Well this visit was an eye opener. My aesthetician, Joy, performed the complimentary Visia computerized evaluation on my skin, which basically photographs a portion of the face with special cameras to test for 6 things: spots (what you can see), pores (visibility), porphyrins (p-bacteria), Wrinkles, Texture (dips and raises), and UV Spots (not yet visible). She focused on my drivers side, which is the worst. All I can say is YUK! My nose area scored horribly in all 5 areas. Wrinkles aren't bad at all, but I'm at the age their starting to appear.
The unseen UV spots scared the mess out of me. Their literally all around the area she evaluated. Joy told me most of the UV spots were from damage done before I reached 20. She then looked at me and said, "You burned alot didn't you?" Ummmm....yeah. Joy looked at me again and said, "Your not drinking alot of water are you?". Huh? Of course, I asked how the heck did she figure that out. Apparently in middle eastern or eastern medicine areas on the face represent how well your doing internally. She said the areas that represent my kidneys and liver weren't doing too well. Well gee...
What was truely amazing was the skin redness that could be seen through the pictures. I didn't think I had THAT much redness though I did just shower 30 minutes before going in. Anyway, she said some of my redness and sensitivities could be pre-rosacea (my sister was diagnosed with rosacea). Huh...I always wondered if there was a link.
We discussed my current skin care routine and she was very happy I was somewhat savy about skin (Thanks Leslie!) as well as the products I was using. She said my use of a retinoid will set my skin up to heal much more quickly from any future procedures I choose to undergo. However, she wants me to switch to Epionce Lytic Cleanser to help with the p-bacteria. Anyone ever heard of this or used it before? A few on makeupalley really love the stuff, though it is apparently expensive. www.epionce.com
Because of my over sensitivity to leave-on BHA and AHA along with my propensity for hyperpigmentation, she did not recommend chemical peels. Instead she recommended SilkPeel Dermalinfusion to clean out the pores, reduce pigmentation and redness, and "infuse" the skin with topicals appropriate for the patient. I found the following links on the internet, but I'm wondering if it is really worth the money compared to some of the other procedures (think laser). For SilkPeel, their charging $150 per sesson or $750 for 6. Joy estimates I may need 6-10 sessions. Have any of you had this done or think it is worth it?
