Friends, I have watched the beauty industry make a massive shift in (the right) direction, when it comes to beauty and skincare. We have seen an uptick in more sustainable packaging, more safe-for-you ingredients and HOARDS of new tech that Grandma never would have dreamed of placing next to her Pond's cream and Olay face lotion. But one trend that has had a major uprising in 2022 is in the realm of micro beauty.
And what the hell exactly is that?
*sips on the Sugar Free Red Bull*
Well, Imma 'bout to give you the low down, and allow you to form your own free-minded opinion on the matter. Because - 'Merica.
Micro Needling/Derma Pens
The realm of micro beauty first became popular when good 'ol Kim Kardashian posted pics of her having a 'vampire facial' - which is a really creepy way of saying she had micro needling with PRP (platelet rich plasma). Basically, this procedure jams a couple dozen or so tiny needles into the epidermis at a rapid pace (much like a tattoo gun) and pokes holes in the face. Similar to what your dad or the lawn care guy (if you are fancy) does to his lawn, when those tiny, little rounds of dirt get pulled from the grass, and lay on your lawn like dog doo... freaks me out, every time.
But I digress...
Once the holes are created, your skin senses the damage, and in almost a hyperdrive reaction, creates an immediate response of rapid repair - building collagen in those areas that are damaged. In turn, the density of the skin improves, and a little more collagen is present. But what kicks this process into ludicrous speed, is the PRP which is obtained by blood draw - yes, your own- and the platelets from your own blood are smeared over your face like jam on toast. Mmmm, sounds tasty, right? Well, it may not be appetizing, but the benefits of this process seem to be magical. According to PubMed.gov, not only do these powerhouse platelets help with healing, but they have been proven to increase collagen, promote the release of growth factors and even heal acne scars, just to name a few. ( https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31280855/ )
Now, I have never had micro needling with PRP, but I do own a Derma Pen for at home use, which is a less invasive tool. The one I use can be purchased here from the Dermstore, and if you sign up as a member, they provide an immediate 15% discount of your first purchase - which is awesome because the pen is already relatively inexpensive for an at-home device. It is kind of a hybrid between professional micro needling and a derma roller on steroids. You can adjust the depth of the needles (.25-2.0 mm) and the speed of the strokes of the needles, which is great, because with my face, I like to go deep on the fattier areas on my face, as opposed to my forehead. It is an easy and convenient tool, and with consistent use, I have found there to be an improvement of the texture of my skin. I like to use the pen and then afterward, apply a face oil or a soothing moisturizer. you do have to be careful, however - as your skin is open and susceptible to possible infection, so I would highly recommend proper cleaning of your devices and making sure your skin is properly cleaned, before use.
From the moment vampire facials became a thing, micro beauty has slowly crept its way into the beauty industry, and a plethora of gadgets, gizmos and even at-home treatments have made their way into our homes. Yes, I am guilty of owning a few but hear me out! I have tested a few and I have to say, after some time and usage I have become a fan of most, can bypass some and a tiny handful are just complete garbage (well, almost).
Having this knowledge now under your belt, let's carry on down the rabbit hole of micro beauty, shall we, Alice?
2.) Derma Rollers
My first encounter with a derma roller was back in 2013, when I was fairly new to the skin game. A relative of mine was selling skincare products and gadgets and claimed this was a game changer. She demonstrated the success of use over time on her c-section scar, and I was immediately intrigued. "If this thing can dramatically improve scarring, what else can it do for aging skin?!" I took a little trip down research lane and discovered derma rollers are not only a cheaper alternative to micro needling, but over time can improve the overall look and texture of your skin. Fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring - even hair regrowth are a few of the benefits that can come about from an at-home regimen including derma rolling. Again, according to research housed in PubMed, a 2008 study had shown that after a series of treatments with a couple weeks break in between - there was an improvement in collagen production, scar healing and improved absorption of topical skin treatments which enhanced overall effectiveness ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976400/ ).
Um, what? SIGN ME UP.
I began my own series of treatments starting with a smaller depth of needle and nightly would roll my face. I noticed that my face appeared drier than normal, after a day or two from rolling - this is normal, as the outer most layer of skin begins to flake and come off, as new skin grows in. It is annoying and exciting, simultaneously because it was working (yay!) but my makeup looked terrible. I quickly learned that hydration is of utmost importance but did start to see an improvement over the next few months in the texture of my skin. As an at home treatment, I would agree that derma rolling is a great technique to add to your at-home care. However, if you have major scarring or blemishes and wrinkles - if course it would be best to see a dermatologist or esthetician for other more invasive options.
3.) Microdermabrasion
This popular device and method of skincare has been around for quite some time, but lately has been back on the rise in the realm of beauty treatments. This device uses a combination of abrasion and suction to lift up grime and other what nots from your skin, while removing dead skin cells. The name describes it, exactly - it is abrasive. Typically, the tip of the suction head is covered in small, rough edged diamonds or crystals (sometimes aluminum), that vibrate and scrape your face. Delicious. All kidding aside, it is mildly annoying, at best. Some people need a topical anesthetic for whatever reason - but I personally think it is superfluous. Of course, I am a ginger, and we are known to have a high tolerance of pain, so maybe I just think everyone else is a wuss.
But I digress.
Back to the topic- just how effective is "microderm", as the cool kids call it-really? Well, if you are planning on bowing out after a session or two, you more than likely will not achieve any long-term satisfaction. The first session or two you can easily see a difference in skin texture, but without proper maintenance, it really isn't worth the investment. Depending on whether you see a skin specialist or purchase a device for at home use, you could be spending anywhere from $75 - $200. But if you have melasma, fine lines and wrinkles - and you can stick with a regimen, I say give it a go. But if you like the path of least resistance, then move right along, my friend.
4.) Microcurrent Tools
If I had a nickel for every time this post said "micro" - I might have enough to buy a cup of coffee at McDonald's.
Micro current tools - they come in many forms - hand held devices, wearable gloves, little electric balls you rub on your face... for that visual, I am sorry. These tools have varying degrees of electric current, and workout your face muscles like a HIIT program. Those that sell these devices claim to tighten your face muscles and skin, giving an overall younger looking appearance. But in all honesty, I would just save your money and spend it on a decent serum and derma roller, to be honest. But you don't have to take my word for it - some of you out there may like them, and I am not saying that they are completely worthless - what I am saying is that they are partially worthless. The results aren't necessarily immediate, and when you do start to see some sort of change, it is not permanent. Just like any other area of your body that you work out - if you stop doing it, it's pointless. And the amount of time I spend in front of my mirror, staring at myself making minimal change with a pretty expensive device - I could be investing my time more wisely, like, not doing that. Look, all I am getting at is that the investment has minimal return, and for the average Joe-anna, not worth the time. I wouldn't' put it in the garbage, per se, but it would probably sit next to my trashcan for six years, because I would debate about putting it in the trash, can then try to justify the purchase by using it again for a straight seven days. Then put it back by the trash can.
I am just bitter because I do that in real life. Anyway, moving on...
5.) Micro Misting/ Micro Infusing
This one has come about quite recently, and the verdict sways wildly on this particular skin hack. Micro misting involves using a handheld device that reminds me of an essential oil diffuser, but it is for your face. Based off the information on https://droplette.com , the tech behind this newer device allows the ingredients used in the device to penetrate your skin 20 times deeper than normal. There are many rave reviews on micro misting, however - there are some nay-sayers out there that state it does absolutely nothing for the overall improvement of their skin. In fact, it had made some peoples' skin look worse. I am an avid fan of Angie Hot And Flashy on YouTube and trust her reviews. After 45 days of continual usage of the Droplette, her results certainly didn't make me want to wave my hard-earned dollars in front of my computer, while completing a purchase. In addition, after looking at the before and after images on the device's website, I would say the efficacy of the device is still inconclusive. Maybe one of these days I will reach out to the company and see if they are willing to let me try it, but until then, I will stick to my tried-and-true methods.
So my friends - there you have it. We have now crawled out of the tiny world of micro beauty and stepped back into our reality of making lame adult decisions and choosing the skincare routine that best suits our faces. Whether it be to make an appointment with your local dermatologist or trusted esthetician or hopping on the interwebs and going rogue to start your own at-home regimen - remember that it isn't an overnight success. It has taken you this long to be as gorgeous as you are, you minx you - so why would you think that one day or week of usage will turn back the clock a decade? You have aged like a fine wine, and you can't just go putting those grapes back on the vine, Love. You gotta regrow a new vineyard! and that takes patience, a whole lotta love and some time out of your day. But you know what? you are worth it. :) Enjoy the journey!
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