Jun 10

Jun 10 Skincare Routine IV: Skincare During BBL

I went through my 2nd BBL (Broadband Light) laser treatment a couple of weeks ago, and just had my second microdermabrasion yesterday. My final BBL laser treatment is in a week, and my final microdermabrasion 2 weeks after that. Well, hopefully anyway! Depends on how good the 3rd treatment goes - possible I might need a 4th!

Prior to the treatments, I read that you have to be really gentle with your skin - no rubbing, tugging or trying to peel the healing spots off or things could look worse. Also you aren't allowed to use certain acids - mainly from what I gather you can't use acids that aid in exfoliation. I still didn't know quite what to expect or how my skin would react.

It's been challenging to say the least.

***All products purchased by me. Non-affiliate links. This is not a sponsored post.***

Skincare Routine IV: Skincare During BBL

My main problem is that I can't use my favorite glycolic acid pads, which are mainly what I use to help keep clogs and spots away. Second problem is that I need to use something pretty rich and that will aid in the healing process for a few days after each BBL treatment. Rich for me usually equals clogs. 3rd problem is that I use some kind of cloth (baby wash cloth or muslin) morning and night to aid in exfoliation and taking care of random stubborn spots, but I can't I this until after the microdermabrasion (and then it's only for a week).

So things have been frustrating. It's not as bad as I thought it might get, but especially my nose is hating me right now - clog city!!

Anyway, here's what I've been using during the BBL treatments:

For the first 2-3 days after BBL

Bio-Essence Miracle Bio Water Jelly Makeup Remover - The first BBL treatment I was lucky and had a week off afterward so I didn't need to wear or remove makeup. I actually didn't wash my face for few days because I was super paranoid of irritating my skin. Instead I just kept piling on the moisturizer and eye cream. But once I started washing my face again I still would double cleanse because I do get oil buildup that doesn't always come off with a single cleanse. This Bio-Essence Jelly is the most gentle (yet effective!) at removing whatever is on my face. I tried to use micellar water, but using the cotton pads even proved a tad too much - crazy! After the second treatment I worked 48 hours afterward, so I used this sooner than the first time to remove makeup.
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser - Still a staple, it's been gentle enough to use as a second cleanser.
Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Face Mist - I've been trying to give my skin as much moisture as possible, and this has been a tremendous help. I spritz before applying moisturizer.
Neo-Cutis Bio Restorative Skin Cream - I was given samples of the Riche version of this to use after my first treatment, but it clogged my skin way too much so I bought this less intense version. It has Human Growth Factors and other proteins that are supposed to aid in skin restoration post procedure. It still causes clogs and a slight reaction, but not nearly as bad as the Riche. My skin looks super healthy the days I use this (brighter, fresh, plump but in a good way ha ha!), and I really wish I could use this all the time.
Amore Pacific Intensive Vitalizing Eye Essence + Sisley Eye and Lip Contour Cream
Bioderma Spot SPF50+ - Sunscreen is SUPER important post treatment. This one is made for people to use post treatment.

Starting around the 4th day

I rotate in the Nude Skincare Perfect Cleanse Clarifying Cleansing Oil - I feel like this requires a little more rubbing and moving around vs. the Bio-Essence so that's why I wait a few days. I still don't use it everyday, just every once in awhile to switch things up (plus I'm trying to finish it off).
At this point, I nix the Neo-Cutis and go for my regular moisturizing combo: Leven Rose Organic Jojoba Oil + Belif Moisturizing Bomb. However, at this point I have to be really careful to just pat and press the Jojoba Oil into my skin instead of massaging it like I usually do. After the microdermabrasion (and until the next BBL treatment) I can massage it.
Murad Acne Spot Treatment - So I wasn't told not to use this, but I read you shouldn't use salicylic acid during treatments, but the % on this is pretty low (or I'm assuming it is since it's in the middle of the ingredient list). The main spot fighter in this is sulphur at 3%. I try not to use this unless I REALLY REALLY REALLY feel like I need a spot treatment, and even then I've only been using it on places that aren't near pigment problems.

Even with all the frustrations, I'm seeing some really big improvements and so far would do the BBL again in a heartbeat!!! Main thing is I try to be SUPER DUPER gentle!! If I don't need a 4th treatment, I should have before and after pictures up mid July.