Skincare 101: Pre and Post Botox

I started getting botox injections to help with my chronic migraines in February.  I now go every twelve weeks to get them as they've been a very successful treatment for me, which I am so thankful for.  Prior to my first experience with botox I didn't know that I was going to need to make skincare a top priority pre and post injections.  You need to do this because you cannot touch the injection sites (in my case the ones in my face are in my forehead and temples) with anything other then a very light touch for a few days after you get them.  I've now developed a whole routine that I do before and after I get injections to both prep my skin for it and carefully take care of my skin for a few days post treatment.  No matter the reason you get botox (health or cosmetic) you need to make taking care of your skin pre and post injections a priority too.  I've put together this post detailing my routine for everyone who gets botox to use next time they get injections. (If you want to learn more about botox check out articles here and here.) 

These are the steps I take after I remove my makeup.

1. Deep Clean

I use an anti acne cleanser that detoxifies my pores.  Since I will need to be very gentle on my skin the next few days I want to make sure that my cleanser deeply cleans my skin and eliminates anything that might cause blemishes or clogged pores.

2. Chemical Exfoliation

I typically exfoliate my skin three days a week, but this won't be possible in the week after botox.  The night before botox I use a strong chemical peel that removes all the dead skin from my face so that won't build up and cause acne or dull skin over that week.

3. Toner Pads

I use these every night after cleansing.  They tone and exfoliate to reveal brighter, more even looking skin and give you that "glow" that everyone wants.

4. Treatment

In this step you will use whatever treatments you use in your typical skincare regimen.  I use this oil which is a retinoid oil that moisturizes, shrinks pores, reduces wrinkles, calms redness, and improves skin smoothness.  I've noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it and I recommend checking it out (Pro Tip: Go to Sephora and ask for a sample of it!).

5. Moisturize

Keeping your skin hydrated is always important and the night before botox is no different.  I use this cream which provides a dose of high-potency, advanced vitamin C.  This vitamin C works to "visibly repair the effects of aging, environmental stress, and pollution-induced damage."  This moisturizer is high in antioxidants and will also help to brighten skin.

The products I use...

1. Cleanse with Clarisonic Brush

Since I used such a strong cleanser the previous night that could potentially dry out my skin I use a much gentler moisturizing cleanser the morning of my appointment.  I wash my face using my Clarisonic since I will not be able to use this for at least a week after the injections.  You cannot touch the injected areas for a few days in order to avoid spreading the botox to other muscles and since the Clarisonic uses sonic technology to really deeply clean your skin I personally like to wait at least seven days after my injections to use it again just to be safe.

2. Toner Pads

I use the same toner pads as mentioned above.

3. Moisturize and Protect

You need to not only hydrate your skin, but make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF to protect it from the sun as well.  I use this lotion which is very moisturizing, but also lightweight.  It also contains vitamins and antioxidants to further protect and nourish skin all day, creating the perfect canvas for botox.

4. No Makeup

I don't wear makeup to my botox appointments and I recommend doing the same.  The sites of injection on your skin with be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, just like for any other injection, and it will remove your makeup.  Additionally, taking off your makeup that night will be difficult since you can't really put any pressure on your skin or rub your face.

The products I use...

1. Facial Spray

I bring a facial spray with me to use after my appointment.  I do this because the alcohol they use to prep your skin for the injections is drying so I want to gently hydrate my skin.  I typically do a quick spritz of this when I get back to the car after the appointment.

The products I use...

1. Cleanse

I use the gentle cleanser mentioned above and wash the areas of my face that were not injected (the lower half of my face: cheeks, nose, chin) with my hands.

2. Micellar Water

To cleanse the areas that were injected I use this micellar water.  I pump some of it onto a cotton pad and extremely gently (applying no pressure) wipe my forehead, temples, and between my brows.

3. Toner Pads

I use the same toner pads as mentioned above.  For the areas that were injected I again extremely gently (applying no pressure) wipe over them.

4. Moisturize

Since rubbing alcohol was used to prep your skin from botox and that can be very drying it is really important to use a rich moisturizer to hydrate your skin.  I again use the same one I mentioned above because it does a great job of restoring moisture to my skin.  To apply it to the areas that were injected I am very, very gentle and do not use any pressure or massage it in.

The products I use...

1. Micellar Water

My skin is very dry so I prefer to use micellar water in the morning, not to mention it is the best way to cleanse the injection sites post botox as you can do it extremely carefully.  I use the same one that I mentioned above.  For the areas that were injected I again extremely gently (applying no pressure) wipe over them.

2. Toner Pads

I use the same toner pads as mentioned above.  For the areas that were injected I again extremely gently (applying no pressure) wipe over them.

3. Moisturize and Protect

I use the same moisturizer as mentioned above.  Again to apply it to the areas that were injected I am very, very gentle and do not use any pressure or massage it in.

The products I use...

I repeat the steps in "Night After Botox" and "Morning After Botox" for five to seven days just to be safe and not disrupt the botox.  One adjustment though is after the first night after botox I again include a treatment like this or this (or even both in combination) before moisturizing my skin.  I also make sure to be extra gentle with the injection sites during this entire time.

These are all of the steps that I take to care for my skin both before and after my botox appointments and I hope that if you decide to get the injections that you follow a similar routine.  Have you ever tried botox before?

                      

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Hello Monday, #HowISummer, and Weekending.

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Skincare 101: The Ultimate Facial Cleansing Brush

If you've read my "Skincare 101" series before then you know it's where I explore different aspects of caring for your skin.  In the series so far I've discussed everything from identifying your skin type to moisturizers to creating a skincare routine.  Today's post though is on one of my favorite skincare topics to date - the ultimate face cleansing brush, a Clarisonic.

WHAT IS A CLARISONIC?

I think that cleansing your skin is the best and most important thing you do for your skin.  However, did you know that just washing your face with your hands doesn't completely cleanse your skin?  Unfortunately when we wash our faces with our hands dirt and oil is still left trapped deep in our pores, which is where a Clarisonic brush comes in.  Clarisonic brushes, like the Mia 2, are sonic cleansing devices that work to cleanse six times better than hands alone.

WHAT WILL A CLARISONIC DO FOR MY SKIN?

A Clarisonic will give allow you to give your skin the best cleansing of your life (and I'm not being dramatic about that!).  The sonic technology works to gently clean out pore clogging dirt, oil, and debris that might otherwise be left behind and leaves you with the cleanest skin possible.  As you can imagine incredibly clean skin leads to a clear and glowing complexion.  Additionally, because your skin has been cleaned so deeply it is able to better absorb the products you use afterwards.  I can honestly say that using my Clarisonic has completely changed my skin for the better.  Since I began using it my skin is clearer, smoother, and has an all around glow; moreover, my pores also look smaller, I hardly ever breakout, and I have considerably less blackheads.

WHAT SKIN TYPE IS A CLARISONIC DEVICE GOOD FOR?

Every skin type can benefit from using a Clarisonic.  To customize your device for your specific skin type Clarisonic offers a variety of brush heads.  The brush heads include a deep pore one (which is pictured here and is my favorite brush), one specifically for men, a sensitive one, one for acne, and more.  The one thing I do recommend is if you have super sensitive skin to only use the brush three to four times a week so not to flare up your sensitivity.  I also recommend all skin types to use the Clarisonic to wash you face before bed (after removing your makeup of course) so that you remove all the things left on your skin from the day.

HOW DO I USE A CLARISONIC?

Using a Clarisonic could not be more simple!  First, wet your face and the brush head, next apply your favorite cleanser onto your face (you can use any cleanser, but the Clarisonic Deep Pore Daily Cleanser is my favorite right now) and work it into a lather.  Then turn on your Clarisonic and cleanse your skin using the brush in a small circular motion.  Once you are done rinse your skin and pat dry, then apply your serums and creams as usual.

One of my favorite features of the Mia 2 is that it features a T-Timer® that pulses momentarily to indicate it is time to move to another part of your face, which allows you to properly cleanse all areas of your face.  Moreover with the Mia 2 you have the option of two different cleansing speeds: Speed 1 was designed for compromised or fragile skin, and is delicate enough for even very sensitive skin conditions, and Speed 2 is universal for all skin types, was developed for normal daily use, and enhances cleansing by 26% compared to Speed 1.  I recommend starting out with Speed 1 for the first few nights of using the brush and then, if your skin is not super sensitive, move up to Speed 2.

WHICH CLARISONIC SHOULD I PURCHASE?

Clarisonic's website has two different features to help you choose which brush is right for you.  First, their quiz will asks you a few questions about your skin issues and goals, and then tells you which brush would be best for you.  Their website also has a chart that allows you to easily compare all of their brushes and find which one you think would best suit your needs.  The brush pictured here is the Mia 2, which I am a big fan of and highly recommend checking out.

In my opinion a Clarisonic device is key to any good skincare routine.  I cannot stop raving about how it has changed my skin and how amazing it is.  Like I mentioned above it has cleared all of my skin issues and has made my skin visibly softer and and given it a glow!

I even recently gifted a Clarisonic to my Mom one because I loved mine so much and she is completely obsessed with the brush and results she has seen with her skin.  With the holidays coming up a Clarisonic is a great gift idea for anyone who wants glowing skin and they're sure to be as excited to get one as my Mom was when I gave her hers!  If you're looking to purchase a Clarisonic as a gift or even as a present to yourself, from now until October 31st  use the code HERCAMPUS to get 15% off your order on the Clarisonic website!

Have you tried a Clarisonic and/or any of their other skincare products before?

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Clarisonic and Her Campus Media. As always all words and opinions are my own.

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Midweek Inspo, Oh Hey Girl!, I Feel Pretty, and Trendy Wednesday.

Skincare 101: Sheet Masks

In recent years sheet masks have become a huge trend in skincare.  They originated in South Korea, which is known for its obsession with skincare and the innovative products that result from that obsession.  I've found that while many people love sheet masks not everyone knows what they really are or how they work, most just know that they're trendy thanks to the sheet mask selfies you can find on Instagram and other social media platforms.  I thought it would be helpful today to break down exactly what sheet masks are, how to use them, my favorite tips for using them, and more!

Sheet masks are single use masks with a unique application.  The sheet of a sheet mask can be made from things such as cotton, hydrogel, bio-cellulose, lyocell fiber, and more.  A sheet mask is soaked in a super concentrated serum and sealed with excess serum into a packet.  When applied to the face a sheet mask douses the skin in the serum and holds it to the skin so it can deeply penetrate.  The benefits you get from a sheet mask depends on the type you choose and the ingredients it contains.  They are convenient as the application is quicker than a typical mask and they also travel well, making them perfect for anyone on the go.  Sheet masks are meant to be an addition to a skincare routine and not to replace any products.

The serum that a sheet mask is soaked in is very concentrated and the use of it with the mask can be equivalent to one dozen uses of a the serum on it's own.  The sheet mask resting on your face forces your skin to soak up the serum and allows the serum to really penetrate the skin.  Moreover, the serums the masks are soaked in are formulated to target specific skincare issues.  This targeted approach allows you to tailor your skincare to your skin's specific needs with the use of sheet masks.

These masks are easier to apply and store than a typical mask, which also means you will be more likely to use them.  Furthermore, their results are often visible and they feature many long term benefits.  They're a great addition to any skincare routine and will help you to get clear, glowing skin.

 These are my favorite tips I've learned from many, many sheet mask applications:

-Thoroughly cleanse your skin first.

-While you're at it make sure your hands are clean too so you don't any transfer bacteria onto your skin.

-Spritz your skin with rosewater to prep it for the mask and add more hydration.

-Leave on the mask until it is almost dry to soak in as much of the serum as possible.  Make sure not to let the mask dry though or it will start to soak up the serum from your skin.

-Relax while using it and try not to move your face so the mask stays in place.

-Save the packet the mask comes in and apply the excess serum to your skin and neck after removing the sheet mask.

-Give your face a stimulating massage with the excess serum to increase circulation.

-Apply other serums, oils, and facial creams after using a sheet mask to really lock in the serum.

(The ones that say 'SOLD OUT' aren't actually sold out!)

If you have any questions about any of this please feel free to ask in the comments or email me.  I love talking about skincare so I would love to help you or answer any questions!

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Before you go make sure to enter this giveaway to win $1000 Gift Card to ASOS that I've teamed up with some amazing bloggers to bring you!

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Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Tutu Tuesdays, Style Sessions, and Confident Twosday.

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.

Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

Jordyn: The Fairy Princess Diaries  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.

3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!

4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!

Skincare 101: Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a very important part of any good skincare routine.  If you do not exfoliate than you are leaving countless dead skin cells on your face to clog your pores, cause texture problems, enhance wrinkles, and make dark spots look darker.  If you want clear, glowing skin (and c'mon who doesn't?!) exfoliation is an absolute must.

There are many different options when it comes to exfoliating, which can make it a bit tricky.  There are also necessary rules to follow when exfoliating so that you don't overdo it and damage your skin.  In order to help you navigate all of this, today I am telling you everything you need to know about exfoliating.  Exfoliation is one of my favorite parts of skincare and I can confidently say that it has changed my skin for the better, I hope that after reading this you can say the same!

Exfoliating is a way to remove dead skin cells, debris, and more from the surface of your skin.  Dead skin cells build up on your skin making it look dull, sallow, and lackluster.  Additionally it can clog pores, make wrinkles more visible, and make pigmented spots more noticeable.  Exfoliation sloughs away dead skin and helps with all of the aforementioned problems it causes.

It is necessary to exfoliate to keep your skin looking great.  By removing the dead skin cells that have built up you not only improve the appearance of your skin, but allow products to penetrate skin better and work harder.  Exfoliating brightens skin, changes its texture, and gives it an overall "glow."  If you exfoliate your skin a few times a week you will help to keep dead skin cells at bay and prevent the issues they cause.

There are two types of exfoliation, physical and chemical.  Both have different benefits and I think that it's important to incorporate both into your routine.  Below I explain each type.

Physical exfoliation is what most people think of when they hear the word exfoliate.  To physically exfoliate you typically use a scrub with granule ingredients.  You use a physical exfoliator to to "scrub" your skin and the granules work to remove dead skin cells.  Granules typically used in scrubs include sugar, sea salt, walnut shells, nuts, jojoba beads, and more.  You can also use a facial brush or washcloth to physically exfoliate.  Basically any method in which you perform an action to remove dead skin is physical exfoliation.

Chemical exfoliation* uses chemicals to dissolve and break down dead skin cells to remove them from skin.  Ingredients that chemically exfoliate include alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and enzymes found in fruits such as pineapples and papayas, among others.  Chemical exfoliators tend to be more gentle than physical ones and are great at unclogging pores.  Any method in which you use an acid or enzyme ingredients (without granules, a skin brush, etc.) to remove dead skin cells is chemical exfoliation.  

*Recently most professionals (dermatologists, estheticians, beauty editors, beauty magazine, etc.) are saying that chemical exfoliation is the best way to exfoliate because it is more gentle and effective.

The key to properly physically exfoliating the skin is to do it gently.  I know that when you have a scrub everyone's first instinct (including mine) is to aggressively scrub at your skin because that seems like it would be the most effective; however, you're actually doing more harm than good by doing this.  By harshly scrubbing your skin you can create micro tears in the skin and cause damage.  Instead you need to lightly massage a scrub onto damp skin in a circular motion to allow the product to do the work.  You also do the same with a face brush or wash cloth.

My advice for chemical exfoliants is to follow their directions to a T.  Each chemical exfoliant is used differently because of the ingredients it contains.  The most important thing is to not leave a chemical exfoliant on your face for longer than the instructions say because you could potentially damage your skin.  Chemical exfoliants are perfectly safe (and gentle), but only if used properly.

This depends on your individual skin and is something that you need to experiment with for the best results.  I recommend exfoliating two to three times a week to start and adjusting it from there (adding or subtracting a day).  You also do not want to exfoliate every day with a scrub or chemical exfoliant that has the sole purpose of exfoliating.  The exception to this is if you're using something like this, which the directions indicate are safe to use every day.

(Combines both chemical and physical exfoliation.)

If you have any questions about any of this please feel free to ask in the comments or email me.  I love talking about skincare so I would love to help you or answer any questions!

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Tutu Tuesdays, Style Sessions, and Confident Twosday.

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.

Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

Jordyn: The Fairy Princess Diaries  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.

3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!

4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!

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