Microblading Fading – How to Fade your Brows Quickly

If you are NOT happy with your brows after microblading then you should know that there are several steps you can take to help fade your brows quickly. 

Before you decide to fade your brows you need to ask yourself a few questions though, to make sure that it is the right decision. 

Are you happy with the shape of your brows?

Is the style or size of the brows fine?

Are you worried your brows are too thick?

Do you think your brows don’t fit your face? 

All of these may simply be a NORMAL part of the healing experience and may naturally fade over time. 

Learn more about the process below: 

Reason to Fade your Microblading

Are you unhappy with your microblading results?

If so you may feel the need to try and get back to your old brows as quickly as possible. 

Before you do that wait just a minute! 

Are you sure you really want your old brows back?

The reason I ask is because you need to know that there will be some NATURAL fading of your brows over time (usually in as little as a few weeks and before the touchup).

Immediately after you get your brows done is the worst time to assess whether or not you like them. 

They often appear “thick” and/or “dark”. 

This is usually VERY normal! 

Your eyebrows are a critical part of your face so you may just need some time adjusting. 

In addition, the thickness and the darkness of the brows will immediately begin to fade, even before your touch up. 

But what if you REALLY hate them?

If you are experiencing significant distress regarding the size, shape, thickness or color of your brows then it is possible that your artist simply did not go a great job. 

Sometimes the shape of your brow may not compliment your face, or worse they may have made a mistake. 

If this happens to you then it may be worth an attempt to fade your brows quickly (to get back to normal).  

So how do you go about fading your brows?

The idea behind fading your brows is quite simple. 

The process of putting the new brows on your face is a semi-permanent procedure. 

By definition this means that it IS reversible. 

If you left your brows alone (and didn’t get the touch up) they would naturally fade over the next 6-8 months (or even sooner). 

The process of microblading places the pigment in the dermal-epidermal function of the layers of skin. 

The epidermal layers of your skin naturally slough off over time and as they slough off they bring with it tiny amounts of pigment. 

So we can fade the brows quickly by focusing on therapies that increase the turnover of your skin cells and therapies that help draw pigment out of the skin. 

Below I go over 5 different methods and therapies that you can use to help remove microblading from your skin quickly. 

5 Ways to Fade your Brows

When following these therapies remember one thing:

Be gentle to your skin!

I would recommend that you avoid invasive procedures such as laser therapy or deep skin peels. 

These may work, and they may work quickly, but they also come with the risk of permanent skin damage. 

It’s NOT worth this risk because you can fade your brows over the course of a few weeks to months by following these procedures. 

And one final thought:

Before you fade your brows please make absolutely sure that you are NOT happy with your brows!

You don’t want to make a snap decision immediately after you get microblading done. 

I recommend waiting at least 7 days after the procedure before you make any decisions, because you may end up loving your brows!

If it helps you can also see the entire microblading healing process with pictures to see exactly what other people are going through. 

If you are absolutely sure you want to proceed then follow these steps: 

#1. Don’t Follow After Care Instructions

The #1 rule for maintaining your microblading results is to follow the aftercare instructions to the “T”. 

Which means that if you want to fade your brows you can break all of the after care instructions. 

That means go ahead and gently cleanse your brows each morning and night (with a gentle cleanser such as this one), it means that you can exercise and it means that you don’t have to be shy about touching your brows. 

Just be sure that you don’t increase your risk of infection by playing with the brows too much. 

The microblading procedure does result in some minor (yet reversible) damage to the skin so make sure you respect the healing process still. 

#2. Sweat & Exercise

The next step is to make sure that you sweat, sweat, sweat!

Sweating will help liberate pigment from the skin and draw it to the surface. 

It will also act as a dissolving agent for the pigment in the skin. 

When I am talking about sweating I mean dripping sweat. 

This means that you CAN and SHOULD exercise, especially using high intensity work outs. 

Work yourself up until you are dripping with sweat (at least 3x per week). 

Combine the sweating with the gentle cleansing above both morning and night. 

#3. Microdermabrasion & Facials

If you are serious about getting the pigment out then you can also try more advanced exfoliative procedures designed to increase cellular turn over. 

Procedures such as microdermabrasian and facials with cleansers can help exfoliate the upper layers of the skin and help the body naturally get rid of the pigment. 

You may need several sessions of microdermabrasion but you should notice a definite “lightening” after each and every session. 

This should only be necessary for 1-2 months before your brows fade to an amount that is probably not very noticeable (except to you). 

#4. Sauna (preferably FAR IR sauna)

Using a sauna is an easy way to work up a sweat (without exercise) and help detox the body. 

Using a FAR IR sauna will bring you to a deep sweat within 15-20 minutes and it is very effective at helping heal the body and push out the pigment from microblading. 

If you don’t have access to a FAR IR sauna you can also just use a regular hot box at your local gym. 

Use a sauna up to 3x per week for at least 20 minutes or until you are dripping with sweat. 

#5. Exfoliating Facial Products

Beyond gentle cleansers you can also use certain chemicals to help speed up the cellular turn over of the skin naturally. 

Retinol, otherwise known as vitamin A, can dramatically speed up this turnover time. 

It normally takes your skin up to 60 days to “slough” off before a new set of skin cells replaces the old cells. 

Using retinol can speed up this process and cause your body to slough off old skin every 20-25 days instead of every 55-60 days. 

Daily use of retinol also makes the skin “thinner” which is one of the reasons that you should NOT use it prior to getting microblading done. 

If your skin is thinner then it’s easier for the pigment to go deeper into the skin. 

I recommend using a retinol product such as this. 

#6. Don’t get Your Touch up

This is a tricky one. 

In general if you want to fade your brows you don’t want to get the touch up. 

On the other hand, your artist might be able to fix your brows at the touch up or fix the issues that you are unhappy with. 

Before you skip the touch up it’s best if you touch base with your artist and ask if they can alter or fix the issues that you are dealing with. 

If they don’t think anything is wrong then it may be a good idea to skip the touch up. 

Remember:

The touch up is designed to increase the longevity of your brows, so you don’t want to undergo the procedure if you want your brows to fade quickly. 

Wrapping it up

Want to fade your brows quickly? Here is what you need to do: 

• Exercise 3x per week until you are dripping with sweat
• Use a sauna if you don’t want to exercise that intently (at least 3x per week)
• Cleanse your skin morning and night with a gentle cleanser
• Apply retinol serum in the evening to increase cellular turnover
• Get microdermabrasion or facials if you prefer
• DON’T follow the aftercare instructions
• DON’T get the touch up!

Now I want to hear from you:

Are you happy with your brows?

Do you want to fade them quickly?

Why or why not?

Leave your comments below! 

How to Pick The Best Face Cleanser For Men (My Top 3 Picks)

Using facial cleansers is important for women, but especially for men. 

Men can benefit from the exfoliative power of certain facial cleansers which can help reduce skin aging, promote youthful skin and halt the aging process. 

Learn how to use the best face cleansers in men for various issues that men face in this post: 

More…

Do Men need to use a Facial Cleanser?  

I will answer that with a resounding yes! 

Many people think that men do not need to use facial products because their skin is tougher or because they are already shaving. 

What they don’t realize is that men need to treat their skin with care to prevent the aging process and help them look younger! 

Using regular body soaps on the face can cause damage by stripping away the natural oils on the face. 

Stripping away these oils may leave the skin dry and damaged and promote irritation, dryness and sometimes premature aging. 

In addition, some men suffer from occasional pimples or acne which can also cause inflammation at the level of the skin and lead to skin damage long term if they aren’t dealt with. 

Using high quality facial products can leave your skin feeling refreshed while encouraging healthy pH levels and both collagen and elastin production. 

So what are men supposed to do?

The single best thing they can do to prevent skin damage is to find a facial cleanser that is targeted to their skin type!

This means focusing on 3 major areas which we will discuss below: 

The Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

If you suffer from sensitive skin it is very important to find a gentle cleanser to help accommodate your complexion. 

Harsh cleansers, even cleansers that contain all natural but powerful ingredients, may cause damage to your skin if you are sensitive which may lead to premature signs of aging. 

Because of this it’s important to find a balance of high quality ingredients but at a dose that isn’t too powerful. 

How do you know if you have sensitive skin? 

Men with sensitive skin often experience irritation, redness or dry skin after using various facial products. 

Men with this type of skin may have lighter colored hair, may have issues tanning, or may have some redness in their hair color.

The best cleanser to use with sensitive skin is the iS CLINICAL Cleansing Complex. 

This cleansing complex combines effective and gentle components that leave your skin healthy and purified.  

It has White willow bark extract (source of Salicylic acid) and Glycolic acid that gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells and helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.  

In addition, this complex comes in a gel form which is naturally hydrating and does not strip the skin of its natural oils.

The cleanser contains chamomile extract, with this soothing and calming extract it will not make skin red, itchy or tight.

Another great ingredient is the Centell Asiatica, this is a powerful antioxidant with healing properties that help diminish the appearance of premature aging.  

It also is paraben-free, which is a plus and makes it great to use with shaving. 

AT A GLANCE

• Maintains hydration
• Natural purifies and unclogs pores
• Softens and smooths complexion
• Calming ingredients for sensitive skin

Learn more about using iS clinical cleansing complex here. 

For best results you will want to use this cleanser both morning and night. You also don’t need to use a toner with this product (another bonus!) because it contains pH balancing ingredients. 

The Best Cleanser for Acneic skin

Men who have oily skin or acne-prone skin with larger than normal pore size tend to do best with a cleanser that reduces sebum production, treats active break outs and prevents future break outs. 

Cleaners with higher concentrations of Salicylic acid tend to be the most beneficial for this condition. 

Men naturally produce more sebum (or natural facial oils) than women due to higher concentrations of testosterone. 

Some men tend to be more sensitive to the testosterone in their body and may therefore present with symptoms of oily skin. 

Managing oil production is very important because chronic inflammation from recurrent pimples can damage the skin and cause premature aging. 

Also, it may lead to very large pore size later in life. 

So which cleanser should you use? 

The best cleanser for acneic skin is the Obagi Clenziderm foaming cleanser. 

This cleanser contains 2% Salicylic acid which is designed to be gentle yet effective at removing dead skin cells, dirty and oil. 

The 2% Salicylic acid  helps by dissolving the type of skin debris that clogs pores and help promote a cleaner and more balanced complexion.

Salicylic acid will help reduce the number of blackheads and whiteheads on your skin and may even treat cystic acne (which is a deeper acne). 

This lightweight cleanser will also NOT dry your skin out! 

This cleanser also comes equipped with menthol which will help soothe and cool irritated skin and existing acne blemishes. 

Even better is that this cleanser will keep your pH balanced and you should see results (and notice fewer breakouts) within 1-2 weeks. 

This product is also paraben-free. 

AT A GLANCE

• Contains 2% salicylic acid
• Lightweight cleanser which won’t damage the skin
• May help treat active breakouts and prevent future breakouts
• Naturally unclogs pores and reduces pore size
• Helps maintain natural facial oils and acid mantle

You can learn more about using Obagi CLENZIderm foaming cleanser here. 

For best results you will want to use this cleanser up to twice per day (in the morning and night). 

The Best Cleanser for Anti-Aging Benefits

Nowadays many men are interested in maintaining the youthful appearance of their skin! 

What is more interesting is that you can prevent or slow down the aging process by putting the right ingredients on your skin and in your body. 

As we age our natural cellular turnover slows down, the elastin and collagen begins to break down and this all causes fine lines and wrinkles in the skin. 

This process also results in characteristic “age spots” as well. 

To prevent this process it is essential to provide the skin with the proper professional grade skin care products to protect it from the process of aging. 

One of the best cleansers for anti-aging is the Anthony Glycolic Facial cleanser. 

It has 4.9% glycolic acid which exfoliates away dead skin cells, and increases cellular turnover to reveal healthy skin. 

This cleanser also has Vitamin C and E, these are powerful antioxidants that help with skin repair.

Vitamin C helps produce collagen, slows the rate of free radical damage to collagen that can contribute to dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles.  

Vitamin E helps protect and repair your skin and help prevent premature aging while Vitamin A works to prevent wrinkles.  

It is also a great exfoliator which helps to remove dead skin cells that could clog pores. 

It also speeds up cellular turnover while boosting collagen and elastins.  

AT A GLANCE

• One of the best anti aging cleansers
• Contains 4.9% glycolic acid
• Helps simultaneously cleanse and exfoliate the skin
• Contains Vitamin A, E and C to nourish and protect the skin
• Contains chamomile and aloe vera to sooth the skin
• Paraben free

For best results you will want to use this cleanser at least every night (but every morning as well if possible). 

The key to getting anti-aging results is consistency! So keep at it. 

You can learn more about the Anthony Glycolic Cleanse here. 

Beyond using a cleanser you will also want to use these tips to help keep your skin young, healthy and clean! 

#1. Use your cleanser each and every day 

The most important aspect of keeping your skin healthy is to remain consistent. 

Some men tend to focus only on their skin whenever it is a problem (and this is a mistake). 

Instead make sure you invest in your skin and make it a habit of using your cleanser each and every day. 

#2. Put your cleanser in the shower (to help you remember)

One way to remember to use your cleanser is to put it in the shower. 

Using your cleanser in the shower helps you not only remember but can make the cleansing process even easier. 

Remember:

For best results you will need to have damp skin, so if you don’t use it in the shower make sure to get your face wet before application. 

#3. Replace your pillowcase frequently (up to every 3 days if you suffer from acne)

For those who suffer from acne or acneic skin it’s important to replace your pillowcase frequently. 

Your pillow can attract dust, dead skin cells and oil from the night before. 

Each night as you sleep you may roll your face around in old oils which can adhere to your face and lead to further acne. 

Halt this process with frequent pillow changing. 

#4. Start young (especially if you are interested in anti-aging!)

If your main focus is on anti-aging then one of the most important things you can do is to start at an early age. 

Prevention is ALWAYS easier than a cure (in fact there is no cure for wrinkles and aged skin but you can slow it down). 

Slowing down the aging process is much easier than trying to reverse it – and much less expensive. 

#5. Use high quality facial cleansers and facial products

The products listed in this review are all high quality and I have been using them on my male clients for a while. 

If you are using a face wash make sure to spend a little bit extra to get the right high quality ingredients. 

Low quality ingredients can actually damage the skin. 

#6. Make sure you use the right ingredients

Likewise it’s also very important to use the right type of ingredients. 

Do your best to target your facial products to your skin type and skin quality. 

Use products designed to treat acne if you have acne, use products designed to reverse aging if you want anti-aging, etc. 

Final Thoughts

All men should spend some time finding the best face cleanser for their body!

Using the right high quality product will help to slow down the aging process and keep the skin looking young and healthy. 

Stick to high quality products with high quality ingredients whenever possible. 

Now I want to hear from you:

Have you been using a facial product? 

Has it worked well for you?

Why or why not?

Leave your comments below! 

The Top Glycolic Acid Face Wash Products for Amazing Exfoliation

Glycolic acid can help naturally exfoliate your skin, leave your skin looking refreshed and trigger changes in the dermis to even make you look younger. 

All of these benefits stem from the alpha hydroxy acid known as glycolic acid and you can get all of these benefits with certain washes.

Learn how to determine WHICH products are worth it and which aren’t in this glycolic acid face wash guide: ​

More…

Quick NavigationThe Best Glycolic Acid Face Wash Products#1. Overview of Jan Marini Skin Research Bioglycolic Face CleanserWhy it works:How to use it:#2. Overview of iS Clinical Cleansing ComplexWhy it works:How to use it:#3. Anthony Glycolic Facial CleanserWhy it works:How to use it:#4. Overview of Nu Derm Exfoderm & Exfoderm ForteWhy it works:How to use it:#5. DDF Glycolic 5% Exfoliating WashWhy it works:How to use it:Other Tips to Consider when Buying a Glyolic Acid Face Wash#1. Watch for the concentration. #2. Does the product contain other ingredients? #3. Do you have sensitive skin? #4. Are you more interested in looking younger or anti-aging? #5. ​Do you suffer from acne or oil production? ​Back to you

Why you Want Glycolic Acid in your Face Wash

Chances are high that you have already used some form of glycolic acid in your face washes without even knowing it!

And don’t let the acid part of glycolic acid scare you, because in this sense it is extremely helpful for your skin.

Glycolic acid is part of a family of acids known as alpha hydroxy acids but which includes acids like lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid and others.

What’s important here is that these acids have extremely beneficial effects on your skin.

Studies have been done to determine the exact benefits of these acids and have shown that glycolic acid and lactic acid tend to provide the MOST benefit with the LEAST amount of harm.

What do I mean by harm?

Well, because of the special properties which these alpha hydroxy acids possess they can cause some irritation, redness or swelling in certain people.

It turns out that glycolic acid (along with lactic acid) is probably the BEST tolerated while still providing you with extreme benefits.

What kind of benefits are we talking about?

#1. For starters glycolic acid has been shown to help reduce ​acne scars: 

Studies have shown that up to 45% of people who use glycolic acid notice an improvement in acne scars! 

You can see from the graph that almost everyone (except around 7% of people) noticed some kind of benefit in their acne scars ranging from mild improvement to very good improvement. 

​This type of improvement is amazing when you consider that the medical community thinks a prescription drug is good if it can help even 10% of people. 

What’s even more amazing is that glycolic acid can be purchased over the counter in a cleanser (but you have to make sure you get a high enough concentration) and used at home.

Another important benefit is that you can get even better results if you increase the concentration of glycolic acid and use it as a chemical peel once a week. ​

​#2. Glycolic acid helps reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. 

In addition to reducing acne scars, glycolic acid has been shown to improve pigmentary lesions and reduce hyperpigmentation. 

You can think of hyperpigmentation as changes to your skin color and tone that occur due to a variety of reasons including: acne, inflammation, rosacea, photodamage, etc. 

Studies have shown that over 50% of people who use glycolic acid noticed “good improvement” in their skin tone! ​

Again, we aren’t talking about a small number here – this is a HUGE improvement. 

But we aren’t done yet:

Glycolic acid also has other benefits, one of the most important is its ability to exfoliate the skin.

Start around age 30-35 we naturally lose the ability to exfoliate our skin cells.

This leads to a “dulling” of the skin unless you either mechanically or chemically remove these skin cells.

Removing the excess skin cells in the epidermis leaves your skin looking refreshed and new and is REQUIRED if you want healthy and beautiful skin. ​

The entire list of glycolic acid benefits include: ​

• Naturally exfoliates the upper layers of the epidermis leaving your skin looking fresh and clean
• Helps reduce oil and sebum production
• Helps promote collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps directly treat acne, black heads and pimples by reducing oil production
• Helps treat and prevent hormonal acne (especially if caused by PCOS or testosterone/androgens)

But, in order to get these benefits you must be using the right concentration and dose of glycolic acid. 

Purchasing a cheap and watered down glycolic acid will NOT lead to the desired results.

Below I will discuss the highest quality products that contain glycolic acid and other ingredients to naturally help improve your skin. ​

The Best Glycolic Acid Face Wash Products

You have two ways that you can use glycolic acid:

#1. Daily application with lower concentrations (in face wash, toners and other facial products)

#2. ​Once a week or once a month application in higher concentrations in chemical peels. 

In my opinion the best way to use glycolic acid is in small concentrations more frequently (preferably every day or 3-4x per week). 

Why?

Because higher concentrations like those found in chemical peels can potentially lead to peeling and irritation in certain people. 

The beautiful part is that you can really do both. 

You can start with a daily facial cleanser and then if you want further results you can purchase higher concentrations of glycolic acid and do a 5 minute chemical peel once a week. 

But for the purposes of this article we are going to focus on the best daily facial products that exist: 

#1. Overview of Jan Marini Skin Research Bioglycolic Face Cleanser

Overall Quality

Contains high concentrations of glycolic acid with non irritating inactive ingredients

Price

Moderate price range, but worth the splurge

Why I Love it

Works on a variety of skin types: normal, dry, oily, acne prone and sensitive

Why it works:

• Contains: glycolic acid (to promote exfoliation and skin regeneration) and Sorbitol (which acts as a natural moisturizer)
• Adequate concentrations of glycolic acid combined with non irritating inactive ingredients help soothe the skin while gently exfoliating. 

How to use it:

• Gentle massage a small amount (dime size) into damp skin both morning and night. 
• Start with once a day application for 7 days to make sure you tolerate the glyolic acid before using twice per day (morning and night)

This is my preferred brand if you don’t know where to start. If you have oily skin, mature skin or aged skin you may need a stronger concentration.

See other reviews

#2. Overview of iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

Why it works:

• ​Ingredients include: Willow bark extract(a natural and gentle exfoliator), sugar cane extract(natural and gentle form of glycolic acid to help reduce oil production)
• This combination acts to provide your skin with natural forms of both salicylic acid and glycolic acid which help exfoliate the skin, reduce oil production and deep clean your pores without inflammation or irritation. 
• This product also acts as both a toner and a make up remover which means you can save on other products and not have to risk reacting to these products (remember that a complete skin care line must include a toner). 

How to use it:

• This cleanser can be used in both the AM and the PM – I usually recommend starting with once a day usage (at night) and increasing to both morning and night if you need more of a boost. 
• Can be combined with moisturizers but make sure you use the moisturizer AFTER the cleansing complex and only AFTER your skin is completely dry. 
• I also recommend you combine this with active serum which naturally provides retinol and can seriously ramp up your skin care line. You can read more here. 

This product is the best product for those with SENSITIVE skin. If you fall into that category jump straight into this complex because it is very light weight and won’t cause irritation. 

See other reviews

#3. Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser

Overall Quality

Contains 5% glycolic acid with other anti inflammatory ingredients to nourish your skin

Price

Best price point of all high end glycolic cleansers

Why I Love it

Works best for those with very oily skin (adult onset acne, men, those with lots of black heads and those with acne prone skin)

Why it works:

• Contains: Glycolic acid at 4.9% (to promote exfoliation,  calendula, chamile and aloe vera (to help provide moisture and nourish the skin) and Vitamin A, C & E (to provide protection and act as anti oxidants to reduce inflammation)
• The combination of glycolic acid with anti inflammatory agents like natural vitamins helps to further reduce oil and cool down the skin. These combinations make this facial cleanser perfect for those who suffer from oily or acne prone skin. 

How to use it:

• Apply a small amount to your hand and massage into your face in circular motions. Repeat daily in both the AM & the PM. 
• Avoid use if you have sensitive skin (unless no other glycolic acid products are working for you). 
• For acneic skin should be combined with a toner, retinol and Vitamin C serum for best benefits. 

Use this product if you have acne prone skin or skin with lots of oil production.

See other reviews

#4. Overview of Nu Derm Exfoderm & Exfoderm Forte

Overall Quality

Contains a combination of ingredients designed to both moisturize and exfoliate – should be used after cleansing and toning. 

Price

Highest price but backed by one of the best brands in the industry

Why I Love it

This product is NOT a facial cleanser but more of a moisturizing exfoliator and really helps for those with wrinkles and heavy skin damage. 

Why it works:

• Contains alpha hydroxy acids (to promote skin regeneration and turnover), glycolic acid (to promote exfoliation), lactic acids (removes dead skin cells) and caprylic triglycerides (to gently moisturize). 
• The combination of lactic and glycolic acid makes this moisturizer act more like a cleanser than a true moisturizer, but this extra step may be very beneficial for older more mature skin. 

How to use it:

• Should be used in the AM (not the PM) and after cleansing, toning and the application of the Clear FX. 
• This product adds another layer of complexity to the Obagi system but may not be necessary for every person. 
• This product comes in two forms: Exfoderm Forte and Exfoderm -> the exfoderm forte is designed for people who have oily skin, whereas the exfoderm should be used for those with normal to dry skin types. 

Use exfoderm forte if you have oily or acneic skin at baseline. 

See other reviews

Use this exfoderm if you have normal to dry skin at baseline. 

See other reviews

*Note: This is NOT a facial cleanser but acts more as a moisturizer that ALSO exfoliates. I recommend that you consider using this product if you have mature skin or if your primary goal is younger looking skin or anti-aging. 

#5. DDF Glycolic 5% Exfoliating Wash

Overall Quality

High concentration allows for deeper penetration into pores (part of the reason why it’s great for males)

Price

Moderate price point of high end glycolic cleansers but one of the strongest in terms of ability

Why I Love it

Best option for MEN and great for those who tend to need STRONGER products and who don’t have sensitive skin

Why it works:

• Contains: Glyolic acid at 5%, Aloe vera (help moisturize the skin and improve skin penetration of glycolic acid), Vitamin E, Zinc & Magnesium (help reduce local inflammation and really reduce oil production)
• The combination allows for deep pore cleansing which is why it is better suited for men. Glyolic acid helps exfoliate while zinc and magnesium help reduce oil production to prevent black heads and acne. Can still be used for women who suffer from adult onset acne or menstrual related acne. 

How to use it:

• Because of the strength this product should only be used once daily. Using this product two times per day may result in changes to skin pH and acid mantle. 

Men or women who suffer from hormonal or menstrual related acne should use this product FIRST. Avoid if you have sensitive skin. 

See other reviews

Other Tips to Consider when Buying a Glyolic Acid Face Wash

#1. Watch for the concentration. 

Remember that not all facial products are created equal.

In general, especially when it comes to facial products, you get what you pay for and you should NOT skimp on spending money on a facial cleanser.

Why?

Because chemicals placed on your skin do get absorbed transdermally and may low quality ingredients may cause issues or prematurely age you!

​Glycolic acid cleansers are no different. 

I recommend looking for a product with around 5% glycolic acid concentration (assuming you want to use daily).

Any higher concentration should be used for chemical peels only and should not be applied daily.

#2. Does the product contain other ingredients? 

Another point worth considering is the synergy of glycolic acid with other active ingredients.

Most skin care products (who know what they are doing) will combine anti inflammatory vitamins like C, E and A to the product to enhance the function of glycolic acid.

Adding other ingredients can help improve the quality and effectiveness of your cleanser.

Does that you mean you NEED to have other ingredients?

Not necessarily.

Especially if your other skin care products contain these ingredients.

Remember, too much of a good thing isn’t always good.

Try to match your skin care regimen so that you don’t overdo it with certain nutrients and vitamins. ​

#3. Do you have sensitive skin? 

​If you have sensitive skin make sure to start low and go slow!

​Glycolic acid is generally well tolerated but you should use caution if you have sensitive skin. 

If you fall into this category I recommend starting with a less frequent dosing schedule – something like every other day or 3-4x per week instead of each day.

It’s possible to have sensitive skin but also suffer from acne and therefore you may need the stronger glycolic acid products.

If you fall into this category just make sure to listen to your skin and don’t overdo it.

You will know that you’ve used too much if you start to develop redness or peeling. ​

#4. Are you more interested in looking younger or anti-aging? 

If you’re looking for younger skin then glycolic acid is perfect for you!

That being said I recommend that you use products that are focused on this outcome.

Why?

Because anti-aging nutrients and vitamins differ from the basic ingredients in skin care lines.

If you are serious about anti-aging then the Obagi products are probably your best bet.

You can learn more about using the Obagi Nu derm system ​to make your skin look younger here. 

#5. ​Do you suffer from acne or oil production? 

Acne, oil production and black heads – these are serious issues and glycolic acid can help.

Just realize that if you want to treat acne with a cleanser you will need a heavy duty cleanser with at least 5% glycolic acid.

Another trick is to find products targeted towards men (like the last product on my list).

Why?

Because these products are meant to be absorbed deep into your pores and contain ingredients like Zinc which reduce androgen influence on your skin cells.

​Back to you

Have you been using glycolic acid face wash products? 

Are they working for you?

Why or why not?

Leave your comment below so that we can find the BEST products out there! 

The Best Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin + 7 Tips for Beautiful Skin

Why The Obagi Blender is the Best Product in the Nu Derm System

The Obagi blender is probably the single best product in the entire Obagi 6 step nu derm system. 

The reason is because it can be combined or “blended” with another powerful skin care product known as retinol to effectively BOOST all of the positive effects of the blender. 

Learn why the blender is so helpful for your skin, and more importantly, how and where to get it! 

More…

What makes the Obagi Blender so special?

The Obagi blender is probably one of, if not the best product, in the entire Obagi nu derm system.

But why is that?

Don’t worry, we are going to talk about using this product by itself (and why you might want to) later on in the post.

But first let’s establish some of the basics:

If you don’t already know about Obagi products (where have you been?) then you need to know a few things.

Obagi is a skin care line that was created by dermatologists and is meant to be sold by health professionals like dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

This means that the Obagi skin care product line is filled with high quality ingredients AND that these products really work.

The Obagi blender is part of a 6 step series known as the Obagi Nu derm 6 step system.

I’ve written about this entire system and which of the 6 products you should incorporate into your daily regimen (and which ones you can skip) in this detailed post. ​

The Obagi blender is actually called Obagi Nu Derm Blend Fx, but has been nicknamed the “Obagi Blender”, so don’t let that little bit of information confuse you.

It’s also the 5th step in the 6 step series, but it can and should be used even if you don’t use that entire 6 step system!

​The reason that it’s nicknamed the blender is because it’s meant to be used and “blended” with another very helpful product called “retinol“. 

The combination of these two ingredients create amazing results for your skin that seriously help reverse the aging process and make your skin look 5-10 years younger.

But more on that later…​

Can you use Obagi blender alone?

While Obagi certainly wants you to buy their 6 step system, that doesn’t mean that you have to!

Luckily the Obagi blender can be purchased on its own which means you don’t have to buy all 6 products just to get the one you want. 

But the question remains: ​

Who should use the Obagi Blender?

• Those with premature signs of aging (wrinkles around the eyes and around the lips)
• Those in their 20’s and 30’s who want to PREVENT aging
• Those with severe sun damage A.K.A photo damage
• Those with sun spots or “age spots”
• Those who have discoloration in their skin tone from acne, rashes or dermatitis
• Those who want to clear their skin from acne AND improve the texture and quality of their skin
• Those with mature skin who want to look younger

​If you fall into any of these categories then using the Obagi blender would stand to be helpful for you. 

The main reason to use the blender is if you really want to kick your skin care regimen to the next level.

Why?

Because it contains special ingredients that aren’t found in common skin care products like Arbutin (which is a natural skin lightener). ​

The best part about the blender is that it can easily be added to your current regimen.

If you choose this route make sure you use it only at night and make sure it is the LAST product you put on your skin (after you cleanse, tone and moisturize). ​

Obagi Blender vs Obagi Clear Fx

If you know about the Nu derm system then you might be aware that in the SAME system is another product called Obagi Clear Fx.

This product is like a miniature Obagi blender but doesn’t quite work as well.

So the question becomes:

Should I use the Blender or Obagi clear?

​Well, here is what I recommend:

In most cases just using the Obagi blender is sufficient UNLESS you have mature skin and you have significant sun damage, photo damage, aged skin or sun spots.

Remember that the blender is stronger than the clear fx, which is why the blender should only be used in the evening.

Obagi clear has similar ingredients but they aren’t in the same concentration and this product can be used in the morning and the night.

If you are 50+ years old and want to get serious about your skin, then using the clear and the blender may be your best option.

If you just want to improve your skin regimen and you are in your 20’s, 30’s or 40’s then the blender by itself is probably sufficient.

Obagi clear does contain the natural lightener Arbutin, but it also contains basic anti-oxidants and vitamins designed to cool off the skin in a more natural and softer way.

You can learn more about Obagi clear fx below if you fall into these categories (if not you can skip down to the obagi blender section): ​

Overview of Nu Derm Clear Fx

Why it works:

• Contains Arbutin (natural skin lightening agent), Vitamin C (read more about the amazing benefits of Vitamin C here), Antioxidants (to fight free radicals and prevent skin damage long term) and Vitamin E (promoting proper skin barrier function)
• Arbutin prevents melanin production and therefore reduces pigment in the skin, Vitamin C helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and inflammation while vitamin E nourishes the skin. 
• Special consideration should be given to this formula especially if you have mature skin (those who are more prone to developing sun spots, aging spots and other hyperpigmentation issues)

How to use it:

• Should be used in the am and pm and should be used AFTER cleansing and toning -> using a toner will help increase absorption of Vitamin C + Vitamin E + the antioxidants in this formulation. 
• Can be used if you have dry skin, oily skin, acneic skin, mature skin or sensitive skin.
• *Note: Does contain sulfities so if you have a sulfite allergy you should NOT use this product. 

See other reviews

​Obagi Blender Ingredients

What makes the blender so effective?

Much of this has to do with the ingredients in the product itself.

You can find a list of both the active and inactive ingredients below. ​

Main & Active ingredients: ​

• Arbutin – This is a natural skin lightener that is as effective as hydroquinone as evening skin tone but doesn’t come with the negative side effects. Arbutin will naturally balance skin colors and skin tone, perfect for people with sun spots, acne or melasma by reducing melanin synthesis in melanocytes. 
• Lactic Acid – This alpha hydroxy acid helps to naturally boost the exfoliation process while reducing break outs, acne and also helps reduce the signs of aging. It reduces the aging process by stimulating collagen production in the dermis. 
• Vitamin C – This powerful anti oxidant helps reduce inflammation, stimulates collagen production in the dermis and reduces the signs of aging while nourishing the skin. 
• Vitamin E – This acts as the base for the product and naturally helps to moisturize the skin, reduce inflammation, keep moisture from escaping your skin and boosts the effectiveness of Vitamin C and other nutrients. 

ALL ingredients (including inactive ingredients): ​

• Water
• Glycerin
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Arbutin
• TEA-salicylate
• Tocopheryl acetate
• Lactic acid
• Phenyl trimethicore

• PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Stearyl alcohol
• Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E)
• Ascorbic acid
• Saponins
• BHT
• Disodium EDTA

The blender does NOT come with the Retinol and that is what it is designed to be used with (funny how that works). 

​You can get my recommended retinol product here. 

The benefits of using retinol WITH the blender include:

• Boosted effect to anti-aging process
• Boosted effect to skin lightening and balancing skin tone and color
• Boosted effect to reduce acne and sebum production (oil)
• Increased collagen and elastin production in the dermis

How to Get the Best Price for Obagi Blender

One of the problems with Obagi products in the past was that there were many counterfeit and fake products floating around on places like Ebay.

That isn’t the case anymore since amazon signed a contract to provide legitimate Obagi products.

The best way, and the cheapest way, to get Obagi products including the Obagi blender, is by purchasing it through amazon.

The only thing you have to make sure it includes is the ​”professional beauty” tag underneath the price. 

I only recommend high quality products, so if you ever see me recommend a product you can rest assured that it IS high quality and legitimate. ​

You can get the Obagi blender here. ​

Overview of Nu Derm Blend Fx

Why it works:

• Ingredients include: Arbutin (designed to naturally help brighten your skin), Lactic acid (to help exfoliate and improve skin texture and pore size), Vitamin C & Vitamin E (to help act as anti-oxidants and further improve skin texture)
• This combination helps to naturally brighten your skin while helping to exfoliate the epidermal layer of the skin and provide defense against oxidation and sun damage. 
• Intended to be “blended” and mixed together with Obagi retinol which will dramatically reduce the signs of aging and improve your skin (Obagi Retinol products do NOT come in the nu derm system and must be purchased separately). 

How to use it:

• The blender should be used in the PM only – this will enhance results and improve absorption (Retinol products should be used in the pm)
• Combine a small amount of blender with Obagi retinol and mix both creams in your hand before applying to your face and neck -> you can also apply the mixture to the back of your hands and upper chest area (anywhere with age spots). 
• *Note: Not everyone will need BOTH the clear fx and the blend fx as they both have Arbutin (skin brightening agent). You may benefit from using both of these if you have severe hyperpigmentation issues or difficult to treat melasma, age spots or sun damage. 

See other reviews

Your turn:

​The obagi blender is my favorite product in the Obagi nu derm system. 

It helps naturally balance and brighten your skin, and this effect is multiplied if used with a retinol containing product. 

Retinol products have been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and help reverse the aging process!

But now I want to hear from you…

Have you tried the obagi blender before?

If so, did it work for you? Why or why not?

Leave your comment below and I will respond! ​

The Benefits of Liquid Collagen for your Hair, Skin & Nails

Liquid collagen is a supplements that contains special types of proteins that can dramatically improve your hair, skin and nails. 

It’s not unusual for people to be deficient in this proteins and this deficiency is what leads to the premature signs of aging and even hair loss in many people!

In this article you will learn how taking liquid collagen can help you with all of these things and how it can actually help with weight loss in the process.

Let’s jump in: ​

More…

What Liquid Collagen does for your hair, skin and nails

So what is collagen and why does it help your hair, skin and nails?

Collagen is a structural protein that is found in very specific tissues inside your body.

You can probably guess which ones, but let me fill you in:

Collagen is found in your hair follicles, in the dermis of your skin and throughout your nail beds.

In addition collagen is also very important for muscle growth and so is obviously found in your skeletal muscle tissues (which is how it helps with weight loss, but more on that later). 

But why does this matter?

It turns out that most people living in the United states eat foods that are largely collagen depleted. 

What that means for you is that there is a HIGH chance you are already deficient in collagen and other certain amino acids (after all, these are proteins). 

You can get collagen from your food, but unless you are eating ligaments, cartilage or lots of dark meat you probably aren’t consuming very much.

As a result of this deficiency many people walk around with symptoms of low collagen including:

• Damaged hair including hair loss or hair breakage
• Damaged nails or structurally weak nails (floppy nails that break or bend)
• Skin problems like acne
• Premature signs of aging including early wrinkles
• Gastrointestinal problems like gas and bloating
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Decreased muscle mass

If you show any of these signs then you should seriously consider a trial of liquid collagen. 

​Liquid Collagen and Wrinkles

Another amazing benefit of liquid collagen is that it has been clinically PROVEN to help fight the aging process.

If you’ve been reading my blog you know that there are very few supplements or products that can actually do this (Vitamin C serum being one of them).

So how does this work?

Collagen is a structural component of your skin and it resides predominately in the dermal layer.

As you age the amount of collagen and elastin in your dermis starts to reduce and this process leads to aging and wrinkles in your skin.

But, here’s the bigger deal:

Having low levels of collagen in your diet can ACCELERATE this process and lead to the premature signs of aging including early wrinkles (especially in women in their 30’s and 40’s).

Taking liquid collagen helps restore collagen levels in the dermis and can reverse some of the early signs of aging!

So if you are looking for a comprehensive anti-aging approach to your skin you can’t forget about liquid collagen in addition to Vitamin C serum and retinol. ​

Does Liquid collagen help with weight loss?

Another benefit of using liquid collagen is that it can actually impact your weight and waist line, but not how you think.

Most women are searching for a magical pill or supplement to help them lose weight, and unfortunately things are that easy.

While collagen isn’t a magical pill, that doesn’t mean it won’t help.

Clinical studies have proven that collagen does 2 important things:

1) Helps your body directly burn fat mass

2) Increases muscle tissues in your body

Collagen is really just a special form of amino acids which means that it is a special form of protein. 

Taking protein (as you probably know) helps build up your lean muscle mass.

The more lean muscle mass you have the more calories you burn at rest and that’s how it can help with weight loss.

While it isn’t the primary benefit, maybe losing a few pounds while taking this supplement is certainly not a bad thing! ​

I just tend to be more focused on the hair, skin and nail benefits. ​

The Best Liquid Collagen supplement

When it comes to using liquid collagen there aren’t many to choose from, so I’ve picked the best below.

It’s also important to realize that you can still get some of the benefits of collagen by using powder or encapsulated supplements as well.

So if you have any issue using the liquid supplements then don’t worry, I’ve also provided other recommendations below. ​

How to use Liquid Collagen

Overall rating: 

Overall Quality

High quality supplement that also contains anti oxidants in addition to collagen

Price

Great price for the quality of the product, remember you want a high grade amino acid profile

Why I Love it

You should see results in hair growth and skin within 8 weeks of daily use

Who should use it: 

• ​Anyone who wants to improve the quality and texture of their skin (this is a great anti-aging skin care product)
• Those who want to improve the quality, texture and density of their hair
• Those who want to improve or increase the growth of their nails
• Those with sensitive skin or skin issues like acne
• People who want to prevent wrinkles or who are experiencing pre-mature aging (those with wrinkles around their eyes or the corners of their mouth)
• Those with gut problems like gas, bloating or acid reflux
• Those struggling to lose weight

How to use it: 

• Once a day add 1 tablespoon of Collagen+C liquid collagen to 6 ounces of water or fruit juice and drink
• If using for weight control you can double this amount and use in the morning and at night

Recommended product: 

Start with liquid collagen: 

See more reviews here

If you can’t tolerate liquid collagen then you can get similar benefits by using collagen peptides: 

See more reviews here

How much collagen do you need?

Believe it or not you don’t actually need that much liquid collagen.

I recommend that you consume around 4-5 grams of collagen (preferably type I and type III) each day. 

​If you are using liquid collagen for your hair, skin and nails then you only need to use 1 tablespoon each day for about 8 weeks to notice the benefits. 

If you are using collagen for weight loss then you should use about double that amount (2 tablespoons per day) and split the dosing up so that you can 1 tablespoon in the morning and 1 tablespoon in the evening.

This allows for a steady amount of collagen in your system throughout the entire day.

If you decide to use collagen peptides or collagen powder over the liquid powder, then you can simply substitute 1-2 scoops which is about 18 grams of collagen and protein (you get much more collagen if you use the hydrolyzed and powder forms).

Remember that you can also combine liquid collagen with collagen powder! ​

Are there any side effects from using liquid collagen?

Generally liquid collagen is VERY well tolerated.

That means that there are very few side effects.

Some people don’t like the taste of the liquid and if you fall into that category then you may want to consider collagen powder.

Collagen powder can be easily mixed with smoothies or drinks and is tasteless.

The only side effects you should notice from liquid collagen is an improvement in your skin, hair, nails and maybe even your weight.

Don’t forget other hair, skin & nail supplements

​If you are serious about improving the quality and texture of your skin and nails then I also recommend that you take more supplements than just collagen alone. 

Why?

Because adding collagen to other supplements adds a synergistic layer to your therapy.

If you want to improve your skin then make sure you also are putting something on the outside of your skin like Vitamin C serum.

If you are growing your hair then I recommend also using this supplement orally.

​Now it’s your turn:

Liquid collagen can seriously help improve your skin, help reverse the aging process and even improve your hair.

It’s one of those “hidden gems” in the supplement world and I hope you will love it as much as I do.

Now I want to hear from you: ​

​Have you ever used liquid collagen?

Did it work for you?​ Why or why not?

Leave your comment below! ​

How to use Retin A for Wrinkles & Why it Works

Retin A has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in many, many studies. 

But in order to get this benefit you must be using it correctly!

That means you need the right type of Retin A at the right dose and concentration. 

Learn how to use Retin A for wrinkles in this guide: 

More…

Using Retin A to Reduce Wrinkles on your Face

One thing we need to get across right away is that Retin A does indeed work to reduce wrinkles.

In fact it is probably the most well studied and most researched compound and has been proven time and time again to do this in clinical studies.

But what is Retin A and how does it work?

It turns out that Retin A is really just Vitamin A (as the name suggests) in a very specific form that allows your skin to absorb and utilize this nutrient.

​One thing you need to realize is that in order for Retin A to reduce your fine lines and wrinkles you need to be using the right type of Retin A in the right dosage and for the right length of time. 

What’s even more interesting is that until recently Retin A was only available through a prescription from your Doctor.

Previously if you wanted to get the benefit of Retin A that meant going to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon and asking for Retin A and hoping that your doctor knew how to use it.

Nowadays you can get high quality Retin A over the counter which allows for the same same (in most cases better results) and removes most of the impurities and inactive ingredients found in pharmaceutical tretinoin preparations.

​We will talk about how to use Retin A, where to get it and what strength you need, but first we need to show that it does indeed work! 

​Retin A before and After photos

Below you will find before and after pictures of people who used Retinol products.

Retinol is ​a variation of Retin A and therefore a variation of Vitamin A. 

The best part about Retinol is that you can get the same results using retinol as you can with Retin A but the difference is you don’t get the redness or dry skin that usually accompanies Retin A.

So in essence you get all of the benefits without the negative side effects.

​The first picture is a before and after picture showing how Retinol and Retin a. 

You can see the difference over 24 weeks and includes:

• Reduction in scarring and uneven texture (Retin A and retinol have been proven to do this)
• Reduction in uneven pigmentation
• Smoother surface and texture to the skin
• Reduced wrinkles surrounding the eyes and peri-orbital area
• Reduction in poor size and sebum production (noticeable on the nose area)

You can see another before and after on more aged skin and this really outlines the improvement that can be seen around the eyes (crows feet). 

You can see at least a 60-70% reduction in wrinkles around the eye area, again over a period of 24 weeks. ​

Both of these before and after pictures were done using Obagi retinol serum which is available over the counter and at a pharmaceutical concentration to provide amazing results (more info below). 

How to use Retin A properly & What strength to start out on

One of the challenges ​of using Retin A and retinol is that Vitamin A is no joke for your skin. 

What this means is that a strong concentration can leave your skin dry and flaky, and a weak concentration will not have the desired effect that you are looking for.

This means that you need to understand how to properly titrate your retin a to match your skin.

Because this is a big problem I always recommend using Retinol over prescription Retin A.

This allows you to control your concentration better and allows you simply change your strength much easier than using a true prescription.

For instance:

If you find that your ​prescription tretinoin or retin a is too strong then you will have to reschedule another appiontment to reduce the concentration – which will cost you more time and money.

 A better approach is to use retinol which you can start out low and titrate up as you know your body tolerates it. 

I recommend the following guidelines for using Retin A and Retinol…​

Who should start out using Retinol 0.5% strength:

• Those with very sensitive skin
• Those who have never used Retin A or Retinol products in the past
• Those who have tried Retin A or tretinoin and have reacted with redness or flaky skin or a rash

Who should start out using Retinol 1.0% strength:

• Those people who don’t suffer from sensitive skin (you have tried facial products in the past and you don’t have issues with redness or rashes)
• Those people who have tried retinol in the past but want even better results
• Those people who have extremely photodamaged skin
• Those who are older than 40 years old and want to prevent further wrinkles or sun damage

​Instructions for using Retin A:

• When in doubt always start at a low concentration and try to find products that contain Retinol in it over Retin A or other Vitamin A derivatives
• Retin A should always be applied in the evening
• If you use Retin A make sure you avoid direct sun light as Vitamin A increases your skin turn over and makes your skin more sensitive to the sun
• Apply only a small amount to provide a light “cover” to your skin (don’t put a thick layer on, a little goes a long way)
• If you are sensitive to the lowest concentration then try applying it every other day or every third day – this will help reduce any sensitivity
• Over time you will gain a tolerance and may need to increase the concentration of your Retin A or Retinol
• Be patient! It may take up to 6-8 weeks of daily use for you to see a big difference, but if it helps you can take before and after pictures to really see the difference (sometimes it’s hard to notice small changes when you look at your face every day)
• Find a high quality product that does not contain poor inactive ingredients – this will prevent you from reacting negatively to the serum/cream

The Best Retin A serums and products​

​Once you’ve determined you’re ready to start using Retin A the next step is to find a high quality product to get you the results you are looking for. 

My recommendation is to start with high quality over the counter products like Obagi (more info on why below).

Obagi is a brand that was designed for plastic surgeons and dermatologists and so it contains pharmaceutical grade ingredients and concentrations.

Not only this, but it’s also been studied and used effectively by many practices around the US.

In addition Obagi has also gone through several of their own internal studies which show impressive results.

After 4 weeks of use people noticed the following: ​

• 84% said their skin looked and felt smoother
• 78% said their face felt rejuvinated
• 81% said their face appeared firmer
• 78% said their skin improved in terms of clarity (it looked more clear)
• 81% said they were satisfied with the overall results of the product

These results are actually VERY impressive when you consider that every person reading this has a different skin type and complexion. 

That means that in a perfect world your retin a product or retinol product would be specifically designed to YOUR skin.

Obviously we can’t do that, but with a success rate of about 8 in 10 the odds are in your favor with this product – and this is why it’s one of my favorites. ​

If you don’t know where to start, or want to start with a high quality product I recommend starting with the Obagi Retinol products below: ​

Obagi Retinol 0.5 & 1.0 Review

Overall rating: 

Overall Quality

Very high quality product that comes in different concentrations (0.5% and 1.0%)

Price

Higher price but comparable when compared to prescription tretinoin & retin a

Why I Love it

Works very well with about a 80%-90% success rate among all people

Who should use it: 

Ingredients: 

• ​Anyone looking to have younger looking skin (this is one of the best anti-aging skin care products)
• People with mild to moderate acne
• People looking to improve their skin texture
• People (especially women) with early signs of wrinkles around the eyes or around the corners of the mouth
• People with oily skin looking to reduce sebum production
• People also undergoing laser therapies, microdermabrasion, microneedling or microdermabrasion

• Retinol 0.5% or 1.0% (depending on which concentration and strength you choose)
• Green tea extract (camellia sinensis)
• Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

How to use it: 

Why it works

• Once a day apply a pearl sized amount to your fingers then spread evening throughout your entire face and neck (avoid your eyes)
• Make sure to apply product in the evening
• If you experience dryness, redness or flaking then use every other day until your skin acclimates

• Retinol increases cell turnover and directly stimulates collagen and elastin production in the dermis which results in a reduction in wrinkles. In addition this product contains 20% Vitamin C which further promotes collagen production and stimulates growth in the skin to even skin tones. 

Recommended product: 

Obagi 0.5% (start here if you’ve never used Retinol products before)

See more reviews here

Obagi 1.0% (start here if you have used retinol products in the past and/or you don’t have sensitive skin)

See more reviews here

​Retin A Prescription vs OTC products

One question I get a lot is something like this:

Should I use prescription Retin A from my Doctor or should I use an over the counter Retinol product?

The answer is not as simple as it might seem and my general recommendation is to prefer over the counter products over prescription products and here’s why:

When you get a prescription for Tretinoin (AKA Retin A) you are getting a high quality concentration of Vitamin A, the only problem is that this product is formulated by pharmacies and not companies that focus on skin care. 

What this means to you is that your product contains lots of inactive ingredients and fillers (alcohol derivatives, etc.) to try and increase the absorption of the Vitamin A. 

Unfortunately these inactive fillers often lead to skin reactions, rashes and other undesirable effects. 

When you purchase an over the counter retinol product you are getting the high quality Vitamin A derivative but you are also getting a high quality serum or cream that contains MINIMAL inactive ingredients. 

These companies also formulate their retinol with other precious and valuable skin care ingredients like Vitamin C and green tea which act as anti inflammatory agents and boost the effectiveness of the existing Retinol. 

This means over the counter retinol products cause less side effects like rashes, bumps or flaky skin. ​

This makes over the counter products a better fit for most people. ​

My recommendation is to start with the product mentioned above (at a small dose) and work yourself up in your dosage until you get your desired results – this will only take about 4-8 weeks. ​

​Can you use Retin A around your eyes and around your mouth?

The beautiful part about Retin a is that it can be used pretty much anywhere on your skin.

I personally know people who use it on their chest and on the back of their hands (these are both areas that usually suffer from heavy sun damage).

That means you can also use it around your mouth and around your eyes!

It’s important to realize though that the skin around your eyes is very sensitive and VERY thin.

Some people need to use a higher concentration of Retin A everywhere else, but they may need to use a lower concentration right around their eyes.

It should also go without saying, but please don’t put the Retin A IN your eyes!

You can also use Retin A around your mouth and that shouldn’t cause any issues.

If you notice any dry skin just make sure to apply it every other day instead of daily and you will still get great results. ​

​Will Retin A work for Forehead wrinkles?

Retin A will definitely help with your forehead wrinkles, but you need to understand what that means.

Most people (who use a high quality Retin A product for a long enough time) will experience about a 50-70% reduction in wrinkles.

This means that you will still have SOME wrinkles but the majority will be reduced.

You can combine your retinol with other products like Vitamin C serum or microneedling to enhance your results and reduce wrinkles even further! ​

How long do I have to use Retin A before I see results? 

Most people start to see results in as little as 4 weeks, but it may take as much as 8 weeks for all of the results to set in. 

This is because it takes time for your skin to turn over and to stimulate both collagen and elastin production. 

The important part is to STICK WITH IT while you wait!

Trust the process and trust your product and you will see your results. 

Over to you!

The bottom line is that Retin A can definitely help reduce your wrinkles, but it must be used correctly and at a high enough dose. 

When looking for products make sure you find a high quality product that contains other ingredients like Vitamin A (these help boost retinol effects). 

My recommendation is to stick with the over the counter brands whenever possible.

Are you using Tretinion, Retin A or Retinol? 

Is it help​ with your wrinkles? 

Leave your comment below!​

How this Stay at Home Mom Makes an Extra $3,500+ Per Month with Microblading

How Much do Microbladers Make? A Comprehensive Look

You might be surprised at how much microbladers can make, especially if they do it right working from home. 

​Microblading is perfect for women who want to add extra income to their already existing business, or simply add some extra money each month for a few hours of work each week. 

Maybe you’re just curious and want to start your own business, either way this is the post for you. ​

More…

Microbladers Make How Much?

Microbladers right now make around $50 to $150 per hour. 

Generally the cost of microblading for clients ranges from $250 to $600 (with an average around $350 or so).

When you consider that the microblading process takes about 4 hours start to finish you can divide up that cost minus an hard costs to get your hourly rate.

The more experienced you are, the more techniques you know (shading, soft tap, ombre, etc.) the more you can charge and the higher your hourly rate.

One of the best parts about microblading is changing women’s lives (this is the part I love the most).

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Women will walk into your office self conscious about their brows​ and will be transformed within a matter of hours. 

It’s not uncommon for my sweet clients to be so happy they cry when they see the finished result!

Nothing is better. ​

Microblading will bring in on average an extra $2,000 to $4,000 per month depending on how much you work.

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If you charge the average price of $350 per client, then you only need 10 clients each month to bring in $3,500 every month.

That’s really good considering each client will take around 4 hours or so. ​

This is the perfect job for someone who wants to bring in extra spending money.

If you want, you can always do more clients as well to make this a full time job.

One of the best parts about microblading is that YOU determine how much you want to work and how much you will make. ​

Microblading is taking off right now, so if you are thinking about it DON’T wait.

The longer you wait the more saturated the market will be and right now is the PERFECT time to get started. ​

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Do I need a license to Microblade? 

To get started with microblading you do NOT need a license. 

Most microbladers are either cosmetologists or aesthetiticians.

But I’ve trained other women who don’t have any background in the cosmetic industry and they’ve done very well.

Microblading is an art form and so most women who have an artistic eye for style will do very well in the field. ​

The only thing you need to make sure you are comfortable with is cutting into people’s skin.

For some women this can be a big turn off, but for others it’s not a problem.

It’s also worth pointing out that you will get used to this over time. ​

Microblading at home vs in a Salon​

Another amazing benefit of microblading is that you can do it from your home!

This means that you can add an extra income each month without taking a huge risk of renting out office space or signing a lease.

Currently the majority of microbladers out there are practicing from their own homes.

There are several salons that exist as well if you are more comfortable in that setting. ​

Just realize that if you rent out an office space that will reduce your hourly rate. ​

How do I get training for Microblading? 

One of the main benefits of microblading (at least for now) is that it does NOT require a license to get started.

Most microbladers are/where existing cosmetologists or aesthiticians before they started microblading, but many women simply pick up the skill through practice and a comprehensive training program.

Currently state laws do not regulate the use of Microblading, which means that you can start right away.

But this also means that you NEED to get into a good microblading training course.

​You will want to find a comprehensive, hands on training program that will teach you how to be a proficient microblader by the time you have completed the program. 

​If you live in Arizona you can find out more information about my microblading training program by clicking here. 

This 2 day hands on course is designed to take you from beginner to a practiting microblader in as little time as possible, and we are proud to say that our microbladers feel READY after training to start on their own.

This is a big deal, because if you don’t get the proper training you will end up having to spend more money doing extra training before you feel comfortable.

​If you have any questions about microblading or training please leave your comments below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Marketing your Microblading Practice

Once you decide to pursue your microblading career you will need to market your practice to get some clients!

One of the best ways to get clients is through social medica, specifically instagram.

​Instagram is a visually oriented social media platform which works beautifully with microblading!

It allows you to showcase your work and can really turn prospective clients into warm leads who want your work.

In my training program I walk you through microblading marketing basics including how to set up your instagram and other platforms for success.

Back to you

​Microblading is an amazing career. 

You seriously get to transform people’s brows right in front of them and they will love you for it.

Now it’s your turn:

Are you interested in microblading?

What’s holding you back?

Leave your comments below! ​

Microblading Training In Arizona: 2-Day Hands-on Microblading Course

(We have now trained over 70 microbladers! We are filling for our next class. You can reserve your seat in the next program by texting or calling Mel at 480-298-7344 or you can email here: browsandbodyaz@gmail.com)

Microblading is exploding and we want to help you get ahead of the curve!

Microblading, as an artist is a rewarding career that can help you make your clients look and feel beautiful while providing a great income for yourself! 

But how can you get started? Where do you need to go to get training? What type of training do you need?

All of these questions and more will be answered here and you will be able to learn about our comprehensive 2-day microblading training course. 

We’ve trained over 60 microbladers to date who have all gone on to add microblading to their toolkit!

We want the same thing for you. 

Our course is designed to provide you with everything you need to know in a comfortable setting. We have cut down on all extra costs related to training and have passed down those savings onto you. 

The result?

A succinct and comprehensive course designed to get you up and ready to microblade over a 2-day period. 

Not only will we teach you the technical aspects of microblading but we will also teach you how to market and build your microblading clientele!

A huge part of getting that clientele means that you have to put yourself ahead of the curve with advanced knowledge and technique like shading, color theory, and softap. 

Microblading education is not standardized which means that some programs contain bits and pieces of information but very few have put it all together. 

That means you are left to take multiple courses or figure it out on your own through trial and error. 

But what if you don’t have the time (or knowledge) to do that? 

Learn Microblading in this Hands-on Beginner Course

The solution? A hands-on and comprehensive microblading training course.

And that’s exactly what this course is:

Hands-on, which means you need to get ready to practice, practice, practice. 

This microblading training course is for beginners. Designed to take you from someone who has only heard about microblading to someone who is confident taking their very first client.

From start to finish we will teach you everything you need to know, ranging from microblading techniques to how to set up your microblading practice. ​

You do NOT need any experience or licensure to sign up and start doing microblading (but note this might change in the future so getting in early will allow you to be grandfathered in). 

This makes microblading perfect as an extra source of income for stay-at-home moms, or for women who want to break out of their current job and start their own businesses.

Either way, you can get started and make an extra $1,000 to $5,000 per month and up to $150 per hour. 

One of the main benefits of this course is that we walk you through the entire process leaving no stone unturned.

​Many people go through expensive programs and yet come out feeling like they aren’t ready to actually practice on real clients. 

Don’t let this happen to you!

This course is designed for you if you want to take your microblading skills up to the next level. 

Some microblading courses include only basic techniques but don’t necessarily prepare you for the real world. 

More advanced techniques like learning color theory, how to market your services, how to price your services, and how to build a clientele are often left out. 

I have taken thousands of dollars worth of courses and have boiled this program down to the most essential components. 

You can see examples of my work including before and after pictures here. 

Microblading Testimonials From Our Students

Don’t take our word for it! 

If you are interested in our approach to microblading training please watch these testimonials from people who have taken our course: 

How Much Can You Make with Microblading?

As a microblader, you can eventually expect to charge on average around $350 per client in the Phoenix metro area.

We’ve trained many people from out of state as well and the prices vary based on your city and location. 

At 10 clients per month that is roughly $3,500 per month. 

Getting 10 clients per month as a new microblader is not difficult so you can expect to pay off your training program within the first 1-2 months of practicing!

​You can do as many or as few clients each week/month as you desire and base your income off of that. 

As an example, as little as 20 clients per month can bring in $7,000 of extra income.

As a microblader, you can expect to make around $75 to $150 per hour. 

In our course, we teach you how to get your microblading practice up and going, including how to start your practice out of your home if you’d like and how to do marketing to get your first clients. 

​Benefits of taking this Microblading Master Class:

• 2-Day of hands-on training so you feel comfortable seeing your first client after the training course
• ​Practice on both artificial skin and real clients
• ​Opportunity to increase your earnings and charge the right price
• ​In-depth coverage of basic techniques
• ​In-depth overview of color theory so you are comfortable when choosing your pigment on each client
• ​Practice materials to hone your skills
• ​Microblading Manual for you to take home
• ​Advanced marketing course so you learn how to show off your skills and get new clients

What you will learn: 

• ​Microblading theory
• ​Microblading technique 
• ​Safety and sterilization best practices
• ​Advanced marketing techniques
• ​How to build your Instagram account
• ​How to use giveaways and other tactics to build your audience
• ​How to properly match pigment choice to clients hair/skin texture and tone
• ​How to pick your price and increase your price as your skill increases
• ​How to customize strokes, pigments, and design for individual clients (including tough cases)
• ​Color Theory
• ​How to get new clients
• ​Aftercare instructions
• ​The best products, blades, tools, and pigments
• ​How to design brows from scratch without using stencils
• ​Proper microblading technique including the order in which to fill in your brows

Included in the course: 

• Study guides & Practice worksheets
• ​Certificate of completion
• ​Marketing information
• Note: A complete microblading kit is available for purchase

Meet your Instructor: 

Message from Mel:

I’ve been doing brows for over 11 years and microblading for almost 2 years. 

I know what new microbladers go through after their training course (and the problems for microbladers looking for training) which is why I wanted to make this program. 

I spent thousands of dollars on programs to learn more about color theory, shading, advanced techniques and I have taken the best of each one and have applied them to my current style. 

I’ve seen other microbladers come and go because they don’t have the confidence to continue after training. 

The truth is that microblading can be difficult and unless you have the right tools and knowledge it may be difficult to get started and build your business. 

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask, I really just want you to be successful and LOVE what you do. 

Curriculum Sneak Peak & What you will Learn: 

We have put together the most comprehensive microblading course out there. Designed take you from no experience to someone who is capable of doing a client ALL on your own immediately after the training.

Some programs teach you the basics but leave you feeling not ready to take on clients in the real world. ​

Day 0

• ​Training starts with taking a Blood Borne Pathogen class. This is both for your safety and your clients. 

Day 1

• ​Day one is focused on microblading theory and basic aspects of microblading that you need to know including color theory, safety issues, microblade handling, patient communication, etc. 

Day 2

• Hands-on microblading training with a model. We also go over the basics of setting up your microblading business, how to market and how to be successful upon completion. 

Post Training Shadowing & Practice:

• After training, you can shadow one of your instructors. This will give you an idea of what a complete client looks like start to finish. You will also be given practice sheets so that you can continue to practice and hone your skills over time. 

What’s inside your Microblading Starter Kit: 

• ​5 Li Pigments​
• ​Microbrushes​
• ​Zensa Numbing Cream
• ​Microblading pen
• ​Mascara Wands
• ​Brow scissors
• ​Tinkle Razors
• ​Variety of microblading blades & sizes
• ​2 Types of measuring calipers
• ​Shaping pencil
• ​3M foam tape
• ​Mannequin head
• ​70+ microblading training manual (with microblading theory, practice pages, consent forms, and client walkthrough)
• ​Exacto blade
• ​Pigment rings
• ​Alcohol pads
• ​Face masks
• ​Sharps container
• ​Box gloves
• ​Wipes
• ​Chucks
• ​Tattoo practice pads
• ​Biohazard bags

Our microblading kit is valued at over $500 and includes EVERYTHING you need to get started. 

*Note: Your kit contains enough pigment/blades for 15+ microblading clients (with over 30 blades for both practice and clients). 

How it Works: 

We hold our training program every month. 

We keep these training groups small and intimate with a maximum of 4 students per class. 

This allows us to pay more attention to each person and allows a higher quality of teaching. 

Our focus is making sure that YOU feel comfortable and capable when you walk out of our 2-day program. 

In order to reserve your spot for a specific date, you must put down a deposit for that date.

Once you have reserved your seat you will be sent pre-course instructions.

The actual 2-day hands-on training is located in Chandler, Arizona we will meet on two consecutive days. 

Day 1 we go over basic information which is necessary to build your foundational knowledge of microblading and aesthetics in general (it helps if you have an aesthetic background for this portion). 

Day 2 we focus on models and hands-on training to ensure that you feel comfortable at the conclusion of the training. 

Day 2 we also focus on practice building, marketing and how to jump-start your business to help you succeed!

Microblading Training FAQ

How Much does your Training Cost?

Please reach out to us via email or text us and we can give you information about the cost of this program!

We have done our best to make our training program highly affordable by cutting out extra costs and passing the savings on to you. 

What is microblading?

Microblading is the process of using a “microblade” (which is really just a series of tiny little needs) to place pigment in the dermal-epidermal junction. 

This process results in crisp “drawn-on” lines that look exactly like a normal brow.

The beauty is that this process (if done correctly) results in beautiful brows that look amazingly natural and last for as long as 15 months.

Microbladed brows look better than permanent eyebrow tattoos and can be done in around 3-4 hours (including the initial visit and touch-up). 

Do I need to be a licensed aesthetician or cosmetologist?

Currently, Arizona law does not require you to be licensed to do microblading (this may change in the future), but we do recommend that you have some sort of beauty background. 

Microblading is more of an art than a science (we will teach you all of the techniques that you need to know, but we can’t turn you into an artist in 2 days!). 

For a 2-day course, we recommend that you have a “beauty” background of some sort (cosmetologist, aesthetician, tattoo artist, registered nurse, etc.). 

This is for YOUR benefit. 

If you don’t have any beauty background and you want to do microblading then we would recommend that you participate in a longer training program (5-day course). We do not offer a 5-day course (only a 2-day course) at this time. 

We have found that a 2-day course is just the right amount of time for those with at least some background in the beauty industry. 

Most people know if they have this type of background! If you’ve done lashes, facials, brows, injections, tattoos, etc. then you most likely won’t have any problems. 

Is This a Good Time to Start Microblading?

​Yes! 

Now is the perfect time to start microblading. Currently, we are experiencing HUGE growth in the field and the people that come out on top with the right knowledge and technique will be able to build a perfect clientele that will last for years.

​If you are on the fence about adding microblading to your current skill set then let me tell you not to wait any longer. 

​As you wait other people will come out well trained and simply be ahead of the curve, that is why it’s best for you to get your training under your belt so you can be 5 steps ahead. 

Do You Offer Financing?

Yes, we have partnered with PayPal to offer financing.

With this opportunity, you can choose to make monthly payments or pay off the entire purchase over 6 months without paying interest. 

If you choose to go this route then we will need to send you an invoice first so that you can start the process to see if you are approved. Please text/email me if you want to go this route (phone #: 480-298-7344  or email: browsandbodyaz@gmail.com)

You can learn more here:

What’s the Difference Between a 2-day Course and Longer Training Courses?

The difference is all in you!

We have found that a 2-day course is the perfect amount of time as long as you have some background in the beauty industry. 

If you are a hard worker and have some experience under your belt then you will have no problem with a 2-day course. 

If you have zero experience in the beauty industry or don’t feel that you have natural artistic talent then we recommend that you consider a longer training course. 

We just want you to succeed! Whether that is with our course or another.

If you have any questions about if this is right for you feel free to reach out to us directly via text or email (phone # 

Can This be Done Out of my Home or Part-time?

Yes to both!

As long as you have a dedicated room and some basic equipment (I will share with you what you REALLY need and what is the best quality) you can do this out of your home.

You can also do microblading part-time (as little as 5 hours per week) depending on how busy you want to be and how quickly you want to build your clientele. 

How much does microblading cost for the client?

Microblading prices vary based on the skill of the artist.

Prices range from $350 to $800 for the entire process (2 visits which include the initial and follow-up appointment).

The initial appointment is about 3 hours and the follow-up appointment is about 60-90 minutes.

​The more skilled that you are, and the more clients you have completed the higher your price. 

To charge higher prices you must be highly skilled and proficient in techniques such as shading and softap technique. 

​Can I do training online?

I wouldn’t recommend online training only.

There is no substitute for hands-on training which includes you going through the entire process step-by-step with a model.

The model allows you to gain confidence and sets the stage for what you should expect

It’s also very helpful to have someone holding your hand through the process so that you KNOW you are doing everything correctly. ​

Do I Need to be Certified to do Microblading?

Right now in Arizona, you do not need to have any certifications to start microblading.

I believe this will change in the near future, but likely people who are already trained will be grandfathered into the new rules.

Another reason to get your training done early! ​

How Long Does Each Client Take From Start to Finish?

Each client ​requires two visits: 

The initial visit which is around 3 hours and the follow-up visit with is around 60 to 90 minutes.

So around 4 to 4.5 hours total per client. ​

​Will I be ready after the training program to start microblading?

Yes.

Part of the program includes practice sheets and study guides which are designed to get you practicing, practicing and practicing.

Practicing will help embed your microblading strokes into your head so that it becomes second nature when you start using them on clients.

The important part here is understanding HOW to do it correctly!

It’s not helpful if your strokes are not done correctly, then you are simply practicing the wrong technique over and over. ​

How soon can you get me in for the beginner course?

Generally within 1 month (depending on availability), but our classes fill up very quickly. 

If you are serious about getting started text, call, or email me and we can reserve your payment and your seat in our next class. 

How much does this training cost?

The total cost for this 2 day training is $997.00. 

If you have any questions about payments, pricing, or anything else please reach out and we can help answer them!