{ Day 1, right after the procedure }
I have always been very into anything anti-aging since I can remember. I started my first skin care routine at age 16 with a few Clinique products and since then I have been obsessed. 17 years later and I am still doing a skin care routine every morning and evening, but I have added a few little things here and there as preventative measures from aging. Botox, filler, and regular facials are a few things I have worked into my routine since hitting 30. I don’t believe in overdoing anything or looking un-natural, but I think a little something here and a little something there can really make a difference.
Recently I had been hearing about micro-needling with prp (platelet rich plasma) and how beneficial it is for the skin. Basically micro-needling with prp is by definition : advanced medical grade micro-needling, also known as collagen induction therapy, applies micro injuries to the skin to encourage collagen production. This treatment will improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and scars. PRP involves using a patient’s own blood to improve the skin’s healing collagen induction. After some of your blood is removed, it will be treated and infused back into your skin during the micro needling process to make your skin visibly smoother while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
That being said when Illuminate Face and Body Bar invited me in to try out their new location in Newport Beach, I was very excited when I saw micro needling with prp on their website. I went in ready to try it out but then found out that I probably wouldn’t want to be out in public the first night. I unfortunately had plans that evening to try out a new restaurant with my boyfriend and another couple, so I ended up getting a hydra facial and then booking the micro for two days later. The hydra facial was amazing and so relaxing.
When Monday rolled around, I went in to their Brentwood location, which is equally gorgeous to the Newport one (plus they have kombucha on tap)! I was then taken into the room where they applied numbing cream to my face and then took a vial of my blood. Now if you are thinking OMG I hate needles and would never do this, say no more… I am the biggest baby when it comes to needles, specifically when they take blood out of your arm. Literally nothing makes me more squeamish and I could hardly feel the needle. It was so quick and easy and I am so happy I did it. They then take the blood and spin out the red blood cells from the plasma.
Once the numbing cream has been on for about 30 minutes, they removed it and applied the micro needling tool along with the plasma from my blood. I couldn’t really feel anything and it was pretty easy. My face felt a little tingly afterward and slightly sore but nothing crazy. My face was on the red side though and bled a small amount, but that was it. I can see why they said you wouldn’t want to go out afterward because your face literally is not in the best shape looks wise afterward and you cannot apply makeup or wash your face for 12 hours. I slept with the plasma on my face until the morning and washed it off and have to say day 2 looked way better. By day 4 you could hardly tell anything had even happened. By day 6, my skin was peeling a bit, and now I am at day 8 and my skin is luminous. I took the last photo yesterday on day 7 and you can see that my skin looks healthy and has a natural glow.
What to expect over the next few months you ask? Collagen rebuilds over time and that basically makes the face look more youthful and prevents aging. It will also reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as any facial scarring.
What I have noticed the first week? Immediately my fine lines disappeared. Obviously I am 33 so it is different for everyone depending on age and skin condition, but that being said, my skin also has a glow to it (literally). I don’t know how to explain it but my skin is now flawless and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
The team at Illuminate was kind enough to extend a discount offer if you live in LA or OC and want to schedule a service. They offer anything from facials, to botox, to micro needling. Use discount code Jen20 for 20% off treatments or $50 off neurotoxins. Offer is valid until 2/28.
xoxo
{ Day 2 after washing the plasma off }
{ Day 7 }
This is a great treatment. You are gorgeous and don’t need any of this !
Thank you Susan. 🙂
xoxo
Such an interesting treatment! Thanks for all the helpful info too.
Hint of Grey | http://www.hintofgrey.com
Of course. It really is interesting and the results are amazing. Have a great day. xx