How to Avoid Skincare Nightmares 

This semi-isolated lifestyle has made some people strive to become experts in haircuts, hair dying, waxing (the bravery), manicures, skincare to home renovations. Some people have done extraordinarily. But for many of us, we’re cool. The situation is crazy enough. 

More particularly, those who have not had professional treatments done frequently (or ever) should not wander into unfamiliar zones. Leave it to the specialists, no matter the wait. 

None of us want to come out of this looking worse than going in; all because we decided to give ourselves a medical-grade chemical peel (with an uncertified product purchased on Amazon). Or dye our hair for the first time and come out bald. 

I understand! It is so tempting; I, too, have thought hard about it. For many of us, we are staying motivated with self-care as a coping mechanism — all while we are trying to protect our bodies.

It’s important that people continue to protect their bodies and not get so bored that we do something we’ll regret, such as a few examples below.

 

 

• Botox and Fillers

The black market is flourishing because people are desperate to get their regular injections. The underground injectables market is not new, but it is busier than ever. Is it safe? No. Is it worth it? No.

Any unregulated injectable is never safe. It's illegal for a reason. Also, keep in mind that a face has various nerves. If you hit the wrong one, you may get nerve damage or worse, facial paralysis. Are there any safe alternatives? Possibly.

Though I'm not a filler patient, this lady is always looking for ways to not wake up with pesky "11" between the brows. A friend recommended Dermaclara. They are silicone gel pads that adhere to your face. While wearing the patches, it supposedly prevents your face from movements that can prompt wrinkles.

It looks absolutely silly to me, but she said it is incredible. Some customers insist it minimizes the effects of their facial expressions. Others have said it reduces scars. I don't claim any results. It looks like it takes a lot of effort to stick all of those pads on a face.

What I do know is that acquiring Botox on the internet is not the answer.

 

 

• Microblading

It is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing method. Can you do it yourself? Yes. Will you succeed? Probably not. You may have potential if you know how to create the perfect brow in one take. Just remind your daring friend that the device is not a pencil and has no eraser.

Although there are a few who have achieved the perfect DIY brow, it’s not the safest idea. You can read all about it on this Belashed article:  https://belashed.org/diy-microblading/

The best alternative is to use an eyebrow makeup kit to fill in your brows.

 

 

• Microneedling or Dermarolling

As aforementioned, we have several facial nerves. Therefore, when choosing a needle size, a person needs to be cautious. You could hit a nerve if you use a longer one. I would suggest avoiding this technique altogether.

But, dermatologists say it does help with collagen production. They also say that you should not attempt to do so at their level. Here, Dr. Davin Lim explains this technique in great detail. https://youtu.be/R5o_EWxI23Y

Dr. Lim says that the safest roller size to use at home is 0.25 or 0.50, but still recommends it only be done by a pro.

An alternative to needling could be a jade roller. It does not boost your collagen (as numerous people have claimed). Still, most dermatologists agree that it works as a light lymphatic drainage tool by increasing circulation. 

This video explains the history, possible benefits, and current use of a jade roller. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYcgDrCoJw4

 

 

• Chemical Peels

Dermatologists usually have lower grade peels that are safe for at-home use. Despite reliable options, people are buying up TCA peels, blindly. It is scary. 

Nurse practitioner, Zoe Gazola has posted several graphic photographs of peels gone awry. You can view them at your own risk. If your friend has thoughts of TCA peeling, you may want her to take a look at others who had the same curiosities.

Are there any natural alternatives to chemical peels? Yes. Homemade food masks, but always bear in mind any allergies. The cosmetic practitioner company, Zwivel posted these simple, at-home recipes. 

 

 

• Homemade Face Masks

When it comes to ingredients, people should stay mindful of their allergies. 

When trying a new product or ingredient, dermatologists (and product labels) suggest that you test a small drop onto a patch of skin on your arm or hand and wait. If you are allergic, you usually get an immediate reaction. 

This tip is especially true when it comes to essential oils. If you are typically sensitive, it is best to avoid unfamiliar ingredients. Most homemade face masks use familiar foods. Arsy of Rubies and Radishes follows a whole foods skincare mantra. She makes her masks with food. 

You can check out some of her recipes:  http://www.rubiesandradishes.com/2016/03/07/exfoliate-skin-like-pro-using-food/ 

Your skin will let you know if it is thirsty or over-compensated. Stick to your regularly scheduled program; no need to get creative and perform a facial or whip up a face mask every day. 

 

 

• Facial Extractions

You passed the mirror for the 10th time today. Ah! It’s a pimple! Your magnifying mirror arrived and you've been doing a skin analysis. You see blackheads. You want to extract.

It's easy to buy an extraction tool nowadays. That does not mean everyone should. When this instrument gets into the wrong hands, a risky surgery might begin which can result in capillary injury, bruising, tearing, and scarring.

So, what is an alternative? A good old fashioned face steam would open up those clogged pores. You can purchase a face steamer or get a bowl of hot water and put a towel over your head (without touching the hot water, of course).

Every time you pass the mirror, smile at yourself. You’re doing great. Stay safe.

From Our Skin Care to Yours,

RxESCUESKIN