A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to receive a Fraxel laser treatment with Dr. Rednam, in Houston. I wanted to wait to give you my review and experience once my skin had a chance to fully heal, and I could truly share all of the results with you. So let’s get started!
The process first started with a consultation. Here I met with Dr. Rednam one-on-one in her office so that we could discuss my wants, current skin care routine, and provide her the opportunity to give my skin a full assessment before the procedure. – Yes, you need to take off all of your makeup for this, so it’s best to show up fresh faced. I get cyclical breakouts, some of which can be cysts so before I could schedule my Fraxel session she put me on a round of antibiotics to clear up my skin, as well as, started me on Alastin Skin Nectar day and night to prepare my skin for the treatment. *This is the secret, and most important step to a quick turn around after Fraxel! And finally, we discussed what would happen the day of, and what results I could expect.
FAQ
What is the laser like?
There are 2 lasers used to penetrate, and target specific skin needs such as redness, fine lines, discolorations, and scarring. During the treatment, a pass is made over the entire face with one laser; in a sort of crisscross pattern, and then again a second time with the other grade laser.
How long does the treatment take?
The actual treatment itself takes about 20-30 minutes, but you have to numb first for about 40 minutes; so prepare to be there for around 1.5 to 2 hours total.
Treatment Walk Through
When I arrived at her office the day of my treatment I was first escorted to the photo room to take before photos and sign waivers. After, I went to the procedure room and met with the nurse who applied the numbing cream to my face. After that, you get about 40 minutes to sit and relax while your face “falls asleep”. Next, it’s time to actually get started. The numbing agent was wiped off and I was handed a tube of air which contained Pronox. This is a gas to assist with anxiety and pain management during the treatment. Dr. Rednam wants you to be as comfortable as possible, and for you to have a pleasant experience, so she offers wonderful services such as this! I took about 8 breaths through the tube and we got started!
The first passes are over the forehead, and if you are curious, yes you feel it… but it is a tolerable sting. The best way I can describe it is a hot sensation…sort of like poking at a sunburn. Certain areas of the face are more sensitive than others, and at any time you desire a break she stops and you can breathe in more Pronox. Once both passes had been made across my face with each level of laser, she applied the Alastin Skin Nectar and then Oxygenetix foundation which is seriously the BEST thing! It is the lightest foundation which also includes aloe and SPF with full coverage! This foundation, along with the Alastin Skin Nectar was my routine for the next month, and allows you to continue on your day as normal without anyone being able to really tell you had anything done!
After Care, Healing & What to Expect
Because I had been using the Skin Nectar before the procedure my healing time was very quick, as it preps your skin and gets it into the best condition. So when I arrived home after the treatment I was to ice my face. It was still very numb, but I could feel a lot of heat on my face. Later that evening there was quite a bit of swelling but not much discomfort at all; even when the numbing agent wore completely off. The next morning there was quite a bit of swelling still on my face, as well as redness, but nothing the Oxygenetix couldn’t help with! I was even able to do a photo shoot the very next day! *However I will add you need to keep your face out of direct sunlight and wear SPF!
Now over the next few days my face got super itchy and began to peel. I continued with my routine and no one was even able to tell what was happening under the Oxygenetix! The swelling completely subsided by the end of the first week, and most of the peeling had finished. For me, peeling is the worst! It just grosses me out – but that’s just a personal struggle, lol. I’ll add in a close up pic just so you can see how crusty it got, lol!
SO….How’s My Skin Now?
Everyday that passes I notice brightening and softening to my skin, as well as, less redness in my cheeks. I was starting to get fine lines on my forehead and those are pretty much entirely gone and my smile lines have softened. I have a scar on my forehead which is also much lighter now. – And again, this is all just from one treatment. On average Fraxel is done in 3 sessions depending on the desired results, each spaced out over 6 weeks, with results lasting over a year. Again, this is dependent on age, and desired results.
I am very impressed with the results, and also can’t speak any higher about Dr. Rednam, her staff, along the products used. Every step of the way I knew I was in good hands and have seen amazing results from the Fraxel treatment, the Oxygenetix, and the Alastin Skincare Skin Nectar; which is my absolute favorite product now! It even helps to keep my skin clear of breakouts!
I hope you enjoyed this and if you are interested in Fraxel, or any of the products mentioned just click on the words and you can get everything you need!
A special thank you again to Dr. Rednam and her team for providing me the pleasure of experiencing a Fraxel treatment first hand and for treating me with the upmost care!
Now that I have had the A Perfect World line for over a month, and have been using a few of the products in my daily routine, I wanted to provide you all with a quick review of the products I love and what results I have actually seen from using them on a daily basis!
So the 4 products I will be reviewing include:
Origins A Perfect World Age Defense Eye Cream with SPF 20
Origins A Perfect World Age Defense Skin Guardian
Origins A Perfect World Age Defense Treatment Lotion with White Tea
Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea
I really wanted to share my opinion with you after continuous use of the products, and specifically the changes I have seen in my skin over the past month.
So lets start with the Treatment Lotion with White Tea. I have been using this product in the morning when I wake up and at night before bed. The scent is consistent with the rest of the line, and since it is alcohol-free it doesn’t irritate or burn the skin, eye area, or nose. I apply this product to a cotton ball and glide it across my face. The product is cool and tightens my pores effortlessly. It leaves skin feeling clean with a slight tightening sensation.
Once the Treatment Lotion has dried, I apply the Skin Guardian. This product is by far my favorite from the line. The texture is like a gel, and leaves my skin feeling like silk! I use 1.5 pumps and disperse the product over my face evenly. I can definitely tell a difference in my skin overnight from this product. My skin is softer and smoother. In the mornings it makes makeup application so simple and gives me a “primed” canvas to smoothly apply my liquid foundation.
At night when I shower, I use the Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea. This creamy cleanser removes all dirt and make up from my face, leaving my skin feeling squeaky clean, yet not over dried. I am prone to breakouts and redness but I have noticed since I have started using this product, and this line in general, my skin has balanced out and I create less oil on my forehead, my redness has subsided, and uneven texture and breakouts are minimal – if even at all! If you are thinking of trying out this line, I would recommend purchasing this product first.
I have been finding the eye cream most valuable on days I decide not to wear makeup. It lightens the area under my eyes a slight bit while hydrating. Plus, the added bonus of the sunscreen means I am protected while letting my skin breathe.
My regimen:
AM: Treatment Lotion with White Tea – Skin Guardian – Eye cream
PM: Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea – Treatment Lotion with White Tea – Skin Guardian
If you are debating on trying out the collection, I highly recommend it for breakout prone skin, prone to t-zone oiliness, redness, and even if you just want something with anti-aging properties. This line has truly worked wonders on my skin, and I love that I can feel good about the product that I am using because it is from Origins!
I hope you have found this review helpful, and will give this line a try!
Origins recently re-launched their A Perfect World line and I had the amazing opportunity of trying it out!
To start the fun, I was invited to the re-launch celebration at my local Origins store, where I received a skin care consultation/ mini facial. At the consultation I was given a one-on-one skin care regime for my skin, and taught how to apply and use the products. The consultants were enthusiastic, and knowledgeable of the Origins line and my skincare concerns, which was really nice!
After that, I was taken over to receive a makeup application so that I would be ready, and refreshed for the rest of my day. The event also featured product demonstrations, treats, and even featured a charcoal artist and a tea leaf reader! All natural elements featured in Origins products.
Featured Products
Antioxidant Moisturizer with White Tea
Age Defense Eye Cream with SPF 20
Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea
Age Defense Treatment Lotion with White Tea
Age-Defense Skin Guardian with White Tea
Creamy Body Cleanser with White Tea
Highly Hydrating Body Lotion with White Tea
SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea
My first impression of the products
Packaging: The A Perfect World packaging is simple, clean, and beautiful. The light shades of green are complemented with crisp white and a mosaic palm print.
Scent: LOVE the scent! It smells of lemongrass with a hint of citrus, leaving your skin with a light refreshing scent.
Effectiveness: The White Tea and antioxidant rich ingredients really drew me in to this line. I am at the age now where I am focused on preserving further premature aging and caring for my skin. This means age defense products are on my top list of “wants” when it comes to my skin care regimen. The products do not over dry my skin nor do they leave it greasy or sticky. Just a natural healthy finish.
Origins overall
I have always loved Origins products as they have a wonderful story and product line. The natural, renewable ingredients they use, along with cruelty-free testing is something that really interests me in a skincare brand. To know that I am using a product that is good for me, and is not leaving a negative imprint on the environment is amazing. Stop by your local Origins and try out this impressive skincare line! You will not be disappointed.
A special thanks to Preen.Me for selecting me to attend the Origins re-launch party and review this amazing product line!
When the weather starts to heat up I know my alabaster skin no longer becomes acceptable. I am the palest person I know, so when everyone starts to get sunkissed and tan I look like an ill zombie. Luckily over the years I have discovered a few wonderful products to keep my skin healthy and looking season appropriate. These products will be sure to keep your pale skin looking its best no matter what the season!
Let me first start off by saying I do not use tanning beds. Yes, I know they are an option but with skin cancer running in my family that is just not an option for me. I also do not find premature wrinkles or leathering of the skin cute. In saying that, if tanning works for you, go for it! I just don’t have enough “tanning juice” in my skin to make it worth the money, time, or future damage.
What I have discovered is that bottled tan CAN look natural and amazing on pale skin. After trying out spray tans and multiple fake bakes Loreal Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer is what works best for me. To apply it, I use the Saint Tropez application mitt. It gives me the perfect streak-free application! Before I purchased that mitt I was a hot mess once the product dried so I highly recommend a mitt for application of ANY self-tanning lotion. The only negative I have for this product is the smell. Like most fake tanning lotions, they have an odor. This one is not horrible, but if you sweat it sort of starts to smell like a dirty mop. :/
For an outer anytime glow I use the Lush Black Stockings and Shimmy Shimmy for a light touch of color and a beautiful shimmering sparkle.
To keep my skin healthy and moisturized, I use the Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter . Though this is not tanning related the scent reminds me of summer and it keeps my skin looking its best.
For summer fragrance my number one choice is Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess. It is a warm yet sweet scent perfect for any maxi dress or day at the beach. I also love Vanillary from Lush. The fragrance is perfect for any occasion and stays all day!
For my face, the cosmetic products I reach for most to achieve a beach babe look are the Urban Decay Naked Illuminated in Luminous, and Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzer. These two are the perfect face products to create a natural, healthy looking glow. I would also like to add that though both of these products are a bit on the pricier side (Estee Lauder at $39.00 and Urban Decay at $30.00), they are well worth the investment! You actually receive a generous amount of product in both that will last you for quite some time.
Aside from these products I always carry around a chapstick and sunglasses to product my eyes and lips from the harsh rays of the sun. I feel everyone should protect their skin but as an extremely pale person, I feel it is even more imperative to do so, as it gets damaged so easily.
With these products you can celebrate summer year round without looking ridiculous or harming your skin. And the best part is, when you want to go back to your normal self, it comes right off!
Until next time <3
