About
Demystifying skincare with science
Mira here.
Obsessive researcher, lover of science, your skincare nerd - and here to aid you on your skincare journey!
SWIPE for links, this month’s faves, and more ♥️
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skincare content, socials, and products
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My YouTube Channel
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I’m newest to this platform but am so excited to be making videos and have some really exciting content planned for Summer 2020.
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Microneedling 101
Is It Worth It? | Skincare Devices
Vitamin C in Skincare + BEST Serums
Skincare Products You DO Need!
Skincare Products You DON’T Need!
Dermaplaning
Beginner Friendly Tutorial
Steps and products needed if you’re just starting out - designed to be easy and beginner friendly.
* some links may be affiliate
#1 Cleanse
Cleanse your skin thoroughly. You’re welcome to use an enzyme based cleanser but whatever you use, make sure it’s not going to leave residue. Then dry skin and let it air dry fully before proceeding to Step 2.
Aromatica Hy-ffective Cleanser
#2 Prep
Use isopropyl alcohol or witch hazel to remove any oils from the skin and further dehydrate the surface. This will allow the blade to easily remove vellus hair and gently exfoliate without catching.
Alcohol Swabs
#3 Treat
Use eyebrow trimmers with a guard when starting out as there’s minimal risk of cutting yourself or going too deep. Hold the blade at a 45 degree angle and make gentle movements upward as shown in my Instagram video.
Eyebrow Trimmers
(Advanced) Treat
Once you’re very comfortable with an eyebrow and have educated yourself on true dermaplaning, the next step would be to use a scalpel. However, this needs to be handled with extreme care and isn’t for everyone.
Scalpel #10
(Advanced) Enhance
Once you’ve comfortable doing the treatment alone, you can bump things up with an AHA, enzyme peel, or even Vitamin C to enhance results. Please note this is not suitable for sensitive skin.
Geek and Gorgeous Smooth Out
#4 After Care
We want to calm, hydrate, and restore the skin barrier. I suggest a sheet mask followed by a simple routine focused on hydration and repair. My Amazon list is linked below with all my Dermaplaning picks, including after care.
Dermaplaning Shopping List
Cosmetic Microneedling
Steps and Products
I do a recent live demo on my Instragram (you can find it on my feed) showing how I cosmetic needle at home and testing out Celltermi, a Korean brand that doe great microneedling and mesotherapy products, available at Beauty From Korea. Here’s the products and steps I used.
*some links and codes may be affiliate
Prep
You can gently cleanse the skin or do a gentle exfoliation with the Clearista Retexturizing Gel for better penetration
Sanitize
Careful sanitation is an absolute must in microneedling, whether it’s cosmetic or medical. 70% isopropyl wipes can be used to sanitize face and hands but see the Skin Science by Mira Amazon store for additional supplies like gloves, antiseptic cleansers, and additional add-ons like high frequency and blue light if you’re prone to purging.
Treat
Using a good quality device or tool is a must. You can find my favorite microneedling pens in my Amazon storefront but for cosmetic needling, I prefer a derma roller with real individual needles made medical grade stainless steel. Cleanse and sanitize between uses and replace after 4-6 treatments.
Infuse
Unlike medical needling, cosmetic needling is also about infusion. Select ingredients like growth factors that will enhance the treatment process. I used the Celltermi Stem and GF Complex ampoules mixed into the Regen.
Heal
Red Light Therapy is one of my favorite post microneedling treatments as it has a strong anti inflammatory effect and aids wound healing. Feel free to use your device if you’ve already got one, making sure to sanitize anything coming in contact with the skin. I love this lamp from Red Mito as you get the irradiance that matches the research on photobiomodulation and medical machines at an affordable cost and they’ve upgraded to feature dual chips, more diodes, and higher output.
Protect
You’re welcome to also hydrate and sooth the skin with a sheet mask or basic moisturizer once the channels have closed. My favorite is a microcurrent sheet mask but I also enjoyed the EPTQ ones shown in the live. But what is mandatory is sun protection if you’re exposed to any kind of UV rays. You want something fragrance, alcohol, and EO free ideally and added antioxidants are helpful.
Amazon Skincare on Sale! —
Check out these K Beauty faves marked down for Black Friday
RNW Ceramide Mist
This is SUCH a good mist and deserves way more hype! Very light and doesn’t get sticky so I use at the start of my routine like a first essence and between layers even. 5 types of ceramides plus lecithin, cholesterol, and phytosphingosine- amazing for the skin barrier! And a boatload of humectants too. $22 plus 20% off is a steal.
Buy Here
RNW Ceramide Plus Serum
This one is a little newer to me but I picked it up after falling in love with the mist and so far I’m absolutely loving this as well! It’s a thicker gel serum and more hydrating and moisturizing vs the mist. It’s replaced the Ausceuticals Rehydrate Serum in my routine and I like that it isn’t as tacky.
Buy Here
Dr. Ceuracle Kombucha Essence
I’ve had several favorites from this brand - they used to be called Leegeeham and before that LJH. So it’s not a surprise to me that I enjoy this one. I would call it more of a lotion than an essence since once you shake it to combine the separate phases, it becomes a moisturizing milky fluid. I’ve had this a few months now and I’ve barely made a dent in it so I think it will last me a good while. You only need a few drops and I use it on days when my dry skin needs something extra under moisturizer. If you’re not dry this could be all you need! 78% tea blend.
Buy Here
Proot Ginseng Radiance Serum
As you may know, I really enjoy the Beauty of Joseon Repair Serum which is mainly ginseng. It’s soothing, hydrating, and repairing. That one isn’t on sale but this one from Proot is - a similar serum that I’ve been trying thanks to a follower! Very similar ingredient deck but has the more concentrated ginseng extract vs water and some other added goodies. So far I’m really impressed!
Buy Here
Dermatory Allantoin Balm Cream
If you are super dry, this is a lifesaver during cold winter months! Packed with glycerin, shea butter, and other emollient and occlusive ingredients this is more balm than cream. So know that it will be very heavy when first applied! I warm it up in my hands and work it into damp skin. It does sink in over the course of the night and doesn’t clog pores, leaving skin soft and moisturized by morning. Dry skin only! They do have a regular cream version that isn’t quite as heavy.
Buy Here
TIAM Vita B5 Toner
I really enjoy the TIAM toners and this is no exception. A lighter texture with a little a slip to it, this offers a lot of hydration and feels very soothing - as do many panthenol products. You’ve got a ton of humectants like collagen, peptides, betaine, HA, glycerin, plus ferments. And panthenol is such a wonderful ingredient that deserves more love.
Buy Here
Pyunkang Yul ATO Cream
A richer version of the Nutrition Cream I love - and doesn’t have the film that I find the Intensive Repair version leaves. I’ve been liking this a lot for winter.
Buy Here
Aromatica Aloe Hy-ffective Cleanser
Non-foaming gel cleanser that is gentle and low pH. They’ve added 5% Hyaluronic acid solution and .1% enzymes to minimize moisture loss and to aid desquamation. Gentle enough that most skin types can use and it has a clean rinse.
Buy Here
Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream
This is a beautiful moisturizer with a really lovely texture that feels light weight but still moisturizing. Great for sensitive skin and normal to dry skin types. I’ve used several bottles.
Buy Here
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