Foundation. Let’s also include the subcutaneous variety, yes?
By which I mean to say that in preparation for my daughter’s wedding I spent a little time at the cosmetic dermatologist. The wedding snapshot above has not been altered in any way, except by joy. With reluctance, I have refrained even from whitening my lower two front teeth, but authenticity is required for this.
As I have said before, I shudder at fillers and couldn’t imagine a recreational scalpel near my face. But last September, as my birthday present to myself, I had some bumps removed from my forehead. (Look up sebaceous hyperplasia if you’re curious. Harmless, but they bugged me.) During that appointment, I mentioned to the doctor that my daughter was getting married. “Oh,” she said, “She should do microneedling!”
Fast forward to a few months later me thinking it really hurts a lot to have someone stick needles in your face, tiny though they may be, an application of numbing gel aside. And then that afternoon, with this face.
Please look away if you have an aversion to human lobsters.
Yikes. But it cleared up in about three days. Apparently I had an extreme reaction, as even the nurse who did the procedure seemed taken aback.
I did two more treatments, having now prepared myself with two Tylenols, as directed. The nurse also applied the numbing gel twice. Something worked, because I looked far more human in the aftermath.
Big question. Did the three sessions work?
Did I now have a new face? Nope. Did all my wrinkles disappear? As you can see, also no. However, were I to have taken closeups of myself before and after, I’m pretty sure you’d notice a difference. My neck is noticeably less crepey. My jowls agreed to retreat to my ears, fractionally. The rest of my facial skin is a tiny bit tighter, and a tad more elastic.
And anecdotally, at my daughter’s graduation from her surgical residency, one of the attending physicians told me I looked like my daughter’s sister. I assure you I did not. But I could tell by the surprise on his face that my hair journey, which had landed me in the vicinity of warm brown with white bits here and there, and this needle business, made me look a little younger than expected.
My sister also told me I looked 40 at the wedding. I assure you did not. But, all in all, I was happy with project Show Up Well for the Event. I’d do it again, for the event. I don’t plan to continue in my normal life, however, as I simply can’t be bothered to spend the time and money. I did think you might enjoy the information.
A few more details on microneedling, as I understand it. The point is stimulating collagen. I think that worked. There are precautions you have to take before, and after, to do with what you eat, sun or no sun, and which skin care you can and can’t use. I went to a dermatologist at the same place where my primary care physician works, not a skin care facility per se. Your mileage may vary, and you should make sure you trust the provider.
Finally, I was sent home with samples of drugstore cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen that would not irritate my skin. Brands included Neutrogena, CeraVe, Cetaphil and Eucerin. I have continued to use the CeraVe simple moisturizers (day, night) on occasion, because sometimes you just don’t want much beyond a nice protective layer. I find ceramides calming. Too bad they don’t work on mood.
I like my Drunk Elephant soap and Colleen Rothschild balm, so I’m sticking with them. I couldn’t find the CeraVe SPF I’d been given so I tried another one of theirs and it was so irritating I took it back. The Eucerin tinted SPF was OK, but I use the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint when I want a little color and am not expecting to be outside for hours and hours. More on that another time. I also liked the Neutrogena Hydro Boost, so since I already have several hyaluronic acid products I like, I’m trying the Hydro Boost SPF 50. Fingers crossed. No need to pay extraordinary amounts of money for skincare if something from the supermarket will get the same results.
May all your substructures flourish. May you find a moment to congratulate yourself on a successful project, big or small. And may you have a good weekend.
17 Responses
Very happy to see your report as I recently consulted with a dermatologist about this or skin peel and opted instead for a hydrofacial, mostly out of concern that I would get lobster face. Not sure I’m brave enough, but I do have a big college reunion this spring….
I have heard good things about hydrofacials but I admit I have no idea what they are! The lobster face was, well, you saw it, but it really did go away quickly. They say to do 3 treatments, one every 2 months…Big college reunions, ah yes;).
I think you look wonderful in that photo, Lisa – my first reaction was that your skin looked so clean and fresh (and you looked so happy!). As a veteran of several micro-needling sessions over quite a few years, I do recommend the procedure – just remember that your skin becomes much more sensitive after each one, and turns red more easily. (I use Dr Jart’s green fluid as camouflage, when necessary.) I am allergic to almost all SPFs, and stick to baby zinc oxide creams for times in the sun without a big hat. And now, at 83 with my dyed dark brown hair and relatively smooth skin, I am often taken for my white-haired husband’s “much younger trophy wife” – which said husband finds quite flattering to both of us!
Thank you, Victoire! I love that your husband is flattered by your trophy wife impression:). Dr. Jart’s Cicapair is great stuff.
You’re brave! I think your philosophy of – Yes, for a special event – But No, for everyday life – is a very sensible one. Congratulations, you look wonderful either way! I’d love to see some additional pictures of you at the wedding, if you’re inclined to share :)
I have not specifically tried the brands you mention – but all of them have an excellent reputation! The SPF30/Hyaluronic acid/B5 combo that works for me is from La Roche Posay, a trusted French thermal water-based company (similar to Avene etc), both brands are available at our local Canadian drug store chain. The SPF Hyaluronic B5 combo is gentle but effective, has a natural finish (neither shiny nor whitish), does not cause irritation to my sensitive skin, and is an easy one-step prep for spring/summer/fall. I also put it on the back of my hands before going out, because they need protection too. Alas, other brands of SPF either seem to look greasy or cause irritation.
For the face, I like to use Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation, one colour for winter, and a slightly deeper (1/2 tone) foundation for the rest of the year. At one time, they stated it had an SPF of 15, but it’s possible European regulations and testing have changed, so they no longer state the SPF. Ellis Faas is a Dutch brand, not tested on animals – they cheekily state “only tested on super-models!”, and the foundation is made to specification in Japan. The foundation is basically imperceptible to others when applied, but if you do a split-face test, you will definitely notice the difference – sun spots, redness, freckles etc are subtly veiled, but not obliterated. For those who are interested, samples are available from the company for a minimal cost, which includes postage from abroad. I’m curious about the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint you mentioned, so I’ll give it a try at our local Sephora.
With climate change, the sun is becoming an increasing concern, so I like Tatcha’s The Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25 Tinted Lip Sunscreen, which is a lip balm coming in 3 different shades. It’s hydrating, sun-protective, adds a lovely hint of colour (I use the middle shade), and comes in an elegant white case which snaps securely shut with a magnetic closure – no smushed, capless lipstick ever rolls around in your purse or bag.
I liked your post, because with those preparatory details out of the way, it’s then possible to focus on the important things without ever giving a second thought to one’s appearance. It’s especially important for ladies of a certain age, who still have important things to do, to contribute, to be heard, and who want to avoid the invisibility that society sometimes cloaks us with.
Great resource! Thank you for sharing. I use the Roche-Posay SPF 50, the mineral version, when I hike or swim. I just can’t stand to have it on my face for full day use. (I know that’s not the one you’re referring to. Great reputation for quality, that company.)
I’m particularly interesting in the Lip Tint you mention. I do need to start with some sun protection for my lips, and I use the Tatcha Dewy Cream as my active, high-end moisturizer and love it.
Taking notes. I have rosacea and wonder if that makes me prone to a more aggravated response but will see when it’s time to research in earnest. Thank you for sharing your experience and insights. Happy looks great on you. So does feeling right about having prepared in a way that honors the occasion.
Rosacea might just mean this procedure is contra-indicated. I cannot remember what they said about it. Thank for the kind words xo
Thanks for your openness. I think many are curious but don’t trust what it hyped out there. Your post is refreshing. I would like to know more about how you treated the sebaceous hyperplasia, if you are also willing to share. The bumps below the surface do annoy me. Small potatoes (hah!), really.
You’re so welcome! Sturdy Gals don’t dissemble very well:). To treat the hyperplasia, they essentially stuck a needle in the middle of each one. One take didn’t do it for all of them. Two takes was better. And they will come back if I don’t keep up the benzoyl peroxide. I think it would have been better to started treating them sooner?
To be honest, the first thing I noticed was the joy in your face. You’ve always been beautiful needles and all. But it was the complete joy that made me smile.
I am applauding here. You look wonderful in the photo from the wedding.
I am noticing for the first time now (at age 73) that my skin does not look very wonderful. I had always had good skin–up to now. I’ve been to the cosmetic dermatologist at our local medical school and was not particularly impressed with results. So now, I am going to make an appointment with someone else–recommended by someone else. Your experience is encouraging me.
I second Sandra’s comment: joy is the very best beauty treatment. That’s such a lovely photo of you. <3
I usually have surprisingly bad skin reactions to anything involving needles and blades too (although I've never had any cosmetic surgery or injections) — and I was thinking about the fact that we both have metal allergies, particularly to nickel. Surgical stainless steel does contain a small percentage of nickel, hence our inability to wear it as jewelry. I wonder if the metal allergy causes us to turn so red after a procedure? I'm glad you were happy with the results — and most of all, that you were glowing with such happiness at the wedding.
I wish I hadn't tried to whiten my teeth so much in my twenties (why did I think I needed to?!) — I'm paying dearly for that now in my forties with visible enamel damage and extreme sensitivity. Please keep your beautiful smile just the way it is.
Hope your weekend is full of love and joy! xo
You look beautiful, but I think the joy enhances that even more than the needles. Although I must say you are quite brave. I’ve been terrified of such things, although the thought of even a minute retreat along the jaw line is tempting. If a special occasion arose, perhaps.
It is interesting to read of everyone’s experiences with different products. I have senior citizen’s acne at age 84. Cera Ve, recommended by my dermatologist, caused big red pimples. I alternate among several products, as I seem to develop allergic reactions to anything used for more than a few days. The best product so far is Johnson’s baby shampoo/wash products, which I would never have tried if it had not been used during a hospital stay. I use different products for nightly wash and morning wash.
You do look radiant in photo #1.
CeraVe is a good product and I also use it. Add a bit of Chapstick and I am good to go.
For a minute there, I thought I’d wandered into the wrong conference room for today’s class. Artsy Cousins do not look in mirrors, you see. At a few years shy of Artsy Grand, I should probably start thinking about a tube of lipstick. [But am I ever educated, I even took notes!]