Sophisticated Living St. Louis

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That Summer Glow

By Cortney Vaughn

I’m at a point in my life that when I need to input my date of birth into an online form, I feel like I’m spinning the Price is Right wheel. I scroll and scroll… ahhh 1988. I’m not saying I’m old but I’m also not young.  I’m focused on implementing a regimen that keeps my skin looking my age, rather than 10 years older. Do I get botox for fine lines and sleep on a satin pillowcase? Of course. But am I dehydrated to the fullest extent of the law? Absolutely. This year, I decided to do better. 

That’s the thing with early signs of ageing, it just kind of creeps up on you. One day your skin is dewy and bouncy and the next you’re standing in front of the mirror lathering on every product you can find only to find out they are all working against one another -  like the Cards vs. Cubs under your skin. 

For years, the thought of trying to find the best skincare regimen gave me anxiety. I went through the progression that almost every woman experiences. First we use only a cleanser and moisturizer until one day we realize that’s not going to cut it. It hits us and we immediately want to try all the things. Hydro Gel, for example, was a fad that I loved until one day it stopped working for me. Some products left a film on my skin while others made my face super shiny – which, as we know, isn’t a good look in photos. I then learned about retinols. But those too have stipulations. They can’t be used in the sun unless you’re wearing sunscreen (which you should be wearing anyway) but also the sunscreen has to have certain ingredients or it’s considered pointless and dangerous. 

After all the trials and tribulations - and believe me, I’ve tried them all. I started using Racquel Frisella's own skincare products. It was simple.. I walked into my appointment, and they asked me about my skin and my concerns/issues. But they took it a step further. They evaluated for themselves - because really, what do I know? They pulled several products they thought I should be using and then eliminated a few once I told them that I prefer my skincare routine to be as low maintenance as possible.  I’m always on the go and I just can’t commit to a lot. I must say that although everyone has spoken so highly of her products, and I’ve seen them on the bathroom counters of every one of my friends, I’m just always skeptical at first of new things. But I tried them and I love them.

For me, I use the following… 

Kojic-C Pads The holy grail! These pads are the go-to recommendation for anyone suffering from pigmentation issues. The pads contain Kojic acid with L-Ascorbic acid, which is a very effective medical grade acid that works to lighten pigment deep within the skin right up to the surface. Other benefits include pore tightening, acne reducing, and overall tightness and a brighter skin tone.

Lux Pads

Their highly sought after LUX Weekly Pads contain TCA and Salicylic acid. This combination helps tighten and brighten skin, giving you an overnight glow! This product works to exfoliate, shrink large pores, kill acne-causing bacteria, lighten pigment, and makes your skin look and feel like you had a mini facelift overnight. Great to use once per week or the night before an event! 

HA 

HA Peptide Serum is a powerful hyaluronic acid serum moisturizer. This oil-free product is absorbed by sucks into the skin like a “big drink of water” and provides daily hydration while also plumping the skin and providing anti-aging benefits. It’s great for all skin types and the consistency pairs well under makeup.

Sunscreen

Guard against the sun’s damaging rays with this daily SPF 40 facial sunscreen. This lightweight, fast-absorbing, and easy-to-blend lotion provides protection from UVA, UVB, and HEV blue light rays while leaving no chalky white cast.

It was that simple.. A few simple steps and as you can see from my photo below, the sun spots were gone and the texture of my skin changed entirely. 

Racquelaesthetics.com

IG: @racquel_aesthetics

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