I recently did a poll on my instagram stories asking you guys what you wanted to hear more about. The options were skincare ingredients, skin conditions, treatments, and my favorite products/treatments. To say I was surprised to see my favorites winning by a landslide is an understatement, as I really didn’t think you guys would care about that! Plus I feel like I am almost already annoying about my favorite things but I digress, let’s get into it…
Let’s start strong with, you guessed it- SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING. I say it all the time, I can’t stand this industry constantly trying to reinvent the wheel because straight up microneedling stays being my favorite form of collagen induction. I understand the excitement and evolution of newer devices and trending buzzwords, but to me, certain things just stand the test of time. They are around and successful for decades for one very simple and very important reason- they work.
Not to mention, using an FDA-cleared device that’s been around forever, and built a reputation for itself is so important to me in terms of safety and efficacy. The downtime is so minimal compared to other treatments and the results easily are the same if not better than some of its fancy, more expensive rivals. It’s not just me either, I have had countless clients and coworkers all agree to love these results more than some other treatments they’ve done. When making treatment plans for clients, I don’t just go on my own word, I always take into account the feedback from you guys as well, your opinions and results are so important to be able to make informed decisions and recommendations.
The main reason I love microneedling are the results and what it actually helps achieve. Since we are essentially putting tiny, controlled wounds all over the skin, it causes the skin to respond by building collagen. Since the collagen in our skin diminishes as we age, this is a great preventative treatment. It can be done every month if you so desire but generally 3-6 treatments a year is ideal and sufficient. While some people see improvements after one treatment, you will see the most benefit from multiple treatments and if you cannot commit to multiple treatments it frankly is not worth it- so just keep that in mind.
Aside from having preventative benefits, I have seen microneedling improve so many skin imperfections and conditions, making it such a well-rounded treatment, fit for most skin types. It is great for acne scars, may help with pigment, improves fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and tone. Since collagen and elastin proteins are responsible for the true structural support of the skin, it also can help with elasticity and aid in subtle firming of the skin. I love it personally because it helps with my tone, appearance of pores, and softens lines. When I start looking dull and feeling lackluster, that’s kind of how I know I’m due.
Finally, the cell-communication provoked by the act of microneedling is very beneficial to the skin function, health, and behavior. If we have any inflammation or imbalances going on in our skin, it likely presents itself as being excessively oily, maybe dry, acne-prone, or red. Microneedling can often help improve inflammation and the imperfections that are a result of it. I have actually treated so many people with active acne and rosacea, so just know, you don’t need to be afraid of it if you suffer from these conditions- it’ll likely help!
Now for something I can’t do to myself but also can’t live without- BOTOX. Not going to go off on a crazy tangent with this one, as I am not a nurse, and the reasons I consider botox one of my favorite things is rather self-explanatory: it reduces wrinkles. You really can’t get much more instant gratification than botox- the injections are quick, and within two weeks your face looks smoother and more refreshed. There are a ton of uses and areas that benefit from botox injections, for me I do the forehead, between the eyes and the crows feet, and now am dabbling into the chin to avoid that orange-peel-like dimpling.
Okay, so I lied a little about the no-tangent on the topic of botox but one gripe I will share related to botox is that too many patients seem to get botox and think they can use crappy skincare. I mean, technically, it’s a free (free-ish?) country, you can use Dove soap and Cerave if you want- but if you invest in botox, why would you? If you are one of these offenders, please AT LEAST consider investing in a quality growth factor or hyaluronic serum to help your skin quality and aid in the longevity of your botox. I love botox but I love it as a part of my skincare- hence my favorite THINGS (plural). Point being, we always need multiple modalities and homecare to get the results we want, don’t forget that.
I wish I could say I get a monthly facial, but I’m not going to lie to you- I don’t… but I kind of do. A smart woman once said “don’t sleep on your monthly facials”- it was Nicole, and it was hilarious but the hilarity of it all will not translate well in writing, so just trust that it was funny. Anyway, a basic monthly facial is one of my favorite things, and I don’t have a ton of compatible time to jump into Nikki’s bed every month, however, I do the important stuff to myself. I’ll do a couple extractions, a gentle peel, and some dermaplaning when I have time in between clients. This helps keep my cell-turnover going, congestion at bay, and keeps my skin healthy, smooth, and prepped for better production absorption. So if you don’t have access or ability to do this stuff on your own- don’t sleep on your monthly facial (or gentle peels) and book your appointment.
I can’t talk about my favorite things without talking about my Omnilux Contour Face red light therapy mask. This mask is such a fun and easy way to treat yourself at home. The most common question I get about this mask is “is it worth it?”, my response is usually “if you actually use it”. I say this because unless you’re really committed to your skincare, this can easily be something that sits unused in a closet, collecting dust. So if you buy it, don’t let that happen! Red-light therapy is something that will yield best results with consistent use. I know $395 can seem like a hefty price tag but for an FDA-cleared, dermatologist-recommended device with clinically proven results- I’d say it’s more than fair. Think about it, you now have unlimited access to an amazing tool that’ll help boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, inflammation, and pigmentation!
Now I can’t get into all my favorite products before mentioning Clean Skin Club Towels. I know they seem gimmicky but I swear they will change your skin as they are SO kind to your barrier. Before I got into them, I would literally keep like 30 wash clothes clean at all times so I always had something clean to dry my face. But even those started to not seem clean to me and would sometimes feel rough against my sensitive skin. I just feel so much better about these being disposable for the fact that I’m never introducing bacteria to my freshly cleansed skin. Plus they’re so soft and even gentle on the eye area so I can really scrub off my mascara when I need to. I believe in them so much I reached out to be an ambassador for the brand. You can get the towels at Exhibit but if you wanna shop more of their offerings I have a code for 20% OFF: EXHIBITBRITT20 – shameless plug but we don’t gatekeep here.
When it comes to products, I feel like I am like a broken record with all of my favorites but I still don’t get tired of talking about them- that’s how much I love them. As I began to say above, I do believe in a quality growth factor serum and hyaluronic acid, these just aid in the health, function, and perform well to prevent aging.
Lately I am into TNS Advanced growth factor serum. Growth factors are essentially proteins and peptides that help repair damaged skin cells and promote new cell growth. Epidermal growth factors work on the outermost layer of the skin, while fibroblast growth factors support collagen and elastin production. This in turn, aids in function, protects the skin, decreases inflammation, improves texture and tone, reduces wrinkles, and helps elasticity. To put it simply, growth factors are a protein shake for your skin.
So if growth factors are a protein shake then hyaluronic acid is a tall glass of water. I love HA5 Hydra Collagen and both Hydrinity’s Restorative and Renewing HAs. I honestly bounce around between some of these depending on my skin’s condition. In the winter, I prefer Restorative because it is very healing and great for inflammation which I need this time of year. Plus, it is a great post-procedure product, so it is beneficial to have on hand. If you have any inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea or dermatitis, or are severely dry, this is what I would go with. I’ll be honest, Hydra Collagen and Renewing HA are pretty similar in terms of both being kind of your anti-aging HAs. They both help with stimulating collagen production, improving elasticity, and improving radiance. However, all three products do a great job of helping your skin’s ability to hold onto water. This is important to support skin quality and function, as your skin properly balancing its own water and oil is imperative to barrier health.
Another big one for me is a good antioxidant serum. My skin personally has never been a fan of straight Vitamin C and I know that’s a common antioxidant that’s been well-marketed, so a lot of people tend to go for that. However, Vitamin C is such an unstable molecule that so many serums are likely not very effective. Especially if you’re buying OTC. I prefer the benefits of a more well-rounded antioxidant serum like ZO Daily Power Defense or Alto Advanced. Antioxidant protection is important to defend against oxidative damage from environmental stressors. I know I’m supposed to be talking about my favorites so I guess if I had to choose one, I’d go with Daily Power Defense but it’s very close. Daily Power Defense is just my OG so it has a special place in my heart and I am a loyal ass chick.
Then you know I’m gonna say it, my favorite, ride or die, duo- EVEN TONE & MYSTRO. I am obsessed with these products. They were the first Skinbetter products I ever tried and at the time, were the only thing I changed in my regimen and I saw a difference in just a few weeks. (most clinical trials and studies are based on 12 weeks FYI so when you see skincare before and afters keep that in mind, patience is key) As someone who suffers from redness, it has always been hard to find a good at-home solution and these two have just been IT for me. Mystro is also great for reducing the appearance of pores and helping to improve imbalances in the skin. Its technology almost makes this a “smart serum” in the sense that it knows what your skin needs to correct and it goes to work there.
Side note: highly suggest Even Tone for anyone who suffers from pigmentation.Pigment is without a doubt one of the most stubborn and difficult concerns to treat and this unique and gentle formula is amazing. It not only helps lighten pigment but it helps prevent any pigment lurking below from surfacing. Yes, in case you didn’t know a lot of us have spots and sun damage just waiting to hit the scene, come do a Visia next time you’re in, it’s frightening- but not for my faithful SPF girlies, you know who you are!
Anyway, going back to why I love all my client feedback, I have had the most praise come back to me about both of these products. Obviously, I started recommending them so often because of my own success but I KEEP recommending them due to SO MANY happy clients. So to see them help improve so many different skin types has been really cool, super gratifying, and just insures my trust in these products.
I love so many things and can go on forever but when it comes to skincare I’m a powerhouse serum girl for life and those are definitely my non-negotiables. Same with treatments, I mean, give them all to me, you know I hate to pick favorites but my skin 100% wouldn’t be what it is without microneedling and botox.
I admittedly am flattered and think it’s so cool that you guys wanted more about my favorite things, but please keep in mind, my favorites may not be what’s best for you. So when choosing your treatment and regimen remember, talk to your aesthetician- you have to factor in your goals, lifestyle, budget, and your commitment to figure out the best path for you.
As always, skincare is a marathon and not a sprint. <3