In January of this year, I had my first appointment with Terri at Carolina Facial Plastics. We set up a comprehensive skin care regimen for me to begin, as I had been looking for a “grown up” skincare routine for quite a while.

My goals with seeking out medical grade skin care and treatments were to address some of the changes I’ve seen happening to my skin over the past few years (coinciding with when I’ve had children… I’m just saying…). I was looking for a more bright appearance, the slowing of wrinkle formation, smaller pores and a more even skintone. Now that I am 7 months into this journey, 4 changes I’ve made stand out and are making a sincere difference in the look and feel of my skin.

The Clarisonic Brush

I was curious but skeptical about the Clarisonic Mia 2, but Terri insisted it would make a difference. Wow, was she right! It’s quickly become a staple in both my morning and evening skin routine. I was worried it would be to rough on my skin, but instead, it’s completely unclogged the pores around my nose (it took care of those in less than a week) and has given me that fresh, clean sensation I’ve been after. It cleans my skin thoroughly and allows the product I’m using to sink in more easily and therefore be more effective.

Laser Genesis Treatments

I was really nervous about the idea of lasers. I’ve seen Sex and the City and the look of Samantha’s face after her peel is enough to scare me away at this point. I quickly learned that all lasers and peels are not created equally. Terri suggested 6 rounds of Laser Genesis to help boost collagen production, even out my skin tone (I had increased redness on my cheeks and forehead), and smooth out the appearance of my skin overall.

taken yesterday, after washing my face, no make-up

It doesn’t hurt or peel at all; instead it feels hot, like a concentrated ray of sunshine. She always uses a hydration mask afterwards and I leave her office glowing. I’m halfway through my laser treatments and can notice a more supple and firm appearance of my skin.

I have a birthmark on my forehead and it’s not supposed to affect that, yet we both think we’ve seen a slight lightening up of its appearance.

AlphaRet Overnight Face Cream

I started out using Alpharet Overnight Face Cream every other night because of its potency, but sometimes use it a few nights in a row now. It’s a powerful retinoid that won Allure’s 2016 Beauty Breakthrough Award and I see why. It tackles the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone; basically everything I was after.

It’s only available through a physician, so if you’re interested in trying it, contact Terri.

Dry Brushing

Ok, this one isn’t for my face; it’s for the body. I don’t even remember where I first heard about dry brushing, but it was a while ago. Still, it took me forever to jump on board, but one random day I gave in and bought this dry brush set after continuously reading about the benefits (exfoliating skin, stimulating the lymphatic system, reducing cellulite, etc). Here is a simple breakdown of how and why.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect but the feel of my legs has completing transformed! So much so that David has commented on how soft my legs are without prompting, and this is the guy who doesn’t notice when I get 4 inches cut off my hair. I am prone to ingrown hairs and I felt my thighs always had a slightly rougher/bumpier (TMI?) feel, but now, no more. Smooth sailing! I’m hooked.

Changes I’ve Noticed Over the Past 7 Months

I didn’t consider myself to have problem skin to begin with, so I’m surprised I’ve noticed as much of a difference as I have. My pores appear to be about half the size they were 7 months ago. I often wear just sunscreen on my face, but I’ve noticed when I do wear make up, it goes on much more smoothly.

taken yesterday: left is before make-up and right is after (with my favorite mascara)

Another surprising benefit is that I’ve had less hormonal breakouts. I used to break out coinciding with certain times of my cycle and it was the deep, sometimes painful blemishes that were smack in the middle of my cheek. Now I haven’t had one of those in months and my skin stays much more clear. It’s great!

Terri has been so wonderful to work with and I’ve really appreciated having a professional look directly at my skin to tell me what I need, rather than me haphazardly trying different products based on their pretty labels and promises. Terri offered to give any of my readers a free consultation and can give virtual consultations for anyone not local too. Just reach out to her: Terri@carolinafacialplastics.com.

I love keeping a wax warmer on my vanity for the scent when I’m showering and getting ready. My favorite scent so far is the citrus scent soy wax melts!

The thing I’ve really learned the most about skincare in the past 7 months is how unique it is to each person, much like I believe the best diet is different for each person. I am really pleased with the texture and feel of my skin right now. I have one brown age spot on my left cheek that isn’t terrible, but is annoying, so Terri said we can “zap” it when fall arrives and I’m away from the summer sun. I’ll let you know how that goes when it happens!

My facial treatments are being comped for my review, but all opinions are my own. I’ve bought the skin care refills with my own money because I’m hooked on the products. 

Have you made a change in your skincare that has created a noticeable difference?

What is your favorite skin care product?

Have you tried dry brushing?