Notes from LA – the final result?

Over the past four months I have had three IPL treatments and three micro-dermabrasion treatments to my face.

When recently, my sister jokingly snarked (as sisters do) at my “new” complexion, saying that although by age I am older, it was now possible I would be mistaken as the younger sibling.

I realised all the money, the pain and time, had in the end, been worth it.

It has not only been my sister who has “noticed” my skin.  Close friends have all agreed to the more even tone and blemish free complexion that I now sport.

And even those sceptical about my choice, have been impressed with the results.

I have even, much to the delight of my ego, had a couple of complete stranger, random “what great skin you have” passing comments.

Why thank you!

The true test however. . .  what do I think?

I think it’s not perfect.

And naively I kind of thought it would be.  I imagined my skin looking as if it did when I was seventeen.  It doesn’t.

Don’t get me wrong, it is sooooo much better.

My pigmentation is still there, faintly, but there.  And after making both my husband and sister look as closely as they could, over and over again, it may well only be me and my own misguided paranoia that see the discoloration.

So in conclusion – my face and the skin on my face look great.  I haven’t had a pimple, not one since commencing the treatment. I kid you not!  It has, without doubt, worked.

However . . . . .  at present I have had three procedures.  I bought four.  The first and second procedures were dramatic.  The next day was quite shocking, but five days later my skin shone and glowed, completely reborn.

After the third treatment it was far less so.  And to be honest I noticed very little difference from pre to post the laser.

My doctor reminded me of ongoing and long term action, in relation to this.

But it is my opinion that two procedures would have been quite sufficient.  I am still debating what I will do with my fourth.

I am also now substantially poorer, but the owner of a cabinet full of face creams, that I use religiously twice daily, fearful of the return of the pigmentation or discoloration.  I am as hooked on these, as a smoker is nicotine.

Thus, yes my face looks great.  My mental state  . . . . . .

It is as if a switch has been turned on in my brain.

My vanity switch.  And despite common sense to the contrary, I don’t seem capable of turning it off.

As annoying as it is to admit, it was my husband and his ever practical “male attitude” that finally presented some clarity to the situation.

It was so simple, “Thirteen hundred dollars is not going to buy a miracle.”

Realisation washed over me.

My expectations were entirely unrealistic.  No, my skin didn’t look like it did 15 years ago.  It  never would.

But, it does look great.  Better than great.

It looks fantastic for a 34 year old mother of two.

Face products I used and use –

During the IPL (day of and 5 days after)

Straight after the treatment I used my dermatologists house brand – can’t remember exactly what and I threw out the container.  But basically it was Hydrocortisone mixed with other “soothing” properties” designed to reduce redness and irritation ( pain!!!).  I kept it in the fridge and it was quite lovely and relieving.

During and for the following 10 days I used a combination of creams that I bought from my dermatologist.

They were a package set, by Clinque Medical.

Recovery Week Complex ( again soothing, post procedure formula).

Optimising treatment – a moisturiser so luscious and hydratingly (might have made that word up?) heavy, like nothing I’ve ever had.  Can be a little “greasy”, but my skin lapped it up.

Daily SPF38 – I also took to wearing a hat.  Terrified of my now reborn face getting any UV exposure.

A week prior to the treatment I used Skin Conditioning treatment which is a pre-procedure formula.

Twice daily I cleansed ( I prefer to do it in the shower) IS Clinical, cleansing complex. I used this during the procedures and still use it now.

Its very deep cleansing and foams up in your hand or when rubbed into your face.  I adore this product!  And it smells delicious, hmmmmm.

My current routine –

IS Clinical Cleanser

Clinque Medical Optimising treatment Cream ( I was able to purchase this product separately, as I’m not sure I could live without it now)

Alchimie Forever – SuperPulse Rejuvenating eye balm (so soft and lovely and I sometimes use it on my lips also as super hydrating!)

My dermatologist House brand SPF 45 Sunscreen – for the first time in my life I can truly say I wear it every day!

Every second night before bed I apply ( after cleansing and before moisturizing) again my dermatologist’s house brand  of Depigmentation and Rejuvenating Cream.  It helps keep the pigmentation at bay and with aging and aging spots.

by belinda xx

Note from editor – on a recent trip home we got to see the glowing result. Her skin looks AMAZING. Worth every second of pain I believe.