Hi again, survivor of mesotherapy in Toronto's snow-blazing winter. I must be crazy, getting mesotherapy while the weather is super dry and super cold, which leads you to blast the heater at home, resulting in even drier skin and a much longer recovery time.
But it’s winter—I don’t constantly need my face for late-night dinners with friends, meeting at a bar, or super early Zoom meetings. I finally decided to take a gap weekend, giving myself three days of no makeup to rest my skin. So, I got my mesotherapy done on Friday after work. I know my nurse did a good job; my face was full of fresh needle-pocked bumps (visible ones) with sparse blood scabs. You know the nurse did a great job when the meso is done just right. If it's too deep, into the subcutaneous tissue, that’s filler. If it's too superficial and too shallow, only on the epidermis, the rejuvenating and hydration-boosting effect won’t be as great. But if they did it just right, poking right in between the epidermis and dermis—that's the sweet spot. So, some minor bleeding will occur.
Recovery was the only thing on my mind since, the following week, I had meetings lined up every day, and with a business trip the week after, I needed to wrap this up in no time.
I decided to experiment with something new again: iS Clinical Poly Vitamin Serum. Hear me out—listen to the ingredient list: hyaluronic acid, vitamins B3, B5, vitamin E, and vitamin A. That is a nutrient-rich vitamin cocktail, nourishing and hydrating!
What are the benefits of iS Clinical Poly Vitamin Serum?
Sounds scary, but the product has exceptional healing effects, even for those who have suffered skin damage caused by radiation and chemotherapy. Almost too good to be true!
I was looking for something hydrating and nutrient-rich post-mesotherapy. I am always super dry after mesotherapy, as if my skin needs twice as much hydration as it normally would.
My usual recovery process is anywhere between 4 to 7 days until I fully recover to the state where my skin has no visible holes or bumps. After about 10 days of routine masking and proper skincare, I recover from the state of desert-like skin. For the first two days after mesotherapy, I do not wash my face or put on any masks. On the third day, I use my SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser, which I only use whenever my face is scarred, post-laser, or post-mesotherapy. This is absolutely the safest, most gentle, and best cleanser for post-treatment of any kind. This cleanser is super rich, soothing, gentle, soap-free, and perfect for sensitive skin. Of course, you can use it all the time, but I save it only for post-treatment use (because they are always sold out!). The most gentle, cleansing, and nourishing post-treatment cleanser I have ever tried and found. The SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser is also soap-free, so for any type of post-treatment cleanse, it does not strip your skin dry. It cleanses nicely while leaving your skin soft. It is absolutely a must-have if you do any kind of laser treatment, mesotherapy, or microneedling.
How to select the appropriate cleanser for different skin types
After laser or mesotherapy treatments, the skin may be more sensitive, so use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that won't irritate the skin or clog pores. Avoid harsh ingredients, alcohol, and strong surfactants. Look for cleansers with gentle surfactants, hydrating agents, soothing ingredients, and antioxidants. Test the cleanser on a small area of skin before using it all over to ensure it doesn't cause irritation or allergies. Use lukewarm water and gently cleanse the skin to maintain hydration and avoid irritation.
Common myths and misconceptions about laser treatments:
Myth 1: Laser Treatments Cause Skin Cancer
Reality: The amount of radiation emitted during laser treatments is minimal and safe when used correctly.
Myth 2: One Laser Treatment Results in Permanent Hair Removal
Reality: Multiple laser treatments are usually required to achieve significant hair reduction.
The differences between mesotherapy and microneedling:
Both Mesotherapy and Microneedling are effective aesthetic treatments, but they differ in their application methods, target areas, and specific effects. Mesotherapy involves direct injection of active substances into the subcutaneous tissue, while Microneedling creates micro-channels in the skin for better absorption of topically applied ingredients. Both treatments can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and address various skin issues, but they may have different advantages depending on the specific needs and concerns of the individual. It is important to consult with a professional aesthetician or dermatologist to determine which treatment is most suitable for your specific needs.
My usual post-mesotherapy recovery skincare is the iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm. I have blemish-prone skin and hormonal acne, so I am always worried about anything balm-like—it sounds too heavy and too thick for acne-prone skin. Last year, a dermatologist told me to give the iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm a try instead of the Alastin Post-Treatment Regenerating Nectar. Ever since then, I have found my savior. The iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm is my number one post-treatment product.
What does the iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm do?
It encourages the skin’s natural healing process.
Who is the iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm intended for?
People like me who just had laser treatments, microdermabrasion, peels, or chemical treatments. I think it is also perfect for post-sun-damage skin.
The iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm has a yellow cream texture. It doesn't have a strong, pungent smell, thank goodness! It is thick, since it is a balm, but the texture is very spreadable. As they say, a little goes a long way. You only need to squeeze out a little, dab it, and spread it until it fully covers the area of treatment. Try to avoid putting out too much—you might not be able to spread and absorb all the balm.
After laser treatment, when my face is so dry, I use the iS Clinical Recovery Balm three to five times a day. I decrease the amount and frequency as my recovery process progresses. For post-mesotherapy, I try to use only a little in the first two days to speed up and aid the healing process. Ever since I started using iS Clinical Recovery Balm, my skin recovery time has almost shrunk by half—it is truly unbelievably effective!
Since my post-treatment skincare regime has helped me confidently recover time after time, I decided to trial and error-test something new from iS Clinical. This time, I got iS Clinical Poly Vitamin Serum.
The nutrient-rich formula fits my needs. I have to say, although iS Clinical has almost no scent (compared to SkinCeuticals), it definitely lacks the luxurious scent that luxury-brand skincare usually gives you. The Poly Vitamin Serum is a watery liquid texture. Once you spread it on your face, the Poly Vitamin Serum gets absorbed instantaneously, and then you can smell the vitamin C (as I have smelled many L-ascorbic acid serums before).
What I like about the iS Clinical Poly Vitamin Serum is how fast it gets absorbed into my skin. Upon absorption, my skin is not sticky, nor does it get oily shortly after application. It’s as if my skin drinks up all that I’ve just applied. My skin feels supple and smooth. Since I am testing out this product, I have not put on anything additional after the Poly Vitamin Serum, but I urge you to add another moisturizer during the Canadian winter since it is so dry here.
What are the iS Clinical Poly Vitamin Serum’s benefits?
It nourishes skin, especially damaged skin or skin in the process of healing, like mine. It has a high absorption rate and gets absorbed much better than the iS Clinical Recovery Balm. It definitely aided my post-mesotherapy recovery time. The iS Clinical Poly Vitamin Serum really did wonders for wounded skin. Truly amazing for speeding up my recovery. I have noticed my bumps and red scarred pores healed much faster and continuously improved my post-treatment skin texture. My skin and scars recovered better, feeling much smoother with an even skin tone. My skin appeared shinier and healthier overall.
My take on the iS Clinical Poly Vitamin Serum
It is great for damaged skin, especially post-facial treatment such as mesotherapy. It is very nourishing for skin in need. I am sure it would be a great addition to your skincare regime all year round. I do not think the Poly Vitamin Serum is the serum that can replace all other skincare products when I want to go minimalist. I don’t think the Poly Vitamin Serum is the only item you need for winter. I would use the Poly Vitamin Serum as a primer to my winter moisturizer to ensure my skin is hydrated longer, especially at night during winter.
However, I think the Poly Vitamin Serum is a great serum that promotes general skin health, skin healing, and recovery. I would recommend it if you feel your skin is lacking shine and brightness, if you are undergoing treatment, or if you need a boost due to environmental factors. This is definitely something worth trying.
Can you use retinol in your skincare
Retinol is a powerful ingredient in skincare, providing notable benefits for both anti-aging and acne treatment. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that retinol can sometimes cause irritation to the skin. That's why it's essential to always use sunscreen when incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, as it helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays. By using retinol responsibly and taking the necessary precautions with sunscreen, you can enhance your skin's appearance and maintain its health.
Tips for maintaining healthy skin during winter
Winter skin care is crucial! Stay hydrated, humidify your space, use gentle cleansers, moisturize regularly, and protect your eyes, lips, and skin from the sun and cold. Avoid over-exfoliation and hot showers, and wear gloves and scarves to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
