morpheus8

This Post is to inform you of an interesting procedure, not to show you my results, yet…I will do that in a follow up Post. I want to share what I went through and why I chose to do it.

Ok my friends, I have been on the hunt for something to diminish my college acne scarring. My main problem is that I have melasma, due to lasers–not hormonal. So, I can’t use any lasers on my face. There are soooo many great lasers that would’ve helped me like: CO2, IPL, Resurfx, etc…alas, I cannot use these great options. Please, please make sure you are going to a reputable place or else you will end up like me and have melasma that you never would’ve had to worry about!

So, I’m sure you’re wondering what I was able to find….in walked Morpheus8. According to parkavenueplasticsurgeon.com Morpheus8 is a non-surgical advanced needling treatment. … Using radiofrequency, a Morpheus8 treatment stimulates collagen production to tighten and smooth wrinkles on the face and body. I am here for all that tightening!!! Yaaas!

I noticed the device had 24 needles and a red pulsing light. The light seemed to heat up my skin to an extent that I smelled burning flesh, think tanning salon. Tee Hee! I went to Charity at North Texas Plastic Surgery and for an extra $50, I was able to receive Pronox, nitrous oxide. This seemed to help my pain level because I was able to focus on something. The cost of 1 treatment was $750, a package of 3 is $2,100. This is definitely not a cheap procedure and when I say procedure, I mean my recovery time was not 24 hrs. I’m on Day 4, and still have tons of scratches on my face. My son informed me that I look like an 80 yr old and I shouldn’t have wasted my money. Ha! Little does he know that my skin is going to look GORGEOUS in about 3 weeks. So, Boom! I, specifically, asked for my money’s worth in aggression levels, you can choose to have a less aggressive approach…therefore, your recovery time might not be as long as mine.

Did it hurt? Not really. At NTPS, they let me pick a movie/tv or listen to music. I chose the French music I like so much, the chair was comfy, I had my Pronox…so, all in all, the ambiance was so nice that I didn’t feel much pain. The immediate after effects…my face was slightly swollen and I had visible raised ridges, and scratches. My face also looked like I had large pores, these were just where the needles went into my skin. Have I scared you yet? I really hope not. From everyone that has gotten this done, I have heard nothing but rave reviews.

I was numbed for about 45 min. I say take the extra 15 min. if you are given the option.

This video is immediately after the procedure.

Day 2, my face was still a bit tender, but by day 3 and 4, I have scabbing and no pain.

I can’t wait to see how my skin will look in the next couple of weeks. I’m also glad there’s an alternative to lasers. I’ll keep ya posted on how I’m recovering and what results I notice.

This video shows the entire process.

This video shows the aftermath…days directly following the procedure. Still healing almost a week out, no pain, just a lil red in certain areas…skin feels tighter.

Charity had me put on a SkinCeuticals Biocellulose Restorative Mask and a dermal repair cream…Magic happened. I’m on Day 7 and am healing quite nicely. That mask is a game changer and I highly recommend. I’m used to the cheap masks on Amazon and this one is a whole other level.

For our men…

Hello my Beauties! If you’re in Texas and have dealt with a hellacious winterscape, I salute you. It’s been a rough ride…Texas Strong.

This post is geared toward the men in our lives. Does your man have hair in unsightly places? Back, shoulders, hands, feet, back of the neck?? Well, boy howdy, do I have a solution. It’s working like a charm on my very own manly beast. Tee Hee!

https://smile.amazon.com/Tria-Beauty-Removal-Laser-Women/dp/B00DLJ7N2U/ref=sr_1_5?crid=FPN1ASR04HLH&dchild=1&keywords=tria+laser+hair+removal&qid=1613842217&sprefix=tria+las%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-5

I have owned this Tria Laser for over 10 years and it still delivers. Originally, I bought it for myself, and it worked ok, but now that I’m using it on my husband I really am noticing how it delivers. There are tons of newer versions, that are way cheaper…so do your research and find one that works for you.

The main reason I’m shining a light on this topic is because my husband would rather die than go to an actual med spa and pay to get laser hair removal. If you have one of these handy dandy devices at home, it’s a heck of a lot easier to sneak up on them and blast away their unsightly hair. Just sayin’.

A friendly reminder, this laser hurts if you crank it up. So, if you don’t want to scare your man, keep it on a bit of a lower setting to begin. Gradually, you will move up higher when you see less and less hair growing back.

Ladies, I hope this post helps in your struggles to tame your wild, manly beast! Your husbands will EVENTUALLY thank me, they will really hate me at first–don’t worry, I can take it. Ha!

Peace and joy, my friends.

Below, you will find a quick video, showing the Tria Laser in action.

You can purchase this product or similar items, with different price points, here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Beauty on a budget

Part 3…Peels (remember, I’m not a dermatologist or an aesthetician)

Glycolic Acid Peel

Ooooh Boy, is this good stuff! The Glycolic Acid Skin Peel from Skin Beauty is a Must in your skin care arsenal. All the plumping, all the glowing right here in this little bottle.

From Amazon: MULTI-PURPOSE REJUVENATING TREATMENT – This facial skin peel treats many skin issues including moisturizing dry skin, treating discoloration and age spots, repairing scars, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenating the skin’s surface via increasing the rate of cell regeneration. https://smile.amazon.com/GLYCOLIC-Acid-Skin-Chemical-Peel/dp/B003SJ37SM/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1YTB7WNQA2R97&dchild=1&keywords=skin%2Bbeauty%2Bglycolic%2Bacid%2Bskin%2Bpeel&qid=1605562723&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sprefix=skin%2Bbeauty%2B%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-6&th=1

I put the peel on my skin with a brush, it helps me feel oh so profesh! Tee hee! If you are a newbie, where peels are concerned, start off leaving it on for only 3 minutes. You can always work your way up…not gonna lie, this peel packs a punch and you will feel all the tingles. Tingles = ants stinging your face…so have a fan handy. If you do nothing else to your skin, and you’re just a peel kinda person, you can use this every 4 wks or less. It’s up to you and how your face feels. The day after, you might feel like your skin looks fresh and beautiful…and also a bit tight. You might start to peel a bit, nothing crazy, days 3-5. By day 7, your makeup will be gliding on so smoothly and your skin will look rejuvenated and just plain lovely. Let me know if you feel the same after trying!

Glycolic Pads

These pads are oh so delightful! They are only 20% glycolic, so they can be used more frequently. 50 pads come in a container and here’s the Tip…cut the pads in 1/2 so you can have double the amount. The pads are fairly large, so cutting them in 1/2 won’t feel like you’re being cheap. They’re so large to begin with, it’s almost a waste if you don’t cut them. I use these in the evening, so all of the good “juice” soaks into my skin overnight. After using the pads on my face, I then rub it over my hands, knees, and elbows. Waste not Want not! Ha! Beauty on a Budget, am I right? https://smile.amazon.com/Glycolic-Acid-Exfoliating-Wipes-Hyperpigmentation/dp/B07C468P8P/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=touch+glycolic+acid+skin+pad&qid=1605567342&sr=8-3

Neutralizer

I would feel quite guilty if I didn’t let you know to buy a neutralizer for after-peel purposes. Neutralizers take the burning and tingle out of a peel, when you’re finished.

From Amazon: Professional grade chemical peel neutralizer. Helps to safely and effectively balance the pH of your skin by neutralizing the acid from the peel.

https://smile.amazon.com/QRxLabs-Chemical-Peel-Neutralizer-post-peel/dp/B06XT5S4B7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3LLXFFRE8IAJI&dchild=1&keywords=chemical+peel+neutralizer&qid=1605567389&sprefix=peel+neutral%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-5

This was the last of the Beauty on a Budget Series. These 3 Parts are how I have stayed looking fresh even when low on cash. All 3 Parts have different price points…I would say this last part is the most important if you don’t have the extra funds for a Microneedling Pen or Microdermabrasion machine. Run on out and get a peel, if you do nothing else. You’re welcome!

Video Time

I’ve added a video so you can see the peel and brush in action. You’ll feel super professional if you use the brush…tee hee!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Beauty on a budget

Part 1

Have you ever thought about going to a Med Spa to get Microneedling? Microneedling, in laymen’s terms, is a device with multiple, skinny needles that puncture the skin and help to rebuild collagen. Once your skin peels and heals, you will have plumper/glowier skin. It’s supposed to help with acne scarring and fine lines, as well. An all around great age defy-er. But, not everyone has $2-300 to spend on this procedure every month…

*Click on the link https://smile.amazon.com/Dr-Pen-Ultima-Professional-Microneedling/dp/B0822PJ8NS/ref=sr_1_27?crid=2C9R1RVUDBFVQ&dchild=1&keywords=dr.+pen+microneedling&qid=1605108980&sprefix=dr.+pen%2Caps%2C269&sr=8-27 to go straight to the product page.

In comes Dr. Pen. An at-home microneedling device that works really well!

Tip: I use a Tranexamic Acid serum (because Melasma, ew) on each section of my face, then microneedle over the serum, so I get MAXIMUM soak-in benefits. Also, I find that doing it this way, doesn’t cause the needle to drag across my skin…using the serum, lets the needles glide much smoother across the delicate skin of your face.

The Serum I use.
https://smile.amazon.com/Tranexamic-Vitamin-Treatment-Whitening-Dearskin/dp/B07RYJ919Z/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=2YDD4MHWH916U&cv_ct_cx=tranexamic+acid&dchild=1&keywords=tranexamic+acid&pd_rd_i=B07RYJ919Z&pd_rd_r=3c0f46c3-d82e-40ed-978e-61d72005d01d&pd_rd_w=uMbAF&pd_rd_wg=HhgAw&pf_rd_p=f4ebc3ce-c45d-4b03-a3e4-a17c876358c0&pf_rd_r=9TV4APFJ2BDWTE2BB3YR&psc=1&qid=1605108717&sprefix=tranex%2Caps%2C202&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c

Basically, you can be all in for under $200, saving hundreds by doing this in the privacy of your own home. Now, you’re not going to get all the massaging, candles, aromatherapy–basic pampering you’d get from a spa, but if you’re on a budget (who isn’t) this is a fantastic route to take, with very similar results.

One last tip…if you have a low pain tolerance, you can also get a roll-on Lidocaine. Just roll it all over your face, wait a couple of minutes and voila…a pain free microneedling session!

Pain Free
https://smile.amazon.com/Maxocaine-Lidocaine-Vanishing-Registered-Addictive/dp/B078X4PLD5/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=S20K9JJ0NSTC&cv_ct_cx=maxocaine+roll+on&dchild=1&keywords=maxocaine+roll+on&pd_rd_i=B078X4PLD5&pd_rd_r=3189f441-85e1-4166-9ea3-67ac4e3c1e92&pd_rd_w=yuXQy&pd_rd_wg=FK0r4&pf_rd_p=f4ebc3ce-c45d-4b03-a3e4-a17c876358c0&pf_rd_r=0Y8FKWGJN79Z3PX2HKS1&psc=1&qid=1605108859&sprefix=maxocaine%2Cbeauty%2C173&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c

Let me know what you think! I think it’s worth a try.

This is for all my Visual Friends out there…I wanted to show you what the Microneedling Pen and the serum look like in action. Enjoy!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin