I knew I needed to do something eventually, but what? I tried Proactive, which worked for a year and then stopped. I tried Kate Somerville, thinking oh this will work. Nope. I tried my tried and true Neutrogena acne system - nope. The older I get the less things were/are working.
So, I started following a spa in Cincinnati that uses PCA products and after looking to the brand, I was intrigued. No markups because of fads, no crazy packaging - it just is what it is and from the looks of Instagram photos I saw, there was proof it works. Now, I'm going to be honest - committing to a skin regimen that includes spa visits every 3 weeks wasn't exactly in my plans, but I couldn't afford lasers or harsh chemical peels. To be honest, I am so happy I found this as an option, because I do not need lasers or harsh chemical peels. I mean, I am still in my 20's - let's not go overboard.
What finally had be hooked? The spa I had been following, Face It Spa, showed the results of the PCA Peel. I was stunned - women and men with years of scarring, acne and discoloration showed amazing results after about 4 peels and following a skincare system. SOLD. Only bad thing - we moved to Dayton and the drive to Cincy every 3 weeks just wasn't an option.
Finally, I commented on a post and asked Gio, owner of Face It Spa, for a recommendation of someone in the Dayton area. He recommended Kim, owner of Great Skin by Kim. I immediately messaged her and asked to set up an appointment. I looked over her services at her website and knew I wanted a Signature Specialized Peel. The option below that, cost wise, includes treatment, but without the spa treatment. For the first time, I wanted to go big. Within a day or so, I was scheduled to meet with her.
Was I nervous? Yes. Did I know what to expect? Yes. Before my appointment I asked Kim some questions - When does the peeling take effect? Will I peel a lot? What do I do after I leave my appointment? How long is the appointment? Kim was sogreat with explaining everything. She said the appointment would last an hour and a half due to paperwork and her explaining everything in more detail. She said that visual peeling is hard to predict, because everyone's reaction to the peel is different and it depends on what treatment the person decides on. Some people don't peel, but it doesn't mean the peel didn't work. If you do peel, it's more like flaking, like if you had a sunburn, and the flaking usually starts in 2-3 days after the peel and will continue until the 5th-7th day. She also said the peeling shifts - one day it will be on my chin, the next maybe on my nose. For aftercare, she sends every person home with a skincare kit to keep the skin moisturized. Also, you can wear makeup over it.
So, I went to my appointment. The skincare studio is in a Pilates studio. So cute. She came over to me when I arrived and walked me through a few forms - nothing crazy or intimidating. Then she walked me back. I changed into a spa gown and hopped up on the spa table. She asked me a few questions once she came in based on my past experience with what I've used, what medications I am on. She then walked me through the appointment and what to expect in more detail. She was so calm and sweet and never once did I feel uncomfortable.
She started by cleansing and toning my face. She used a lactic acid toner and watched to see how my skin would react so she would know how much or how little my skin could handle. She then looked at my skin under a few lamps to get to know the deeper issues. She told me that my acne was most likely systematic, meaning something I was eating or using was causing most of my breakouts. She also mentioned one side of my face was more irritated than the other, so I needed to change my pillowcase more often or not sleep on my hair.
After she explained what my options for treatment were, we decided on the PCA Peel. She talked me through the entire thing. She did one layer of the peel and asked how if there was stinging or tingling. With each layer, she asked how I was doing. The peel being applied reminded me of what it feels like when you apply a really strong acetone that sometimes stings, but no more stinging than that. After 6 layers I was done.
She then moved on to the best part - the spa aspect of the appointment. She gave me a neck and arm massage, had me relax with essential oils. I felt in heaven - so chilled out. After she was done she had me change and then came back in to walk me through the kit she was going to send home with me. She gave me a step-by-step of how to use the products. You can mix any of the PCA products together and each one has Lactic acid, which is an acid our body already produces.
I left feeling so confident, knowing I'll need about 4-5 more peels to see clearer results and trusting Kim. This photo shows my skin immediately after leaving my appointment - GLOWING. The 2nd photo is with makeup on top of the peel. I wanted to leave the product on longer to allow it to work longer - STILL GLOWING.
It's been 3 days now and my skin is doing exactly what she mentioned. I've had flaking around my nose, but nothing serious. My skin is smoother, but there are things that were brought to my skin's surface (she said that would happen). So far, I love everything she sent home with me. The Rebalance Moisturizer feels heavy, but it's not at all. This photo shows flaking I have had so far, which isn't bad.
So, if you are excited to watch my journey follow me on Instagram - breeannalynn_ . If you would like to set up an appointment to see what Kim can do for you, send me a message on Facebook or Instagram or call her! Let her know I sent you her way. I promise you will not be disappointed!
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