IMAGE SKIN CARE

Lately I've been venturing out my usual skin regime. I asked a fellow esthetician friend about a line she swears by. She uses Image Skin Care. She told me about the products and she recommended I try it out. I did my research before making my purchase. Because of my AVM and radiation, I really need to be careful with what goes on my skin.

Their mission statement "IMAGE Skincare, a professional corporation, is dedicated and committed to providing our customers with the highest integrity of service, professional products and continuing education in the field of skincare and esthetic procedures."  

If you look on their webpage www.imageskincare.com you will see the bio on founder and director. 

There are numerous products for any skin types. My skin type is oily, condition is acne prone skin and acne scars. I'm an Esthetician (yes there are very awesome Estheticians out there that have real skin conditions but still provide great services) and I needed a change up the peel I would do on myself. Only professional licensed Estheticians should do this and able to perform this. After much research and consulting my fellow Esthetician, this was the new regime for me and my new grade of peel, a Jessner peel for my deep acne scars. Microdermabrasion helps it even more but that will a later topic. 

The first one is the Ormerdic. This collection is their "organic ingredients but medical effectiveness. I got the Balancing Facial Cleanser because it's exactly what it says, balancing. This cleanser is a gel cleanser, which I love, because it foams on the skin and feels fresh. It takes off dirt and makeup and balances your PH so much that you don't need a toner. I still use a toner, but that's my preference. Best of all - it's paraben free. 

In their Ageless line, I decided to try the Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque. This is an "micro-exfoliating masque with alpha hydroxy acids" that help to resurface and rejuvenates the skin. Alpha hydroxy and often used to lighten and brighten hyperpigmentation and/or acne scars.

This masque is very important as a post treatment after my peel. It is a hydrating enzyme masque. This aids in exfoliating the buildup of dry, dull skin. It's filled with vitamins A, C, E which helps promotes healthy, more younger skin. Who wouldn't want that?

"A hydrating serum that incorporates the new technology of oil-soluble Vitamin C with the highest bio-availability to immediately soothe the visible effects of environmentally damaged skin. Vitamins A, E and highly potent anti-oxidants nourish the skin to create a healthy, youthful glow. Paraben free." This is a must as post treatment for those who does peel or laser. 

The Iluma line is amazing. This Intense Lightening Serum "Quickly diminishes all forms of pigmentation from sun spots to melasma. Formulated by plastic surgeons, this revolutionary intense lightening line utilizes Vectorize –TechnologyTM to deliver potent encapsulated lightening agents to correct and prevent pigmentation and uneven skin tone."  

I am on the 1st week of using these products. For one week, it's amazing how much the tone and texture of my skin have changed. Usually after 2 weeks you'll see a difference with any skincare line. It being only 1 week seeing that much of a difference, that says a lot about this skincare line. 

Cynthia

Peels, feels, smeels (smiles)

I've been an esthetician for 8 years now and have suffered from acne which is heredity and my AVM condition. 

"Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between arteries andveins, bypassing the capillary system. Thisvascular anomaly is widely known because of its occurrence in the central nervous system, but can appear in any location. Although many AVMs are asymptomatic, they can cause intense pain or bleeding or lead to other serious medical problems.

AVMs are usually congenital and belong to the RASopathies. The genetic transmission patterns of AVM, if any, are unknown. AVM is not generally thought to be an inherited disorder, unless in the context of a specific hereditary syndrome." -expedia

My acne at this point is manageable with the occasional major breakouts around that time of the month. Although it's been under control, I've been very self-conscious with the scarring that was left. I had cystic acne, very deep and painful acne, and as any dermatologist or esthetician would know, is that the scars left are not only the red/blue scars, but the pitted ones, or craters one would be more familiar with. These type of scars are the most difficult to get rid of. There are two ways of dimishing them, peels or actual face lift for the deep pitted scars. Because I did not want to go under the knife and did not have the money or time (I'm a mother of a 5yr and 4yr old girls), I opt to do the peel. I am a licensed esthetician so luckily I'm able to administer the peel to myself. 

I planned a schedule out for my peels, making sure I had enough down time in between each peel but still being aggressive about doing it to get the results I wanted quicker. 

To pre-treat my actual Jessner peel, I started doing glycolic peel safe enough to use daily. Just starting with the glycolic peel, I could see a difference and even got compliments about my skin from my clients and co-workers (that is a big thing for us acne-prone skin-ners). 24 hrs before I did the Jessner I stopped my glycolic peel. When I did my first treatment of the Jessner peel, I was so surprised at how smooth the texture of my skin changed. I peeled for about 3-5 days and was very religious about having a skin regimen with sunscreen, and staying out of the sun. Since then, I have done 4 treatments, and although I am not to where I want my skin to be, I know I'm headed in the right direction with these treatments. 

If you're thinking of trying peels, consult with a licensed esthetician or dermotologist. Remember, don't give up, there is a regimen out there that would be a right fit. The number one thing I tell my clients and will advise to you - as Estheticians and doctors, we can only help you up to a point, the rest is up to you. Keep up with your regimen and stick to it. And don't forget - Sunscreen it up!