IPL 6 Weeks Post Laser Photos: Final Assessment

For those of you that are new to my blog you may or may not have noticed that I had IPL (Intense Pulse Light) or Photorejuvination Laser performed on my skin. I have had five IPL sessions with three microdermabrasion treatments in between laser appointments. I've documented the way my face looked right after treatments and I'm giving you my own honest and uncut version of the pros and cons of my journey. My initial reason for dishing out enough coin for these treatments was to remove the brown spots on my face which I got during both my pregnancies with my kids and to help reduce the redness and texture of the rosacea which afflicts my cheek area. So, here goes the final checkup six weeks after my fifth and final session of IPL.

This morning I had a detox facial done which I enjoyed very much until the very end when a disinfecting mask was applied onto my face and then it became a different story. I felt like my face was being held two inches away from a blazing fire and someone was spritzing alcohol on my skin at the same time! OMG!! In fact, its nine hours later and I'm still a little red from it. Nonetheless, I liked the results very much because my skin is smoooooth. That mask threw me for a loop. For a split second I had a vision of whipping the warm cozy blanket off of me, getting up off the bed smashing the speaker which chimed waterfalls and flutes and scream in the women's face, 'why the f-- didn't you warn me it would burn and sting this much?!'. Mind you, any warning still would not have prepared me for the stinging, burning sensation. I'm glad it was left on for only 3 minutes. I have a very high threshold for pain, but a little warning would have been nice.

In the same medical spa I went to see my dermatologist and we talked about the improvements to my skin and what needs to be done to the areas of my face where melasma or hyperpigmentation was still very apparent. I knew going into this that there was a possibility that some areas of my face would be resistant to IPL and other areas could get darker as a result of the laser treatments bringing them forth to the surface. Unfortunately, I've had both things happen. My first question to the Dr. was should I book for another laser session? and he responded, absolutely not. Apparently, an IPL session every 3-4 weeks over 5 months can be very rigorous on your skin and he wanted me to take a break. Truthfully, I was a little surprised and disappointed that he said to stop the laser. I'm a keener when it comes to doing what it takes to get the job done, especially when it comes to the skin on my face.

Instead, my dermatologist prescribed Hydroquinone which is a compound mixture of a bleaching agent and RetinA (prescription) which is why I cannot wear the cream during the day and you have to build a tolerance to it over 1-2 weeks or you become red like a pepper in those areas where applied. I'm hoping the cream will help lighten these spots until September rolls around and I can start IPL treatments again.

The two pics are of me today without any face makeup on except for eye makeup. Yes, if you are wondering I am aware of how spooky I look like without makeup and truthfully I am so proud of myself because six months ago you would not have caught me dead taking a picture of myself without makeup on. The benefits of maturing must be kicking in. The other picture is of me wearing makeup but, this time its not liquid foundation. Instead, its a mineral makeup from AfterGlow Cosmetics which is an organic mineral makeup and I am loving it very much. I am very new to wearing mineral makeup and I have always been hesitant to jump on the bandwagon because I have worn liquid foundation for as long as I an remember. When I did try mineral makeup I discovered that I have an immediate reaction to Bismuth which is a common ingredient and a common irritant in mineral makeup. Most mineral makeup brands include Bismuth. AfterGlow makeup is Bismuth free and stays put for a long time.

I will continue to keep you all posted on this journey of mine. Thanks for stopping by.

IPL Laser Day 18 & Microdermabrasion: Photo of the Day

This is a photo I took today and its been 18 days since I had my fifth IPL (intense pulse light) laser on my face.  I've gotten much paler since a lot of sun spots and melasma have faded. My skin is still on the mend.  I'm still trying to get used to how pale I look and sometimes it catches me off guard like in this picture. I'm having to practice adjusting my makeup techniques and colours.

A couple of days ago I had a microdermabrasion and it really brightened up my skin and made it nice a smooth however, it also aggravated my rosacea on my cheeks especially on my left side.  The rosacea is somewhat irritating and I have red bumps which I have tried to cover up with foundation. Hopefully it clears up soon.  It takes about 3-6 wks for skin to fully heal from IPL Laser so, I'm still waiting..... patiently.

What's on my face......

Foundation: Chanel Pro Lumiere

Eyes: Annabelle Chocolate Brown Kohl Liner (smudged all over lid) & Kid in the crease, Vex in the inner corner and Vanilla as brow bone highlighter. Mascara is L'Oreal Telescopic in black

Eyebrows:  Shu Uemura Hard Pencil #9 Seal Brown and Lingering brow pencil MAC

Cheeks: slight contour with Chanel Bronzer and then Ladyblush cream blush MAC with a touch of Perfect Topping MSF from MAC on top of cheekbones as highlighter

Lips: Beurre Creme stick liner Mac, Viva Glam VI Lipstick Special Edition MAC with a hit of HK Sweet Strawberry Gloss overtop

Photorejuvination - IPL Laser: FOTD...Day 9

This is day 9 post IPL laser on my face.  I still have brown spots on my forehead, cheeks and chin.  My skin is much improved compared to the first week. I have to wait until the spots are ready to dry up and flake off on their own.  Did you ever have a white head that is staring at you between your eyes and you arent' suppose to touch it?  That what it feels like looking at my dry flaky spots that I'm not suppose to touch.  I'm starting to get tired of looking at them, I want to pick!! I feel like my face looks dirty. 

This is what makeup I wore wearing today.  I actually wanted to try a sample of Bare Minerals in medium beige that I recently received with a purchase order.  Only half of my face in Bare Minerals and the other half with my new 'bfff' (best friend forever foundation!!) Chanel Pro Lumiere.  They sides look the same in the photo but, the left side of my face which has the Bare Minerals foundation is kind of itchy.  I really wanted to like this product :(  I like the way it covers and the way it feels, but I feel like pawing at my face.

On the rest of my face:

Cheeks - Chanel Bronzer #01 and Dainty Mineralized Blush MAC, Bonne Bell Glow Loose Powder Bronzer as highlighter

Eyes - Mac Painterly Paint Pot all over lid,  Mac Artifact Paint Pot on the lid, closest to lash line, Mac Malt e/s on top of lid, Kid in the crease and then Espresso Brown as darker crease shade, inner corner and brow bone Benefit Cream Shadow in r.s.v.p., lined eyes in Boot Black with mac liquid liner, bottom water line in Mac stubborn Brown.

Lips - Boots liner #17 In the Buff, Mac Buoy o Buoy lipstick, HK Mac Mimmy lipgloss

Yes, I know I have big unruly hair, can't help it. My hair is frizzy, wavy and has a mind of its own and I always have flyaways.  I work with what I have.  Truthfully, with how busy my day is I don't spend that much time on my hair, what's the point.

IPL Laser -Day 4 Post Laser:A little more presentable

This is my fourth day post laser and my face is getting better. I used the usual one pump foundation and blush, and a touch of concealer. The brown spots on my forehead and chin, cheek are still noticeable, but they are fading. 

Off to meet my sister! YAY! Hope I can keep my spending under control, when I'm with her we feed off of each other and we get ourselves all in a dither and the next thing you know......well, you know what happens, you try making a graceful entry into your place and up to your bedroom and quickly into your closet hoping no one will notice the 10 shopping bags under your arm.  Life can be stressful sometimes. LOL!

IPL Laser - Photorejuvination Day 2&3

This is what my face looked like on day two(top) and day three post laser. My skin doesn't burn but I feels itchy on some spots and my skin is slightly warm and still visibly swollen.  My doctor gave me a cream called Lyderm to apply, its cortisone based. I applied an gel eye mask every 15 mins and it really did help with the swelling, wish I had known that on my 4th session.  I know, I know, the photo is pretty frightening.  I look like I took on a heavy weight boxing champ and lost!  

I included another pic to show how it can be covered up with makeup pretty easily. I am actually wearing one pump of Chanel Pro Lumiere Foundation with no concealer.  You can still see the brown spots but it you are still able to leave the house if the need be and not cause people to run off the road with their cars if they glance over at you. My son asks me why I have a dirty face.

I'm impressed with myself that I would even think of posting a picture like this.  I don't leave the house without makeup let alone posting for all to see.  I'm hoping these pics will help someone who is thinking about getting laser done on their face but wasn't sure what the effects were.  I'll post more pics as the healing process continues.

IPL Photorejuvination: I'm getting darker by the minute

Its late and I'm tired but I can't sleep.  I just joined Twitter. Just looked in the mirror and yikes!  I'm getting darker by the hour.  I'm afraid of what I'll look like in the morning.  No pain, no gain, right?  No more tea, too many trips to the loo.  Crap!! I'm hungry....mmmmmm hummus with crackers.

IPL Laser Photo: Day 1

I have recently returned from the dermatologist's office for my last laser treatment on my face. It was a series of five IPL (intense pulse light) treatments and with each session the intensity was increased. Since this was my last session the laser potency was the most its ever been. Tomorrow I will swell pretty bad and I will look like I ran into a wall at full speed....lovely *lol*. At least this time I'll be expecting the swelling to be bad. The last time I had a treatment I did not expect the swelling to be as significant as it was and when I woke up in the morning and looked into the mirror I was frightened. I didn't recognize myself. So, in preparation of what is to come tomorrow morning, I made sure to shop for groceries and complete any errands and my freezer is stocked with ice packs and gel eye patches.  I'll be housebound for the next 3-4 days except for when I take my little munchkins to preschool. I'll pretend I'm a posh mom and leave my large sunglasses on and wear a Kangol cap. I'm looking forward to the microdermabrasion in 10 days because that's when the new, smooth and glowing skin underneath is revealed.

I took a picture of my face for the sake of being forthcoming. Don't ask me why because this picture shows me sans makeup and the sun damage and the melasma which is brought out by the IPL treatments. These brown patches will get darker as the week progresses.  I find that no amount of makeup can cover this so, why bother putting any on.  The skin sheds and flakes off in about 10 days and new skin appears without any marks or brown spots or less of it, anyway.  I must be insane to do this, I didn't even pencil in my eyebrows!.... who says I'm not courageous.

On another note I bought a new eye cream today and I received a package in the mail with some goodies that I ordered. Can't wait to try them out.