The Latest ......
I thought I would start out with some of the fun we've been having with mineral make up, or what I like to call "color play".
Just when I am enjoying myself, I sprain my wrist at the base of my right thumb. Yes, yes it is a cruel world but I will never let something like this stop my indulging my little hobbies. I can use a make up brush with my remaining fingers, just watch!
We've been playing with some wonderful mineral veils lately. I had some of my cohorts try the shades that are too light for my Afro-American / Native American "light chocolate with cherry" skin and the smiles have been heartfelt. The veils give a finished look to well cared for skin bearing the all natural mineral foundations and blushes we all love to use. I haven't tried one of the "preloaded" brushes ... those that you fill with loose powder, but I bet they are pretty handy in their own right.
Special Needs.....
I haven't forgotten my vow to do more home-spa activities for myself. Sometimes I get into a rut with a deep skin care regimen and need to shake things up a bit. I am still truly impressed with the home peels I have found but we all know it takes a while to try every option that might float by. I also found lovely gadgets to use between deep skin care sessions.
Using physical exfoliants instead of chemical or enzymatic exfoliants gives your skin a break from the acids while maintaining a smoother texture. Home microdermabrasion is also a good adjunct to natural peels like apple, pineapple, and cream masks. Simply alternate between these milder acids and your favorite home microdermabrasion kit from week to week. Just be careful. Don't rub the skin raw! It might heal darker than it's previous shade, creating another area that must be concealed.
If you use a system, like Artemis Woman Healing Gems Home Microdermabrasion, the Vita-K Solution At Home Microdermabrasion Kit, or any of the kits that have marvelous gadgets with attachments, be sure to use a good sunblock after your home treatments, assuming you can't avoid the sun altogether!
Choosing a kit.....
Read the boxes and decide based on the ingredients in the creams and aftercare products when you can. Home microdermabrasion kits often provide vitamin serums for use after the treatment is done. This aids healing and protects against opportunistic bacteria. Some kits include a vitamin C serum to help brighten and tighten the skin.
A decent kit will cost between $17.00 (Vita K) and $65.00 (DermaNew). Cost doesn't seen to make much difference with results as far as I can tell. If your skin is going to respond favorably you will know after several uses, so be sensible. If using the kit between home glycolic or lactic acid peels there is really no reason to plunk down top dollar for microdermabrasion. It is better to be patient and enjoy the process!
