self Shop.

Now, if you’re looking to commit to some cosmetic treatments that actually work, you’re in the right place.

(Disclaimer: Please seek a medical professional to see how these treatments will work for you. These are my personal experiences.)

Here are my favorites:

1.) Chemical Peel

• Cost: $70-$150ish; getting them in a package is cheaper and it’s usually best to do a series
• Process: A layer of chemicals is rubbed on your skin, dries and then is wiped off.  The chemicals burn a bit but a fan really helps.
• Procedure Time: 20-25 minutes
• Down Time: 1-2 days your skin will tighten, days 3-7 you will PEEL your skin from your face. It’s wise to plan this when you can stay in hiding for several days because there’s really no way to cover it up. It’s also to [amazon_textlink asin=’B005UEB96K’ text=’protect‘ template=’ProductLink’ store=’poms2moms-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bd9e9b4b-71ce-11e8-af06-85d2c5271751′] your skin at day and night.
• Results: I literally watched the spots shed from my face on the dead skin. It was unbelievable. I get a peel once a month from August-May and stop in the summer. It’s SUPER important to wear [amazon_textlink asin=’B007U54P36′ text=’sunscreen‘ template=’ProductLink’ store=’poms2moms-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’cc074485-71ce-11e8-9490-8d9d6f9acac5′] as it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

*Don’t do this if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Microdermabrasion is a good substitute during this time just make sure to disclose that with your esthetician.

2.) Microblading

Ok, this isn’t exactly “SKIN” care but sorta still is…

• Cost: $500 includes 2 visits
• Process: [amazon_textlink asin=’B075CZ94S6′ text=’Numbing‘ template=’ProductLink’ store=’poms2moms-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3a834350-71cf-11e8-aef6-498c7d530570′] cream is applied to the brows and small strokes of semi-permanent color is placed to improve the shape and fullness of your brows (bye bye brow pencil).  The numbing cream really helps make it painless- call and make sure your brow artist uses it before you book or bring your own!
• Procedure: First visit + Consult =1 hour; 2nd follow up: 30-35 minutes
• Down Time: None but your brows will be much darker and a little crazy looking day 1.  Don’t do this on your lunch break… lol.
• Results: Varies for everyone- some people say the color fades too much and they’re back to where they started.  I loved my results because I got a shade darker and they seem to last better. Make sure you go to someone who is highly recommended and has a lot of before & afters.

3.) Dermaplaning

• Cost: $70-100ish
• Process:  Your face is washed and the tiny peach fuzz is scraped off of your face with a tiny razor blade.  Totally painless.
• Procedure time: 30 minutes
• Down time: None!  Your face is happy and glowing and literally feels soft like a baby’s butt!
• Results: The fuzz does come back but lighter in color and fullness.  It makes your makeup go on smoother and your beauty products to penetrate better.

4.) Botox/Dysport

GASP- OMG Shelley gets Botox?  Yes B, I do! I have DEEP wrinkles on my forehead that I’ve had since I was a kid.  My makeup literally gets stuck in these ridges and I hate it. It helps my RBF appear a little more pleasant and approachable.

• Cost: $350+
• Botox & Dysport do the same thing but are measured differently 36 units botox = roughly 100 units Dysport).  I’ve done both and don’t have a preference.
• Process: A plastic surgeon or nurse practitioner will inject a small amount of [actual] “magic potion” into your face (forehead, crows feet or in between the eyes) in a strategic place to “freeze” the muscles temporarily.  Once the muscle is frozen, it cannot move and therefore, cannot create wrinkles or ridges in your skin. It’s literally magical.
• Procedure time: 30 minutes
• Down time: None!  You can totally do this on your lunch break, just bring a little powder to cover up the small amount of redness the needle may cause.
• Results:  Epic.

*Don’t do this if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.  I mean I just had to say it.

*Pro Tip*– You can find Groupons for Botox/Dysport injections and they’re typically at a discounted rate.  Be sure to check out the name of the injector and look them up on Real Self for reviews and to make sure they’re legit.

What cosmetic treatments would you recommend?  I love trying new stuff to see what works!