Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

This cleanser is my holy grail product. While my skin type has substantially changed over the past year, this product has helped keep my skin exfoliated, smooth, even toned and clear. Breakouts in eyebrows. Gone. Blackheads. Gone. Pores. Barely noticeable...and my pores are normally HUGE.
For those wanting to save money, this cleanser is $36 well spent. Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic dissolve (doesn't scratch with abrasive beads/shells) dull dead skin cells and is suitable for all skin types. I combine the cleanser every other day with my Clarisonic Mia. I have also found it great for body acne, at the gym after a strenuous workout to prevent breakouts, fade acne scarring and for ingrown hairs. I have recommended this cleanser to male friends who have found it to be helpful in prevents and treating ingrown hairs.  Used along with Murad serums and moisturizing, this cleanser can also facilitate in plumping up aging skin, increasing hydration and improving efficiency of products in your skin regime.

10/10
$36 6.75 oz
Available at Murad.com, Massage Envy, Ulta & Sephora.

Product Shout Out! Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Skin Tone Corrector

Turn splotchy, lifeless skin into a even and luminous complexion. Apply to clean skin, moisturize, protect with SPF 30.  $48 1oz available at Sephora & Ole' Henriksen.

• Contains lightening ingredients Lactic acid, Mulberry extract, THC, Vitamin C.
• Stimulates collagen, cell renewal and provides gentle exfoliation.
• Contains lemon extract as a astringent.
• Safe for all skin types.

This is not a sponsored post.

Review: PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

This is a strong toner! A toner should remove cleanser residue and return skin back to its pH level. I love PCS Skin products but this product is just not for me. PCA claims, "A high-concentration AHA solution formulated to refine pores and remove superficial dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and clear. Appropriate for normal to oily skin ". My skin became irritated and blotchy upon applying this toner. It did not help with my congested skin, but it did remove excess makeup and cleanser residue. My skin felt tight, not exactly back to its pH level. The combination of lactic acid and citric acid is too harsh on my skin.  This toner strips the skin and I would not recommend it.

Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice.

$24

7 oz.

Available at lovelyskin.com

0/5

acne toner

My Jessner Peel Horror Story

Jessner with caution! Before applying any peel a esthetician should take into consideration where the clients skin falls on the Fitzpatrick scale.  I, for example fall between 4-5.  They should also know the clients full ethnic background.  I am African American, Irish, German, and Native American.  Irish & German skin tends to be sensitive.  African American skin needs to be treated even more caution, because the more melanin, the more there is to damage.  Native American skin should also be treated with caution.  While in school, my beauty school instructor told me if someone has Native American background, their skin sensitivity will go up on the Fitzpatrick scale.  This makes my skin EXTREMELY sensitive.  She was right, my skin is very sensitive and should be treated thus.

 About 2 years ago I was looking around for a new spa.  I chose a medical spa to get a peel and asked to get something stronger then a glycolic.  We learn in beauty school that if a treatment is not right for a client, simply let them know that treatment is not appropriate for their skin.  Estheticians can turn away people from a treatment and educate a client on a better one suited for them.  The esthetician said I would be fine getting a Jessner (salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinal) and even do a couple layers.  I even got my upper back done. The esthetician added on my lower back, which I did not want.  My lower back had no scars, the skin was flawless.

After the peel my skin seemed fine, I treated it with extra care.  I asked my mom to take a look at my back because it was hurt, felt like a BAD burn.  She started crying and said it looked like I had skin cancer.  This pissed me off.  I told her about the peel and it should heal.  I emailed the esthetician, she suggested I use triple antibiotic on it.  I had no plans to let her "fix it" or make up for it, no thank you.  My upper back healed, but my lower back now has permanent light spots (hypopigmentation).  My FACE is damaged as well, I now have light spots on my cheeks, chin, jaw and some on my neck.  

I feel very angry that someone has permanently damaged my skin.  I take this experience as a greater motivation to educate clients on what is appropriate for their skin and what is NOT.  I am completely comfortable with losing a client, instead of damaging their skin.  I am here to help others, listen to them, and educate them.  Through this experience I have learned its easier and safer to explain why a gentle and less aggressive treatment is safer then a aggressive peel 2-3 layers.  Now that I am a Licensed Esthetician, I will never apply a Jessner on anyone over a Fitzpatrick 3.  I would not feel comfortable doing that.  I know now to take extra caution.