Targeted treatments: get your skin photo ready, fast!
Have you ever felt like you needed to get your skin in check, and fast? We’ve all been there! Sometimes it’s an event that seems to have arrived too soon, an impromptu photoshoot/professional photo, or a last-minute invite to something that leaves us looking for ways to get our skin at its most radiant so we are ready to be seen and photographed. These are a few esthetic facial treatments that can help improve your skin the week of or even the day of your photos or event.
Oxygen facial treatment:
Let’s start with one of my personal favorite treatments to give skin a truly radiant glow and overall clearer complexion.
What is an oxygenating facial treatment?
An oxygenating treatment is a facial treatment that deeply infuses skin with antioxidant-rich vitamins and minerals that help to fight free radicals in the skin that cause aging and damage. While an oxygenating treatment does have long-term healing and skin protection benefits the best part about it is that the infusion of the antioxidants gives your skin the dewiest, luminous glow. There are different types of oxygenating treatments. One type of oxygenating facial is where your technician uses a machine to mist and infuse certain products onto freshly cleansed and exfoliated skin. Another way an oxygenating treatment is performed is by using a series of cell-stimulating, antioxidant & nutrient-rich, and bacteria-killing products in a specific order to achieve results. PCA skincare has a great professional oxygenating trio of products that I like to use. Product is applied to and massaged into the skin to help it penetrate deeply while creating some nice circulation.
Who does the oxygen treatment work best for?
Dry and dehydrated skin types
Aging or dull skin
Skin with uneven complexion
Skin with a few but minimal breakouts
scrub me secret: an oxygenating facial treatment is actually great for all skin types; the skin types and conditions listed above will be the ones that get the best, instant results from the oxygen treatment.
When should I get an oxygenating facial treatment?
You will have your best glow on the same day of treatment and the following day. For event and photo prep I suggest an oxygenating treatment 6-24 hours before you’re going to get ready.
Microdermabrasion:
An old-school smoothing and exfoliating esthetic treatment that has stood the test of time!
What is a microdermabrasion facial treatment?
Microdermabrasion is a deeply exfoliating and cell-stimulating treatment where your esthetician uses a machine that combines suction and physical exfoliation to treat your skin. This treatment is actually less abrasive than it sounds and is great for smoothing, firming, and softening skin. There are two types of microdermabrasion, both include the suction aspect which helps to firm the skin and help exfoliate more deeply. One type of microdermabrasion machine has a fine-textured tip called a “diamond tip” that is used for exfoliation. The other type of microdermabrasion uses a machine that dispenses small crystals that act as the exfoliation part. I like both types equally.
scrub me secret: microdermabrasion will give really amazing results when paired with a nutrient infusing or hydrating treatment. It pairs really well with the oxygen treatment, hydro-jells mask, or a red LED light treatment.
Who does microdermabrasion work best for?
Aging or dull skin
Dry or dehydrated skin
Skin with loss of elasticity
Slightly congested skin (blackheads)
Microdermabrasion is not meant for acneic skin, breakout-prone skin, or sensitive skin as it can make conditions worse.
When should I get a microdermabrasion treatment?
Skin will look best the day after treatment and in the next few days that follow. I suggest getting a microdermabrasion 1-3 days before your photos or event.
scrub me secret: my special “better than a hydrafacial” facial treatment is a microdermabrasion treatment with a major upgrade. while this treatment does give great radiant results it is best to get it 7-10 days before any events or photos which is why I didn’t include it in this blog post. You can read my “Better than a Hydrafacial” blog post to find out all about that treatment.
Facial massage:
Another favorite of mine! Facial massage was underrated for so long and is finally finding its place as a staple in our skincare routines.
What is a facial massage treatment?
Facial massage comes in so many different forms. Lymph drainage massage and facial lifting massages are two types of facial massages that are more well known. Lymph drainage massage is where your technician focuses on gently draining fluid in your skin that causes puffiness and carries toxins. A facial lifting massage is a deeper touch facial massage where your facial muscles and tissues are stimulated and lifted using hands or a facial tool. Lymph drainage is great for instantly depuffing around the eye area and helping you look more awake. Facial lifting massage is perfect for an event or photo prep because it not only lifts the facial muscles and tissues but also creates skin firming circulation. Each esthetician and skincare technician has their own facial massage tools and techniques. See my blog posts about Buccal facial massage for a look into this different type of inner-oral facial massage.
scrub me secret: A company called skin gym is creating some really cool facial massage tools! My favorite facial massage tool is my hands but I also love the skin gym red facial ball, textured facial roller, and their gua sha tool.
Who does facial massage work best for?
Everyone! Facial massage can be customized for any skin type or skin concern and help your skin look and feel healthier.
When should I get a facial massage?
Facial massage gives great instant results! Some skin types that tend to get more redness may feel a little flushed for a couple of hours post-facial massage. This treatment is best to have the day of your event/photos or the day before.
Facial gua sha:
A special type of facial massage that deserves a section all of its own! A holistic option to botox and fillers.
scrub me secret: I am in love with facial gua sha and reference it often in my blog posts. see other posts like “Let’s all try facial gua sha” “Facial contour massage” and “Test your gua sha knowledge” to learn even more!
What is Facial gua sha?
Facial gua sha is derived from an ancient Chinese technique. This is a facial massage where your esthetician or skincare technician (preferably certified in gua sha) uses a specific stone(s) to help promote lymph drainage, release facial muscle tension and tightness, lift tissues, and smooth fine lines. A facial gua sha treatment can last anywhere from 20-60minutes. Instant results are seen post-treatment and with proper hydration, you can see even more de-puffing and contour in the following 24-48 hours.
Who does Facial gua sha work best for?
Dry, dull, or dehydrated skin
Skin with loss of elasticity
Aging skin with fine lines
Skin with redness or puffiness
Gua sha cannot be performed on skin with a lot of active acne breakouts as we do not want to spread bacteria.
When should I get a facial gua sha massage?
Gua sha has no downtime and shows instant results. This facial massage treatment is best received on the day of photos/events or the day prior. You can also receive weekly gua sha treatments for a month leading up to your important photos or event for even better results.
LED light treatment:
What is a LED light treatment?
LED light therapy uses different wavelengths and colors of light to treat the skin. For an LED light treatment you sit under an LED panel or will have an LED device that’s like fits onto your face like a face shield from anywhere from 20-45min. The most popular and effective LED light therapies are red light and blue light. Some devices have a combo of red and blue LEDs. Red LED stimulates and helps regenerate collagen and elastin cells, helping our skin feel firmer and look smoother. Blue LED kills bacteria in your acne and breakouts which helps to fade and heal the breakouts more quickly.
Who does LED work best for?
Blue LED:
Cystic breakouts
Red LED:
Aging skin with fine lines
Skin with loss of elasticity
Those who want to prevent aging
When should I get a LED light treatment?
A red LED light treatment can be done the day of or within 48 hours of your event/photos for the best firm radiant-looking results. Blue LED takes about 24 hours to show any results from the treatment, so 24-72 hours before your event is the best time frame. If you have the time a series of weekly or bi-weekly blue light treatments will give you better acne-clearing results.
scrub me secret: microdermabrasion, facial massage, and facial gua sha are all great treatments to pair with the red LED light. When skin cells and tissues are stimulated before a LED red light treatment it can give you even better collagen and elastin repair. say hello to firm skin!
Collagen eye pads:
A quick at-home treatment that smoothes, depuffs, and firms the undereye area for an instant pick-me-up.
What are collagen eye pads?
Collagen eye pads are small jelly-like pads that are soaked with collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and other firming and hydrating ingredients. These pads easily fit underneath your eye on the delicate skin underneath your lash line. They are used to plump, smooth, and lift the under-eye area. There are many different types of collagen eye pads out on the market, my favorites are Grace and Stella collagen eye pads and Peter Thomas Roth cucumber eye pads.
scrub me secret: get the most out of your collagen eye treatment by putting your eye pads in the freezer for 5 minutes before using them. the chilled collagen eye pads will de-puff your eye area and make your eyes look more awake.
Who do collagen eye pads work best for?
Those with puffy or tired-looking eyes
Aging skin
Anyone wanting a brighter look around their eyes
When should I use collagen eye pads?
Unlike the other facial treatments listed above, collagen eye pads will give your best results when uses as close to your photos or event as possible. If you’re going to apply makeup, use your collagen eye pads 20-30 minutes before makeup application. If you’re going to be makeup-free use your collagen eye pads anytime the day of your event or photos.
These targeted treatments are a total confidence boost! Now that some of us are venturing out a little more, attending small events, and taking fresh photos it feels great to show up with healthy and glowing skin. If you’re still staying in and attending virtual events and hangouts due to covid safety check out my blog post “Look fresh faced for video chat”. This post gives some great makeup and skincare tips that help you look your best for zoom or facetime. If you’re looking for more in-depth facial or skincare advice visit me at scrub me skin care studio in Chicago.